Watch THIS Before Buying a Home Theater Subwoofer! 2022 HT Subwoofers WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Today on TwoGuyzTech, Rob is going to be talking about some of the things that you need to know before you dip your toes into the Home Theater subwoofer market. We'll be talking about everything from cabinet designs and amplifier power, to the difference between subwoofers for movies, music, and more.
0:00 Intro
0:46 Chapter 1 - Sealed vs Ported
4:27 Chapter 2 - Driver Size
6:36 Chapter 3 - Amps
8:05 Chapter 4 - Features
9:15 Chapter 5 - Movies and Music
10:03 Chapter 6 - Price to Performance
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
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[@csimet]

Great summary and overview. I went with a RSL SpeedWoofer 10s MKII... built like a tank, has extra inputs/controls lacking on many others (speaker and line/LFE inputs, dial phase control and built-in wireless). Most reviewers say it holds its own against 12" subs (under $1000) and costs

[@tycheesey]

Still rocking dual Emotiva RS11s in my theater, thanks once again for helping steer me towards greatness! The sound is very clean, tight, and powerful. Having the option to be sealed or ported is also amazing. I can change the sound and purpose of my system, on a whim!

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Hey Tyler that's great to hear!! We're glad we were able to help you make a decision on your subs, the RS11 is a really good value. Thanks for watching as always :)

[@jasonwilson4293]

I just got a sealed JL audio 10 inch. WOW!!! I am in love

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Great to hear!! JL Audio has always made great subs. Thanks for watching!

[@timelapsega]

I have the RSL Speedwoofer v1 and v2, they're really great for the $. If music is any priority you should def consider it, it sounds awesome with music and does really well with home theater too.

[@TorinTPG]

Hello Rob and Logan! I still enjoy your videos after all of the content you’ve made. Straightforward and honest. Good info. Keep it up!

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Hey Matt thank you so much! We're happy to hear it, and we both really appreciate your support :)

[@raviseerattan3257]

Great video! Nice summary of the key points in under 12 minutes. Keep up the amazing work.

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thank you very much!

[@johnwng2731]

I Like the simple point and explanation. Cheers!

[@TokeBoisen]

Having built two sealed 2 cu.ft. 15" subs with a pair of MB Quart PWE-354 drivers, and using DIRAC to DSP them flat to 20 Hz in my room, is the absolute best bass I've heard in my system, but that might just be the cheaper, ported subs I had before.

[@brooklynbummer]

I agree, it is not just the boom but the reproduction of instrument timber. Tha feeling that the musical instruments have real body to them. Accurate bass is nice but the full spectrum of music is important. I like sealed subs.

[@garyfelder5057]

I looking to pair my Energy ESW-8 with another sub. I just picked up the Klipsch R-12SWI which is currently on sale at Costco for $199 but thinking about the smaller R-80SWI which Klipsch has on sale for $314. I like the look of the smaller downward-firing 8-inch better but at a $115 cheaper thinking of keeping the 12-inch. Also for room placement thinking of putting the larger sub in the rear (right corner) diagonally from the smaller ESW-8 (which sits currently in the front left corner).

[@joshdekubber3631]

Thank you for another great review my friends. I was just out demoing Subs yesterday from JL and Wilson

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Hey Josh thanks for watching! Did you find anything you don't think you could live without? ;)

[@joshdekubber3631]

Yes! Practicality speaking I will most likely go with a pair of JL E112's which put my sb3000's that I love to shame in a big way. I still love my sb3000's for what they are and cost. On the other hand not Practically speaking i may get a pair of JL F113v2's which were insane. I found all of their subs very impressive though.

[@samopap3000]

Love your video, thank you

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching!

[@julioortiz7160]

I have an Onkyo 7.1 100 w/channel and two Polk audio S60 a center ch and two surrounds polks. Have a passive subwoofer but it’s too old and I want some advice to upgrade my system.

