A subwoofer is like a valuable part of a home theater. However, home theaters can work without one. With a subwoofer, you will be able to get an amazing sound. Nothing works as great as a subwoofer to lift your home theater experience. But what will happen if you ever face any problem with your subwoofer or notice any malfunctioning? You may also ask if it could possibly be fixed or not? So how can you get to know if your home theater subwoofer is blown?
You can test your subwoofer with a low volume. If it is distorted, then you have a blown or partially blown subwoofer. If there is no sound at all, then the subwoofer has been completely blown. You can also check your cable if you think that’s the issue before making any conclusions.
Subwoofers can be blown when they either receive too much power or too much of a distorted signal. You can easily find out that your subwoofer is blown by listening to the sound or reviewing the woofer’s movement. You can also use a multimeter to find out if the coil is blown.
If you want to test the movement of your woofer, you’ll want to remove the cover to reach the cone. In that case, you have to move the cone to evaluate the damage carefully. Signs that your subwoofer is damaged:
- If you do not notice any movement, then it is really damaged.
- If it is extra shaky, this is also a sign of damage.
- If you hear any scratching sounds from your subwoofer, then it is blown.
- Moreover, you can rather use a multimeter to test for a blown coil. (A multimeter measures the amount of voltage, resistance, and current) so that you can find out if there is a lack of electrical resistance.
If you are already undergoing any of these signs, then you might be having a blown subwoofer. But if you notice that, at first, you will want to assess the situation completely. You have to understand what kind of damage happened to your subwoofer, and then you have to determine what you need to do next.
What Happens When a Subwoofer Blows?
Suppose you are enjoying your home theater system, but suddenly one day, something happens with your low-end sound. It may get very soft, or the sound starts to get distorted. Or you may do not hear any sound from the low-end at all, or it starts to sound very unfamiliar and extra loud. Whatever happens, it is making you think that your subwoofer is blown. You can be frustrated because the subwoofer is like a valuable part of a home theater.
When your subwoofer gets damaged or blown to some degree, this can happen because of two things. Those are your subwoofer either received too much power or too much signal. Many subwoofers have been damaged because of the Clipped signals. If you put too much pressure on your subwoofer with too much power, that can also damage it.
Clipped or Distorted Signals
If you turn up a signal that is distorted, that can also damage your subwoofer. Clipped or distorted signals are really harmful to your subwoofer. Sometimes you will not even notice that your signal is distorted until the levels go so high and it starts to distort and damage your subwoofer.
Too Much Power
Sometimes a subwoofer is blown is due to too much power. Though a lot of sounds can be exciting and enjoyable, a subwoofer can only handle so much. If you push your subwoofer to go beyond its power limits so that you can get more sound can result in damage.
Even though subwoofers are skillfully created to resist more power than their specified RMS (root mean square) ratings, also known as continuous power handling, it is still important to make sure the sound is clear and distortion-free at extra high volumes. You should know your subwoofer RMS wattage to ensure that you are supplying the valid amount of power to your subwoofer continuously.
Different Ways to Test if a Subwoofer is Blown
When you start noticing that there is a probability that a subwoofer in your home theater has been blown, you should fully assess the woofer to determine the total amount of damage that already happened. Damage can happen in more than one place. So you have to find out all the damaged parts carefully. Here are the three main ways to test if a subwoofer is blown.
- Test the sound. Is it clipping, distorted, etc.?
- Test the movement of the cone.
- You can also use a multimeter to inquire about electrical resistance.
In this article, you can learn the exact way to perform these tests without further damaging the possibly inadequate subwoofer. So keep reading.
Test the Sound
You can notice the sound to determine how much your subwoofer has already been damaged because sound quality works like an indicator. Most of the time, what you will hear during a fully blown or partially blown subwoofer are:
No sound at all – if you do not hear anything from your subwoofer, then it has likely been completely blown. Test the cable and audio source as well. Make sure that those are well before you do anything to the subwoofer.
Partial sound with distortion – if you ever notice a weak, distorted sound coming from your subwoofer at any volume, then it might be because of a partially blown subwoofer on your hands.
Test the Cone
Reaching to a subwoofer cone to identify damage is not so hard. All the Subwoofer cones come with a built-in suspension system that allows them to move fluidly. So you can easily identify when the cone is off only by using your hands. When you are doing it, you should be very careful and lightly press on the subwoofer cone. Now you will get to know that what you might experience and what they actually mean.
- No movement – if you lightly press on the cone but it does not move, it is an indicator that damage has occurred.
- A wobbly cone – if you see that the cone unsteadily moves around, then it’s likely the suspension system has been greatly hazarded.
- Scratching sounds – if you hear the cone make scratchy noises while you move it with your hands, then the damage has occurred. You should remove it from your home theater system before it causes damage to any other equipment.
