The best home subwoofer amplifier should be able to improve the bass of the subwoofer unit dramatically. Home subwoofer amplifiers are available in different types of units, there are mini subwoofer amplifiers, amplifier plates or standard-sized amplifiers.
In case you are a DIY audio enthusiast or love to tweak your system, the subwoofer amplifiers are lifesaving options. For those who have tight budget or small place, the mini subwoofer amplifier is the best. With these, you can build 2.1 systems as well. This may require purchasing another amp but the low cost makes it worth it.
To choose the best home subwoofer amplifier, make sure that they have the controls or EQs which you prefer to adjust to improve the audio. Some high-power subwoofer amplifiers with advanced options may cost you much more compared to mini amps or amplifier plates.
Let’s dive deep into review of mini subwoofer amplifier then subwoofer amplifier plate and eventually large size subwoofer amplifier.
Mini Subwoofer Amplifier Review
Mini subwoofer amplifiers are best if you don’t want another large amplifier to fill up your room. They are easy to hide and have several functions.
Fosi Audio M03 Subwoofer Amplifier Review
Features at a Glance:
- Power: 150 watts RMS into 4-ohm loads or 120watts RMS to 8-ohm loads
- Power Max: 300W
- DC Input Range: 24V-36V
- Terminating Impedance: 4 – 8 Ohm
- Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20KHz (± 3db)
- Bass Frequency Range: 20-200Hz
- Input Sensitivity: ≤ 0.2mV
- SNR ≥ 106dB
- THD ≤0.03%
Details
This subwoofer amplifier has sufficient amount of power to drive any home subwoofer or bookshelf speaker. These mini subwoofer amplifiers are very convenient because they take up small space or you can easily hide it under a rack or table.
The general rule is to have the THD< 0.1% and this subwoofer amplifier follows this strictly. The build quality is solid with aluminum alloy cabinet, the knobs feel sturdy and smooth to move. The buttons are sturdy as well.
The rear side shows RCA connections, Sub out which you can use to connect active subwoofer that has built-in amplifier in it. Connect the passive sub on the SPK out ports. To complete the connection, connect the subwoofer, then turn the volume to minimum level.
Connect the power supply, then choose the working mode: PBRT or Sub. Choose PBTL when you are using the amp for passive speakers and powered subwoofer and choose SUB while using passive subwoofers.
Then increase volume as desired. If you are using SUB mode, you can alter the Sub Freq control. You can use this sub to connect your 2.1 system. Once the sub and sub amp connection is complete, use RCA cables to connect the M03 to the Pre-out port of the receiver.
This home subwoofer amplifier has built-in power protection circuit that makes it safer to use. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can use this amplifier to customize your own sound system.
The inputs, outputs and high-efficiency power makes it one of the best versatile subwoofer amplifier. The sound quality is impressive. There is an immediate upgrade to the subwoofer once it is connected. The bass is tight and clean.
Douk Audio G4 Subwoofer Full-Frequency Mono Channel Digital Power Amplifier:
Features at a glance:
- Power: Rated power: 100W,
- Peak power: 300W
- THD: 0.001%
- SNR: 103dB
- Speaker impedance: 4-8Ω
Details
This mono amplifier uses high-quality aluminium chassis and is very small in size. The front side only holds a large volume/power knob and the rear side has, Aux, RCA port, B/M, then a pair of outputs.
In the Aux port or RCA port of this cheap subwoofer amplifier, you can connect TV, CD player, DAC, preamp, PC, phone, mp3. In the pair of speaker output ports, you can connect 4-12-inch subwoofer with 40-200W power or 3-10” speaker with 10-200W power rating.
The B/M switch allows you to change between Bass or Mono modes. It is a subwoofer amplifier but you can you two of these for a pair of speakers. The manufacturer gives you clear suggestion of building a 2.1 system which is best if you are a newbie.
You can buy three Douk Audio G4 subwoofer amplifiers, use the two in M mode to connect two speakers and another one in B mode to connect the subwoofer. With a power of 100W, the output after connecting with a subwoofer is impressive.
Comparing price vs performance, it is one of the best subwoofer amplifier for the money. The subwoofer will produce a clean and tight bass producing room filling effect.
The SPK out port allows connecting passive subwoofer with banana plug. With mono channel mode, switch it to PBTL and now you can connect speaker to the SPK out. Here you will need two G2 units for a pair of speakers.
Alternative
You can also choose the Douk Audio G2 subwoofer amplifier that has an additional bass cutoff frequency control knob. It has a max. power of 100W, 106dB SNR and can work for 2-8 ohms of impedance range.
Comparing Douk Audio G2 vs G4, the G2 unit has gain settings on the top of the chassis where you can choose from four different settings. If you are using the SUB mode, then you connect mobile, PC or TV via RCA to the Audio in ports.
Subwoofer Amplifier Plate Review:
These are best if you want to attach the plate into your subwoofer unit. Some of these are portable as well.
