Subwoofer Mysteries： Don’t MakeThese Mistakes with Subs!
United States of Analog | September 6, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about common subwoofer mysteries and mistakes that audiophiles make. Host Bob from United States of Analog discusses the confusing aspects of subwoofer selection, setup, and use that can drive audiophiles crazy. He outlines seven key “mysteries” around subwoofers and mentions he’ll be doing a comparison shootout between two sub-$1,000 subwoofers later in the video.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- RHEL subwoofer [00:01:20] – Part of upcoming sub-$1,000 comparison, described as different in form and function from the ELAC
- ELAC subwoofer [00:01:20] – Part of upcoming sub-$1,000 comparison, different in form and function from the RHEL
- Klipsch subwoofer [00:03:08] – Used as example of mixing brands with KEF speakers
- KEF speakers [00:03:08] – Used as example of brand mixing with Klipsch subwoofers
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:00:10] Subwoofers can make audiophiles “a little crazy” and are one of audio’s greatest mysteries
- [00:01:55] The host admits he has five subwoofers throughout his house but doesn’t think he’s “doing subwoofers right”
- [00:02:39] Questions why one should spend a lot of money on a component that’s difficult to place and set up properly
- [00:03:33] Considers the 0/180 phase switch the “greatest mystery of all” and finds it baffling
- [00:03:50] Admits he can’t hear the difference when switching phase settings
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Seven subwoofer “mysteries” [00:02:03-00:03:33]:
- Size confusion – bigger vs. smaller drivers for bass quality
- Configuration complexity – multiple driver types, porting, connections
- Price variation from under $100 to sky-high prices
- Placement uncertainty – corner, room, wall, etc.
- Brand mixing acceptance unlike other speakers
- App control vs. manual adjustment preferences
- The 0/180 phase switch mystery
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:00] Opening joke about an “audiophile therapist” who would be “sleeping on a mattress stuffed with $100 bills and driving a drop-top Benz”
- [00:01:41] Attempts a Tom Cruise impression referencing Top Gun Maverick: “it’s one of life’s great mysteries, sir. How’s that for a cruise impression? Pretty good, right?”
- [00:02:25] Makes a “Help. Help.” sound effect then immediately says “That was dumb”
- [00:03:37] Compares the phase switch mystery to “the invention and subsequent popularity of the 8-track tape”
- [00:03:40] Sound effect of clicking the phase switch “back and forth, back and forth, click”
Summary
In this opening portion of his subwoofer video, host Bob from United States of Analog uses humor and relatability to introduce the complex world of subwoofer selection and setup. He positions subwoofers as one of audio’s greatest mysteries that can drive audiophiles to distraction, requiring theoretical “audiophile therapy.” The host’s self-deprecating approach is evident as he admits to owning five subwoofers throughout his home while simultaneously confessing he doesn’t think he’s using them correctly.
Bob systematically breaks down seven key subwoofer mysteries that confuse audiophiles, ranging from size and configuration questions to pricing disparities and placement challenges. He’s particularly puzzled by the audio community’s acceptance of brand mixing with subwoofers (unlike other speakers) and finds the ubiquitous 0/180 phase switch completely baffling, admitting he can’t hear any difference when switching between settings.
The segment establishes the video’s educational yet entertaining tone, with Bob promising a practical comparison between RHEL and ELAC subwoofers later in the video. His approach combines genuine confusion about subwoofer complexities with humor, making the technical subject matter more accessible while acknowledging that even experienced audiophiles struggle with these decisions. The host’s honesty about his own limitations helps viewers feel less alone in their subwoofer confusion.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Rockford Fosgate [00:04:19] – mobile audio brand reference
- Klipsch Cornwall speakers [00:04:11] – mentioned as “forever and ever speaker”
- ELAC 3010 subwoofers [00:07:02] – two units owned by host, 10-inch subsystem with front-firing paper driver and down-firing passive driver, designed by Andrew Jones, lists around $650
- Onkyo RZ50 AVR [00:07:14] – receiver connected to one ELAC sub
- Technics G700 amp [00:07:19] – connected to other ELAC sub
- REL HT-1205 MKII [00:07:28] – borrowed subwoofer, 12-inch carbon glass driver, lists around $849
- 12-inch Klipsch subwoofer from Best Buy [00:06:26] – mentioned as comparison point
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- Three types of subwoofer users categorized [00:04:13-00:06:50]:
- “Boom junkies” who want maximum bass impact
- “Enhancers” (host’s category) who want modest bass improvement
- “Basophiles” who obsess over technical specifications
- Host identifies as an “enhancer” [00:04:59] – middle category, cautious and paranoid about subwoofer choices
- Admits limitations in hearing differences [00:06:35] – “Sometimes I can’t” distinguish between cheap and expensive subs
- Positive assessment of Onkyo RZ50 [00:07:14] – “not a bad receiver by the way”
- REL wins on appearance [00:08:17] – “arguable winner” due to shiny acrylic top and metal accents
Any price/value assessments?
