For my final entry into this series on home theater I will discuss my favorite part of the system: The Subwoofer. For guys, the subwoofer ("sub" for short) represents the end all-be all of home theater. For girls, usually it's simply tolerated with a frown (there are, of course, exceptions). The subwoofer handles the bass in your system, and something called LFE (Low Frequency Effects) in movies and shows that have this feature. The LFE represents the ".1" channel; it's not really a full range channel like the left, right, center, and surrounds, but it is the most important sound channel in home theater next to the center (which handles most dialogue).
To give you an idea of how important a good subwoofer is in a home theater take the movie trilogy "The Lord of the Rings". When you saw these movies in a commercial theater remember how thrilled you felt when all hell was breaking loose in the Mines of Moria, during the Siege of Helm's Deep, or during the Battle of Pelennor Fields? Most of that feeling was because theaters have multiple subwoofers producing copious amounts of LFE. While you don't need that kind of power in a home, you DO need at least one subwoofer to properly convey the director's intent in movies like "Lord of the Rings".
Being a very specialized speaker a subwoofer is very different from a traditional speaker design. Usually, subwoofers are boxes that can double as an end table with drivers ranging between 10 inches and 18 inches. Subwoofers generally weigh between 40lbs all the way up to over 100lbs. Needless to say, subwoofers can present an, um, challenge to decor conscious spouses. And don't think that I am recommending a one note flatulence box designed for rap music. A good subwoofer will blend seemlessly with your other speakers, and will only be heard when called on; good subwoofers are well-behaved beasts.
Unlike other loudspeakers most subwoofers are powered; practically speaking, this feature means all you need to do is plug the subwoofer into the subwoofer/LFE input of an A/V receiver. After that, the receiver will calibrate the subwoofer using Audyssey (discussed in a previous post), or some other automatic set-up system. There are other settings on a sub (phase being the most important), but none are more important than sub location. In most situations, the best place for a sub is in a corner of the room. What this will allow is something called "corner loading' which can produce more bass. In no way is this option always the best, and experimintation is always required. Even experienced home theater enthusiasts have trouble with sub location, and in many cases your stuck putting the sub "there" based on other factors. Again, the automatic setup of a receiver really is a Godsend here.
In the end, a subwoofer is essential to a satisfying home theater expierence. Without the low end of the soundtrack you're missing half of the movie, in my opinion. Below are couple of excellent, affordable options that will fit the bill.
Emotiva Ultra Sub 10 (right now: $289)
http://www.emotiva.com/
This internet direct company produces high-value components, and your not likely to do better at this price point.
Rythmik Audio F12 ($799)
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/
Yes, it's a lot of money. It's also the last subwoofer you will ever buy. I've had a bunch of subs in my time, and none are better (especially on music) anywhere near this price. Honestly, this subwoofer competes with subs up to two times it's price. Awesome!
Concluding Thoughts
So, there you have my mind poured out on silicon concerning the subject of home theater. I will only conclude with this parting word of advice. Don't spend your last dime on this hobby. Home Theater can become an addiction, and it can lead to unfortunate financial decisions. Buy components right the first time, and you will save yourself a ton of money. Trying to keep up with advances in technology is getting harder and harder every year as electronic manufacturers try to come up with some new bell and whistle to justify another $3,000 purchase (the latest being 3D). It's not worth it. Buy a high-quaility, value componenent, and then stop looking for a couple of years.
Still, this hobby IS worth it if you love movies as much as me. Considering it can cost a family of three anywhere between $30-$50 to go see a first-run movie in a good commercial theater the cost of home theater quickly becomes justified over the long haul. And you will never have to deal with annoying people ever again (at least not by choice).
Happy Movie Watching!
3 comments:
Wow. Had no idea the subwoofer added that much to the experience. Say, if you die, who gets your home theatre system? I'd be happy to draw you a will (in a year) in exchange, haha. Jk, jk.
Samantha made created a will for us when she did your Dad's. You would have to fight Chip for it; he's big, but you're a black belt :).
DAD IS SICK
He made Sam do a will for everyone, then he dumped her. Sick, sick.
I will outwit Chip....That's the plan. He will be talked into signing something over the winter break. HA
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