A subwoofer is essential to getting a complete audio experience.It's the only way to access those deep-down frequencies that you don't just hear with your ears but feel in your body.Regardless of your favorite genres of music or movies, expanding into the depths of the bass realm will elevate the whole thing.
Unfortunately, a dedicated subwoofer is like the antithesis of a slim soundbar.While a soundbar tries to stay out of your way and be almost invisible, a subwoofer makes itself known.It's a big black box that has to be a particular shape and size to perform the way it does.
However, bass isn't really directional, which gives you all sorts of options for hiding it away.Whether that's the subwoofer that's attached to your PC speakers or the one you use with your home theater system, these are some potential ideas to keep it out of sight.Hide it behind your sofa or an armchair Obvious, but overlooked A lot of you reading this are already putting your subwoofers behind a couch, but if it's never occurred to you, then I strongly suggest trying it.
Even better, while you're at it, try putting your subwoofer against the back of the couch so that the rumbles are transferred directly into the seat.I really enjoy how it enhances the experience when you're watching films with epic soundtracks or lots of gunfire or explosions.It does more for a home theater feel than surround sound, in my opinion.
Slide it under the sofa, if you can It's like audio limbo If you haven't bought your subwoofer yet, and you're still contemplating how you're going to hide it away, you might want to consider a special slim subwoofer, like the Monoprice SSW-12.Close Even if your standard subwoofer could technically fit under your couch if you turned it on its side, the port would be facing the wrong way, and a sub has to stand on its feet to properly shift that bass into the floor without distortion and other audio artifacts.While you're at it, you might want to consider buying two or more subwoofers.
If you don't put all your bass hopes in a single massive unit, it's easier to hide, and it helps you get a more even spread of bass in larger rooms.Just wire your two slim woofers to the same audio source, and they'll spread the load.Since you can run both at a lower individual volume, you also run a smaller risk of distortion.
Put a table over it With a nice cloth, but not too nice You can take a small open-leg table, the sort you might put your internet router or phone on, and then put the woofer beneath it.Then all you need is a nice tablecloth to cover the legs, and no one will know there's a subwoofer there.At least not until it starts making noise.
Since you want to be close to an outlet anyway for the devices standing on the table, that's even more convenient.Clearly, a wireless subwoofer works best here, since that gives you the freedom to put the speaker wherever you want, and therefore, you can place the table in its most natural location.Conversely, if you already have a suitable table, just slide your sub in there, and the job's done.
Blend it into the background with a cover You can't see me The next option you have is to give your subwoofer a cloak of invisibility, like in , or the much cooler .Basically, you're not going to physically hide the big box; you're just going to change its appearance so that people don't see it.Simple, right? Sonos sells its Soundskins, which are official covers for Sonos subwoofers.
Pick a color that matches your wall or the color of your furniture, and you probably won't even notice the subwoofer is there.It is a little pricey at $80, and you need the right Sonos sub to use it, but it's a practical solution.Of course, nothing stops you from just making your own subwoofer cover, assuming there's no official option.
As long as the material you choose doesn't restrict the airflow your subwoofer needs, it should be good to go.Or, let your freak flag fly I seeing my subwoofer.Despite the fact that I am aggressively in favor of minimalism and hiding all my AV cables, I'm still one of those weird purists who like the look and design of AV gear.
That includes a nice chunky subwoofer.I paid for it, someone worked to design it, and so I would like to look at it.Everyone has their own tastes and needs, but you should at least spare a thought for why you want to hide your subwoofer in the first place.
Maybe you can skip the whole ordeal and just enjoy it for what it is.
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