Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony SA-WM250 100-Watt Active Subwoofer

I bought the Sony SA-WM250 subwoofer to augment my Sony STR-DE998 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio/Video Receiver and Bose speakers.
I had some trouble getting the 250 to work but the problems were in the receiver and the operator, not the subwoofer. If you use the 998, you have to both activate the subwoofer and use a sound mode that uses a subwoofer. Most of the huge number of the 998's sound modes will drive a subwoofer, but you can waste a vexing afternoon trying to get it working if perchance you are testing using one of the simple modes. In addition to the hard to follow mode descriptions in the manual, you can tell whether a sound mode uses a subwoofer just by selecting a mode and looking at the little active-speaker diagram on the display. You'll see an S in a box if the mode supports a subwoofer.

I've not had a crossover-frequency control on my previous subwoofers. The 250's crossover control (one of two knobs, both on the subwoofer's back; the other is the volume control), adjusts the point at which the 250 starts subwoofing. You can have the subwoofer respond to the very lowest frequency sounds or all below whatever point you select. I found it unexpectedly useful.

My 998 receiver has a subwoofer output but you should be able to use the 250 subwoofer on most sound sources by setting the crossover control to have it do its thing with just the lower frequency sounds.

As to how well the SA-WM250 works: I am not an audiophile, but I was dissatisfied with the sounds from my five Bose speakers. Well, not at first, but voices from my videos and TV sounds were flat. The moment I had the 250 working, I knew it was just what was missing. I was even happier after I played with the crossover and volume controls.

I was slow to add a subwoofer because I don't need plaster-cracking thumps to enjoy my audio. Nevertheless, our world does vibrate us with low frequency sounds and at least my body needed some of that to complete movie and music audio. On the other hand, the 250 has enough oomph to satisfy the most demanding rocker. If you need a subwoofer to untie your shoelaces, the 250 should meet your needs. If you think you might need even more subwoofing, you could buy the 250's big brother, the Sony SAWX700 250 Watt Active Subwoofer.

Finally, something has to be said about the cost. I receive more for my dollar with the 250 than any other component of my home theater system.

I own a 500W Home Theater system with an included passive subwoofer. I wanted to upgrade my system and found this SONY active subwoofer in Radio Shack. I decided to buy it because it's a SONY, and for its affordable price and specifications.
And WOW what a sound difference after installing it.. An amazing bulky sound with a completely different music atmosphere specially when playing 5.1 channel DVD's.
The Speaker is nicely looking, video shielded, with a volume control, and a cut frequency control. There is a phase selection knob, a monoaural jack for connecting to a digital receiver (that's the one I use), and connections to the small satellite speakers of the system. Even the monoaural cable and the speaker's cables are included. What could I wish more?
I recommend this subwoofer for anyone seeking to upgrade his sound system with an affordable price and great specifications.

I have a high-end Sony A/V receiver as the foundation of my A/V system. I added this powered subwoofer to replace a passive unit from Cambridge Soundworks. The difference is stunning! The SONY adds bass information that goes unheard otherwise. On music, it creates a wonderful sense of fullness. On movies and DVDs, this is the missing link that takes you into the movie theatre. My next addition will be a pair of bass transducers to attach to the sofa and chairs.

After reading reviews on this sub stating that no auto on was its only downfall, I purchased a SA-WM500 and am very please with it. For early Christmas presents, I bought a couple of these SA-WM250 for my kids. They are young enough to bend over and press the button to turn it on. Unbelieveable speaker just as other reviewers have affirmed. Just out of curiosity, I plugged it into my voltage tester and found that with no input signal (TV off) the sub only showed 2 watts of power usage. That's 1/3 of what a night light uses. No wonder it has no auto on feature, it does not need it. Just turn it on and leave it on. I think Sony probably had that figured out. If you would like to have the full audio range out of you everyday television watching, just plug this sub into the back of the TV and you will be amazed at the difference. It will handle most normal home theater needs as well. This is one of those few products that you get much more than what you pay for.

This is an execellent value. It has a big sound and provides
the basement sound a theater system needs. You can always pay
more and get more. But, this earns it's four star rating.
You won't be sorry you purchased it. And, of course, Amazon
delivered it just like they always do...
Quickly and in perfect conditionl