Dayton Audio SPA1000 Subwoofer Plate Amplifier Review:
Features at a glance:
- Power output: 497 watts into 8 ohms or 950 watts into 4 ohms
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 98 dB A-weighted
- THD @ Rated Power: 0.0092
- Frequency response: 30 Hz to 200 Hz
- Efficiency: 86%
- Input impedance: 12k ohms
Details
This Dayton subwoofer amplifier has two ports for connection: Left/right inputs and LFE port. It has ‘tracking downconverter power supply’ which improves the efficiency of the unit. With a 1000W of enormous power, you can run two 12” subs easily.
In terms of control, it has low pass, gain and low pass, frequency. The low pass, gain will be responsible of matching the amps input sensitivity with the pre-amp output. The gain knob is used as a volume control for the sub. The low pass, frequency is used to control the frequency.
If the unit remains idle for 10-15 minutes, then it will be on ‘stand by’ mode. The subwoofer plate amplifier with 1000 W power has a power LED where the yellow color indicates that the amp is working. You can adjust between 30 to 200Hz.
There is also a phase switch where you can change it to NOR = 0° phase and REV = 180°. After connecting the sub, you can try to toggle the switch to see which position gives better sound. The Dayton plate amplifier has parametric EQ settings that are often desired by audio professionals for sound improvement.
The EQ can be changed in frequency, level and bandwidth. You can tweak these settings to find the best sound for your scenario. The unit will not get hotter with use. it is capable of producing room shaking bass through the sub
Although it is designed to completely eliminate humming, in some cases you may still hear humming. To overcome this, connect all the sources to the same power outlet and use coaxial line isolator. It has lowest distortion, if any, which is due to the Class-AB output.
Alternative
There are other models as well, you can check the Dayton Audio SPA250DSP 250W Subwoofer Plate Amplifier with DSP
Lepai LP210PA 2.1 Channel Mini Plate Amplifier Review:
Features at a glance:
- RMS power: 2 x 30 watts + 1 x 60 watts
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Input sensitivity: 245 mV
Details
The Lepei LP210PA is one of the best amplifier for speakers and subwoofer. You can easily create a 2.1 system with this mini subwoofer plate. With the use of channel selection switch, you can turn off the satellite speakers to only use the sub.
This small and compact subwoofer amplifier plate can be attached easily to any of your DIY subwoofer cabinets. You can easily use this for your living room, office or customize it further for portable use. the speaker and subwoofer volume are independent and you can also adjust frequency.
To connect speakers, this amplifier plate has binding posts. For speakers, this unit will give 6 dB per octave high pass at 100 Hz. This is what makes this amplifier plate unique than others. It doesn’t come with a power adapter so you need to buy it separately.
The connection with this amplifier plate is very straightforward. In terms of pushing the sub or speakers, this plate is not a powerhouse. However, it is quite decent to run a pair of bookshelf speakers along with a subwoofer.
Alternative
The sound will definitely be an improvement. The bass has tight and clean. You can also look into Bash 300s plate amp or the Bash 500s digital subwoofer plate amplifier for alternative options.
Large Size Subwoofer Amplifier Review:
These are full-sized amplifiers with advanced options. If space isn’t an issue, you can look into these.
Acoustic Audio WS1005 Passive Subwoofer Amp Review:
Features at a glance:
- Total system power of 200 watts
- Frequency Response of 50 – 200Hz
- Impedance: 4-8 ohms
- Size: 2.25″ H x 8.5″ W x 6″ D
Details
Unlike other home theater passive subwoofer amplifiers, this manufacturer is strict about revealing specs. This is a well-built unit, the front side has crossover and subwoofer volume knob. The LED indicator lights up indicating the unit is working. It supports LFE and RCA inputs.
You can use this to power in-wall passive subwoofers. You can also use this for multi-room system or industrial use. The cost is much lower compared to the 1000W OSD subwoofer amplifier. You can connect receiver with RCA passive sub out port to the amplifier.
This affordable subwoofer amplifier doesn’t have auto on/off switch. With less than 200W RMS power, this amp is best for average power-seeking subwoofers. It promises to deliver crisp and clean power but do not expect it to perform exceptionally well.
This is subwoofer amplifier will show average yet decent performance. Before connecting, make sure the subwoofer will be compatible with this. Speaking with their customer service, it is confirmed that the RMS power of this unit is 100W.
OSD Audio SMP1000 Mono 1000W Class D Subwoofer Amplifier w/DSP App Control:
Features at a glance:
- Power Output: 1000 Watts (RMS @ 4Ω)
- THD: <1%
- Adjustable Low Pass Crossover: 35HZ – 180HZ
- Adjustable Slope: 12dB – 48dB
- Line Level Input Sensitivity: 200mV
- Phase Range: 0 ~315° / 45° increments
- Auto Turn-on Sensitivity: 3mV @ 50 Hz
Details
This amplifier is one of the best powerful amplifier that you can use home theater passive subs or in-wall subwoofers. Compared to conventional subwoofer amplifiers, this sub uses digital signal processing that works with low-frequency sounds.
