The Best Sony Subwoofers and Best Car Subs

best sony subwoofers and car subs

The best Sony subwoofers amplify bass and provide a richer, deeper, and more resonant sound, transforming the audio experience in your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore several top-rated Sony subwoofers, answer common questions related to subwoofers, and also consider a few notable competitors to the top Sony subwoofers. Also, we will look at the best car subwoofers available from Sony.

Sony Subwoofers
  1. Sony SACS9 10-inch Active Sub
  2. Sony SA-SW3 200W Wireless Subwoofer
  3. Sony SA-SW5 300W Wireless Subwoofer
Alternate Subwoofers
  1. SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″ Ported Subwoofer (Black Ash)
  2. Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer
  3. Polk Audio HTS 10 Powered Subwoofer – Washed Black Walnut
  4. ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 400 Watt Powered Subwoofer, Black
  5. JBL Professional LSR310S -Channel Studio Subwoofer, 10-inch
Best Car Subwoofers
  1. Sony XS-AW8 8-Inch Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer
  2. Pioneer TS-WX130DA Compact Series – Compact Active Subwoofer
  3. Rockville RW10CA 10″ 800 Watt Active Powered Car Subwoofer
  4. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Powered Enclosed Subwoofer

The Best Sony Subwoofers and Best Car Subs

1. Sony SACS9 10-inch Active Sub

The Sony SACS9 is simply one of the best wireless subwoofers available, that boasts pro performance features at an attractive price.

This subwoofer features a 10-inch cone that effortlessly produces excellent low-frequencies and adds depth and richness to music and movies.

It delivers 115W of power, perfect for home theater setups in medium-sized rooms. This subwoofer’s design features a built-in amplifier and a bass reflex box for efficiency and minimal distortion. It has a sleek and stylish design that ensures it will fit into any decor.

The SACS9 can be incorporated easily into a 5.1.2 home theater setup. You can experience fantastic sound quality from Dolby Atmos with the complete range of CS speakers from Sony, starting with the SACS9 subwoofer.

Other speakers that you can add to your living space include dual SSCS3 tower speakers, an SSCS8 Center channel speaker, dual SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, and dual Dolby Atmos Enabled SSCSE speakers.

The 10-inch cone is capable of pumping out broad bass frequencies that’ll add depth and richness to your audio (28-200Hz). The drive is made of a woven fibrous material, unlike the usual paper or fabric material of other subwoofers.

The Sony SACS9 is an excellent choice for those who want a balance of power, clarity, and affordability in their home theater setup.

2. Sony SA-SW3 200W Wireless Sub

The Sony SA-SW3 is an outstanding wireless subwoofer for those seeking to elevate their audio setup. Delivering a powerful 200W of rich, resonant bass, it effortlessly enhances the depth and dimension of your favorite music and movies.

The SA-SW3 supports a direct wireless connection with HT-A9/A7000/A5000/A3000/S2000 soundbars and the STR-AN1000 AV Receiver, allowing for a seamless, cable-free setup and the flexibility to position it anywhere in your room.

Equipped with a 160mm driver, the SA-SW3 employs Sony’s Magnetic Fluid Speaker technology for accurate sound reproduction. Its Σ Magnetic Circuit ensures a deep, clear bass output with minimal distortion.

Moreover, the SA-SW3’s Omnidirectional Block Design aligns well with the aesthetic of the HT-A9/A7000/A5000/A3000/S2000 soundbars, ensuring it complements any room decor.

Coupled with its Bass Reflex speaker unit, which delivers deeper bass tones, the SA-SW3 creates an immersive audio experience.

3. Sony SA-SW5

The Sony SA-SW5 is a premium wireless subwoofer, designed to transform your audio experiences with up to 300W of rich, deep bass.

Equipped with a robust 180mm driver, it employs Sony’s proprietary Magnetic Fluid Speaker technology for superior linearity and minimal distortion.

Its wireless nature provides for a flexible, clutter-free setup, making it a compelling option for those seeking to enhance their home theater system.

The SA-SW5 is compatible with the HT-A9/A7000/A5000/A3000/S2000 soundbars and the STR-AN1000 AV Receiver, contributing powerful, booming sound to your audio setup.

It offers 19L of powerful bass that adds depth to your favorite audio content. Its wireless connectivity allows for a hassle-free and quick setup, getting your audio system up and running in no time.

With its quick and easy setup, you can start enjoying its extraordinary sound capabilities right out of the box.

Other Subs

1. SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″

When only the best will suffice, you should look to SVS for one of the best 12-inch subwoofers on the market. The SVS PB-2000 Pro is a formidable player in the world of high-end subwoofers with its 12-inch driver and 550W of RMS power.

This ported subwoofer provides deep ‘subterranean’ and room-shaking bass down to 16 Hz (16-290 Hz ±3 dB), making it perfect for those who crave a theater-like experience at home.

It also includes SVS’s Pro Bluetooth Smartphone App, ‘the easiest way to manage Subwoofer DSP and control’.

Despite its considerable power (1,500+ watts peak power), the PB-2000 Pro maintains clarity and precision, thanks to its refined Sledge STA-550D amplifier and MOSFET output.  

This subwoofer’s solid construction and luxurious black ash finish make it an elegant addition to any room.

2. Klipsch R-100SW

This Klipsch subwoofer delivers a signature Klipsch sound with deep, clean bass, making it a worthy addition to your home audio system. It features a 10-inch front-firing driver and a digital amplifier for room-filling low frequencies.

