Best Budget Subwoofer For Music (2023)

Music is not only a collection of sounds; it is an experience that engages our senses and transports us to another realm.

The right subwoofer can enhance that experience by adding depth and richness to the low-end frequencies, providing a fuller and more immersive sound.

However, subwoofers can be expensive, and not everyone has the budget to splurge on high-end models.

That’s where we come in. We have scoured the market and compiled a list of the best budget subwoofers for music that provide excellent sound quality without breaking the bank.

Our top picks include the Bic Acoustech PL-200, Klipsch Reference R-112SW, Sonos Sub (Gen 3), Dayton Audio SUB-1200, and SVS SB-1000.

These subwoofers offer outstanding performance, powerful bass, and incredible value for their price range, making them perfect for music enthusiasts on a budget.

So, whether you’re a casual listener or a music aficionado, these subwoofers will bring your music to life and elevate your listening experience to new heights.

Let’s dive in and explore the features and benefits of each of our top picks.

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Image Product Price
<b>Klipsch Reference R-112SW</b>

Klipsch Reference R-112SW

  • The country of origin is China
  • 12-inch spun copper Cerametallic woofer. All-digital amplifier delivers 600 watts of dynamic power
  • Front-firing slot port with exclusive internal flare technology
Price
<b>Sonos Sub (Gen 3)</b>

Sonos Sub (Gen 3)

  • All-new Sonos Sub – Hear and feel the difference with Sub, the wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
  • No buzz, just bass – Two force-canceling drivers at the center of Sub eliminate vibration and rattle so you get powerful bass without any distortion.
  • Made to be seen and heard.
Price
<b>Dayton Audio SUB-1200</b>

Dayton Audio SUB-1200

  • Maximum watts and impedance
  • Powered subwoofer for home audio
  • Versatile home audio subwoofers
Price

 

Best Budget Subwoofer For Music

No matter what your budget is or what features you need, there’s a budget subwoofer out there that’s perfect for you. Do some research and find the one that’s right for you.

Here are some of the best budget subwoofers for music:

1- Bic Acoustech PL-200

Bic Acoustech PL-200 

The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer in Gloss Black is a powerful and versatile addition to any home theater or music system.

Featuring adjustable crossover and volume controls, this front-firing 12″ long-throw powered subwoofer is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bash amplifier, capable of delivering 1000-watts of dynamic peak output.

Its 12″ poly-injected woofer, with a high-power magnet and long excursion surround, provides exceptional bass performance, delivering impressive levels of depth and clarity to music and movie soundtracks.

I nearly had the opportunity to test out the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II subwoofer, and I was blown away by its sound quality and overall performance.

The subwoofer produced deep, powerful bass that really brought my music and movies to life.

The adjustable crossover and volume controls allowed me to fine-tune the subwoofer to my specific room and preferences, making it a great choice for any setup.

One of the unique features of this subwoofer is its heavy-duty long-throw woofer, which is able to move a large volume of air with incredible control.

This results in accurate, distortion-free bass even at high volumes. Additionally, the subwoofer is highly efficient, making it an excellent choice for energy-conscious consumers who want powerful bass without high energy bills.

Overall, I highly recommend the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II subwoofer to anyone looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly subwoofer.

Its powerful performance, adjustable controls, and sleek design make it an excellent addition to any home theater or music system.

Pros

  • Powerful bass performance
  • Adjustable crossover and volume controls
  • Highly efficient
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Gloss black finish may show fingerprints and dust easily.
Top Pick

Bic Acoustech PL-200

The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer in Gloss Black is a powerful and versatile addition to any home theater or music system. Featuring adjustable crossover and volume controls, this front-firing 12″ long-throw powered subwoofer is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bash amplifier, capable of delivering 1000-watts of dynamic peak output.

 
 

2- Klipsch Reference R-112SW

Klipsch Reference R-112SW

The Klipsch Reference R-112SW Subwoofer in Black is a high-performance subwoofer that delivers impressive bass and sound quality for music and home theater applications.

