Best Subwoofer For Vinyl – Increase Your Bass Experience
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If you’re a vinyl records enthusiast, you know that every element of your setup can significantly impact your listening experience. A quality subwoofer is one often overlooked component that can dramatically enhance your vinyl music experience, allowing you to hear bass rhythms.
However, not many experts provide clear instructions about choosing a good quality subwoofer that fits the vinyl setup so well. A subwoofer can add depth and richness to your music, bringing out those low-frequency tones that standard speakers struggle to produce (Adding a subwoofer will make the external speakers focus only on mid and high tones).
In this guide, I will introduce you to some top subwoofers, considering factors like power, frequency range, size, and price. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting your vinyl journey; picking any of my suggestions can elevate your listening to a whole new level.
Our Top 3 Pickups:
Best in All
Polk Audio PSW10
Premium Users
Rel Acoustics T/5
Famous Option
SVS Sb-1000 Sub
The Top 5 Subwoofers for Your Vinyl Setup:
Here is the list of the top 5 subwoofers that will ensure moderate bass tones from your vinyl music experience.
For Premium Users
Rel Acoustics T/5:
Let’s start with the REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofer! This compact yet powerful subwoofer delivers rich, natural bass that enhances the audio experience remarkably. For hardcore audiophiles, It’s perfect for any vinyl system, filling the room with the bass you always want.
If I talk about the design, the T/5x isn’t just about performance; it’s also about construction and aesthetics. It boasts a long-throw steel chassis driver (facing the floor) enclosed in a beautifully finished box. Furthermore, it comes with a 125-watt Class A/B amplifier that guarantees reliable, potent sound output.
This 8-inch down-firing subwoofer has four isolation feet on its edges, keeping the driver almost 3 to 4 inches above the floor without giving any distorted sound. Let’s talk about the connection type; it comes with the High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level single RCA, and .1/LFE inputs.
As it already has a built-in amplifier, you just need to confirm your turntable has one of the suitable output connection types. With an in-room frequency response of -6dB at 32Hz, the T/5x provides no note that goes unheard.
Pros
- It provides multiple connection options, making this subwoofer suitable for most vinyl setups.
- The subwoofer offers seamless integration, high-quality, natural low bass tones, enhancing the overall audio experience even in small rooms (10 x 12).
- You’ll get a crossover feature on the back of the subwoofer, making it more appealing for an audiophile.
- This subwoofer also works better with other home theater systems, such as TV, gaming, etc.
- Believe me; It won’t put a load on your turntable setup.
Cons
- This high-end subwoofer comes with a premium price tag, which may be a limiting factor for budget-conscious buyers.
- This subwoofer is a bit heavier, weighing around 26.5 Pounds.
- The packaging could be better if we see the price.
About Our Experience:
We have tested Rel Acoustics T/5x subwoofer in a small record room (10 x 10). As the name says, it fits well with room acoustics. We ran an RCA cable through our vinyl and connected it with the sub during our test.
The connection was pretty easy. However, this subwoofer requires a break-in period before it reaches its full potential. To check its functionality further, we have played the subwoofer for many hours on a mid-high volume to see if it gets hot. The amp or subwoofer didn’t get hot.
However, I have only one complaint against the brand. REL Acoustics could have made better packaging in this price range. However, the sub is good-to-go, providing a suspenseful bass presence.
Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 10.5 x 12.5 inches
Frequency Response: 32 Hz to 120 Hz, +/- 6dB
Our All Rounder
Polk Audio PSW10:
Well! This subwoofer comes 2nd in our list because of the highly-loved product and budget subwoofer. The Polk Audio PSW10 10″ powered subwoofer has convinced my team if someone asks for an excellent choice for their vinyl. If I talk about the design, the ported enclosure is made of high-quality material finished in a matt black color.
Unlike the REL Acoustics T/5, the PSW10 is a 26 pounds front-firing subwoofer that directs the sound waves toward the listener. This will bring a whole new level of depth to my music, delivering punchy, accurate low bass tones that really bring everything to life.
The built-in amplifier comes with a 50 RMS power rating that can handle the sub pretty well. However, I found it incredibly easy to integrate with the vinyl records. You will notice volume control, low pass filter, phase switch, 3-way power switch, RCA inputs, and speaker level inputs/outputs/.
Pros
- Many experts and audiophiles around the world love this product.
- The connection is pretty straightforward. You just need to find out the phono preamp on your turntable. If it doesn’t have one, you can get an external one.
- This highly-rated product comes in a budget price range.
- The subwoofer is not only built for performance but can also fill your room with lovely deep bass tones.
- The sleek and compact design will enable you to place it easily in any room without occupying too much space.
Cons
- Not for the extremely deep bass tones lovers.
