How to Choose the Right Subwoofer
So you’re shopping for a home theater subwoofer? I will be the first to admit to choosing a subwoofer can be a confusing task. So let’s get a few things straight, and hopefully, we can make your subwoofer shopping experience a tad easier.
How Subwoofers Work in a Home Theater or Media Room
Most basic home audio systems and home theater amplifiers have regular floor-standing speakers. This system is all that is necessary when listening to music. But when watching a film, the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel is unable to produce the full effects of the film’s bass through these regular speakers. The LFE is an audio channel specifically designed and reserved for the bass produced in movies.
A home theater subwoofer operates through the LFE channel and allows for an incredible audio experience. Now here is where it gets confusing. The first decision you need to make before choosing a subwoofer is how you want your room arranged. Do you have the room for a large sub? Do you want to be able to hide the sub in the corner? These questions are important because this will help you choose whether you would like a front firing sub or a downward firing sub. Do not let these names confuse you; there is actually very little difference in the sound quality of the two. The forward firing subwoofer is smaller and can be placed anywhere in the room except for flat against the wall. The downward firing subwoofer has a simpler design and can be placed literally anywhere in the room.
Shop Subwoofers at Starpower
Starpower Audio/Video – Subwoofers and Speaker Systems
Visit one of the Starpower locations in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas area or Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona area to learn more about our subwoofer and speaker systems.