What is a subwoofer? Is a dedicated low-frequency speaker cabinet, usually self-amplified, that fills in
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Subwoofer |
the deep, rich bass that is missing from most main speakers. Subwoofers are specialized, and don't reproduce midrange or high frequencies. Most main speakers are passive (unamplified). Subwoofers usually handle frequencies below 150 Hz or so.
A quality subwoofer not only reproduces the thrilling deep bass notes with authority. Its presence in the system also allows the receiver / amplifier to reproduce mid-bass and mid-range notes more cleanly. All kinds of instruments, including voices, can be heard more clearly. Why should you add at least one great subwoofer to your system?
1. Deep bass adds the emotion, the physical feeling of presence and excitement, to a good music or movie performance! One reason that inexpensive speakers sound "just OK" is that they cannot reproduce deep bass very well.
2. Subwoofers help solve problems in speaker set-up and placement. It's difficult to set the main speakers where they are able to provide realistic imaging, and set them in the best place for bass. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers can be placed where they work best cosmetically, without concern for their bass reproducing ability, when the system has at least one great subwoofer.
3. High-quality subwoofers are engineered to generate the massive cone movement required by low bass reproduction. A good subwoofer is specifically designed to generate deep bass. Whether you like jazz, classical, pop or rock, a good system can be made better with a good subwoofer.