- In some smaller rooms, the powerful bass of the PSW10 may be overwhelming, and users may need to adjust the settings accordingly.
About Our Experience:
Polk Audio PSW10 is relatively easy to connect. We have used an external preamp phono to connect it with our vinyl setup. During our tests, we have found that the sleek design, complete with a detachable grille and a phase toggle switch for multiple subwoofers, adds a touch of sophistication to my home audio setup.
However, the subwoofer provides not a loud bass, but you can use these two models (because the subwoofer is really cheap) to improve sound quality in your room.
Product Dimensions: 16.2 x 14 x 14.4 inches
Frequency Response: 40hz -160hz (Claimed by Company)
Space Saver
SVS Sb-1000:
As a subwoofer enthusiast, I must say the SVS SB-1000 impresses right out of the box. As the company says, the subwoofer contains an FEA-optimized motor that guarantees low distortion, delivering clean, crisp sound even at high volumes. The sub-enclosure comes in two types; one is enclosed, and the other one is ported box. We have tested the ported one.
The built-in amplifier contains a 300 RMS power rating and 720 watts peak power handling with an advanced DSP processor. However, I am really impressed by the high-power voice coil (a game changer for me) that provides excellent thermal management and durability, which enabled it to play for long listening sessions during the experiment.
The SVS SB-1000 is not just an ordinary front-firing powered subwoofer; it’s a fusion of top-tier technology and design, promising an unrivaled audio experience. One thing that makes it very suitable for vinyl is its compact size, and premium finishes, making it a stylish addition to any space.
Pros
- The subwoofer is a pretty good option for small studio rooms.
- It has user-friendly controls allowing fine-tuning and customization to match room acoustics.
- The subwoofer is pretty decent for the price.
- You can quickly connect the subwoofer to the turntable using the two-channel connection.
- This sub will provide a controlled bass, enhancing the music experience for regular listeners.
Cons
- The subwoofer is not waterproof.
- While its compact design is advantageous, I have encountered some users who preferred larger subwoofers for even more powerful bass output.
About Our Experience:
We have tested the 27-pounds SVS SB-1000 subwoofer with our old turntable. At first, we had to go through some minor adjustments to compare the sound according to the room acoustics.
The connection was made through RCA input (However, it also has speaker-level inputs). This subwoofer requires a break-in period before you see its full potential. The SVS SB-1000 provides incredibly accurate and controlled clean bass tones at all times while hitting hard when needed (You will also enjoy the bass presence).
In our small 10×12 room, we have placed the sub under the vinyl desk, and the phase adjustment made it easy to find the perfect setting. However, you can integrate the subwoofer with other vinyl speakers at 60hz to 80hz crossover.
Product Dimensions: 4 x 13 x 13.5 inches
Frequency Response: 24-260Hz (Company Claimed)
Budget Option
Klipsch R-12SW:
Look what we have in the vinyl subwoofer list. Yes, another affordable option for your turntable. This subwoofer was suggested by my friend to see if it could run on his vinyl system. After having experienced the Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer, I can confidently say it’s a game changer. This isn’t just a subwoofer; it’s an experience.
The 12″ copper-spun front-firing woofer, paired with a potent all-digital amplifier, pumps out a staggering 400 watts of dynamic power. Whether you’re a regular listener or a bass enthusiast, this subwoofer impresses you equally. It comes with the low pass crossover and phase control on its back that lets you fine-tune your sound, and the line/LFE inputs ensure compatibility with most vinyl.
If I talk about the design, the sleek brushed black polymer veneer ported cabinet looks fantastic in any room. It’s a compact powerhouse that enhances any audio setup, measuring around 16″ H x 14″ W x 18.5″ D.
Pros
- It is a perfect choice, especially for beginners.
- Yes! This subwoofer is easy-to-afford than other subwoofers on the list.
- The bass it provides is pretty solid if we look at the price tag.
- The Klipsch R-12SW offers a range of connectivity options, making integrating into different audio setups or home theater systems easy.
- The woofer is compatible with many speaker systems, such as 2.1 or 7.1
Cons
- The enclosure could be more robust.
- The subwoofer requires short-time break after playing for a long time.
About Our Experience:
We have tested the Klipsch R-12SW with the 7.1 Sony system. According to our experiment, the subwoofer works perfectly in our small 12 x 12 studio room. One thing that I really like is its ported design. While the subwoofer is front firing, but the port is available at its back. You’ll have to make sure the port gets enough space so that the bass frequency response won’t get blocked by the wall.
I would only suggest to the brand if they could give more solid packaging, as the Amazon product handling is pretty rough. Depending upon your room size and vinyl system, you’ll have to play with the crossover and phase setting to optimize it according to your requirements. However, we have run the subwoofer between 50hz – 80hz for our testing phase.
