Sub woofer for home theatre...powered or passive?

[billethkid]

If you have a home theatre system and have a sub woofer, is it powered (plugs in wall for power separately) or passive (no 110 v required).

Did you specifically choose one or the other?
If yes why?

I have just upgraded my entertainment system tuner and now looking to add a new subwoofer.

[alanmcdonald]

I have three 5.1 systems, 2 computer and one theater. All are powered subwoofers.

It really depends on how much you care about the lows. Passive subwoofers just don't put out the booming sound of powered.

I really recommend the Visio 5.1 system with powered and wireless (Bluetooth) subwoofer and front soundbar sold at Costco (and I'm sure other places). The rear speakers are wired to the subwoofer, so there is no need to run wires from the front to the back.

[fndrbndr]

I prefer the powered sub for ultimate control of the clarity of the lower frequencies. Before you purchase a powered sub be sure your tuner has a sub output that sends the unamplified signal to your sub speaker. Do not use a speaker output to a powered sub-----that sends an already amplified signal that would probably be distorted when you then amplify it again with the amplifier that is internal in a powered sub. Also choose a powered sub that has a cross-over control that allows you to select the frequencies of the signal that is amplified by the sub. You can then control the sound the way you want it according to the acoustics in your room.

[EnglishJW]

Powered sub - eases the load on the main amplifier/receiver.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Powered will give you what you are looking for and you can control the volume and amount of bass. If you are setting up a theater surround system go for the extra money and get a powered woofer. I set up an excellent sounding system in our Village home the is not over bearing in size etc. You can order it on Amazon for around $380 (5.1 sys with powered sub) I would highly recommend it. check it out.

Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black)

[Villager Audio Video]

You really don't have much of a choice. Any modern Audio Video reciever has a low voltage LFE (low frequency effects) or sub output. The only thing that has passive subwoofer outputs are home theater in a box setups that include the AVR and usually 5 speakers and a sub. Avoid these at all costs.

One more thing, don't get cheap with a subwoofer. The LFE channel is extremely important. Cabinet size, cost and output are directly related to room size. For a typical open Floorplan designer home in The Villages, most are over 8000 cubic feet and require a large subwoofer to get reference level bass at the lowest frequency.

I sell a couple different lines of Subwoofers including www.SVSound.com. Bang for the buck you can't do any better PERIOD. You are welcome to stop by and have a look (and listen) for yourself.