Home > Consumer Reviews > Energy ESW-8HG 8" 200 watt Take Classic subwoofer

Allow me to start off by saying I am by no means an audiophile, and don't feel it necessary to spend more on a sound system than the components I am connecting to it. This subwoofer nicely complements a small bookshelf audio system, and if you intend to use it as a secondary audio system, or in an apartment or other setting where you can't have it up too loud, it sounds very nice at lower volumes.

However, that's about all this subwoofer is good for. It is obvious that the driver and amplifier are of good quality - they can handle low frequencies at room shaking volumes with ease. Unfortunately, the box is poorly constructed, resulting in "port noise" that completely overpowers the volume of the bass it's producing at frequencies as high as 50hz. Considering the box is allegedly "tuned" for frequencies as low as 35hz, that is unacceptable. (For reference - while frequencies of 20-35hz are largely inaudible, they are the frequencies you "feel" during explosions etc in movies)

Packaged beautifully and did not charge extra for delivery to Alaska unlike so many other compannies. Best part was it does the job! No audible hum was observed unlike another poster. Wondered if he did not break it in properly with the 50 hour strongly recommended break in limit. Subwoofer is beautifully crafted....looks and feels like the outside of a black baby grand piano. I bought this in conjunction with the Energy Take 5.0 speaker system as the Energy Take 5.1 system was generally $70.00 more and this subwoofer is the exact same one that is included in the 5.1 system. Go figure! (I paid $179.00 for the 5.0 speakers and $149.00 for the subwoofer. Prices include shipping costs.)

Where can you find a better subwoofer for less money? Certainly if you can do with more bang, don't stop here. But if you need a small sub that won't disturb your neighbors, this is a good little buy. I live in a small condo with cement walls, floor and ceiling. The floor is carpeted so much of the sound is absorbed, yet my place still rocks. The 8HG is intergrated with my old Energy speakers. For years I've had surround sound without a sub. Now at age 65 I've relented and proud to say I enjoy the bang I get for my buck. So far no complaining neighbors knocking at my door(maybe I just can't hear them); still, I won't use the sub after 11 PM just is case. Setup and placement were easy and no further adjustment of settings has been needed.

This little guy looks sharp and delivers the goods. I really like the auto power function. It will turn itself on when it receives a signal from the receiver and turn itself off a few minutes after it no longer senses anything coming from the receiver. The bass is powerful and clear. Good value for the price I paid.

i picked this sub up and just found myself wanting more. not enough thump in my opinion. picked up an asw-10 from the speaker company for a similar price and was pleased with it's performance.