Inexpensive but decent 8" subwoofers


My current setup is Bluesound Powernode (N330) -> Blueroom Minipods

Which obviously isn't a high end system, but balances decent sound with sleek looks.

Looking for a 8" subwoofer which won't break the bank. Bonus points if it also looks good/minimal!

128x128resveratrol3

I highly recommend the "slim" 8 inch subs by Monolith. They have 8,10 and 12 inch sizes you can slide under a sofa or wall mount. You can see the 12 inch (big) version mounted on my back wall if you look at my profile.

You also might consider the Audioengine subs. They have two models -- S6 and S8 (actually four models if you consider the wireless options for the above a separate model.)  I have an S8 and was quite pleased with it for the price, though it has now been replaced by a GE Supersub X (at 3X the price.)

You may wish to look at Totem Kin subwoofers. Their ultra-compact 8" sub sounds fantastic, is extremely well made, reasonably priced, and looks great too.

Klipsch sw308 or newer model equivalent if you can find one. Front firing woof and two side firing passive radiators deliver extra bang for the size and also makes it easier to integrate well. I use one with a pair of KEF ls50 meta in a smaller room and the combo checks all the boxes.

@resveratrol3 note that any smaller sub no matter how good may not be a good match to some speakers and/or room. If speakers are fuller range and not high pass filtered you probably need a larger sub to properly fill in the missing lowest octave. Also the larger the room the larger any sub up to the task properly will probably need to be. A smaller sub running with more full range speakers to start will be a challenge if even possible to blend in properly without merely delivering a big bass bump in the frequency range already covered. That could result in fat muddy bass that also obscures detail in the midrange which is not a good thing.

MK 70B, push pull design. I'm running 2 upfront & 1-MK125 for my surround.. Check all the pos. feedbacks on this brand.

Jamo has a couple of vertical subs that are pretty stylish and inexpensive.

Never heard them though.

Hope you find something you like!

 

A few years ago I bought a used REL Q108MK2 that's an oldie but goodie...sounds great and has more adjustability than newer RELs. Around 200 bucks.

SVS does not make an eight inch sub. Emotiva Airmotiv se8 flex subwoofer, currently on sale. REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII is the one ☝️ you should check out for the best quality. 

I concur that the SVS 3000 Micro deserves a look.

It combines two horizontally opposed 8" woofers in a compact, attractive package which i was able to fit under a buffet used as my stereo cabinet.

I bought one a few months ago and then added a second one more recently, which I think balances the bass in support of a pair of K-horns.

A mobile app is handy and I can attest that the current customer support is good.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

So based on the price range and the appearance, I have narrowed it to the following ( in approximate order of price, low to high):

Kanto Sub 8

Jamos S 808

Monolith 8 

Audioengine S8

RSL Speedwoofer 10s MKII

Tzero MKIII

Sonos sub

Any of these that I should specifically avoid? Any of these that punch above their weight in terms of sound quality?

The speakers that I have are supposed to be "quick" and hence I was looking for 8" in the first place.

I've been curious about using multiple subs for years so in the last year I've been buying cheap subs off ebay.  There's a custom install only brand named Episode and I bought two of their 8 inch sealed subs and one sealed 10 inch model.  I paid around $150 each for the 8 inchers including shipping.  At that price they're great.  They're reasonably flat to around 40hz where they drop off pretty quickly.  Since it's a custom install only brand it looks like people don't have any idea how to price them so they can be found at great prices somewhat regularly.  They look a lot like the PSB sub series and if you look at some pics the amps are clearly made by the same company.

 

PSB SubSeries 350 Powered subwoofer | eBay

 

Episode ES-SUB-EVO10-450 Powered Subwoofer - Gloss White - Tested | eBay

What is your budget?  How big is your “bank”?  Every suggestion here is great,with varying price points. Are you willing to go used? 

Not sure why you’re disregarding the SVS 3000 Micro given its price, performance, built-in room-correction software, and risk-free 45 day trial including shipping both ways, but best of luck whatever you choose. 

Well the most expensive ones on my list are 500 USD, but SVS 3000 micro although it looks nice, is listed at 900 USD. 


I am sure I can get it cheaper used, but that doesn't mean I can get it at sub-500 prices probably.

Found in the outlet from the dropdown menu.

My 3000 Micro supposedly has a couple blemishes, I sure can't see them. 

They are running about $750 though. 

I have a Monitor Audio Bronze Sub sitting in a box right now. I'm not sure if it's an 8". Sounds really good. Lacks the mobile app adjustments the SVS has. 

I could put it up for sale here if you're interested. (way under $500) 😊

The smaller B&W subs have never dissappointed.  Honest, musical, good performance for the investment.

@resveratrol3 

 

+1 For the small B&W subs. I’m using two ASW608 8” subs. They are great subs. Good luck with your search. Check out my system page to get an idea of how they look.

https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-us/product/loudspeakers/asw608

Cheers,

Scott