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Unlike the lower price brackets of $300 and $500, $1000 breaks the trend, focusing more on sophisticated sound and less on extensive features. Yes, the manufacturers have dialed down things like remote functionality and tweaking controls, but the tradeoff is something much sweeter. Performance is king, and these subwoofers exemplify that on a grand scale.
That isn’t to say they slouch in other areas because they certainly don’t. Each of the speakers are beautifully designed, and bring features that matter, still focusing on the sound as the focal point.
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For those on the quest for bass precision and power, the KEF KUBE 12b sets a high bar. The ultimate expression of KEF’s commitment to pure sound, this product is nothing short of a sonic marvel. Its Intelligent Bass Extension algorithm—iBX—intertwines with the custom driver to deliver unprecedented depth. This stunning combination sets a new standard in bass synchronization, a testament to KEF’s in-house engineering capabilities.
As you delve deeper, this harmonious blend of design and technology translates into an enthralling user experience. According to several accounts, the KEF KUBE 12b performs beyond its specifications. It has the ability to play flat below 20Hz— all while maintaining exceptional sound quality. At any price, this highly, highly commendable – let alone the $1000 bracket. However, the absence of a phase dial may be a minor concern for some. It’s a slight quirk overshadowed by the overall value and the remarkable experience offered by this subsonic subwoofer, thus earning our title for “Best Overall” at this price point.
Available exclusively in Piano Gloss Black.
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The SVS 3000 stands as a testament to achieving perfection at a reasonable price. This compact subwoofer might not take up much space, but it definitely grabs attention with its output. Thanks to an ingenious 800 watts RMS amplifier and a new 13-inch high-excursion SVS driver, it commands deeper bass and higher output levels, normally a challenge for subs this size.
There’s an attractive quality to the way the SVS 3000 presents bass—it’s akin to a well-tuned orchestra, each component playing its part to perfection. It takes technology from the award-winning SVS 16-Ultra and 4000 series, unleashing a breathtaking output that doesn’t shy away from reaching subterranean depths. This is made possible by features like the lightweight and rigid aluminum vented cone with a composite fiber dustcap and a long-throw parabolic surround. It’s not just about loud bass; it’s about precision and control, about maintaining the balance and integrity of each note. Comparatively, it mirrors the RP-1200SW’s pursuit for clear, powerful bass but does so in a smaller, less expensive package. The SVS 3000 offers an extraordinary performance that leaves more expensive subs cowering. And as an overwhelming number of owners mention, it indeed goes deep, and we mean DEEP.
Available in Black Ash and Piano Gloss Black.
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Imagine a subwoofer that seamlessly weaves itself into your audio tapestry, enhancing every note without hogging the limelight. The REL Acoustics T/7x is just that – a consummate team player when it comes to your audio ensemble. Among its kind, the T/7x stands out with its dual drivers: an 8-inch active and a 10-inch passive, contributing to its unmatched speed, clarity, and power.
The T/7x’s greatest strength is its musicality, with an ability to trace minute details and traverse farther than most of its competitors. Yet, its power is not to be underestimated, backed by a robust 200-watt Class A/B amplifier. This is not the choice for those seeking chest-thumping, room-rattling bass; it is the choice for those seeking finesse, agility, and an almost poetic integration with the music. You may not get the seismic movie slam of the SVS SB-3000, but for music purists, the T/7x offers a beautifully articulate and tonally balanced bass.
Available in High Gloss Black and High Gloss White.
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The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW subwoofer is your ticket to a world-class home theater experience. Klipsch, known for its impeccable sound quality and rich audio heritage, has outdone itself with this model. It features an Aerofoil front slot port that ensures crisp, tight bass by minimizing turbulence. Additionally, its high-efficiency amplifier maintains the original signal path, creating a cleaner, true-to-source sound, similar to the KEF’s sound commitment with the KUBE 12b above.
For all the home theater buffs out there, yes, this subwoofer shakes bones. The sub’s added length—a result of its new components—has translated into a much more immersive cinematic experience, making it a favorite among movie enthusiasts. Anyone with first-hand experience just can’t seem to get enough of its performance, with most highlighting its deep low-end extension and incredible volume. While the price tag might be steep for some, it is certainly a worthwhile investment, and a worthy challenger to others above this price point. Welcome to your personal concert hall, with the Klipsch RP-1200SW as the star performer.
Available exclusively in Klipsch’s timeless Ebony Wood finish.
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Like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, the SVS 3000 Micro Sealed subwoofer will leave you marveling at its capabilities. Its unique design – two active 8-inch woofers working in unison within a compact 10-inch enclosure – achieves a performance level usually seen in larger single-driver subwoofers. It’s as if KEF’s precision and synchronicity were packed into a micro subwoofer that easily surpasses similar models with its tight, punchy output.
The most remarkable thing about the 3000 Micro is how it sidesteps the usual pitfalls of micro subwoofers. The usual “dancing” or “walking” of the cabinet during high output is effectively cancelled out by the unique driver arrangement. This results in a more controlled, accurate bass output, further enhanced by the precise control offered by its integrated smartphone app. With just a few EQ adjustments it blends seamlessly with speakers, making this sub a surefire way to level up your audio experience, even in smaller spaces.
