Do you need subwoofers to have good sound?

Question

I plan to simply replace my factory speakers with some good component speakers and a 4-channel amplifier. I don't like exaggerated bass, so would I still need subwoofers?

Answer 1

Most aftermarket components speakers do not have the capacity to render low bass frequencies. The are designed to be working with a subwoofer. If you are accustomed to those freq., you will be annoyed with the sound. You don't have to be a basshead to enjoy bass, afterall it is part of the intended music. As long as you have an extra $300, go for a small sub and amp. A nice 10" sub and 100 watt amp should provide plenty of bass to fill out the music correctly. There are some combo units that have the sub and amp in the same enclosure. This should work nice for a non-basshead.

Answer 2

Absolutely yes! There are no two ways about it. Music is not limited by frequency, but speakers are. Think about this: the strings on a cello or bass can go even deeper than the deep notes in a rap song.

Without subwoofers, you are relying on smaller speakers to reproduce lower frequencies. While some speakers can play fairly low (considering their size) they do not move the same volume of air while playing so they will sound smaller and quieter than a typical subwoofer. You will definitely reach their maximum output (meaning they are on the verge of distorting) before they start sounding good.

Subwoofers do not exaggerate bass, they only reproduce it. The exaggeration comes from teenage boys who are looking for cheap thrills and crank their bass knobs up.

For accurate music reproduction, subwoofers are required. Without them you are not hearing the full spectrum of the musical recording.

Answer 3

Well, you're going to notice a huge difference as it is just switching to aftermarket speakers with an amp pushing them. If you want a really nice, full sound, then a subwoofer would really help out.

You don't have to go extreme, just a solo 10" in a good box with a decent amp should be all you'll need to give you a full spectrum sound.

Even car companies are realizing the effect of subwoofers, and many are offering them as an optional upgrade right from the factory.

Your stereo will sound great without one, but even better with.

Answer 4

Not necessarily, good quality speakers will be a revelation after the recycled-cardboard factory nonsense. However, a good subwoofer dedicated for the lower frequencies can allow you to set up your install to "free up" the other speakers from producing the low notes, and make the best of their tighter response for dealing with the rest of the audio.

I'd say see how you get on with just the replacement amp and speakers, once you've got them set up to your liking. I doubt you'll find yourself wanting for a sub, but if you do you can always fit one - make your life easier by running an extra signal cable, and suitably thick power leads during your original install, so that if you do want one, you don't have to pull your whole interior apart again.

Answer 5

no subwoofer needed. You can achieve the sound quality you want with the components. Check out the speaker reviews on www.sounddomain.com & www.crutchfield.com, to see what comp sets will give you the sound you are looking for. Also www.cardomain.com, to see what other car owners are using for speakers in their ride, just do a search for your year and car make & model. I personally like and have Phoenix Gold 6.5 comps in my mustang. I have them attached to 4 A.D.S. crossovers, for better sound quality. I run them off a 400 watt kenwood amp. I got everything off ebay. The comps where new, and ran about 36.00 a pair, the ads crossovers where like &10.00 a piece , and the kenwood amp was used for $20.00. I do run 2 P.G. subs, but i have ran my system with my subs off. Also your headunit plays a big part in sound quality.

Answer 6

Just depends do you want the neigbors to hear you a mile away yeah you need a woofer and it depends alot on your music rap sounds best with a couple memphis pounding in the background and hell they even sound good for all sorts of music just turn the bass done but anyways i love subwoofers i would do it

Answer 7

Subwoofers are for those deep bass notes so if your not fussed by bass then dont bother.

Answer 8

chilaxeng: your friend proboly has it tuned to like 35-40hz and you brob have it like 32-35hz it is louder the higher but when u have lower hz it hits the low notes alot better thats what you feel but dont hear as muh A sealed box is not tuned

Answer 9

OKAY,,YOU DO NEED A LITTLE BASS,TRY A 61/2" BASS TUBE IN YOUR SYSTEM,OR PUT A 10" BOX IN THE BACK SEAT,THIS SHOULD BE PLENTY,ALSO IT WILL SAVE YOU SOME MONEY. PEP BOYS,KRAGEN,SWAP MEET ARE PLACES TO GET ONE.

Answer 10

well, i have heard ''the difference'' and i really believe it is worth it to install subwoofers.it really makes a difference and the sound is much better!but after all it's your money, so it's up to u...