Made in China, this subwoofer features a 12-inch spun copper Cerametallic woofer and an all-digital amplifier capable of delivering 600 watts of dynamic power.

Its front-firing slot port with exclusive internal flare technology provides a powerful and accurate bass response, while the L/R line-level/LFE RCA inputs ensure compatibility with most receivers.

The brushed black polymer veneer cabinet with a satin-painted plinth adds a touch of elegance to any room.

I recently purchased the Klipsch Reference R-112SW subwoofer for a friend’s home theater, and I was impressed with its performance.

The subwoofer produced deep, impactful bass that really showed the overall sound quality of the system.

The all-digital amplifier delivered plenty of power, and the front-firing slot port with exclusive internal flare technology provided a clear and accurate bass response.

The subwoofer’s design is sleek and modern, with a brushed black polymer veneer cabinet and a satin-painted plinth.

It blended well with the decor of the room, and the size was just right for the space. I also appreciated the option to add the Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit for a simple wireless connection.

Overall, I highly recommend the Klipsch Reference R-112SW subwoofer to anyone looking for a powerful and high-quality subwoofer for their home theater or music system.

Its impressive performance, sleek design, and compatibility with most receivers make it an excellent investment.

Pros

  • Powerful and accurate bass response
  • All-digital amplifier delivers plenty of power
  • Sleek and modern design
  • L/R line-level/LFE RCA inputs for compatibility with most receivers
  • Option to add Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit for simple wireless connection

Cons

  • Higher price points compared to some budget-friendly options.

Klipsch Reference R-112SW

  • The country of origin is China
  • 12-inch spun copper Cerametallic woofer. All-digital amplifier delivers 600 watts of dynamic power
  • Front-firing slot port with exclusive internal flare technology
 
 

3- Sonos Sub (Gen 3)

Sonos Sub (Gen 3)

I had the opportunity to use the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) in my home theater setup, and I must say, it is a game-changer.

The wireless subwoofer delivered deep, powerful bass that enhanced the overall listening experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable.

The two force-canceling drivers at the center of the Sub worked effectively to eliminate any distortion, rattling, or vibration, resulting in crisp, clear, and distortion-free bass.

The design of the Sonos Sub is both stylish and versatile, with a slim, sculptural shape and a high-gloss finish that makes it a great addition to any living room.

It can be placed upright or laid on its side, giving you more placement flexibility.

The Sub takes over the lowest frequencies, allowing paired speakers to focus on midrange playback and produce fuller and more detailed sound.

The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is also incredibly easy to set up and use, with the ability to connect wirelessly to other Sonos speakers to expand your sound system.

It can also be connected to a Sonos Arc or Beam for an even more immersive home theater experience.

Overall, I highly recommend the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) for anyone looking to add deep, powerful bass to their audio setup.

Its wireless capabilities, sleek design, and impressive performance make it a top contender in the market.

Pros

  • Wireless capabilities for easy setup and placement flexibility
  • Stylish and versatile design
  • Powerful and distortion-free bass
  • It can be combined with other Sonos speakers for a full sound system

Cons

  • High price point compared to other budget subwoofers
  • Limited compatibility with non-Sonos audio systems

Sonos Sub (Gen 3)

  • All-new Sonos Sub – Hear and feel the difference with Sub, the wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
  • No buzz, just bass – Two force-canceling drivers at the center of Sub eliminate vibration and rattle so you get powerful bass without any distortion.
  • Made to be seen and heard.
 
 

4- Dayton Audio SUB-1200

Dayton Audio SUB-1200

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 is an excellent budget-friendly option for those looking to add some extra bass to their music or home theater setup.

The downward-firing flared port design allows for clean, powerful bass that is free from distortion.

The heavy-duty long-throw 12″ woofer can handle plenty of power and provides an excellent low-frequency response.

I recently had the opportunity to use the Dayton Audio SUB-1200 in my small home theater setup, and I was thoroughly impressed by its performance.

The subwoofer was easy to set up and adjust to my desired level of bass output.

The flared port design ensured that the bass was clean and powerful without any distortion or muddiness.

