You better buy quick before Trump puts a tariff on them!!
Where subwoofers are manufactured
I'm shopping for a new subwoofer or two and have done some research online about where various brands and models are manufactured. It appears that while several popular brands are designed in the US, only JL Audio is actually assembled in the US (and yes, I know that they use parts from elsewhere). In looking at photos of control panels, I have noticed that some seem to omit the country of origin (or perhaps the photos have been altered). Besides, JL Audio, can anyone point me toward other US-made subwoofer brands? In Europe, I believe that MJ Acoustics products are made in the UK, Focal are made in France, Dynaudio are made in Denmark, and Canton are made in Germany. Are there other European-made brands that I have overlooked? Are there Japanese-made subwoofers that include 120V components? I am assuming that, based on price, the direct-marketed brands such as SVS and Rythmik are Chinese-made, although I haven't been able to confirm that based on information posted on their websites. If a Chinese-made sub turns out to be my best option, I'll buy one. First, though, I'd like to consider all available options that are assembled in countries that pay their workers competitive wages. Thanks in advance for your replies.
- ...
- 25 posts total
Rythmik is assembled in the US. Zu subwoofer enclosures are manufactured here, but the drivers and amps are likely produced overseas. Also check out Seaton Sound, Salk (Rythmik driver and amp, US made enclosure). Finally, Tyler Acoustics builds in the US and may use domestically manufactured drivers. |
Yes China! Take a look at the rear of this REL! All the newer models have been made in China for years! https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RLT9I |
JL is a good value. I know it is weird to say but if you want made in the West, US or Europe, their pricing is excellent. Any sub that is under $1000 is almost assuredly made in the Far East. The COGS on these things are brutal if you can even find US or European made parts. I set out with the mission of producing speakers and subs that are made in the USA at competitive prices. No possible. You can’t source all the parts from US companies. So expanded to Western Europe. With my speakers I am really close. The only part that might not be made in the West is the inductors I use in the shunts of my crossovers. My primary inductors are German or Canadian. Caps from the UK or Canada. For the stands, spike are a problem. Those are from China. Otherwise my stands are made in NJ and IsoAcoustics stuff is made in Canada. Subs are a problem though. They are simple. Cabinet, driver, amp & DSP, wire and feet (depending on manufacturer). The amp is the challenge here. Then you have your amps. I opted for SpeakerPower, ICE driven amps and they are at least designed and assembled in the US but you know that the core of it has to be made in China. SpeakerPower amps are 2x as expensive as made in China amps. I can’t produce an MDF sub with these components for less than $3K at retail going direct. Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber Cabinet I can’t do for less than $6K. And i have a basic DSP that is factory set and not consumer modifiable, nothing like what JL uses. Of course, material costs for the the composite cabinets are 80x more expensive while labor is similar. My prototype sounds tremendous. People at AXPONA though it was great but for $6K???? Yikes!!! Just buy a JL. |
- 25 posts total