| Since it is tough for small-sized loudspeakers to | | | | With regards to the use of subwoofers in home |
| reproduce frequencies under 40 Hz, and really tough | | | | theater systems, they come mounted in a sealed |
| for under 100 dB, people often choose to use a | | | | enclosure. Some people like to focus attention of their |
| loudspeaker just for this purpose. Hence the | | | | systems around satellite speakers, hiding their |
| subwoofer, a kind of loudspeaker that reproduces | | | | subwoofer; hence it may be packaged within the |
| bass frequencies ranging most generally from roughly | | | | system. Others build the subwoofer into the theater |
| 20 Hz to around 200 Hz. DO you need one? Depends | | | | cabinet. |
| upon how well you want to hear deep bass, if your | | | | Why the separation? To keep them out of site, for |
| music or audio is reproduced under 40 Hz. | | | | one thing. Plus for sensitivity issues dealing with the |
| Subwoofer drivers, known as woofers, average | | | | areas' sound compatibility and mode. Some people |
| between 8" and 15", and can run 34" even. And drivers | | | | prefer to place the subwoofer near the listener. |
| begin at 4" those under 8" generally don't reproduce | | | | Bottom line is, if you want to be able to hear low |
| lower frequencies with good quality and usually have | | | | frequencies, you need a subwoofer. If you don't care, |
| higher distortion. | | | | don't' worry about it then. |
| Use high-powered amps with subwoofers and an | | | | When will this come into play? Lower frequencies are |
| electronic crossover with a low-pass filter. There are | | | | needed with older sound formats, like with vinyl |
| two types of subwoofers; those with an amp in the | | | | records replaced with digital formats, like CDs, mainly |
| subwoofer cabinet (active), and those without the | | | | with 5.1 formats Dolby Digital and DTS (where the ".1" |
| amplifier (passive). Typically active subwoofers will be | | | | channel is for the bass frequencies, for the |
| clearer and stronger. | | | | subwoofer), common choice of mixed artists. |
| Home Theater | | | | |