If you want the sound of big speakers but don't have the room the subwoofer/sat system is the way to go . Most of these systems are quite good , especially for the non-audiophile among us . Even a $200 powered subwoofer can exceed the bass reach of most mid-fi tower louspeakers . No mid-fi loudspeaker can produce the fullness of a properly place subwoofer . More money simply allows you to purchase a more durable subwoofer that will play at insane bass levels . If your aim is just ordinary music listening and home theater just go with a subwoofer with at least an 8 inch woofer , and 100 watts of amp power . Such a subwoofer when place on the floor about 2 feet from a corner can sound big and full .

So if your aim is big sound without big speaker :

1. Purchase the best 8 inch powered subwoofer you can afford . It doesn't have to be the most expensive . It does have to be competently engineered . If your aim is loud , deep bass opt for a bandpass sub with a sealed rear chamber . They can reach deeper in bass than ported subwoofers while maintaining tight transients .

2. Placement within the room is your tone control for the subwoofer . Always opt for placement several feet away from corners . This is to avoid too much bass re-inforcement .

3. Always select satellite speakers that are two-ways . They allow a more natural sound and treble extention . Single driver satelite speakers tend to not be able to handle much power . The only single driver satellites that can handle much power are those with neo-dymium magnets . These are the most powerful speaker magnets presently available for audio use .

Use your own ears as your guide to what you like . Remember , no one has your ears but you . Purchase what sounds good to you , not what some golden eared audiophile says is good . If you do this you always end up with the best sounding system in your price range .

Happy listening !    

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