Many people want to add that bass and richness to their music. A subwoofer’s size is a huge consideration when you’re buying one. So if you’re into music, you may be asking yourself, are smaller subwoofers better for music?
Small subwoofers are better for musicians and audiophiles who prioritize greater frequency response from the sub. Although larger subwoofers might outdo smaller with the depth of low-frequency range, smaller subwoofers are better for music as they have a higher frequency range for a greater range of sound.
Subwoofer sizing is a massive consideration when you’re in the market for one. You need to take your needs (as the user and consumer) into consideration.
If you want a sub for your music, you want something that adds richness and quality to the sound and does not rumble your seat.
For more information on subwoofer sizing and its importance, be sure to keep reading.
Are Smaller Subwoofers Better For Music?
If you’re into music and looking into getting a subwoofer, you want to get something that doesn’t that isn’t overbearing to the delivery. The delivery is one of the most critical factors in music, and if you don’t execute it well, it falls apart.
For this reason, smaller subwoofers are incredibly ideal for any music setup you could be having in the works.
There are a lot of theories that bigger means better, but in reality, that thought process has ceased to exist since technology changed audio systems.
You could have a small subwoofer that sounds bigger than it looks. That in itself attests to the power of a subwoofer. A smaller subwoofer guarantees higher performance and a richer sound. Bigger means deeper and not necessarily better.
So what’s the difference between a big subwoofer and a small subwoofer?
Big Subwoofer vs. Small Subwoofer
When it comes to a subwoofer’s size, here are a couple of things you need to consider:
- The driver
- Positioning
- Power
The Driver
A driver is an essential consideration because a larger driver can get lower and more profound, thus producing more bass than a smaller subwoofer. The ideal driver for a subwoofer is 12-inches.
So if you’re in the market, getting a 12-inch driver would be on the average level.
On the other hand, an 8-inch driver is also capable of producing excellent results for your music. An 8-inch driver falls in the category of a small subwoofer. There are a lot of outstanding small subwoofers with smaller-sized drivers.
The best thing about larger drivers is that they can get to the lowest bass frequencies, whereas smaller drivers struggle to get to that level.
Nonetheless, if you want a sub for music, you don’t want to get to the lowest bass frequencies, which is why smaller subwoofers are ideal.
Positioning
Positioning refers to the practicality of a subwoofer. It’s much easier and more convenient to have a smaller subwoofer because it takes up less space in a room.
A bigger subwoofer is a lot harder to blend into a room, making them difficult to have in smaller setups.
Nonetheless, if you don’t have space, does it mean that you have to compromise the power of a sub? Let’s take a look at how a sub’s power relates to its size.
Power
Regardless of the size of a sub, more power equals better dynamics and control. You measure the power of a sub in wattage. The ideal wattage for music from a sub would be between 150 and 500.
Please note that power does not mean louder; the more the power, the better than sub. It applies to all subs and their sizes across the board.
So if you’re looking for a good subwoofer, go for a sub that has a good and high amount of power. It will work well for you in the long run.
How A Subwoofer’s Size Affects Its Output
One thing that’s similar between a small and large subwoofer is the rigid box they are made out of by manufacturers—most of the time, the heavier (in terms of weight) the subwoofer, the better. But how does the subwoofer size affect its output?
You can determine the output from the sub depending on the amp, the power, and the drivers.
The size of the subwoofer doesn’t affect its output whatsoever. It’s also why small subwoofers can hold their own in the industry. There are small subwoofers with the capability of having better performance than larger subwoofers.
So if you’re in the market for a subwoofer, be sure to check the amp and power. Most of the time, the answer to your problem may lie on the smaller side.
Why Do Manufacturers Make Both Big And Small Subwoofers?
Manufacturers make both big and small subwoofers to offer their clientele variety as well as reliable tradeoffs. If you get a smaller sub, you can rest assured that you will be getting a high-performance sub.
On the other hand, a bigger sub equals a deeper bass.
All in all, its business and manufacturers want to access their target market the best way they can. The subwoofer industry is pretty competitive.
Sub FAQs
Do Smaller Subs Sound Better?
If you’re looking for a richer sound and less bass, you could say that smaller subs sound better. However, if you’re looking for bass over sound quality, you could say that bigger subs sound better.
Should I Get One Large Subwoofer Or Two Smaller Ones?
Experts recommend getting two smaller subwoofers to even out the bass in the room you will position them if you’re into music.
Is A Subwoofer For Music A Good Idea?
When it comes to music, a subwoofer is an excellent addition to your audio system. It adds incredible depth and richness to the sound.
Sources
- Geoffrey Morrison, How to pick the right subwoofer, CNET, https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/how-to-pick-the-right-subwoofer/ Accessed October 24th, 2021.
- SVS Sound, 6 Reasons Why Subwoofers Are Important For Music, SVS Sound, https://www.svsound.com/blogs/subwoofer-setup-and-tuning/114690950-is-a-subwoofer-important-for-music Accessed October 24th, 2021.
- SVS Sound, The Pros and Cons of Big Subwoofer Drivers, SVS Sound, https://www.svsound.com/blogs/subwoofer-setup-and-tuning/strengths-and-pitfalls-of-big-subwoofer-drivers Accessed October 24th, 2021.
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.