Finding the best passive subwoofer for your home theater is challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. I’ve been there and did a ton of research to save myself time. Now, I’m sharing my experience with you, so you don’t have to go through the same hassle.
When it comes to home entertainment, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that can add more enjoyment to a movie or gaming session than a good setup of a home theater system.
A room full of friends, loved ones, and outstanding audio equipment is the perfect recipe for a memorable evening together. If you want to get the most out of your movies and games on your TV, though, then you’ll want to pick up a subwoofer to complete your home theater setup.
1- Rockville PBG18
The Rockville PBG18 18″ 2000 Watt Passive Pro Subwoofer with MDF Cabinet and Pole Mount is the perfect combination of high power and performance.
The enclosure also features ergonomic recessed handles molded into the box for easy carrying and transportation.
This Pro Audio subwoofer features a 4-inch KSV voice coil and a 100 oz. Woofer magnet. It has 2,000 watts of peak power and 1,500 watts of program power handling.
The cabinet employs a high-density, high-quality non-resonant MDF construction with stapled and bonded bracing for superior bass response. The unit comes equipped with an ergonomic recessed handle for easy installation and transportation. Also included is a molded steel grill to protect the driver.
There are also rubber-isolating feet on all four corners of the cabinet to reduce vibration and prevent any unwanted movement of the woofer when playing music at higher volumes.
The Rockville PBG18 includes a 1/4″ jack (In/Out) speak ON (In/Out) input/output connections that are internally connected in parallel, allowing you to connect multiple subwoofers together without having to use any external wiring!
- 18 Pro audio woofer. 1,000 Watts RMS Power. 1,500 Watts Program Power Handling. 2,000 Watts Peak Power. Construction: High-Density
2- Electro-Voice EKX-18S
The EV EKX-18S subwoofer is a remarkably powerful and compact subwoofer, with the power and performance of much larger subs. The EKX-18S is capable of peak SPLs of 134 dB with a 1600 W amplifier. Its lightweight 15-mm wood enclosure features internal bracing for added strength, and its durable EVCoat finish provides both protection from the elements and aesthetic appeal.
The EKX-18S uses two high-sensitivity 18″ transducers that are specifically designed and engineered by Electro-Voice to deliver maximum performance in this compact enclosure.
These lightweight, high excursion drivers are powered by an extremely efficient 1400 W Class D amplifier with a frequency response range down to 28 Hz (-3 dB).
The EKX-18S features Slot ports that provide low distortion and excellent bass extension without adding unnecessary weight to the cabinet. The result is a tight, full sound that’s perfect for any application where big bass is needed, but size must be kept under control, such as live sound reinforcement systems, nightclubs, DJ rigs, touring rigs, or installed sound systems in movie theaters or arenas.
The M20 threaded pole mount plate provides easy mounting options for any setup, including on stage or in trussing situations where floor space is limited.
The EKX-18S comes standard with M20 threaded pole mount plate, so it can be flown or pole-mounted using.
3- Dayton Audio MKSX4
The Dayton Audio MKSX4 low-profile passive subwoofer is the ideal component for your compact 2.1 setup thanks to its low profile and passive design. Create a high-fidelity setup with timbre-matched components by combining with the Dayton Audio MK402 and the DTA-2.1BT2 amplifier.
The Dayton Audio MKSX4 features a unique four-driver design that combines form and function. Two 4″ high excursion drivers are mounted in parallel on one side of a 3/4″ thick aluminum plate, while two 6 1/2″ low profile passive radiators are mounted on the other side of the plate in series with each other.
The unique manifold driver layout mitigates unwanted vibration and resonance that can plague traditional dual-cone subwoofers. The result is a very clean-sounding subwoofer with a tight bass response and good transient response.
The MKSX4 can handle up to 150 watts RMS and has an input sensitivity of 200 mV, so it will work with just about any receiver or amplifier. It measures 8-3/16″ (w) x 7″ (h) x 11-1/8″ (d) with its grille on and weighs only 13 lbs. This subwoofer has an impedance of 4 ohms and is sold individually with a black vinyl finish.
The high excursion drivers used in this subwoofer provide you with an extra level of bass response that smaller woofers simply cannot match. This low-profile passive subwoofer is ideal for use with desktop PC speakers or as a standalone subwoofer for any stereo music system or home theater application.
4- Yamaha CXS15XLF
The Yamaha CXS15XLF is a 600-watt Passive PA Subwoofer with a 15″ LF driver. It has the power and size to energize any venue with its powerful sound.
The CXS15XLF’s 15″ woofer can handle up to 600 watts of continuous power, making it ideal for high-volume applications like sporting events or concerts. It also features a high-fidelity polypropylene woofer cone with a rubber edge trim that helps protect against distortion caused by handling and transportation.
Additionally, the speaker features a gold-plated XLR input connector for connecting to compatible Yamaha-powered mixers and an XLR output connector for daisy chaining multiple passive subwoofers together.
The XLR input jack can connect your mixer or other equipment without having to buy additional cables or adapters. And because this speaker doesn’t use active amplification, you don’t need an external amplifier — just connect it directly to your mixer or amplifier using standard speaker cables (not included).
5- QSC E218sw
The QSC E218sw Dual 18″ Passive Stage Subwoofer is a high-performance, direct radiation subwoofer that is outfitted with two 18-inch woofers that each have 800W of power.
The aluminum frame on these woofers is 18 inches. It was developed to generate a crushing low end that is ideal for live performances with kick drum and bass in the PA as well as for high-level, high-energy dance music.
It has connection slots for four casters that may be added as an alternative, so it can be used for portable applications. The impedance of the subwoofer is 4 ohms, which implies that it is possible for a single cabinet to be optimally powered by a less costly amplifier.
Applications such as live performance, DJ and dance music, karaoke, and event production may make use of the product’s durable design, trusted dependability, and audio performance that is above and above expectations.
When used in conjunction with QSC’s GXD or PLD amplifiers or with a QSC TouchMix digital mixer, as well as when the on-board DSP and factory-tuned presets are taken advantage of, performance may be improved even further (sold separately).
Conclusion
A passive subwoofer is the most affordable type of subwoofer in home theaters, as they don’t require an external power source. It’s an affordable solution when a homeowner is on a quest to make over his/her audio system. The best part is that it can deliver a better sound compared with other types of subwoofers.
Of course, the decision to go with a passive subwoofer is ultimately a difficult one, and if you aren’t already sure that they are right for you, there are a few factors to consider. Passive subwoofers will never offer the full range of sound that an active model can provide, but they make up for this with simplicity, reliability, and incredible affordability. So how do you choose? The best way to know for certain is to listen to the system yourself.
