Regarding audio systems, subwoofers are crucial in delivering powerful bass and enhancing sound quality. However, not all subwoofers are created equal. Different subwoofers are available in the market, including high-excursion and regular subwoofers. This article will explore the differences and benefits of high-excursion subwoofers over regular ones.
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High Excursion Subwoofer Vs Regular
When choosing between a high-excursion subwoofer and a regular one, there are significant differences in sound quality and overall performance. A High Excursion Subwoofer is designed to move more significant amounts of air than a regular-sized subwoofer, which means it can produce louder bass and have greater efficiency.
What is a High Excursion Subwoofer?
A high excursion subwoofer (a long-throw subwoofer) is designed to move more air than a regular subwoofer. It means that the cone of the high excursion subwoofer has a larger surface area and can move back and forth over a longer distance. As a result, it can produce louder and deeper bass frequencies with greater accuracy.
How Does it Work?
A high excursion subwoofer uses a powerful magnet, voice coil, and cone assembly to reproduce low-frequency sound waves. The larger size of the cone allows it to displace more air, resulting in a louder and deeper bass response.
Additionally, the longer throw of the cone allows for better control over the movement, resulting in tighter and more accurate bass.
Immersive Sound Quality:
High excursion refers to the range of motion the subwoofer’s diaphragm can achieve. The greater the excursion, the more air the subwoofer can move, resulting in louder and deeper bass. High Excursion Subwoofers are designed to offer extensive excursion capabilities, which translates to a richer and more immersive listening experience.
Precision in Low Frequencies
These audio giants excel in reproducing low frequencies with incredible precision. Whether it’s the thumping of a bass drum, the rumble of an explosion in your favorite action movie, or the deep notes in a classical symphony, a High Excursion Subwoofer delivers each sound accurately, ensuring you hear every detail as the artist intended.
Seamless Integration
Despite their massive power, High Excursion Subwoofers can seamlessly integrate into your existing audio setup. They’re not just about brute force; they are engineered to be precise and agile, making them ideal for music and home theatre systems. This versatility ensures that your audio experience remains balanced, regardless of your listening.
What is a Regular Subwoofer?
A regular subwoofer (a short-throw or standard subwoofer) has a smaller surface area and shorter throw than a high excursion subwoofer. It can’t move as much air, resulting in a less powerful and accurate bass response.
How Does it Work?
A regular subwoofer works on the same principles as a high-excursion subwoofer but with lower power and output capabilities. The smaller size of the cone limits its ability to produce loud and deep bass, making it more suitable for smaller rooms or less demanding audio setups.
The Reliable Workhorse:
Regular subwoofers have been the cornerstone of audio setups for years. They are known for boosting the lower frequencies adding depth to your audio. These subwoofers offer a reliable and economical way to enhance your sound system without breaking the bank.
Balanced Performance:
While not as powerful as their High Excursion counterparts, regular subwoofers offer a balanced and reliable bass performance. They are perfect for those who seek improvement in their audio experience without the overwhelming bass that High Excursion Subwoofers provide.
Budget-Friendly:
Regular subwoofers are often more budget-friendly, making them an attractive choice for those just starting to explore the world of enhanced audio. They provide good value for money, allowing you to enjoy a fuller sound without a significant investment.
Ease of Integration: a regular subwoofer is a practical addition for most audio setups. They are easy to integrate and typically require less space, making them an excellent choice for smaller rooms or setups where space is at a premium.
Key Differences
- Power Handling: High excursion subwoofers can handle higher power levels than regular subwoofers. This means they can produce louder and deeper bass without distortion, making them ideal for larger rooms or high-demand audio setups.
- Cone Size and Throw: High excursion subwoofers have a larger cone size and longer throw, allowing them to move more air and produce more powerful bass frequencies.
- Bass Response: Due to the larger cone size and longer throw, high excursion subwoofers have a better bass response with greater accuracy than regular subwoofers.
- Size and Weight: High excursion subwoofers are typically larger and heavier than regular subwoofers due to the bigger cone size and magnet assembly required for their powerful bass output.
Benefits of High Excursion Subwoofers
- Better Sound Quality: High excursion subwoofers produce more accurate and powerful low-end frequencies, resulting in better sound quality.
- Suitable for Larger Rooms: Due to their high power handling and larger cone size, high excursion subwoofers are ideal for larger rooms or high-demand audio setups.
- Versatility: High excursion subwoofers can handle a wide range of frequencies, making them suitable for different music and movies.
Which One is Right for You?
The type of subwoofer you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences and audio setup. A high-excursion subwoofer would be better if you have a large room or demand a powerful bass. However, a regular subwoofer may suffice if you have limited space or don’t require as much bass.
Related: Subwoofer Gen 1 Vs Gen 3
FAQs:
Is a higher-wattage subwoofer better?
The short answer to this question is, yes, a higher wattage subwoofer is generally better. But some nuances come into play.
For starters, watts measure how much power a subwoofer can handle before it’s damaged or inefficiently operating. Thus, more wattage means more power being sent into your sub and potentially more outstanding sound quality. However, wattage alone does not determine the quality of the sound produced by your system – other factors, such as sensitivity or impedance, must also be considered for an accurate assessment of audio performance.
Can I use a regular subwoofer for both music and movies?
Yes, you can use a regular subwoofer for music and movies, depending on the size of your speakers and the type of sound system you have. Subwoofers are designed to add extra low-end frequency support to your main speakers. When watching movies or listening to music, they will produce a more profound bass response that fills in any gaps in sound created by your main speakers, making it easier to hear low-frequency sounds.
Conclusion
High excursion subwoofers are designed for those who want a powerful and accurate bass response. The larger cone size and longer throw allow them to produce louder and deeper bass frequencies, making them ideal for larger rooms or high-demand audio setups. On the other hand, regular subwoofers are better suited for smaller spaces or less demanding audio setups. Whichever type of subwoofer you choose, consider your needs and preferences to get the best sound for your audio system. So, evaluate your requirements and choose wisely.
Sources:
SystemHDS, Diameter VS high excursion Posted:
Author, Which one is better overall Posted: Jan 2, 2021
