Compact Subwoofer

Compact Subwoofer

Subwoofers, or "woofers," have always seemed quintessentially masculine to me. I suppose it's because of all the young men I've met who have shown me their car trunks, the entire interiors of which have been taken up with gigantic speakers. Yet as silly as it can sometimes seem, the subwoofer is an important part of any high quality music reproduction system.

First created in the 1960s, the subwoofer was developed in response to complaints about a lack of bass response in electrostatic speakers. For the first decade or so, these loudspeakers were known only to music professionals and the truly dedicated fans. Then, in 1974, the movie Earthquake was released in Sensurround. In the seventeen theatres where it was shown, six very large subwoofers driven by a pair of 1600 watt amplifiers were used to simulate the sounds and effects of an actual earthquake. This movie and its use of sound were responsible for bringing subwoofers to the public's attention.

Then in the late 1980s, the advent of the commonly used compact cassette made it possible to add more low frequency content to recordings. The result was that subwoofers became increasingly popular in domestic settings. Since that time, there has been an ever increasing popularity for subwoofers in home stereo systems, home theatre audio systems, and car audio systems. Today, it is almost impossible to go to a professional concert or music venue that does not utilize the unmistakable resonances of at least one subwoofer.

The introduction of Sensurround sparked a trend of subwoofer installation in cinemas. That system was succeeded by the Dolby Stereo 70 mm Six Track, which was in turn followed by Altec's dedicated cinema subwoofer model, the 8182. Today, the THX certification qualifications define the parameters for audio systems in the cinema, including subwoofer requirements. These requirements help to ensure that when "the audience is listening," they enjoy what they are hearing.

In addition to commercial applications, almost all modern home theatre audio systems feature a subwoofer supplemented by two to five small "satellite" speakers. The advantage of having a subwoofer as part of an audio system is that it allows the satellite speakers to be smaller without sacrificing low frequency capability. In a domestic setting, the subwoofer is usually separated from the other speakers and is often hidden in a cabinet or other piece of furniture. For optimum low frequency sound, experts recommend that the subwoofer be placed in a corner of the room, far from large room openings and close to the listener.

As previously mentioned, the automobile is the other popular place for subwoofer use among the general populace. Because of their size, most car subwoofers end up in the back seat or, more commonly, in the trunk. In such an application, due to the typically small space of a car's interior, it is actually possible for a subwoofer to produce dangerously high levels of sound pressure. Over time, such situations can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus, which is usually indicated by an unidentifiable ringing or buzzing in an individual's ears.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tabs, and subwoofers, woofers, audio and home theatre audio products.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Subwoofers: The Speaker With The Big Bark

Is this a good home theater setup?

I am setting up a new home theater system, and I want to know if what I have chosen is good, or if there are any things that I could improve on.
TV: SAMSUNG 52" 16:9 2ms 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV LN52B750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889102274
Receiver: ONKYO 5.1-Channel Black Home Theater Receiver TX-SR507
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120131
Side Speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 60 Black Floor standing loudspeakers (2x)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017
Center Speaker:
Polk Audio CS2 Black Center Channel Loudspeaker
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290024
Rear Speakers: Polk Audio OEM3 Black Multi Application Compact Loudspeaker Pair
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290026
Subwoofer: Polk Audio PS505 12" Powered Subwoofer Single
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290130

All comments are appreciated

The tv is great, but look at a Panasonic 50" or 54" Plasma tv, they are less expensive and a much better tv. Get the G10 model, they are THX certified. Receiver, see if you can upgrade to a 607 model (this is rated by Home Theater magazine as the best entry level receiver). For speakers I would consider getting a Klipsch quintet satellite and the sub 10 sub woofer. They are a much better speaker system than the Polk speakers. You can demo the speakers at Best Buy, bring your own source of material for the demo. Last year I purchase the same speakers while on sale for $299, didn't get the sub woofer already had one. I also use an Onkyo 805 receiver. Hope this will help you out and good luck.

Electrovoice SBA760 Subwoofer

Pair of Premier Acoustic PA-4.0 Speakers $103.73 Compact but powerful speakers and subwoofers bring out a wide range of soundsThis 2-way speaker pair will add modern style to any home decorWall brackets included

Samsung HT-WS1R Surround Airtrack 2.1 Soundbar (Refurbished) $229.99 Amplify your listening pleasure with a slim, compact HT-WS1R home theaterWS1 theater can be mounted on the wall for a convenient approach Wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room for maximum audio impact

Pair of Premier Acoustic 4.2 Speakers $155.58 Compact but powerful speakers and subwoofers bring out a wide range of soundsThis speaker pair will add modern style to any home decorWall brackets included

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