Ok, lads. Before you jump straight to the comments to argue with me about how to get the absolute best sound out of your car’s sound system,let’s all take a second to remember a few things.There are lots of different ways to build or improve on a sound system.Some people prefer to start with speakers,while others prefer adding a subwoofer or an amplifier,for example.Some people enjoy big bass while others enjoy crisp,rich sound.
If you’re one of those seeking to satisfy their craving for thunderstorm bass,a subwoofer,or multiple subs are the way to go.However,with so many car subwoofer reviews on different models,brands and sizes out there,it is natural to feel a bit overwhelmed.Making the wrong purchase could cost you time,money,and effort.So before you spend your hard earned money,make sure that you’re getting the best car subwoofer for your needs.
>>Click here to see prices, specs and reviews of the top rated car subwoofers on Amazon.com<<
Know the Top 5 Best Car Subwoofers
1. MTX Terminator TNE212D
Type of Enclosure : Sealed
Subwoofer : Dual 12″
Power Handling
RMS : 400 watts
Peak : 800 watts
Frequency Response : 37Hz 150Hz
Nominal Impedance : 2 ohm
Warranty : 5-year limited
If you frequent any of the popular car audio forums, you’ll notice that the name MTX terminator comes up quite a bit.These subwoofers just seem to hit the sweet spot for a lot of guy: they sound absolutely phenomenal but are reasonably priced.This is an ideal solution for anyone looking to add hard hitting bass to their vehicle’s sound system without breaking their bank or going over the top.
I could go on and about all the cool little things I appreciate about the MTX TNE212D,but I’ll distill them down to a few basic points for the sake of this review.
>> More Reviews of the MTX TNE212D <<
First of all, the MTX TNE212D is simple – it’s practically simplicity personified.The enclosure design is bare-bones, but not to a fault;it doesn’t try to overimpress you with fancy curves and luxuriant flourishes.The enclosure itself is made using extra-strength 5/8″ MDF (medium density fiberboard) which is the best suited material for subwoofer enclosures.Additionally,the MTX 5/8″ board is stronger than 1/2″ board used by many other manufacturers,therefore,this enclosure can contain the massive low-frequency load fluctuations generated by the subwoofers without any problems.
The enclosure is wrapped in high quality black aviation grade carpet that can withstand tearing and wear.Moreover,the classic black goes well with just about everything.And with both Terminator and MTX Audio logos being embroidered on the dustcaps,everyone will know what brand you choose to ride when you open your trunk.
The MTX TNE212D features great subwoofer design with perfect, yet simple enclosure design.The unit is a dual 12″ sealed enclosure configured to handle 2Ω ohm load.The Terminator subs mounted in the enclosure use durable but lightweight polypropylene dustcaps which allows them to survive the rigors of most trunks and move using less power.Each subwoofer can handle up to 200 watts on continuous basis, resulting in a power level of 400 watts RMS;800 watts Peak for the entire enclosure.
Additionally,the subwoofers incorporate spider plateau venting,which is, in its simplest form,a cooling technique that allows the subwoofer to continually refresh the air around the voice coil and by that dissipate the heat generated during extended play.
That being said,it’s not hard to see why it has become a bestseller among all subwoofers on the market.Out of 272 customer reviews, the MTX TNE212D subwoofer has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 which makes it one of the subwoofers with the highest ever ratings.
2. Pioneer TS-SWX2502
Subwoofer : 10″
Type : Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Power Handling
RMS : 400 watts
Peak : 1200 watts
Frequency Response : 20 Hz -125 Hz
Nominal Impedance : 4 ohm
Sensitivity : 93 dB
Warranty : 1-year
Pioneer is a brand that we have discussed a lot on our site.They were established in 1938, and they’ve been making quality audio products ever since.Nowadays,Pioneer is one of the most authoritative brand in this industry, and it is no wonder that one of their car subwoofers made it onto our lineup.
This subwoofer is a bit different than the other subs we are including in this article.It’s one of the best slim subwoofers out there.And it makes a great space-saving solution for compact and sport vehicles with limited space.It’s very well-engineered and would be a great investment for anyone who doesn’t have the space to mount a large subwoofer (believe me, I’ve been there).
So what’s so special about this bad boy? First of all, like many high-end shallow mount subwoofers,its tiny size is one its most remarkable aspects.It comes preloaded with a shallow mount TS SWX2502 10 inch subwoofer — at three and a quarter inches deep,you can fit it just about anywhere.It can be mounted facing downward in the trunk,and still pile luggage and groceries on top.It can also be installed facing up under a 2nd-row seat saving valuable space.If you happen to own a pickup truck, you can mount it behind the seats.Its Compact space-saving dimensions make it easy to install the subwoofer in a variety of trucks- standard-cab, extended-cab, or crew-cab.Best of all, this subwoofer should fit in the next vehicle you buy,no muss no fuss.
While regular subs rely on the spider design to keep the voice coil of the woofer aligned while it’s moving,Pioneer came up with a new revolutionary air suspension system that locks air between a main cone and a drive cone.Both the cones move simulaneously, with the trapped air acting like a spring.The pressure from the locked-in air results in a tight,precise movement with powerful and clean bass output.And unlike traditional subwoofer’s set-up that tends to become soft over time,and therefore degrading sub’s performance,this spider-less, dual-cone structure maintains a better sound linearity and reliability even after many hours of massive low-frequency load.