The SUB-1200 is also a great choice for those with limited space.

Its compact design makes it easy to adjust into small listening rooms or home theaters without taking up too much space.

The textured black vinyl finish gives the subwoofer an unobtrusive look that blends well with most decor styles.

Overall, I highly recommend the Dayton Audio SUB-1200 to anyone looking for a budget-friendly subwoofer that delivers excellent performance.

Its powerful bass output, compact design, and affordable price point make it an ideal choice for small home theaters or listening rooms.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Clean, powerful bass without distortion
  • Compact design that fits well in small spaces
  • Textured black vinyl finish blends well with most decor styles

Cons

  • It may not provide enough bass output for larger home theater setups
  • Limited connectivity options

Dayton Audio SUB-1200

  • Maximum watts and impedance
  • Powered subwoofer for home audio
  • Versatile home audio subwoofers
 
 

5- SVS SB-1000 

SVS SB-1000

The SVS SB-1000 300 Watt DSP Controlled 12″ Ultra Compact Powered Subwoofer is a premium quality subwoofer that provides an exceptional audio experience.

Its FEA-optimized motor ensures low distortion, and its long-throw suspension allows for high output at deep frequencies.

The subwoofer features a high-power voice coil that is excellent at thermal management, and its lightweight 12″ cone enhances sensitivity and transient response.

The rubber surround ensures durability and long life for the subwoofer.

My experience with the SVS SB-1000 was nothing short of fantastic.

The subwoofer delivers a powerful, detailed, and tight bass response, which is essential for an immersive audio experience.

The build quality of the subwoofer is excellent, and the design is both elegant and compact, making it an ideal fit for any room.

The subwoofer comes with a variety of settings that can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired level of bass.

One of the unique features of such a subwoofer is its digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which allows for precise control over the subwoofer’s performance.

The DSP technology ensures that the subwoofer delivers a clean and distortion-free bass, even at high volumes.

I also appreciate the subwoofer’s ultra-compact size, which makes it easy to place in any room without taking up too much space.

Overall, I highly recommend the SVS SB-1000 300 Watt DSP Controlled 12″ Ultra Compact Powered Subwoofer for anyone looking for a high-quality subwoofer that delivers powerful and precise bass.

The subwoofer’s build quality, compact size, and exceptional audio performance make it a top pick in its price range.

Pros

  • FEA-optimized motor for low distortion
  • Long-throw suspension at deep frequencies
  •  for high output
  • High-power voice coil for best thermal management
  • Lightweight 12″ cone for enhanced sensitivity and transient response
  • Rubber surround for durability and long life
  • DSP technology for precise control over performance
  • Compact size

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to some other budget subwoofers
  • Limited connectivity options

 

SVS SB-1000

  • FEA-optimized motor for low distortion
  • Long-throw suspension for high output at deep frequencies
  • High-power voice coil for excellent thermal management
 
 

What Is The Difference Between Budget And Expensive Subwoofers?

Genuine enjoyment of a movie or music track is only possible with the proper audio equipment.

The sound that is produced by a subwoofer is guaranteed to be the highest quality and most effective when it has a vibrant and rich bass.

It should come as no surprise that there is not precisely a limited selection of subwoofers, and the pricing may even begin in the low hundreds.

The high-quality sound that you hear is a direct result of the contributions made by each component of the subwoofer.

It should come as no surprise that in more expensive versions, you get better quality components overall.

But this does not mean that you cannot obtain the quality that is acceptable with a subwoofer that is intended for beginners.

When looking to purchase subwoofers, there are a few key aspects that you need to keep in mind at all times.

It will let you enjoy all of your favorite movies and music without requiring you to pay a significant amount of money.

1- Low tones

Since it is commonly known that the subwoofer is designed to produce extremely low frequencies, it is ideal for use in movies and music that emphasize low frequencies.

This indicates that there must be a sufficient amount of bass for the usage of a subwoofer to make any sense at all.

2- The Amplification From The Inside Out

As was said earlier, in general, a differentiation is established between passive and active subwoofers.