[@jayr5972]

Can I use a passive dj/pa subwoofer as home audio/theater if I power it with a amp

[@Heavy69Metal]

I’m looking at adding a subwoofer and not sure how to pick one since my amp is 2 channel 700 watts RMS per channel , I was wanting to know what power rating in a subwoofer to look for in a dual coil that will handle 700 watts rms and if I parallel it that’s 350 watts rms for each coil? My amp is 2ohm optimized so seeking a 4ohm dual coil subwoofer. Is that what I am needing to seek and do and it will give me the full 700 watts RMS to the subwoofer once is it paralleling it from 4ohm to 2ohm?

[@AG-en5y]

Would I get the tighter db if I get 2 subs, 1 ported while the other one sealed ?

[@davehilling3944]

I currently have 3 subs (only got 3rd a few weeks ago). The 2 monolith 12s sit left and right of tv and have port plugs and even while listening to music I just have never seen the need. I know a lot of purist love sealed subs but I find a good sub will still sound good ported. My 3rd 12 is more a nearfield sub (my original polk psw505) I like it behind my couch for the rumble tactile improvements during movies (though when it gets to infrasonic range of course the monoliths do all the work)but tend to turn it down or off for music because at heavy excursion depending on frequency it gets a lot of port chuff (i think it was like 300 in 2012/13 when i bought it). Overall through great episode explaining some of the various options out there I would love to be able to try more subs like all the reviewers but where I live there is basically no where to go listen to stuff without some significant driving so I listen to a lot of different youtube channels to get the best idea I can before ordering equipment.

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate it & it's interesting to hear how everyone has their subs setup for their space. You can absolutely get great performance out of a ported subwoofer - we're happy to hear that you are enjoying your system :)

[@joekool5676]

So what are the brands of subs that are tactile with low frequency extension

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Hi, I enjoy your channel and appreciate your input. Would you say a particular style of subwoofer is less particular to properly position than another? The reason I ask is that I really want to get 2 SE-8's, but hear they are very particular on placement. I only have 3 open spaces for the 2 SW's and may want to go with a design that is more forgiving. Any thoughts? (MAX budget would be 2 RSL's), don't need the sub-sonic, just good sound. Thanks for any insight you can offer.

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching! With most of your consumer subs, whether they're sealed or ported, generally you can follow the same guidelines for each, and if there are any notable exceptions, that subwoofer will most likely make it clear that you need to have special accommodations for it in the setup manual. If it were up to us, we would recommend the two RSLs over the SE-8s. The Speedwoofer is such an incredibly good value that we have a hard time not recommending it. Hope this helps!

[@jairdabrini]

I recently found a used Audiovector K Signature Sub (10", 350w class D amp, ported, 18-180Hz, 21,5kg etc) for $150. My old woofer was a BK Electronics XLS-200 Mk II FF (10", 275w class A/B, closed, 17-180Hz, 15,5kg) but the neat thing with my old woofer was that its designed to be connected to your amp using both high- & low lvl at the same time. The great thing about that is you get the sub playing when you're listening to your music in Pure Direct mode (bypassing tone ctrls). Im still not convinced which one is the better sub. The Audiovector seems less punchy, less boomy but probably separates bassnotes better so i might just stick with it to see if I can get used to the different sub. New the Audiovector sub was $1000 & the BK Elecs. was $510. One tip id like to share if u buy used subs or been having yours for >10 years is to go over all the screws & tighten them bc they loosen up with use + time.

[@simarjitsingh9975]

Can 12ft /13ft with Ceiling height of 10ft room have Svs SB 3000 Pro as a good match or Svs 2000 Pro will be good.

[@ericshutter5305]

I got 4 REL S510s subs for music with high-level (and LFE ofc) with a SVS PB13 Ultra for LFE only. Good mix for both uses. SVS will be replaced soon with dual HT subs, so 6 subs total 😂

[@taseti4803]

I'm rocking 3, 16 Ultra sealed subs in my theater with a 4th sub on the way-Soon.

[@gufiaito69able]

I have a 10x12 roomm with 8 foot sealings. I will be 70/30 for movies and music. What would you recomend?

