Are Memphis Subwoofers Good? (Buy Or Avoid)
High-quality subwoofers are necessary to experience exquisite auditory rhythms. Since 1965, Memphis Audio has built a reputation for pushing the limits of its massive subwoofers. Like any other appliance, finding a subwoofer that matches your music preferences is crucial.
Memphis subwoofers are good because they feature a competition-grade cone for robust built quality. These subwoofers are highly affordable yet produce premium, quality sound over a long time without distortion. The subwoofers have a rating of 150 to 1000 watts of RMS power, delivering powerful low frequencies.
Research and first-hand testing come in handy while purchasing subwoofers, as everyone wants items from reputable brands. What drives one to buy the Memphis subwoofers? This guide explains whether the Memphis subwoofers are a worthy choice.
How Affordable are Memphis Subwoofers?
Depending on their specifications, the price of Memphis subwoofers ranges between $149 to $659. How much you should spend on these subwoofers entirely depends on your personal preference. Memphis subwoofers with a higher power output are more costly than those with lower power output.
With high output and good sound quality, Memphis subwoofers are affordable. These subwoofers typically operate between a frequency range of 20 to 200Hz, depending on their sizes. Memphis Audio has a wide range of subwoofers to choose from. All you need to do is conduct extensive research to determine which suits you best and fits your budget.
This brand has 8″ subwoofers, 10″ subwoofers, 12″ subwoofers, and 15″ subwoofers. Different sizes of subwoofers respond and emit different sounds to different music. Thankfully, Memphis subwoofers are warranty-covered. Once they become defective during the warranty period, you can have them repaired or replaced.
What is the Frequency Output of Memphis Subwoofers?
Initially, the best subwoofers should have a lower frequency output at the highest sound pressure levels (SPLs). Memphis subwoofers have an excellent frequency output because they can play loud without distortion.
With a frequency response of up to 200Hz, Memphis subwoofers do not require an amplifier limiting feature. This is a great advantage because these quality subwoofers can still deliver your desired sound without amplifier limiting.
Additionally, Memphis subwoofers generate good chest pumping power when you play deep bass notes. This quality assures you that Memphis subwoofers have a lower frequency output at high sound pressure levels.
Memphis subwoofers generate enough energy to perform effortlessly with high SPLs without bottoming out or quitting at critical moments. These subwoofers are worthy because they create high energy and chest-thumping power with the deepest bass notes.
What are the Memphis Subwoofers’ Enclosure Specs?
There is no shortage of opinion on the enclosure system since ported, and sealed enclosures have their advantages and disadvantages. Memphis subwoofers come with both the ported and sealed enclosures. An array of enclosures gives your subwoofers support to showcase their maximum output.
The sealed enclosures are compact; thus, they fit in more applications. The sealed enclosure Memphis subwoofers are an excellent choice if one has inadequate space. Essentially, sealed boxes restrict woofer movement and reduce distortion, hence more accurate bass.
On the contrary, Memphis subwoofers with ported enclosures are relatively larger. Their size enables them to achieve a deep system tuning frequency. It also enhances the subwoofer’s system to achieve a naturally deep bass extension in the 18 to 36 Hz octave.
Whichever the enclosure specs of the Memphis subwoofers you go for, they have:
- Excellent transient response.
- They have excellent sound quality and accuracy.
How Do Memphis Subwoofers Handle Speed in Transients?
Memphis subwoofers are perfect when it comes to handling speed in transients. These quality subwoofers have a fast impulse that can change momentum quickly. They handle speed in transients so well that they can start and stop at any time with no delay.
A good-quality subwoofer can stop playing bass at the precise moment they’re supposed to and start playing bass at the correct time. Memphis subwoofers are good because they can change in momentum with speed without producing extra notes. This way, the sound is distinguishable from the speaker output.
Low-quality subwoofers are unable to keep up with the full range of content. As a result, they cannot handle speed transients in an unnatural and distracting way. However, Memphis subwoofers are reputable for their ability to stop and kick back in at precise moments.
Are the Power Ratings of Memphis Subwoofers Good?
While all subwoofers are powered, some have ridiculous power ratings. With their amp architecture, Memphis subwoofers need less power than you would think. The Memphis 8″ subwoofers can work well with 150 watts, and the Memphis 15″ subwoofer can work perfectly with 500 watts.
These subwoofers’ power ratings can go up to 1000 watts. You can always get one that fits your choices and preference. If you have a bigger space, you can go for a subwoofer with a higher power rating. They have more headroom and lower distortion.
Memphis audio subwoofers have a power reference series that strengthens low-frequency bass under a reasonable power rating. With a power rating of as low as 200 watts, these subwoofers deliver big bass and high output.
How Do Memphis Subwoofers Blend with a Full Range of Speakers?
Memphis subwoofers are self-powered and have low-pass filter (LPF) controls. These filters are vital in turning the frequency to its highest or disabling it entirely. These controls enable the Memphis subwoofers to blend seamlessly with a full range of speakers.
Once you connect the Memphis subwoofers to a full range of speakers, you can’t hear them above the other speakers. These subwoofers do not draw attention to themselves by having their sounds as the focal point.
Essentially, Memphis subwoofers create a sonic foundation without drawing attention to the bass alone. The sonic element of these subwoofers is powerful and remains complimentary to the whole system without drawing attention.
Subwoofers that sound like they are stealing the show by not blending well with speakers are not a good choice. Memphis subwoofers are good because they get excellent loading for your needs, whether connected to an external output. Initially, these subwoofers seem like part of your speakers, with their sound broadening the performance, not overwhelming it.
Do the Memphis Subwoofers Have an Accuracy in Frequency Response?
With Memphis subwoofers, you hear the exact amounts of bass that you’re supposed to hear at the same pitch the sound should be. Memphis subwoofers can perfectly recreate the sound hence their accuracy in frequency response.
These subwoofers are worth consideration because their sound is powerful without warping and flattening. This factor gives these subwoofers a theater experience as it reflects exactly what you need to hear and feel at a particular moment.
The sound in Memphis subwoofers is clean, clear, and powerful as it should be. The accuracy in the bass produced by these subwoofers is also apparent without unclear flattened notes. Memphis subwoofers recreate perfect sound without distortion due to their accurate frequency response.
Can Memphis Subwoofers Play at a Low-Frequency Extension?
The Memphis subwoofers’ ability to play notes at a highly low-frequency extension is fair. Even at a frequency below 20Hz, The Memphis subwoofers can produce deep bass tones and reach notes with fair clarity.
With these subwoofers at a low-frequency extension, you may not hear the notes with excellent clarity. However, the fact that you will still feel the notes is an indicator of a good subwoofer. Some of the best subwoofers deliver the most profound, inaudible bass.
Conclusion
High-quality components and up-to-date technology ultimately determine which subwoofers to pick and which to avoid.
The Memphis subwoofers, from a reputable brand, produce a high-quality bass and are durable; hence are a worthy investment.