What makes a good loudspeaker? Whether it’s bookshelf speakers or full-range floor-standing models, most audiophiles would agree with the statement that a great pair of speakers is worth its weight in gold. If you want to get into high-end audio, choosing the perfect speakers from a vast array of brands can be mindboggling.
Choosing between 2 different brands (or even two similar ones) can be tricky because each has its own strengths and weaknesses. That’s why soundbars have become such a hit lately.
The Focal Alpha 50 is a compact powered subwoofer that offers exceptional performance at a price point lower than its competition. This means you’re able to spend less money and still enjoy the same excellent sound quality. It also comes with an impressive list of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, and more.
The Yamaha HS5 is another option for those looking for a powerful subwoofer that won’t break your bank account. This speaker will satisfy any music lover with a sleek design and incredible power handling capabilities.
Let’s take a closer look at these two fantastic options;
Yamaha HS5
With a total output power rating of 600 watts RMS per channel, the Yamaha HS5 is one of the best-powered subs on the market today. Its dual 12″ woofers are capable of delivering up to 1,500 Watts peak power. The built-in amplifier provides plenty of power to drive the woofers while keeping distortion levels low.
This model has been designed to deliver outstanding sound quality across all genres of music. It comes equipped with an integrated digital amplifier that lets you connect via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. You can use it as a standalone system or add it to other components like receivers, amplifiers, and preamps.
It includes a remote control, so you don’t need to worry about fiddling around with the controls when using it as part of a larger setup. There’s also a built-in microphone so you can easily talk to friends and family without having to pick up the phone.
Thanks to the included instructions and quick installation guide, it’s easy to set up. Once you’ve got everything connected, you’ll be ready to start enjoying your favorite tunes in no time!
It also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and multi-channel formats like 5.1 and 7.2.
Features:
- 600W x 2 @ 4 Ohm
- Integrated Digital Amplifier
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3.5mm Auxiliary Input
- Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support
- Multi-Channel Format Support
- Dimensions: 19.8L x 9.4H x 8.9W inches; Weight: 35 lbs
- Price: $799
Focal Alpha 50
If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer with a lot of punch but don’t want to pay a fortune, then the Focal Alpha 50 might be just what you need.
Its total output power rating of 500 watts RMS per channel allows it to pack quite a wallop. Its dual 10″ woofers are rated at 100 Watts per channel. These drivers are made out of aluminum alloy, which helps them produce deep bass notes without getting too loud.
Thanks to its Class AB circuitry, the included amplifier delivers enough power to drive the woofer while keeping distortion levels low. You can use it in either mono or stereo mode so you can easily hook it up to your home theater setup.
The unit can also be used as a stand-alone speaker by connecting it directly to your TV or receiver.
It features a remote control so you can adjust volume and mute the speakers without having to get up off the couch.
It also works well with Bluetooth devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X multi-channel formats.
Features:
- 500W x 2 @ 4Ohm
- Class AB Amplification
- 10″ Woofers
- 100 Watt Per Channel
- Mono & Stereo Mode
- Bluetooth Compatible
- Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Supported
- Dimensions: 18.7L x 9.6H x 6.7W inches; Weight: 29 lbs
- Price: $399
Which One Should I Buy?
If you’re willing to spend a little extra cash, the Yamaha HS5 would be your top pick due to its high performance and impressive features. Ultimately, both speakers offer excellent sound quality and feature sets. However, if you have a budget constraint, we recommend the Focal Alpha 50 because it costs half as much as the HS5.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of each speaker:
Yamaha HS5
Pros:
- High Performance
- Great Sound Quality
- Easy Setup
Cons:
- Expensive
- No Remote Control
Focal Alpha 50
Pros:
- Compact Size
- Affordable Price
- Easy Setup
Cons:
- No Remote Control
Best Subwoofer Buying Guide
When buying a subwoofer, there are many things you should consider before making your final decision. It’s not a purchase you can make on a whim, and that’s why you need to think hard and compare the best choices for you. Different people have different needs for their setup so take a look at this buying guide with caution and figure out what works for you.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a subwoofer.
Power Rating
This refers to how powerful the subwoofer is compared to other models on the market. The higher the wattage number, the more powerful the subwoofer will be. Most manufacturers rate their subs between 150 and 300 watts.
Impedance
Subs come in different impedances depending on whether they are designed for front, rear, or center channels. Front channels usually run at lower impedances (usually less than 8 ohms), while center channels tend to run at higher impedances (usually around 16 ohms). Rear channels run somewhere in between.
Subs that are designed for front channels typically deliver more bass response than those designed for rear channels. This is because the front channels generally receive a larger amount of signal from the main speaker(s), allowing them to reproduce deeper lows.
Portability
Some subs are designed to sit on a table or shelf, while others are meant to be placed under a seat or mounted to a wall. Portability is an important factor to consider since most people want their sub to fit into small spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Sound Quality
Most subwoofers are designed to reproduce mid-range frequencies (between 200 Hz and 1 kHz). They may also include additional tweeters to cover midrange frequencies above 1 kHz. Some subs even include two separate drivers to cover these ranges. The best subs are capable of reproducing all frequency ranges equally well.
Crossover Frequency
A crossover filter determines what frequencies the subwoofer will pass through to the amplifier. Crossovers can range from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. Lower frequencies are passed through by using low-pass filters, while higher frequencies are filtered out by using high-pass filters. The crossover frequency determines the lowest and highest frequencies the sub will reproduce.
Amplifier Requirements
The power rating of the amplifier used with the subwoofer is another important consideration. Many amplifiers are rated at 80 W, or 120 W. Higher wattage amps require bigger power supplies and heavier wiring. You’ll need enough power to drive the sub properly.
If you’re planning on placing the sub under a seat, make sure it has adequate clearance beneath it. If you plan on mounting the sub near a wall, make sure it has ample space behind it.
Connectivity
Subs come equipped with one or more connections to connect to your home audio system. These connections include RCA jacks, XLR connectors, and/or optical inputs. Make sure the connection type matches the input on your receiver.
The Verdict
There’s no one right way to buy a subwoofer. It depends on what kind of music you listen to and where you plan on placing the system. Also, it’s important to understand that one setup might work better for some people than others, so make sure to read the article carefully, and you will be able to figure out which one is the right speaker for you.
For example, if you play mostly rock and pop music, you might want to look at a sub that has a wider soundstage, so it doesn’t get lost in the mix. If you’re listening to classical music, you might want a smaller sub that won’t overpower the rest of the speakers in your home theater setup.
If you’re looking for a new subwoofer, we recommend the Focal Alpha 50. The Alpha 50 features a dual-cone woofer design that provides accurate imaging and exceptional detail. It delivers excellent performance across the entire audio spectrum, including deep bass, crisp highs, and clear mids. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to place anywhere in your room.