Frequency Response: 29 Hz to 120 Hz
Budget Option
Audioengine S8 250W Powered Subwoofer:
As a music enthusiast, I love the Audioengine S8 250W Powered Subwoofer, which has enhanced my listening experience tremendously. With its powerful built-in 250-watt amplifier and down-firing design, the S8 delivers an impressively low, tight, and moderate bass tones, enriching every audio track.
If we look at the design, the subwoofer’s solid, hand-finished, front-ported MDF cabinet is not just aesthetically pleasing, it’s functional too, reducing vibrations and resonance. Its dual inputs (RCA and mini-jack) and LFE, combined with adjustable crossover frequency and phase switch, offer a customizable audio experience.
I appreciate its ability to seamlessly blend with all external speakers and its compatibility with turntables, preamps, and other powered speakers. I love the auto-sleep power-saving mode, which will keep you worry-free about unnecessary power consumption.
Pros
- It provides value worth your money.
- The subwoofer offers seamless integration with many turntables and requires no complicated settings.
- If you want a sub to put it on a shelf, this option is way-to-go for you.
- The bass is pretty deep if we look at the subwoofer’s size.
- A good starting option for beginners.
Cons
- You can’t disable the auto turn-on/off feature.
- It may sound distorted at high volume if not optimized correctly.
About Our Experience:
Our test concluded that the subwoofer is pretty easy to integrate with a vinyl system using line-level inputs. However, Audioengine S8 is majorly built to work best with other Audioengine speakers, but still, you can go for it as we have tried it with some different speakers, too, and the results were awesome. However, if you’re going to use the subwoofer with other external speakers, we recommend playing with a phase switch (located on the back) to optimize the sound quality.
Unlike other subwoofers on the list, the package comes with 1x AC power cable, 1x 2m 3.5mm mini-jack audio cable, 1x 2m RCA audio cable, and 2x Microfiber Speaker bags and cable bags, making it more appealing option for the audiophile. However, we have played different quality vinyl records that offer bass-heavy music to further test by the sub. All in all, its bass presence will make you dance along with the music.
Frequency Response: 27 Hz to 180 Hz
Buying Guide:
Do You Need a Subwoofer for Vinyl?
While a subwoofer is not strictly necessary for playing vinyl records, I would say that it can really enhance your listening experience if you’re a bass lover. As you know, subwoofers deliver deep, rich bass frequencies that other speakers often miss, providing a more complete sound spectrum. However, It’s crucial to consider the quality and genre of your vinyl records and your personal sound preferences when deciding to add a subwoofer.
Pros & Cons of Subwoofer in a Vinyl Setup:
To better understand the subwoofer requirement for your turntable, have a look at the pros and cons of the sub:
Pros:
1. Enhanced Bass Response:
Adding a subwoofer to your vinyl system can significantly enhance bass response. As mentioned above, subwoofers are designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds accurately, providing depth and richness to music.
They complement the capabilities of your primary speakers, filling in the lower frequencies that they may struggle to produce. This results in a fuller, more balanced sound. Also, you’ll be able to note the music from the bass guitar.
2. Improved Audio Fidelity:
While your main speakers will struggle to produce the low-frequency bass tones, adding a dedicated external subwoofer will offload the unnecessary load. Your main speakers will focus on handling midrange and treble frequencies, providing a clearer and more accurate sound across the frequency range.
Overall, the subwoofer will help you maintain the load on other speaker systems, producing moderate bass tones.
3. Better Balance and Integration:
You can easily fine-tune and calibrate the subwoofer to match the nature of your main speakers & listening environment. If you’re a sound producer, I’m 100% sure adding a subwoofer will ensure a seamless sound blend and prevent any overpowering or muddiness in the bass. Overall, a quality subwoofer can provide better balance & integration, producing moderate bass tones.
4. Tailored Frequency Response:
Many external subwoofers come with built-in amplifiers and adjustable controls, such as crossover frequency and phase adjustments. This allows the users to tailor the subwoofer’s performance to suit their specific vinyl setup and room acoustics.
All in all, adding a subwoofer will enable other speakers to produce optimized mid and high tones.
5. Deeper Bass Reproduction:
You will be able to get a more profound experience of bass-heavy genres like jazz, rock, and electronic dance music. The Subwoofer + Vinyl relationship not only adds depth to the soundscape but also allows each music component to shine, creating a more immersive and authentic listening experience.
Also, a ported enclosure will provide you with a more bass frequency response than an enclosed one. Overall, the subwoofer lets you hear the bass guitar tones.
