A good understanding of an amplifier and subwoofer to unravel great bass is inescapable. The key to excellent bass depends on an evenly paralleled amplifier and subwoofer. Both these features have different qualities which suit specific purposes. The adjustment of these two will give you the result you are looking for.
These features might look like technical terms for ordinary people. It is valid on some levels, as it requires professional knowledge about how they work, but in this article, we will discuss amplifier vs subwoofer in all possible ways. If you are new, this shall impart some insight into the matter.
What is an Amplifier?
An amplifier is a fundamental element of a stereo system that amplifies the sound power of a speaker. It has volume control functions. Amplifiers expand sound power, and they also drop impedance. It makes the speaker sound its best. Amplifier’s job is to gain power and amplify the signal. It provides high volumes and loud bass. An amplifier can be highly beneficial for your sound system.
So how an amplifier works? First, it takes an input signal from a source; then, it turns the original signal into a larger copy before sending it to the speaker. It doesn’t matter tremendously how small or cheap the amplifier is. The outcome of adding an amplifier will give a cleaner, louder, and impedance-free sound. An amplifier is a necessity for those concerned about sound quality.
Why Do You Need an Amplifier?
From a technical perspective, an amplifier is a must for speakers. A subwoofer is a kind of speaker that replicates low-frequency sounds. When it comes to a subwoofer, you either need to add an amplifier, or you don’t have to because subwoofers are of two types. One is powered another is unpowered. The unpowered subwoofers need amplifiers. Without an amplifier, the sound will be dull.
What type of amplifier do I need for a subwoofer?
But how do you determine what amplifier you need for a subwoofer? The answer is pretty simple. Try to match the power rating. It shouldn’t be too strong or too weak. An amplifier with higher RMS and peak power is best. Experts say class AB or class H are the best amplifiers for subwoofers. Before amplifying your subwoofer, match the power rating for the best outcome.
Although amplifiers often cause some problems too. We all know nothing in excess is good. Over time amplifiers become noisy. Sometimes it provides low impedance matching. One of the most common problems of an amplifier is operator error. If an amplifier generates extra electrical energy than the speakers can operate, it may precipitate distortion or clipping.
What is Subwoofer?
Subwoofer is a kind of speaker that replicates low-frequency sounds. Subwoofer frequencies are low-pitched, known as bass, and the frequency range is about 20-200 HZ. The subwoofer improves bass.
It doesn’t matter how much you spend on it; the subwoofer will improve your bass, produce richer and deeper bass, and boost the low-pitched frequencies. The subwoofer makes a sound, and the amplifier doesn’t make sounds independently.
There are two types of subwoofers. One is powered, and another is unpowered. The powered subwoofer doesn’t need an amplifier as it has a built-in amplifier and is already powered. But the unpowered subwoofer needs to be amplified.
Without an amplifier, the sound of the subwoofer will be tranquil. Subwoofer sounds bassy. You have to rely on an amplifier for an unpowered subwoofer. Adding an amplifier will make the signal clear and louder.
A subwoofer is a necessary part of the stereo system to improve bass and clarify bass tones. Generally, a subwoofer’s frequency range can come down to 20HZ even lower, which is the limit of human hearing.
You will never miss any notes from lower to higher. The subwoofer lets you turn your volume up without clipping or distortion.
The subwoofer has some problems as well. Firstly, it blocks too much space and produces buzzing and humming sounds. Then, driver magnet failure is also a big problem. Also, an active subwoofer is expensive and consumes extra power, affecting utility bills. For 1000 watts sub, you need an amplifier that can produce 750-1000 watts RMS.
Amplifier vs Subwoofer: Which one is better?
Though the subwoofer and amplifier are very different, we connect a subwoofer to an amplifier to make them purposive. When it comes to comparison, we know both of them are dependable on each other.
Both of them together give a better outcome. An amplifier and subwoofer together give balance to the sound system. When it comes to good sound quality, an amplifier is the best choice for you to make your sound system complete.
Amplifiers take input signals from a source and turn the original signal into a larger copy before sending it to the speaker. It makes the sound louder and powers your speakers. Also, you can control the volumes as well. The outcome of adding an amplifier will give a cleaner, louder, and impedance-free sound. An amplifier is a necessity for those concerned about sound quality.
Although the subwoofer is designed to duplicate low-pitched frequencies and produce richer and deeper bass, it gives the low-pitched frequencies a boost known as bass. Again, it comes either as powered or unpowered.
The unpowered subwoofer needs to get amplified. But the powered subwoofer comes with a built-in amplifier. Both of them together give lovely sound quality. Generally, subwoofers are never used alone.
Subwoofer low-pitched frequencies are known as bass. Bass amplifiers are made to increase the peculiarity of low frequencies. One can use a bass amplifier as a subwoofer. However, the bass amplifier and subwoofer are not meant to produce the same depth. The importance between bass and amplifier depends on your goal.
Some say the bass is better, and some say the amplifier is. However, many people find But we will say both of them are equally important. An amplifier can improve lousy bass, and a lousy amplifier can make a good bass sound bad.
A subwoofer is a type of soundbox that replicates low-frequency sounds; meanwhile, an amplifier is a fundamental element of a stereo system that amplifies the sound power of a speaker. Both of them have different characteristics. The subwoofer and amplifier are very different from each other we connect a subwoofer to an amplifier so that we can make both of them purposive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I get an amp or a subwoofer?
An amplifier and subwoofer together give balance to the sound system. When it comes to good sound quality, an amplifier is the best choice for you to make your sound system complete.
Can you use an amplifier as a subwoofer?
Yes, that’s possible to use an amplifier as a subwoofer. However, the bass amplifier and subwoofer are not meant to produce the same depth. Powered subwoofers don’t need an amplifier. It has a built-in amplifier
Does a powered subwoofer need an amplifier?
No, the powered subwoofer doesn’t need an amplifier. It has a built-in amplifier. And it’s already powered. You have to rely on an amplifier for an unpowered subwoofer. Adding an amplifier will make the signal clear and louder
How do I match my sub and amp?
Try to match the power rating. It shouldn’t be too strong or too weak. An amplifier with higher RMS and peak power is best. Experts say class AB or class H are the best amplifiers for subwoofers. Before amplifying your subwoofer, you should match the power rating.
What size of amp do I need for a 1000-watt sub?
For 1000 watts sub, you need an amplifier that can produce 750-1000 watts RMS. At 120 volts, you would need approximately 10 amperes. An amplifier with higher RMS and peak power is best. Experts say class AB or class H are the best amplifiers.
Final Words
The recipe for great bass is balancing subwoofers and amplifiers, so they are evenly matched. In this article, after a lengthy debate on subwoofer vs amplifier, we have concluded that connecting both is important.
It all comes down to an individual’s preference for what they expect. There’re so many technical details you need to understand. This article covers almost all the essential things you need to know about amplifiers and subwoofers.