- ELAC 3010: Lists around $650 [00:07:52], host “bought it for a lot less during a seasonal sale, so I’m already winning”
- REL HT-1205 MKII: Lists around $849 [00:08:07]
- Value consideration for “enhancers” [00:05:49]: “We just don’t want to necessarily feel it in our checkbook”
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Room placement consideration [00:05:29]: Mentions not wanting to spend “days or weeks shuttling a large black cube into every corner of the room to determine where it sounds best”
- Technical controls discussion [00:06:07]: Mentions 0-180 switch and basophiles wanting more granular options like 90 or 95 degrees
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “Boom junkies, I salute you” [00:04:46] – expressing respect for bass enthusiasts
- “They want picture tilting, beer bottle shattering vibration, and they want it now” [00:04:41] – describing boom junkies
- “Andrew Jones! Woo!” [00:07:49] – enthusiastic endorsement of the designer
- Christopher Nolan joke [00:06:16]: “they also claim that they understood Christopher Nolan’s inception and we know that’s a lie”
Summary
This portion of the video presents a humorous taxonomy of subwoofer enthusiasts, dividing them into three distinct categories. The host describes “boom junkies” who crave maximum bass impact and aren’t afraid to go big with 16 or 20-inch drivers, wanting enough vibration to rattle picture frames and break beer bottles. At the opposite end are the “basophiles” – technical perfectionists who obsess over crossover settings and claim to hear subtle differences between budget and high-end subwoofers, though the host admits he sometimes cannot distinguish these differences himself.
The host places himself in the middle category of “enhancers” – cautious buyers who want some bass improvement but don’t want the hassle of extensive room optimization or the expense of premium equipment. This group represents those who initially promised their spouses that their main speakers would be their final purchase, only to find themselves shopping for subwoofers weeks later. They want to hear “a little more Ringo, a little more Bootsy” without breaking the bank or spending weekends moving equipment around the room.
The discussion then transitions into the host’s personal setup, featuring two ELAC 3010 subwoofers designed by Andrew Jones in his 13×16 sealed listening room, connected to both an Onkyo RZ50 receiver and a Technics G700 amplifier. He introduces a borrowed REL HT-1205 MKII for comparison, noting the differences in driver configuration, control options, and pricing between the two models, with the REL taking an early lead in the aesthetics department despite its traditional black grille.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- ELAC Discovery SUB3010 [00:08:30] – 10-inch subwoofer with vinyl wrap in black ash, 400 watts peak power with AB/class-D hybrid amplifier
- REL T/1205 II [00:09:49] – 12-inch subwoofer with 500 watts class D power, loaned by Origin HiFi
- Klipsch Forte 4s [00:11:01] – Main speakers mentioned in context of subwoofer pairing
- KEF LS50 Metas [00:12:16] – Alternative speakers mentioned
- Klipsch 600Ms [00:12:16] – Another speaker option discussed
- MoFi Studio deck [00:10:25] – Turntable used for testing
- SVS [00:12:10] – Brand mentioned as having accomplished app control
- Taylor Swift Pawn Sessions vinyl [00:09:44] – Test record mentioned
- T-Head Stop Making Sense reissue [00:10:18] – Test record used
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
ELAC wins for convenience over REL for sound quality [00:11:46-00:11:55]. The host concludes that while the REL sounded better with more authority and bass impact, the ELAC “wasn’t that far off” and he opts for convenience when “all things sound price being pretty even.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
- Consider convenience over pure performance [00:11:55] – “I think I’m going to opt for convenience when it comes to subwoofers”
- App control should be standard [00:12:02] – Questions why all subwoofers don’t have control apps if ELAC can do it at $650
- Don’t compromise your speakers’ sound signature [00:12:25-00:12:38] – Warns against using poorly dialed subwoofers that change the character of speakers you specifically chose
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- Subwoofer setup takes time regardless of brand [00:11:24-00:11:28] – “It’s a given that a subwoofer, any subwoofer, is going to take time to get right”
- Consider lower crossover points [00:11:13-00:11:19] – Andrew Jones suggests 40-45 Hz instead of the host’s usual 80 Hz for some speakers
- Choose your setup method [00:11:28-00:11:42] – Decide whether you want to adjust from your sofa with a smartphone or get up every five minutes to twist knobs in the dark
How did the video wrap up?
[00:13:04-00:13:08] The host acknowledges different audiophile approaches with “But tweak away, bassophiles. Rock on, bass junkies. I salute you, and I’ll see you next time in the United States of Analog.” There’s also a brief outtake [00:13:20] where he questions his word choice.
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
- “I just don’t know if I really care enough about them to want to know how the sausage is made” [00:12:58-00:13:04] – Regarding his approach to subwoofer technicalities
- “I salute you, and I’ll see you next time in the United States of Analog” [00:13:06-00:13:08] – Final sign-off
- Self-deprecating admission [00:09:44-00:09:48] – “sometimes you can get obsessively carried away with tweaking and not even realize that side two of Taylor Swift’s pawn sessions just ran out on you. Busted.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host conducts a direct comparison between the ELAC Discovery SUB3010 ($650) and the REL T/1205 II ($850), focusing on both sonic performance and user experience. He praises the ELAC’s convenient smartphone app that allows real-time adjustment of all parameters from the listening position, though admits he can get obsessively carried away with tweaking settings. The REL, while lacking app control, delivers more authoritative bass with greater weight and impact, easily satisfying “bass junkies” with its 12-inch driver and robust construction.
Despite acknowledging the REL’s superior sonic performance, the host ultimately favors the ELAC for its convenience factor, arguing that the sound quality difference wasn’t significant enough to justify the hassle of manual adjustments. He questions why more manufacturers don’t offer app control at various price points, suggesting this should be standard practice. The host also emphasizes the importance of proper subwoofer integration, warning against poorly setup subs that might compromise the carefully chosen sound signature of one’s main speakers.
The video concludes with the host revealing his practical, somewhat budget-conscious approach to audio gear, admitting he’d rather spend money on other components or vinyl records than obsess over subwoofer technicalities. While acknowledging that serious bass enthusiasts (“bassophiles” and “bass junkies”) may have different priorities, he maintains his preference for convenience and ease of use, signing off with his characteristic self-aware humor and respect for different audiophile philosophies.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