Cons:
1. Additional Cost:
Adding a subwoofer to your vinyl setup can indeed result in added costs. You’ll have to purchase the subwoofer, which can range from $100 to several thousand, depending on the brand and quality.
2. Space Considerations:
You can face some problems due to the large size of most subwoofers if you have a confined space. However, you would also have to position the subwoofer properly, often away from walls and corners. This can further limit available space.
3. Integration Complexity:
Achieving seamless integration requires precise adjustment of subwoofer volume, crossover frequency, and phase control settings.
The physical positioning is also crucial, as misplaced subwoofers can lead to bass nodes and nulls in the room, thereby hampering the desired audio experience.
4. Potential Overpowering:
In some cases, adding a subwoofer to a vinyl setup can cause overpowering if it’s not balanced correctly. The low-frequency sound produced by the subwoofer can dominate the audio output, drowning out the mid and high tones of your other speakers.
These overpowering bass sounds mask the intricate nuances of the music, diminishing the overall listening experience.
Important Features to Look For in a Vinyl Subwoofer:
If you’re going to get a subwoofer for your vinyl stereo, read the below points carefully:
1. Frequency Response Range:
A wider frequency response range can reproduce a vast array of low-frequency sounds, enhancing the fidelity and authenticity of the audio, which is especially important for vinyl records known for their warm and detailed sound.
Subwoofers with limited frequency response ranges may not fully cater to the intricate details in various music genres (jazz music, hip hop, and electronic dance music are one of them), causing a lack of balance in the sound output or causing certain notes to be overly dominant or barely audible.
2. Power Output:
The power output of a subwoofer is one of the most critical factors to consider when purchasing one for your vinyl setup. It significantly impacts the bass sound quality, with a higher power output providing a more robust and more profound bass performance.
This is key for vinyl records, which often contain rich bass content, ensuring a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience. Furthermore, a higher power output allows the subwoofer to handle sudden surges in the bass tones, maintaining a broad dynamic range and avoiding distortion during intense musical passages. It also enables better integration with the main speakers, producing balanced and natural sound.
3. Size and Design:
Larger subwoofers are typically capable of producing lower frequencies, thereby enriching your vinyl listening experience. However, they may require a larger, dedicated space in your room. On the other hand, smaller subwoofers integrate more seamlessly into compact spaces but might lack the depth of sound provided by larger models. Also, the design of a subwoofer is significant.
It should harmonize with your room aesthetics and your vinyl setup. An aesthetically pleasing subwoofer can enhance the overall ambiance of your listening area. Moreover, the design, specifically the enclosed or ported type, can greatly affect the subwoofer’s sound reproduction.
4. Connectivity Options:
This is the most critical factor when selecting a subwoofer for the vinyl system. Connectivity determines the device’s adaptability and integration with existing audio equipment, influencing sound output quality.
A subwoofer that offers diverse connectivity options will be compatible with a broader range of devices, including your vinyl source, which enhances the flexibility of the setup. Furthermore, such connectivity options can accommodate multi-channel setups and future system enhancements, thereby future-proofing your investment.
5. Room Placement Considerations:
The subwoofer’s location can affect the acoustic response, either amplifying or diminishing the sound based on how it interacts with the room’s architecture. It can also help prevent unwanted resonances that can distort the sound quality.
By strategically positioning your subwoofer, you can achieve an optimal balance between the bass and the rest of the audio spectrum, creating a more immersive and fulfilling listening experience. Moreover, a well-placed subwoofer can enhance the visual appeal of your setup and ensure safety by avoiding clutter or obstructions.
General FAQs
Can Any Subwoofer Work With a Vinyl Record Player?
Yes, any subwoofer can work with a vinyl record player, provided it’s properly connected. You’ll need an amplifier or receiver to take the record player’s signal, amplify it, and distribute it to the subwoofer and other speakers.
How Do I Connect a Subwoofer to My Turntable?
Connecting a subwoofer to your turntable requires a power amplifier with a dedicated subwoofer output. If your amp doesn’t have this, you’ll need a subwoofer that accepts high-level inputs. Connect the turntable to the amp, then use a subwoofer cable to connect the amp to the subwoofer.
What Size Subwoofer Is Ideal for Vinyl Setups?
The ideal subwoofer size for vinyl setups largely depends on the room’s size and acoustic characteristics. However, typically, an 8-12 inch subwoofer would suffice for most home vinyl setups, offering a balanced frequency response and efficient low-frequency sound reproduction, crucial for vinyl records.
Can a Subwoofer Improve the Sound Quality of Old Vinyl Records?
Yes, a subwoofer can enhance the sound quality of old vinyl records. It enriches the low-frequency spectrum, enabling listeners to fully experience the deep, resonant basslines and rhythms often lost on conventional speakers.