[@RobertSpiller]

I need suggestions. I live in a small apartment, my listening space is about 6-7 feet to 6-7 feet to 6-7 feet, that's my attempt to give you guys an idea of my listening triangle, and to add more to the challenge, I'm on a fixed income. Spending my entire monthly income on a speaker is not going to work, but could you give me suggestions of a capable sealed speaker for my living room? What do you think of the Jamo S808

[@royr5527]

Yes it is as soon as I added the SB 3000 my whole system changed. I will be getting a 2nd one real soon. Thanks

[@TwoGuyzTech]

That's great to hear! Hope they serve you well for many years to come. We were surprised by the difference that adding another SB-3000 made to our setup. Thanks for watching :)

[@Christopher._M]

@@TwoGuyzTech did adding a second one flat out the response to subsonic levels or was that still not good enough?

[@samuelesciuto4133]

Xtz 12.17 is good for movies?

[@erickessler6094]

Brother, I was considering the SVS 3000 Micro but know I'd need 2 of them. Would multiple small SVS's provide the below 20hz feel? My theater will also be our music room too, so i like how you taught that a sealed woofer was quicker. Also, I heard you mention you had some different Sub designs ... would it be worth me adding 2 additional Subs of different types; like SVS 1000 or Emotiva RS-11??? or Klipsch R-12SW??? My room is 19x19 with theater slightly off center to the left to accommodate cabinets and counters on the right . Cheers, Eric

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching! With that size room, you might want to consider starting with two larger subs and expanding later on as you see fit. As far as mixing sub types/brands, it's doable, but it's more work to get them to blend together. If you're buying new, I would definitely recommend to sticking to the same model and brand. We would recommend considering the SB-3000s over the Micros if you want a good movie-watching experience. The Micros are great for music in a smaller space though.

[@erickessler6094]

@@TwoGuyzTech Thank You!

[@tylerfabish5578]

I am struggling to choose between a single 10 inch or a single 12 for my home theater. I've spent years using the stock tinny TV speakers so really anything will be a crazy improvement. My living room is roughly 1800 cu ft. Most of my listening experience will not be at loud volumes, and most of the time will be at low or medium volumes for video games and occasional movies. Not really music. Planning to pair with a 5.1 reciever made by yamaha

[@samsneediii1793]

If you can find one rsl speedwoofer is a good option for around 450 dollars shipped. If your budget allows look at rythmik subwoofer their L12 is a good option that goes down to 18hz for 650 dollars. Be careful because once you get a taste for good bass you'll want more. With that being said try the rythmik fvx12 @1099 dollars shipped it'll get you down to 14hz and it's awesome at 🎶 and 🎬.

[@scottlowell493]

@@samsneediii1793 It's only effective to 18hz, and nose dives. The output at 14hz isn't usable.

[@taseti4803]

If I were you, I'll buy the biggest sub I can afford. Even if you have to finance it. It will set you up for success in the long run. 12 inch or 13 inch drivers in subs can't give you the impact, tone, bass and or amplitude that a 15 inch, plus. driver can do. Smaller subs gives you a boomy bloated bass. Bigger subs gives you authoritative bass. It's a huge difference.

[@aapablaz]

Hi, what do you think about svs sb-1000 pro for a 4x5 meters room? Currently is working with two subwoofers onkyo skw-658 and Polk es15 as front, es35 as center and es10 as surround.

[@ricksmith7659]

I have 2 SVS SB1000 Pros in a large living room and love them.

[@aapablaz]

@@ricksmith7659 Finally I bougth the 2 svs sb1000 pros and it was night and day!

[@ricksmith7659]

@@aapablaz very cool. I love getting reactions from my friends when they come over

[@samsneediii1793]

I have a mixed sub system consisting of a sealed Rythmik e15hp2, a Kef kc62, and an Arendal 1961 1v. The rythmik is a beast for both movies and music. The Kef played near field is an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. The Arendal is a LFE producing titan. They say that you're not supposed to mix ported/sealed and for music I agree but for movies it's all hands on deck.👊

[@daeejon3100]

I'm selling a pair of a year old Rel sx212 because they are sucks for movies. Any suggestions? I am planning to get 1 JL gotham v2 for my 12wide and 24feet long isn't it too much? Planning for expanding. Can I tune it perfectly for now till later? I want to spend once not selling and go for another. Thank you for your great reviews.

