Monoprice Powered Subwoofer
Score: 70/100
Yamaha 8-inch Powered Subwoofer
Score: 72/100Rankings
The Yamaha NS-SW050BL is an 8-inch powered subwoofer delivering tight bass with a built-in 50 W RMS amplifier, making it ideal for compact spaces. Its modest power and limited low-frequency extension may fall short in larger rooms. Best suited for small apartments or bedrooms.
The Monoprice 108248 is an 8-inch powered subwoofer with 60 W RMS output and adjustable crossover, suited for compact or entry-level home-theater setups. Its modest power and sensitive controls limit performance in larger spaces, but its affordability and flexibility make it a solid choice for beginners. Best for small rooms or desk-top speaker configurations.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
60 Wbest | 50 W | |
— | 100 Wbest | |
8 inbest | 8 inbest | |
8 inbest | — | |
— | 5 Ωbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 19.05 lb | 18.7 lbbest |
— | 225 sqftbest | |
13.75 inbest | 11.5 in |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Consumption(1) | ||
Amplifier Power (RMS) (W) | 60 W | 50 W |
Audio(1) | ||
Frequency Response (Hz) | 50-250 Hz | 28-200 Hz |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Enclosure Type | Ported | Enclosed |
Weight (lb) | 19.05 lb | 18.7 lb |
Height (in) | 13.75 in | 11.5 in |
Width (in) | 11.75 in | 11.5 in |
Depth (in) | 11.75 in | 13.4 in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Monoprice 108248 for its compact design, reinforced driver, and versatile connectivity, noting it provides a solid entry-level bass solution for stereo and 5.1 systems.
Everyday users love the subwoofer's smooth, room-filling bass and its ability to enhance small bookshelf speakers, though they note the limited power and overly sensitive controls.
Professional reviewers praise the NS-SW050BL for its compact footprint, stylish black design, and the combination of Advanced YST II and Twisted Flare Port that yields remarkably tight and accurate bass. They note the built-in 50 W RMS amplifier provides clean, punchy low frequencies suitable for small to medium rooms, while also mentioning the limited power may be a drawback for larger spaces.
Everyday users appreciate the subwoofer's ability to add substantial bottom end to bedrooms and small home-theater setups, often highlighting its rich and deep bass when paired with soundbars or Yamaha receivers. Common concerns revolve around its 50 W power being modest for larger rooms and questions about compatibility with non-Yamaha equipment.
