Adding a Subwoofer

A subwoofer is a special speaker that enhances the low-frequency bass response of a music reproduction system. Because low frequencies demand more power from an audio amplifier than other parts of the audio spectrum, many speakers are designed to ignore extremely low frequencies. This may be fine for listening to speech and many kinds of music, but anything with significant deep bass content sounds much better with a subwoofer to restore the bottom end. Rock-and-roll bass lines, pipe organs, and even bluegrass or jazz are all more realistic if you add a subwoofer to your system. If you're looking for realistic sound in games and DVD movies, a subwoofer is just about essential.

Subwoofers are an essential part of a multichannel surround sound environment, but they also enhance the quality of a simple two-speaker system. A matched set of speakers and subwoofer usually produce more pleasant sound than a random combination. Many mid-range and better computer-speaker makers offer subwoofers that are matched with their other speakers; the bottom end of the regular speakers' sound overlaps with the top of the subwoofer's range, so the subwoofer extends the main speakers' low end.

If you can't find a matched set, try to test several different subwoofer makes and models with your new or existing speakers. It's best to choose the main speakers first and then find a sub that sounds good with it.

No matter how many regular speakers you're using, you need only a single subwoofer. Unlike the mid-range and treble sounds that your ear can locate very accurately, sounds at those low frequencies are not directional: Wherever you place the sub, the bass sounds fill the room.

Different makes and models of speakers and subwoofers use different connection methods. The instructions supplied with your sound controller and the subwoofer itself are your best sources for specific instructions.