When listening to music with high vibes without a sub to reproduce the low-pitched audio frequency (bass), you surely miss many details. The vibrant effect from a subwoofer is what makes you feel the song or get intrigued while watching a movie.
Many soundbars lack this feature and, therefore, may need you to get a device created specifically for this purpose. These devices are known as subwoofers or subs, but you can’t just go on to purchase any available ones for your soundbar. Moreover, this does not mean you cannot get a good subwoofer for your soundbar once you follow some simple tips.
You will get all the needed information on how to add a subwoofer to your soundbar as we discuss the following:
Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Soundbar?
Adding a subwoofer to a soundbar is a two-way activity; it may or may not work. Most soundbars are built to operate independently without a subwoofer and might be incompatible with the latter. However, the need for a subwoofer is inevitable since soundbars cannot produce the low-frequency synergy many of us desire.
Before considering adding a subwoofer, you must first confirm the compatibility of your soundbar with an external sound system. In some cases, you may not need an external subwoofer as some latest soundbars feature in-built subwoofers to provide optimal audio experience. Endeavour also to confirm your soundbar does not have an in-built subwoofer.
Once you have confirmed that your soundbar is fully compatible with a subwoofer, you can get a supported subwoofer. You can also utilize one of the methods we will discuss in the next section to connect them.
How To Connect A Subwoofer To A Soundbar
Connecting a subwoofer to a soundbar can be done in two ways, depending on your type of soundbar. The most typical method is a manual connection, while the automated connection works with the latest soundbar and subwoofer.
Automated Connection
Automated connection offers the fastest method of connecting a soundbar and a subwoofer, although it is usually limited. Most soundbars can only connect automatically with specific types of subwoofers, especially those from the same brand. If you have a compatible subwoofer and soundbar from the same brand, then you can automatically connect both through the following steps:
- Power on your soundbar and subwoofer by plugging both into a power outlet
- The subwoofer should automatically search for a nearby sound system and connect. If this does not occur, try utilizing the manual connection described below.
Manual Connection
The manual connection is similar to the automated connection but requires you to press a button to pair the two sound systems. This can be done in the following steps:
- Power on the soundbar and subwoofer
- Hold down the ID SET button on the remote or at the back of the subwoofer if available
- The Standby mode of the subwoofer should be turned off; then, a blue light indicator starts to blink continuously
- Click on the ID SET button on the soundbar
- A tone or voice about the connection status should prompt you. The light indicator might also turn green and stop blinking to indicate this.
Note that some soundbars do not have an ID SET button, and you may need to switch off the soundbar and then hold down the Mute button on the soundbar’s remote to enter the ID SET Mode before connecting with the subwoofer. You can also check out the user manual to get more information about how your soundbar connection works.
You must also know that it is uncommon to get soundbars that support a wired connection with a subwoofer. This is because the audio jack of most soundbars is dedicated to only a TV connection. Nonetheless, if you wish to connect your subwoofer via a cable, you should consider some other external loudspeakers rather than soundbars.
Is Subwoofer Worth It With A Soundbar?
Definitely, every compatible soundbar needs a subwoofer. Soundbars were explicitly introduced to supplement TV speakers but have undergone upgrades in recent years to produce an excellent audio experience. Nevertheless, the audio quality cannot produce amazing low-frequency output or bass.
This is where a subwoofer fills the gap and marks the difference in the quality of a perfect sound system. You may not need a subwoofer if you are not concerned about audio quality, but music lovers and movie freaks must include one in their home sound system.
The best part is that most subwoofers now support wireless connection, are portable, and require a low power supply. Therefore, they are almost a negligible yet essential piece of quality sound production in any room.
Best Home Audio Subwoofers in 2022
If you consider getting a subwoofer for your room, you may have difficulty making the proper selection. As usual, you do not have to face this alone, and hence, you can consider selecting one from our recommendations below:
1. Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10″ 300w Powered Subwoofer (Black)
Key Spec
- Shape: Box-like
- Dimension: 12.5 x 15.7 x 14 inches
- Weight: 25.50 lbs
- Color: Black
- Connection Type: Line/LFE
- Minimum Output Power: 150W
- Maximum Output Power: 300W
3. Klipsch R-12SW 12″ 400W Subwoofer
Key Spec
- Shape: Box-like
- Dimension: 14 x 18.5 x 16 inches
- Weight: 33.07 lbs
- Colour: Black
- Connection Type: Line/LFE
- Minimum Output Power: 200W
- Maximum Output Power: 400W
3. Polk Audio PSW10 10″ Powered Subwoofer
Key Spec
- Shape: Box-like
- Dimension: 16.2 x 14 x 14.4 inches
- Weight: 26.00 lbs
- Color: Black
- Connection Type: RCA
- Minimum Output Power: 50W
- Maximum Output Power: 100W
4. RAZER Leviathan: Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound Bar System With Subwoofer
Key Spec
- Shape: Pyramidal
- Dimension: 3.1 x 19.7 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 9.76 lbs
- Color: Black
- Connection Type: Cable to Soundbar (Bluetooth to External Devices)
- Minimum Output Power: 60W
- Maximum Output Power: 120W
5. Bose Bass Module 700 – Black- Wireless, Compact Subwoofer
Key Spec
- Shape: Box-like
- Dimension: 11.6 x 11.6 x 12.88 inches
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Color: Black
- Connection Type: Wireless (Compatible with only Bose Soundbars)
Conclusion
Creating the perfect audio tempo while watching a movie or listening to music requires having the right sound devices, although having only a soundbar is not bad. Adding a subwoofer to your soundbar is nothing but icing on the cake.
If you wish to experience the depth of audio quality, then a sub should be your prioritized solace.