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When you’ve decided that your television’s built-in sound just isn’t enough, there are so many options for home audio systems that anyone can feel overwhelmed. One of the most important parts of any home audio setup is the subwoofer, which not only provides bass and low-frequency sound for music, but also everything from the gunshots to explosions that movie and television soundtracks produce. Making the shopping experience more difficult is the fact that prices for home subwoofers are all over the map.
Here are the best home subwoofers under $500.
Polk Audio PSW125
The Polk Audio PSW5125 is a 12-inch powered subwoofer. Powered by a 300-watt amp, the subwoofer does a great job reproducing the subtle differences between sounds like music and others like explosions or gunshots. It’s designed to handle high volume levels for extended periods as well, without distortion. The speaker’s integrated power source and compact enclosure make it an easy addition to any room.
Klipsch R-10SW
The Klipsch R-10SW is a solid 10-inch subwoofer with a speaker powered by a 300-watt amp. Experts say the front-firing subwoofer provides solid bass and excellent sound reproduction, with a clarity not often found in the sub-$500 price range.
Yamaha NS-SW050BL
The Yamaha is not the most powerful speaker on this list (it’s powered a somewhat anemic 100-watt amp). But what the little 8-incher lacks in volume, it makes up for that with great value and exceptional sound quality. The enclosure is also small and somewhat stylish, so it should blend in the decor of any room; a small room, like a dorm room or den, is ideal.
Onkyo SKW204
The Onkyo SKW-204 delivers plenty of “oomph”—more than its 230-watt rating suggests. The enclosure looks great, too, with black wood grain and a unique upright design.
BIC America F12
The F12 is a 12-inch subwoofer powered by a 150-watt amp. It has its own adjustable volume control, an adjustable crossover, and both Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS inputs.