It can get as low as 35Hz which is much lower than most other subwoofer amplifiers. To increase flexibility, this unit includes both RCA and speaker level connections. So it will work with both old and new equipment. The Class D amplifier is very efficient and can work without getting hot.
Using this subwoofer amplifier will boost the low-frequency sound so that the sound has a punch and earth-shaking effect. Along with that, the mid-range and treble region produces cleaner sound. If you connect this to an 8-ohm sub, the RMS power is 500W.
In case you want to connect two 8-ohm subwoofers, make sure to connect them in parallel instead of series. If your AV receiver doesn’t have LFE or Sub out port, then you can use the Speaker level connections of these sub amp. This will ensure that you receiver full range audio through the speaker while the low-frequencies are isolated.
This powerful yet expensive high-end subwoofer amplifier can feed 2 100W subwoofer or 10-inch subwoofers easily. There is a voltage selector switch where you can choose between 110V-120V (60Hz) and 220-240V (50Hz).
The subsonic and crossover frequency settings permit you to alter the frequency to cut off the high-pass and low-pass audio. Other controls include: Crossover slope, Preset mode, phase control, Night mode, Auto-off, Mode select, etc.
Best Home Subwoofer Amplifier: Ultimate Buying Guide
The home subwoofer amplifier buying guide is very important because, in case there is any mismatch, in worst case, it may damage your equipment.
Power
Power rating remains a confusing term for many. Some manufacturers make it even more confusing where they boast with the wrong power unit. Most amplifiers have maximum power and power RMS listed in their specs.
The maximum power is the highest amount of power the subwoofer amplifier can handle and the RMS power is the amount of power the subwoofer or speaker can handle continuously.
While matching the power ratings, make sure you are looking at the RMS Power of the subwoofer as well as the subwoofer amplifier.
Impedance
Impedance and resistance are not the same.This is directly listed in subwoofer and subwoofer amplifier specs. You don’t want to run a 2-ohm or 16-ohm sub to a 4-8-ohm subwoofer amplifier. Make sure the impedance between the subwoofer and subwoofer amplifier matches.
Subwoofer
The primary reason to use a home subwoofer amplifier is to boost the bass and get cleaner sound from speakers. If you are not satisfied with the final output, the blame always doesn’t fall on the amplifier.
Based on your room size, make sure you are using a large sub or multiple sub for large rooms. If you want more bass, then use a rear-ported sub.
Cost
Although the main reason is to hunt the best home subwoofer amplifier, we still have limitations in terms of cost. If you want a powerful subwoofer amplifier with versatile options, you need to spend generously.
On the other hand, if you have budget constraints, subwoofer amplifier plates or mini subwoofer amplifiers will be the ideal choice.
Parting Words
The two major factors to look while shopping for subwoofer amplifier for home use is, power and impedance. Choose the amplifier that matches with the RMS power rating of the subwoofer. Make sure you are matching that to the RMS of the amplifier. This is same for impedance.
If you want versatile option, choose an amp that allows connecting subwoofer as well as connecting speakers. the frequency response is another crucial factor to look into. Fosi Audio, Dayton, OSD are some of the best brands manufacturing home subwoofer amplifier. It is necessary to include a subwoofer amplifier to achieve clean and tighter bass.
In some cases, with appropriate power, you will get earth shaking bass that will satisfy bassheads. If you want to insert the amplifier into your subwoofer cabinet, you need a subwoofer plate amplifier. There are several options at carious power and cost from different manufacturers from which you can choose easily.
FAQ: Subwoofer Amplifier For Hometheater
The best of luck to you, our dearest reader! We hope that this FAQ section has been helpful in your quest for knowledge and understanding. We hope you enjoy our parting gift and well-wishes to all of your future endeavors.
What shall I do if the Fosi Audio sub amp doesn’t produce any sound?
Before drawing conclusion that you received a damaged unit, follow these steps:
- Check the power supply and make sure the indicator shows power is ON
- If the indicator doesn’t show ON, use a laptop power to recheck and find whether there is something wrong with power supply or the amplifier is damaged.
- If the indicator is working, see whether the volume is turned off or to minimum.
- After checking the volume knob of the receiver, check the volume of the connected source.
What other factors can affect the subwoofer audio?
Once you choose the best home subwoofer amplifier, you connect it but the output sound isn’t that impressive. Well, there are some other factors that can affect the subwoofer audio. Firstly, in case of multiple seating position, multiple subwoofers are a necessity to achieve optimum bass.
Secondly the position of speaker or subwoofer along with room acoustics play vital role in the output sound. Finally, the subwoofer itself should be of high-quality to produce clean and punchier bass without being boomy.
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