Home > Consumer Reviews > KLH ASW8100 8" 100-Watt Front-Firing Powered Subwoofer

We bought this subwoofer (KLH ASW100) from Sam's Club for under $69.00 and after a little adjusting to match our system and our ears we have it performing quite well on our surround sound system connected to our satellite television system. It adds a great deal of enjoynment to both the television programs as well as our video tapes. We are really enjoying this item and feel that it was a great deal as well.

I have a set of Cambridge Soundworks Microworks speakers, and they sound excellent at medium volume, but the subwoofer is pathetic. At low volume, the cubes lack clarity. So, I replaced them with Yamaha computer speakers. The Yamahas sound great at low volume (which is how I use them). However, they lack any sort of bass for music or gaming. Therefore, I bought the KLH to add some bottom end. They have deeper bass than the Microworks, but they distort on certain music, even at low volume. Overall, they are acceptable as computer speakers.

If you are thinking of using these speakers for your hi fi, or home theater, then you are in for a disappointment. A very big one. When the volume is turned up, the speakers crack, and pop, even when the volume is less than halfway up. The bass is not particularly deep for DVD soundtracks. It probably goes down to 50 or 60 hz. I have a Yamaha subwoofer for my DVDs, and they sound much cleaner, deeper, and louder. You'll be wasting your money with these.

Overall, KLH sells cheap stuff, and the quality is reflected in the price. However, if you just want a sub to enhance video games, and you don't turn up the volume, then this is a nice option.