Subwoofers

The best subwoofers for home theatre in Australia right now are REL, SVS, and Yamaha: three brands that consistently stand apart in build quality, bass performance, and long-term reliability. 

 

Whether you're building a dedicated home theatre, adding low-end weight to a stereo system, or simply filling a room the way it deserves to be filled, Eastwood HiFi carries Australian stock across all three brands, with expert advice available in-store and online.

Why Eastwood HiFi for Subwoofers?

  • Australian stock: REL, SVS & Yamaha ready to ship, no international wait
  • Expert matching: our team can match a subwoofer to your amplifier, room size and speakers before you buy
  • Music & home theatre: REL for stereo integration, SVS for cinema impact, Yamaha for great value
  • Sealed & ported: tight accurate bass or deep high-impact extension, depending on how you listen

Sealed vs Ported: What's the Difference?

A sealed subwoofer uses a completely enclosed cabinet. Bass output rolls off gradually below the tuning frequency, which produces tight, accurate, well-defined low end, ideal for music and for rooms where precision matters more than raw volume. The SVS SB-1000 Pro is the benchmark in this category.

A ported subwoofer uses a tuned port (a hole or slot in the cabinet) to extend bass output further and louder below the tuning frequency. The trade-off is a sharper roll-off below the port frequency, but for home cinema, where you want to feel an explosion, a ship engine, or a thunderstorm, that extra headroom is exactly what you're after. The SVS PB range is built for this.

If you're unsure, a quality sealed sub like the SVS SB-1000 Pro or REL T/5x is the more versatile choice. It will do home theatre well and music excellently.

How to Match a Subwoofer to Your System

Getting a subwoofer to disappear into your system, contributing bass without drawing attention to itself, comes down to three things: connection, crossover, and placement.

  • Connection: AV receivers connect via the subwoofer/LFE output (standard RCA). Stereo amplifiers without a subwoofer output pair best with a REL subwoofer using the Neutrik high-level connection. See our amplifiers range for compatible options.
  • Crossover: Most AV receivers handle this automatically through Audyssey or YPAO room calibration. For stereo systems, set the subwoofer's crossover to around 80Hz as a starting point and adjust by ear.
  • Placement: The front corners of the room typically provide the most bass reinforcement. Avoid placing a sub directly against a wall with no breathing room, and keep it away from doorways where low-frequency energy escapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the best subwoofer for home theatre in Australia?

SVS and REL are the most consistently recommended brands for home theatre. The SVS SB-1000 Pro suits small-to-medium rooms with tight, accurate bass. The REL HT/1205 MKII suits larger rooms and those who want more dynamic range. Yamaha NS-SW300 is an excellent entry point if budget is a priority.

Q2: What is the difference between REL and SVS subwoofers?

REL subwoofers use a high-level (speaker terminal) connection that integrates more naturally with stereo amplifiers, making them especially popular with music listeners. SVS subwoofers use a standard LFE connection and are engineered for high output, deep extension, and precise calibration, making them a favourite for home theatre. Both brands are exceptional; the choice comes down to your system and use case.

Q3: Do I need a subwoofer output on my amplifier to connect a subwoofer?

For most SVS and Yamaha subwoofers, yes, a dedicated subwoofer (LFE) output is the standard connection method, and most AV receivers include one. REL subwoofers are unique in offering a high-level Neutrik connection, which connects directly to your amplifier's speaker terminals, no subwoofer output required. This makes REL a good match for stereo amplifiers and integrated amps.

Q4: What is the difference between a sealed and a ported subwoofer?

Sealed subwoofers (like the SVS SB range) produce tighter, more accurate bass that rolls off gradually, well-suited for music listening and rooms where precision matters. Ported subwoofers (like the SVS PB range) produce louder, deeper bass extension and are tuned for maximum impact in home theatre. For most rooms, a quality sealed subwoofer like the SVS SB-1000 Pro is an excellent all-rounder.

Q5: Will a subwoofer work with my existing stereo or AV system?

Almost certainly yes. Any AV receiver with a subwoofer/LFE output will connect directly to a powered subwoofer. If you're running a stereo amplifier without a subwoofer output, a REL subwoofer with its high-level Neutrik input is specifically designed for this setup. If you're unsure, contact Eastwood HiFi, our team can confirm compatibility before you buy.

Shop Subwoofers at Eastwood HiFi

Every subwoofer we sell is stocked in Australia and available with expert pre-purchase advice. If you're not sure which model suits your room, speakers, or amplifier, call us, email us, or visit us in-store. We'd rather spend ten minutes helping you choose the right sub than have you receive the wrong one.