[@TwoGuyzTech]

I have heard the JL subs sound amazing, but I have no first hand experience with them. You should be able to adjust the Gotham to get the best sound in your room. Spending the extra money for a high quality sub is a smart way to go.

[@daeejon3100]

@@TwoGuyzTech thank you so much for your advice

[@brandon.barish]

Hey guys, I’m a fan of your videos and channel and just wanted to suggest getting a brighter video light for your main camera. You’re too dark in the frame!

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Hey thank you very much for your support! Yep we're going to have to crank up the lights a little bit next time, it did turn out a bit dark haha :) We appreciate it!

[@felixlaboy1453]

Amazing video. I’m in the market for a Sub. My basement is 13x26 with 9 ft ceiling. My is $1800 for my first sub with the idea of getting a 2nd down the line. What would you recommend for Theater Thanks for any advice and help

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching! Yeah you also might want to check out the new Emotiva XS15 as well, we were really impressed with its performance.

[@felixlaboy1453]

@@TwoGuyzTech Thank you.

[@dinonithianandan4305]

Would you recommend a single SB-3000 or dual Speedwoofers for a large room?

[@TwoGuyzTech]

For movie watching I would go with 2 Speedwoofers, they will get you more even bass response in your room. The SB 3000 will play lower but will have more peaks and knolls, unless you add a second one in the future. Hope this helps!

[@dinonithianandan4305]

Thank you for the response. Yes it does. My split is about 60/40 movies to music. Would your recommendation still be the dual Speedwoofers?

[@jeffwagner1649]

Question would it sound bad if you ran one sealed sub and one not sealed simultaneously?

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching! It's always best practice not to mix sealed and ported subs, as they usually have different setup requirements that you need to account for while you're setting up your system. Mixing them might might it a lot harder to set them up to sound their best - but it is possible to get good results. Hope this helps!

[@stevenlawrence5733]

I have a small studio apartment. What's the best budget subwoofer that you like on the market???

[@TwoGuyzTech]

RSL Speedwoofer 10s MK2

[@samsneediii1793]

Rythmik L12

[@jimmihenry]

10:40 what movie is running there? Thank you in advanced.

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Love and Monsters. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmihenry]

@@TwoGuyzTech Thank you for your reply!

[@NBC_NCO]

They say you shouldn't mix ported and sealed in your sound system... I find this to be inaccurate in my opinion. With the exception of two 10" ported subs, my center, floor standing and surrounds are in custom made sealed boxes. The two 10s play way down low. Sometimes I actually turn them off bc it makes my wife angry. The two floor standing speakers have a separate enclosure with a DVC 8" sub to bring in the tighter punch I was lacking before my remodel.

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching - in our experience, as you mentioned, you can absolutely use both together. Just takes more work to get them setup properly.

[@richardszyniszewski2791]

Why didn’t you give a ❤ for the comment on RSL speedwoofers? Is something wrong, in your view, besides wrong speedwoofers identification (v1 and v2) that prevented you from giving a ❤?

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Thanks for watching - if you're referring to Ranjit Singh's comment on this video, nope it just looks like I missed that comment on accident. We get a lot of them and sometimes they slip through and I don't see them. I agree with his comment though.

[@richardszyniszewski2791]

@@TwoGuyzTech Thanks for the clarification; it looked strange to me that you did not give ❤️ to the comment. As to RSL speakers; all of them deserve our recognition for their sound and look.

[@Nellis202]

I WANT A SUBWOOFER THAT IS MUSICAL ……. as in for music !

[@aiethfrancisco8007]

boy daldal

[@blackspanish71]

Like your channel but you were wrong about Def tech. They're terrible

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Hey Frank, thanks for watching & we appreciate the support, but I don't recall mentioning Def Tech in this video. Can you give us a timestamp for what you're referring to? Thanks again!

[@mrpink3630]

very nice video. no annoying intro, no annoying voice like z reviews, has the bookmarks so i can skip the obvious, i like how you showed the airmotiv se12 for an example as it has a great crossover. subs arent new to me but learned i something...and didnt have to tediously wade through nonsense or an annoying voice

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Hey thanks for watching! We're glad the video was helpful and you felt like the video was a good use of your time :)