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What is the trend ins subwoofer size preference these days?
Some subwoofer manufacturers say their small subs are outselling their big ones. Yet, they are still designing and manufacturing bigger and more powerful subs. I am wondering what the consumer preference is now. Small subs these days can output much more than even just a couple of years ago. Personally, I still like the big ones, because they perform at 20 Hz and below so effortlessly. I use four 18" subs in my home theater, and my processor (Denon AVP-A1HDCI) has discrete outputs for them. I only turn them up about 1/4 of the way, so I get deep powerful bass with almost zero distortion.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Greg Zakrzewski on -
I think as more people move beyond the dreaded HTIB systems they are looking for better quality but might not have the space, SAF or aesthetic appreciation for a "proper" large box. But as the saying goes: "there ain't no replacement for displacement." At the same time the htib has gotten people used to the fact that you need at least some sort of box in the room somewhere to get "theater" style bass so they can be at least decent sized sealed boxes.
I also think a trend is the manufacturers are now playing to the strengths of the small sealed boxes and making what they can out of them instead of trying to match the extension and SPL of larger ported units.
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Permalink Reply by Tom Carcione on -
I thought smaller was the way to go until I heard the Danley DTS-10. I since have bought the kit and I am very happy. I know it is a very big tapped horn sub but if you have the room it goes very deep down to 11hz and still maintain good spl. It can be used as a platform or riser if so desired so that does help somewhat with fitting it into your room. I love it and I don't think I will be going back to anything smaller whether vented,ported or sealed.
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Rininger on -
My guess is that the trend in the market is smaller because of the WAF and people just want small and compact units. I would personally like a larger sub than my ACI Force. The 10" unit does a fantastic job and is much more musical then the 12" sub I had. I prefer the Force over my previous sub because of the quality and musicality of it, no question about it... But when I'm watching movies I miss how much air a 12" unit can move.
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Permalink Reply by T. Rodney Tatum on -
I think a wife that doesn't like big subwoofers won't like small ones, either. They either want a surround system or they don't. If it's the later, it won't matter what you buy. The purchase will be met with resistance. Example: You may spend weeks trying to find the ideal location for subwoofer placement---Come home from work one evenning and find that she has moved it under a cocktail table where she can't see it. Worse yet----She has rearranged the furniture rendering your speaker placement obsolete and your subwoofer is in the garage where she wanted it in the first place. If this sounds like YOUR woman: Get rid of her now while you can still afford to. Sounds systems have mute buttons which is more than you can say about other love interests. (That was just a joke! Take it easy, girls!) IMHO, compatibility with a spouse has to include your hobbies.
Jerry Rininger said:My guess is that the trend in the market is smaller because of the WAF and people just want small and compact units. I would personally like a larger sub than my ACI Force. The 10" unit does a fantastic job and is much more musical then the 12" sub I had. I prefer the Force over my previous sub because of the quality and musicality of it, no question about it... But when I'm watching movies I miss how much air a 12" unit can move.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Eberle on
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A sub-moving wife is all the more reason to get a large one. At 127 pounds, my wife won't be moving our SVS PB-12 Plus any time soon! Frankly, I won't be moving it either.
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