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The subwoofer in a two-channel system is a perennial talking point that has seen many a lance broken. While the debate rages on, the market for these devices keeps growing - and a consensus is gradually taking hold that the modest low end of bookshelf or slim floorstanding speakers can well be extended with a dedicated bass module. Modern subwoofers integrate into a system beautifully and guarantee seamless sound with far greater scale and sense of air. We have prepared a ranking of the best music subwoofers as of August 2026. As usual, the article starts with the affordable models and ends with the flagships - so you can pick a unit for any taste and budget.

The opening day of the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show 2026 was a resounding success, and we invite you to view our exclusive photo report from this major event. As the region's largest international exhibition for premium audio, the show is taking place at the HKCEC and features over 130 renowned audio brands.

Japanese company Luxman has introduced the flagship B-100 CENTENNIAL power amplifier, created to mark the brand’s 100th anniversary. The monoblock model sits at the top of the Centennial anniversary series and is designed to drive demanding loudspeakers, including models with low or unstable impedance. Sales through Luxman’s authorised dealer network are scheduled to begin in September 2026.

Danish manufacturer Vitus Audio has expanded its Signature series with the new SM-025 monoblock power amplifiers. The model replaces the SM-011, which remained in production for more than a decade, and retains the brand’s distinctive visual design while featuring an almost completely redesigned internal architecture.

A fascinating Kickstarter campaign has launched for the SYITREN RM1, a transparent CD player. Housed in an acrylic casing, the device serves as a stylish interior accent - allowing the spinning disc, optical drive, and internal components to remain visible during operation - while delivering reliable CD playback performance.

Hegel has announced the launch of a pair of new integrated amplifiers featuring the company's proprietary Class AB platform, delivering 2 x 150 W of output power and utilizing SoundEngine2 technology. Both the Hegel H200 and Hegel A200 boast an exceptionally high damping factor of 4,000 and are capable of driving loads with impedances as low as 2 ohms.

Astell & Kern has released the PD5, a portable Hi-Res music player that serves as an upgrade to the renowned SR35 model. The digital-to-analog conversion module now utilizes eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips, effectively doubling the conversion power. However, if you need to extend battery life, the player can be switched to a 4-DAC mode, achieving an impressive 28 hours of playback on a single charge. A full charge takes 2.5 hours, thanks to support for the PD 3.0 standard.

Cambridge Audio has announced the global launch of its flagship L/R X active speaker system, which made its debut earlier this year at CES in Las Vegas. Despite their relatively compact bookshelf-style enclosures, the manufacturer positions the model as an alternative to floorstanding speakers, capable of delivering large-scale sound and deep bass. The new speakers are scheduled to go on sale in August.

Devialet has expanded its Phantom family of active loudspeakers with the introduction of the specialised Phantom Ultimate CI range for the professional installation market. The series comprises two models – the Phantom Ultimate CI 108 dB and the more compact Phantom Ultimate CI 98 dB. The new speakers are designed for home cinemas, luxury residential developments, commercial venues and other installations requiring centralised control of a multichannel audio system.

British audio manufacturer QUAD has expanded its product range with the new Elegan loudspeaker series, conceived as the most accessible way to experience the brand’s signature sound. The initial line-up comprises two models: the QUAD Elegan 1 standmount speaker and the QUAD Elegan 2 floorstanding speaker. Both loudspeakers were developed under the direction of QUAD Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau.

Danish audio manufacturer Vestlyd has expanded its active speaker range with the new M6C Active model. The compact stereo system combines a design inspired by 1970s studio monitors with a modern selection of wired and wireless interfaces. The speakers can be used for listening to music, reproducing TV sound, working with a computer, connecting a turntable or integrating equipment in a home studio.

The revived American brand Pilot Radio unveiled the Pilot Radio 232 stereo tube power amplifier at the Southwest Audio Fest in Dallas. Priced at $4,790, the model is inspired by the company’s proprietary Curtain of Sound circuit, originally developed in 1959. The modern version was designed by Damon Coffman of Coffman Labs, while production has been established at facilities in Portland and Dallas.

PS Audio has introduced two stereo power amplifiers, the PMG Signature Series S400 and S200. The components were designed by Darren Myers with the participation of engineer Bob Stadherr and are intended for use in high-end two-channel audio systems. Both models join the PMG Signature family, which was launched in 2025 to mark the American company’s 50th anniversary.

Shanling has introduced the ET3 EVO digital optical disc transport, an upgraded version of the popular Shanling ET3. The manufacturer has not completely redesigned the device: the hardware platform and core feature set remain unchanged, while the main improvements concern the chassis design and selected circuit components.

British manufacturer Q Acoustics has introduced the 3040c floorstanding speaker, expanding its affordable 3000c series. The model is aimed at listeners who want a larger and more substantial sound than bookshelf speakers can provide but are not prepared to accommodate bulky cabinets that take up considerable space in the room.