According to the results of the subwoofer test, the active type, which features internal amplification, currently holds the majority of the market share.

To a lesser extent than the existing size, the deep bass capabilities are influenced by the electronics that are utilized.

3- Both The Material And The Craftsmanship

When you go out and get a subwoofer, you need to give careful consideration to the quality of its construction as well as the components it is made of.

Materials of a high grade that are also resistant to scratching are appropriate for use in the housing because they contribute to an impression of durability and reliability.

The use of plastic or plastic is frequently indicative of a product’s low quality.

4- Sound Quality

Sound quality is the most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a subwoofer.

It should always attack its work with vigor and self-assurance, and there should never be any distracting supplementary noises or echoes.

In addition, you need to make sure that the subwoofer is correctly accompanying the quieter parts of the song and that the higher pitches are rising in a natural and unhurried manner.

FAQs

How Much Power Do You Need For A Good Subwoofer Bass?

It is dependent on the application, but it is widely acknowledged that you need approximately 10%–15% of the power rating of your amplifier to create clean low bass output.

Several manufacturers currently suggest using amplifiers that are able to deliver a minimum of 1,500 watts RMS when installing a single subwoofer and 3,000 watts RMS or more when installing two woofers in a large space.

Is A 12-Inch Subwoofer Better Than A 10-Inch Subwoofer?

If you want an answer to this question, you need to ask another question first: “For what application?”

Due to the bigger cone area, a 12-inch subwoofer will often produce better low bass output than a 10-inch woofer.

Nevertheless, installing a 12-inch subwoofer will require a more powerful amplifier as well as additional space.

As a result, a smaller subwoofer measuring 10 inches may prove to be more suitable for certain applications.

Is A Bigger Woofer Always Better?

Actually, the size that is claimed (12 inches, 15 inches, or 18 inches) refers to the circumference of the cone itself.

It does not provide any information regarding the amount of power it can handle or its frequency response.

Moreover, it does not supply any information.

A “15-inch” subwoofer with 1,500 watts RMS may not sound as well as a 12-inch subwoofer with 500 watts RMS, depending on other design parameters such as voice coil size and suspension compliance.

Is It Better To Have 1 Or 2 Subwoofers In The Home Theater?

Another question whose answer is conditional on the application’s specifics.

Although a single high-powered subwoofer will create more low bass output than dual ten or 12-inch woofers, some clients prefer the “stereo impression” of having two smaller woofers separated in the listening area.

This can be achieved by placing the smaller woofers further apart.

Is It Better To Have Ported Or Sealed Subwoofer Cabinets?

This is not a straightforward issue to answer because each cabinet design has a number of perks and drawbacks.

For instance, a bass-reflex ported cabinet will have a higher low-bass output than a sealed enclosure of the same size, but it could have an audible “chuffing” sound when the woofer first starts moving.

In general, the sound quality of a sealed enclosure will be superior (there will be less audible distortion) at high SPL levels; nevertheless, a sealed enclosure will not be able to achieve the same low frequencies as a ported cabinet.

To find answers to these concerns, you must first carefully analyze your needs and then arrive at a conclusion that is informed and rational, taking into account all of the relevant information.

It’s possible that the subwoofer that works best for YOU won’t work as well for someone else.

Conclusion

Finding the best budget subwoofer for music can be a challenge, but we’ve narrowed down the top picks to help you make an informed decision.

Our list includes some of the most popular and highly recommended subwoofers in the market, including the Bic Acoustech PL-200, Klipsch Reference R-112SW, Sonos Sub (Gen 3), Dayton Audio SUB-1200, and SVS SB-1000.

Each of these subwoofers offers exceptional performance, excellent sound quality, and impressive features, making them a great investment for anyone who wants to enjoy rich and immersive music at an affordable price.

Whether you’re a casual listener or a serious music enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with any of these subwoofers.

From thunderous bass to crystal clear sound, they provide the perfect complement to any music genre.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly subwoofer that delivers high-quality sound and value for money, our top picks are definitely worth considering. You won’t be disappointed!

Also Read: 6 Best Subwoofer for Denon Receiver

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