Yes, bass frequencies are non-directional, unlike high frequencies. A subwoofer can technically be placed anywhere in a room, it is useful to experiment to find the best spot.

Most home theatre subwoofers sold today are termed ‘Active Subwoofers’. These have an amplifier built into the cabinet along with the speaker driver/s. These need to connect to an AV Receiver or Stereo amplifier, usually with an RCA cable to the LFE or Subwoofer connection. ‘Passive’ subs are also available which require a separate amplifier to power the subwoofer driver.

This is not ideal as it can cause the cabinet & its contents to rattle & vibrate. There are options which are vented with a grille attached to a tube which directs the sound from the subwoofer through the vent.

This depends on your soundbar. Most Yamaha Soundbars have a wired subwoofer connection and therefore any active subwoofer will work. Some soundbars can only connect to a wireless subwoofer, please check with the manufacturer or owner’s manual to confirm.

Yes, the quality of the subwoofer cable & connection will make a difference to the sound quality and depth of sound you will get from your sub. Ask one of the sales staff in store to recommend something appropriate.

Most subwoofer calibration is done via your AV Receiver. Yamaha’s AVENTAGE range for example uses a system called YPAO with a microphone to measure the sound response in a room and adjust accordingly. Some subwoofers such as Bowers & Wilkins DB series can be further calibrated with a mobile device via their app.

An active subwoofer has an amplifier built into the same box/cabinet as the subwoofer speaker driver. These typically plug straight into a wall power socket and an RCA cable from the AVR/Amp.

A subwoofer technically can go anywhere in a room but in our experience it’s best to sit the primary sub at the front of the room, either in the centre or off to one side.

This depends on the sub itself. If a sub is laid on its side, make sure it has some kind of isolation from the floor.

Some subwoofers like the Sonos sub connect wirelessly to another Sonos soundbar or wireless speaker via wifi network. These still have their own amp built in and require a power connection.