Use a Multimeter
A multimeter is a very useful tool. This tool will be able to inform you if a subwoofer has any damage to its coil. With this device, you can easily check the electrical resistance (also known as ohms, symbol = Ω). If you find that the electrical resistance is zero, then the coil might have been damaged. Again, if the multimeter’s reading does not stay in place, it is also a sign of you having a damaged coil in your hand. So you should probably keep a multimeter around the house. A multimeter is very easy to use. You just have to complete the steps given here.
- At first, disconnect the subwoofer from the power source if it has one.
- Disconnect the audio input from the subwoofer.
- If an external amplifier or receiver is not powering your subwoofer, then you will need to remove the sub from its cage.
- Then you have to connect the two probes to the multimeter. And turn the multimeter on to measure the ohms (Ω) of your subwoofer.
- You have to connect the red probe with the positive lead and the black probe with the negative lead.
Then the multimeter will start to measure the amount of resistance. You will usually have to round up to the nearest whole number to know the correct resistance.
What to Do if You Know Your Subwoofer Is Blown
Damaging a subwoofer is really very stressful. But you should take action as soon as possible once you get to know that your subwoofer is damaged.
At first, you should remove your subwoofer from your working home theater system. Because if you do not remove it from the place, it may end up causing damage to your other equipment, which will be more stressful and cost you a lot of money as well. So you should completely remove it.
If you do not have any electronics experience, you should call someone who is an expert. If your subwoofer is relatively new, it could possibly be covered under warranty. So check this before you start to disassemble the subwoofer. It is good to test the subwoofer by yourself. But it is even better to get more people to estimate the damage. So you can call your extremely tech-savvy friend or take it to the Geek Squad at Best Buy.
And finally, you should now make a decision about what you will do without your subwoofer. Are you on a budget to buy a new one? Could you live without it, currently? Have you ever considered trying to fix it? Most of the time, people choose to buy a new one, but there may be another route for you. So we recommend you to review all of your options to find out what’s best for you.
Best Seller List of Subwoofers:
- 12" high excursion spun-copper Imp woofer
- 29 hertz – 120 hertz plus /- 3 dB
- 400 watt
- Max acoustic output 116dB
- Bass-reflex via rear firing port. Amplifier power (control/peak): 200 watts/400 watts
- 10" front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer
- All-digital amplifier with 300 watts peak power
- Volume low pass crossover and phase control
- Line level LFE RCA inputs for maximum receiver compatibility
- Dimensions 14 5" x 12 5" x 16 4"
- 32" wirelss sound bar + wireless subwoofer delivers clear midtones and deeper, fuller bass. 2.1 channel stereo sound for rich, dimensional audio.
- Supports Bluetooth v5.0, Aux in (RCA audio inputs), Line in (3.5mm audio input), Optical digital audio input
- Frequency response: 140Hz - 16kHz gives you it all, from rumbling bass to stunning treble
- 3 sound mode settings: movie, music, dialog
- Wall mountable
- POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA BASS & PUNCH – 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer and configured directed port provide accurate bass depth that brings music and movies alive. The perfect home theater subwoofer for small-to-mid size rooms. Waterproof : No
- LOUDER CLEARER SOUND EVEN AT HIGH VOLUME – Enjoy a thrilling balanced audio experience with rich, deep sound, even at low frequencies, when using the 10 inch subwoofer. BLENDS EASILY WITH ANY SPEAKER & plays demanding nodes without distortion
- DOUBLE THE AMPLIFIER POWER TO 100 Watts of Power with its in-built 50-watt RMS amp. Sophisticated engineering featuring best in class resonance-free driver materials makes this subwoofer with built in amp highly durable and FIT FOR EXTENDED USE
- EASY TO INTEGRATE WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS – Hook up this compact subwoofer to the receiver and upgrade your music sound instantly. Features continuously variable 80-160 Hz crossover and 40-160 Hz (-3dB) frequency response
- A sleek detachable grille on the front, speaker and line-level inputs, speaker-level outputs on the back, plus a Phase Toggle Switch for multiple subwoofers, make this home subwoofer cohesive and complete
- All-in-One Complete SDR Series Dual 12-inch Loaded Subwoofer Complete Bass Package
- Peak Power: 2,400 Watts | RMS Power: 1,200 Watts
- Includes x1 Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 Dual 12" Loaded 2,400 Watt Vented Subwoofer Enclosure
- Includes x1 Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Class D 1,200 Watt Monoblock Car Subwoofer Amplifier
- Includes x1 Skar Audio SKAR4ANL-OFC 4 Gauge Premium OFC Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit
- Power Redefined -- Our upgraded subwoofer now delivers a staggering 1200W Peak Power (up from 800W), setting a new benchmark. Experience unmatched clarity and earth-shaking bass that transforms your car audio system. Feel every beat with incredible impact and immersive sound quality on every drive. Turn every journey into a thrilling, dynamic adventure!