Available in Piano Gloss Black and Piano Gloss White.
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Think a slim design means compromised sound? Think again. The Q Acoustics 3060S redefines expectations with a performance that defies its slender frame. Compared to its heftier counterparts like the SVS SB-3000 or the REL Acoustics T/7x, this subwoofer proves that good things come in small packages.
The 3060S is not about loud, brute force; it’s about a deft touch and elegance. Harnessing the might of a 150-watt amplifier and a 8″ driver, this subwoofer serves up bass with a delicate balance of depth and precision. It might not rumble your walls or shake your floorboards, but it will bring your music to life with an intimate, immersive bass experience. The biggest draw of the 3060S is, without a doubt, its slim and discreet form factor, perfect for small rooms or aesthetically minimalist setups. Its chic English Walnut finish adds a nice retro touch, making it as much a part of your room’s decor as your audio setup.
Available in English Walnut, White, Black, and Graphite Gray.
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The MartinLogan Dynamo 800 X is a powerful presence. It’s not just another sound box promising unbeatable audio; this subwoofer transforms expectations with its superior performance and unparalleled adaptability. The Dynamo 800 X is a meticulously engineered marvel, encapsulating a 10-inch inverted surround poly cone woofer and a potent 600 Watts (peak) amplifier, all in a sealed non-resonant cabinet. The brilliance of its construction, though, is its unique capability to convert from a standard down-firing to a front-firing orientation with ease. This flexibility caters to your specific placement preferences, a feature that distinguishes the Dynamo 800 X as the top choice for versatile placement.
The Dynamo 800 X is not just about physical flexibility. It offers a state-of-the-art digital control system accessible via a smartphone app, putting a host of settings such as volume level, low-pass filter, and phase at your fingertips. Its highlight is a unique tone sweep feature that detects and neutralizes troublesome rattles or resonances, guaranteeing a smoother audio experience. The Dynamo 800 X’s genius is further extended with its Anthem Room Correction technology that adjusts the subwoofer’s output to complement your room’s acoustic dynamics. Owner testimonials are a testament to this feature’s brilliance, with praises for the newfound liberty in choosing the subwoofer’s spot based on personal preference rather than necessity. Complement this with exceptional bass reproduction and quality of construction, and the Dynamo 800 X is undoubtedly an unbeatable asset to any sound system. MartinLogan’s Dynamo 800 X is a sublime fusion of design versatility, technological innovation, and audio excellence, establishing a new standard for the subwoofer landscape.
Available exclusively in Matte Black.
Being top-tier speaker, you may be inclined to think these are the best subwoofers out there. However, that’s not the whole story, Yes, our picks sound amazing and some would argue that they are some of the best sounding out there. The issue comes with the price. These models are expensive, and this price bracket is where that starts to pose a bit on an issue.
In this price range we are reaching the point of diminishing returns. While they are better than cheaper options, they are not better by the ratio of their price. The dropoff is less of a concern for audiophiles looking for the utmost performance. However, if you’re trying to get the best value, this isn’t the best place to look.
When you enter the $1000, you might actually make a step backward in terms of features. That may seem counterintuitive, but if you know what you’re looking for in a subwoofer then this should make sense. For extensive features, you’re going to have to jump up even higher in price. No, these subwoofers trim down the features in favor of better design of the woofer, cabinet, and internal structure.
That’s not to say features aren’t present. Familiar things like phase, tunable crossover,and automatic signal sensing are, of course, present. Furthermore, features like different positioning options push them to be a cut above cheaper options. The features here matter in terms of the sound, adding to that overall focus.
Each of the top picks are beautiful. The majority of them are smaller than previous options. Again, focus on sound, not on specs. Following suit with dialing things back, each of these subwoofers feature a clean, black-box styled aesthetic. However, there’s something that feels more premium. They don’t just fit in, but they fit in while looking independently beautiful.
Additionally, the build of these seem much more rigid. This is inclusive of both the cabinet and woofer housing, reinforcing the whole subwoofer. This brings not only longevity internally and externally, in addition to improving the overall response of the box.
Now, don’t misunderstand anything that I’m saying here. Each one of these subwoofers is beautifully designed with a low-end that’s tight and consistent, thumping your house with each hit. The features, while not extensive, provide a few options for integrating them into your setup in the most seamless way.
There is something to be said about diminishing returns with one or two of these models. In theory, they might not be as good of a value as the lower price tiers. However, at $1000, value may not be the focal point. Performance is the focal point, and these speakers are examples of that.
With a rich history spanning over 15 years in an array of audio disciplines, our ethos is rooted in real-world performance analysis and detailed long-term evaluations. We discerningly sift through a multitude of user reviews to distill the true experience of ownership.
This diligent approach allows us to curate and showcase only those products that resonate with excellence, whether you’re a casual listener just beginning your audio journey or an experienced audiophile seeking the next level in sound experience.
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