The all-digital amplifier ensures high efficiency and true-to-source accuracy. Also, the Phase Control and Low Pass Crossover allow users to blend the low-frequency tones with other speakers to find the correct bass level.

Klipsch’s R-100SW brings cinema-quality bass to your home entertainment system without breaking the bank.

3. Polk Audio HTS 10

The Polk Audio HTS 10 powered subwoofer showcases the brand’s reputation for affordable excellence. Equipped with a 10-inch woofer and 200W of power, this subwoofer delivers clear, deep bass that enhances any audio setup.

The exclusive Power Port Technology ensures minimal distortion, providing clean, punchy bass. The HTS 10’s versatility makes it perfect for movies, music, and games.

Its attractive design, available in washed black walnut or Brown features a sleek, rounded enclosure that’s equally at home in modern and traditional decor.

4. ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 400 Watt

This ELAC subwoofer is a formidable contender in the sub-$500 market (pardon the pun). It features a high-excursion 10-inch woofer and a powerful 400W BASH amplifier that delivers both power and precision.

Its standout feature is ELAC’s advanced control app, which offers control over multiple parameters for fine-tuning the sound to your liking.

Its sophisticated design includes a custom driver, band amplifier, and braced MDF cabinet. The sturdy build quality of the Elac Debut 2.0 makes it a valuable addition to any home audio setup.

5. JBL Professional LSR310S

The powerful JBL 10-inch subwoofer delivers impressive bass response across all playback levels.

Its patented Slip Stream port design, combined with the custom-designed driver, ensures deep and dynamic bass reproduction down to the 20 Hz region.

The XLF setting is a standout feature, providing an emulation of the bass tuning found in modern dance clubs, enhancing the overall listening experience.

The subwoofer offers versatile connectivity options with balanced XLR and TRS inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of studio monitor systems.

The sensitivity switch allows for seamless integration with various signal sources without the risk of overload.

Overall, the JBL Professional LSR310S delivers powerful and accurate bass performance, making it an excellent choice for musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts seeking to enhance their studio monitoring experience.

Best Car Subs

1. Sony XS-AW8 8-Inch

The Sony XS-AW8 is a compact, under-seat subwoofer that packs a punch. Despite its small size, this 8-inch subwoofer delivers robust bass with its integrated amplifier, perfect for enhancing your music on the go.

It features a sturdy, high-quality construction that ensures durability, even in the challenging environment of a vehicle.

The XS-AW8 also offers a simple, flexible installation with its compact design, allowing you to enjoy powerful bass without sacrificing space. If you’re looking for one of the best Sony subwoofers for your car, the XS-AW8 is a great choice.

2. Pioneer TS-WX130DA Compact Series

The Pioneer TS-WX130DA Compact Active Subwoofer is an exceptional addition to any car audio system, boasting a unique 8″ x 5.25″ design with a 160W maximum power output and 50W nominal.

Its standout features include an aluminum cone and urethane surround for improved sound clarity and bass depth.

With a built-in Class D amplifier and Digital Bass Control, the subwoofer can be tailored to your listening preferences, offering selectable Deep or Dynamic modes that adjust frequency response and overall performance.

The added convenience of remote control over gain, LPF, phase, and bass modes provides a high level of user customization.

These speakers have a frequency response of 20Hz-200Hz in Deep Mode, the Pioneer TS-WX130DA promises an immersive low-frequency experience in your vehicle.

3. Rockville RW10CA 10″ 800 Watt Active

The Rockville RW10CA is a high-powered, compact car subwoofer with 800 Watts peak and 200 Watts RMS power.

It offers both low-level RCA and high-level inputs, with auto turn-on technology for convenience. To tailor the listening experience, it features adjustable input sensitivity and a phase switch with 0° or 180° options.

With built-in thermal, short, and overload protection circuits, it ensures reliable performance. Its low pass filter and adjustable bass boost allow for sound tuning.

The Rockville RW10CA is another excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their car audio system.

Buyer’s Guide

When choosing a subwoofer, consider its power, size, type (passive or active), and compatibility with other audio equipment.

Sony offers a range of subwoofers at different price points, each with unique strengths, so you can find one that suits your needs.

FAQ

Sony subwoofers are known for their reliability, but like any piece of audio equipment, they can run into issues. If your Sony subwoofer is not working, here are some potential solutions:

  1. Check the power supply: Ensure that your subwoofer is properly plugged in and the power outlet is functional.
  2. Check the audio cable: Inspect the audio cable connecting your subwoofer to the audio source for any damages.
  3. Ensure the subwoofer is paired correctly with the soundbar or receiver: Sometimes the problem lies in the connection between the subwoofer and the soundbar or receiver. Make sure they are paired correctly.
  4. Reset the subwoofer: If your subwoofer has a reset button, use it. This can resolve many common issues.

How to Connect a Sony Sub to a Soundbar Without a Remote

Connecting a Sony subwoofer to a soundbar without a remote can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple. Most Sony subwoofers have a pairing button.

Press and hold this button until the LED on the subwoofer blinks quickly. Then, press and hold the pairing button on the soundbar. The LED on the subwoofer should become steady when the connection is established.

Conclusion

Sony subwoofers, whether for your home theater system or car audio, can significantly enhance your listening experience. They deliver powerful, deep bass that can make music and movies more immersive.

However, if you’re exploring other brands, Polk Audio, SVS, Klipsch, and more, offer excellent alternatives.

Daniel Forino
Daniel Forino
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