- Bass Sculpted by Light -- Introducing our flagship subwoofer, where groundbreaking design meets deep bass performance. The heart of this powerhouse is its meticulously forged aluminum alloy grille, crafted with an intricate web-inspired pattern for exceptional strength and a truly distinctive look. Encircling it is a brilliant 360° dynamic LED halo, setting a new standard for automotive audio aesthetics.
- Ultra-Slim Space-Saving Design -- Experience powerful bass without sacrificing cabin space. At just 3.54 inches (90mm) thick, this subwoofer installs seamlessly under most car/truck seats. Engineered with precision acoustic architecture, it delivers dynamic, punchy low frequencies even in compact spaces – maintaining your vehicle’s clean interior while transforming every beat into multidimensional sound.
- Advanced Thermal Management -- Featuring aerospace-grade cast aluminum housing for 300% more efficient heat dissipation vs. standard steel enclosures. Ideal for confined under-seat installations, it maintains stable performance during extended drives or high-volume sessions.
- Wireless Acoustic Sovereignty -- Dominate every decibel with the dedicated RF remote – independently fine-tune gain, bass boost (0-12dB), and crossover (50-150Hz) while keeping your head unit untouched. Sculpt stadium-grade low-end textures whether cruising at 30mph or parked at sunset.
- Complete Bass Upgrade: Preloaded with four DS18 ZR8.2D 8-inch subwoofers, delivering up to 1800W RMS / 3600W MAX of deep, hard-hitting bass at a 1-ohm final load
- Perfect Fitment: Designed for 2020 and newer Gladiator models, this under-seat enclosure installs seamlessly without seat lift, preserving your factory interior look and space
- Premium Construction: Built from ¾” MDF, wrapped in black leather with acrylic accents, and engineered with sealed 0.88 ft³ chambers for ultra-tight, low-frequency response
- Show-Ready Lighting: Integrated Digital RGB LED Dream Lighting (12V) enhances your system’s look; fully customizable when paired with the DS18 LC-DRM Bluetooth controller (sold separately)
- Trail-Tested Durability: Rugged build ensures reliable performance both on-road and off-road, making it the ultimate audio solution for enthusiasts who demand power, style, and durability
- Spun copper front-firing Cerametallic woofers
- 10-inch, front-firing driver
- 150 watts continuous, 300 watts dynamic power
- Strong, flexible, removable grille
- All digital amplifier for high-efficiency and true-to-source sound accuracy
- POWERFUL BASS: 10" woofer with 600W peak/300W RMS output delivers tight, thumpy low end for movies, music, and gaming
- CLASS-D AMPLIFIER: Built-in amplifier precisely matched to the woofer and enclosure for clean, distortion-free sound
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS: Volume, crossover frequency, and phase controls allow you to customize your audio experience
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Features RCA line inputs/outputs and high-level speaker inputs/outputs to suit any setup
- DURABLE BUILD: MDF enclosure with high-grade vinyl finish and detachable foam grill for lasting performance and style
- Spun copper front-firing Cerametallic woofers
- 12-inch, front-firing driver
- 200 watts continuous, 400 watts dynamic power
- Compatible with almost any AV receiver
- Strong, flexible, removable grille
Related Questions:
Can you fix a blown subwoofer?
Yes, there are numerous ways that you can use to fix a subwoofer. But the task is not easy at all. It will require precision and skill. You will need to detach and separate parts of the subwoofer.
Fixing the area of the subwoofer that has been damaged is also quite challenging. If you want to get your blown subwoofer repaired, it’s best to get it in the hands of an experienced professional with the tools and knowledge to complete the tasks at hand. So we do not recommend you to take attempt to fix your subwoofer unless you actually know what you are doing.
What are the good options for purchasing a new subwoofer?
There are many kinds of subwoofer available on the market from different manufacturers. Day by day, they are getting much better and upgraded. Though it is a matter of sorrow that your subwoofer is blown, you will really enjoy shopping for a new subwoofer. You can find an option available for every budget very easily. The Polk Audio has a few highly rated, budget-friendly options on Amazon.
The PWS10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer and its PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer really come with good build quality. The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer is another great option, but you have to spend a slightly higher amount of money for this. And if you have a budget of 500 dollars, you can upgrade to the SVS SB-100 Subwoofer with a 12-inch Driver, 300-Watts RMS, and a Sealed Cabinet. You can choose one of the above or find something else. But whatever your specifications are, there is always a solution for you.
- Built-in BASH amp
- output: 1,000 watts peak/250 watts RMS
- 12-in. front-firing, long-throw, heavy-duty poly-injected woofer with high-power magnet and long excursion surround
- dual flared front ports provide positioning versatility
- Frequency response: 21 Hz to 200 HZ (±3 dB)
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
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Last update on 2025-11-13