Pioneer TS-SWX2502 is capable of handling up to 800 watts of power at its peak.While you shouldn’t run your sub at this level of power on continous basis,it’s more than enough to add an extra dimension to your music,giving the subwoofer plenty of room to handle huge music spikes and by that prevent clipping and distortion.With an RMS of 400 watts, this sub will crank out the optimal level of sound balance and will make a day and night difference in the quality of sound you experience in your vehicle.
If I had to pick some criticisms for this particular subwoofer, I’d have to say that it might not be a good option for those of you who are seeking a subwoofer that can deliver ground-pounding bass. Don’t get me wrong,the TS-SWX2502 is still powerful and sounds great.It fills in what the factory stereo is missing.
Plenty of users have reported that they are quite satisfied with its performance and although there may be negative reviews,they’re proven to be quite trivial compared to the pros this subwoofer brings. All that and for the price it comes make the Pioneer TS-SWX2502 subwoofer a highly recommended product.
3. Dual BP1204
Subwoofer size : Dual 12″
Power Handling
RMS : 600 watts
Peak : 1100 watts
Frequency Response : 25 – 200 Hz
Nominal Impedance : 4 ohm
Sensitivity : 89 dB
Warranty : 1-year
The Dual BP1204 is one of the best car subwoofers out there. It’s another reasonably priced one, but again, it’s very well-engineered and would be a great investment for anyone who’s looking for a stylish bass machine that will make your vehicle look as great as it sounds.
The design of this subwoofer is great.It’s really well-conceived.The Dual BP1204 comprises of two hard-hitting 12″ subs, which feature polypropylene cones with brushed chrome finish,plus stamped steel baskets and foam surrounds for stability and long lasting.The Dual BP1204 also features an exclusive Illuminite blue lighting system with plexiglass windows for creative, color-coordinated installations and that’s what makes that this particular enclosure a standout.
While I think the Dual BP1204 is amazing, its large size might not suit everyone. The fact that it combines two great subwoofers in one single unit and requires a very powerful amplifier to take full advantage of it may make it the best car subwoofer to some,but not others;Others may prefer a slim or shallow mount subwoofer.At the same time,those complaints feel to me like nitpicking,as this is an incredibly solid subwoofer,all things considered,even if its size can be questionable to some.
4. Infinity Reference 1062w
Subwoofer size : 10″
Power Handling
RMS : 275 watts
Peak : 1100 watts
Frequency Response : 25 – 200 Hz
Voice coil : Dual
Nominal Impedance : 4 ohm
Sensitivity : 91 dB
Warranty : 1-year
Despite the low amount of money you need to throw at this subwoofer, it definitely earns its keep;it’s a fantastically elegant and classy subwoofer that will help you rattle your ride and get a clean, distinct sound while sticking to a tight budget.
Infinity audio products have a very long tradition of quality.Their excellence stem from their passion for music, and it’s immediately apparent as soon as you pick one of their subs up.The subwoofer we review here (the Reference line) is no exception.It features a classy, no-nonsense look, with an accurate, hard-hitting polypropylene cone which assures maximum efficiency.Its durable large-roll rubber suround provides smooth,extended excursion with no noticeable distortion,ensuring clean bass response.
The Infinity Reference subs come in various sizes and configuration.The sub linked to above is 10″ inch subwoofer rated for 4-ohm.It can handle up to 275 watts RMS.And it works well in sealed,ported and bandpass enclosures so you get the bass the way you want it.Furthermore,the 1062w features a superflow internal cooling structure that protects it against thermal overload and by that keeps it performing at its peak.
Other pros are shorter and direct to the point:
Hard hitter
Massive flex
Built with durable materials
Clear without any noticeable distortion
PS : To drive this subwoofer, we recommend a mono or bridged amplifier rated between 200 and 400 watts RMS at 4 ohms.
5. Pyle PLPW8D
Subwoofer size : 8″
Power Handling
RMS : 400 watts
Peak : 800 watts
Frequency Response : 25 – 200 Hz
Voice coil : Dual
Nominal Impedance : 4 ohm
Sensitivity : 89 dB
Recommended Enclosure Type : Ported / Vented / Sealed
Warranty : 1-year
You may be asking yourself what this little 8 inch subwoofer is doing on the list. It’s clearly outclassed by most of the other subs we reviewed. So why did we list it? Price. It can be surprisingly difficult to find a decent subwoofer at this price tag.However,the Pyle PLPW8D gets the job done for around $18.
It’s one of the best subwoofers at this price point,and despite the low price, it is effective at adding a little bass to your music.There will be a bit of distortion at high volume levels,but for a lower end product,it is less than expected.The Pyle PLPW8D is a good entry-level subwoofer if you want to test the waters before upgrading to something a little more serious.
6. Kicker 10C124
Subwoofer size : 12″
Power Handling
RMS : 150 watts
Peak : 300 watts
Frequency Response : 27 – 500 Hz
Nominal Impedance : 4 ohm
Sensitivity : 88 dB
Warranty : 1-year
The Kicker 10C124 Comp is an 12″ subwoofer that can handle up to 150 watts RMS.It’s rated for 4-ohm impedance load which makes compatible with just about every amplifier on the market.It can mounted in various enclosures including sealed and ported enclosures.It’s also suitable for free-air application.
The Kicker 10C124 Comp is built on tough steel basket which provides a reliable foundation for the hard-hitting woofer.The Kicker 10C124 features a flex-resistant polypropylene cone with 360-degree back bracing for deeper,distortion-free lows, and more defined thump.Additionally,the ribbed foam surround offers long excursion and keeps the cone on target, while the double stitching ensures long-term consistent performance.
No product is perfect so even the Kicker 10C124 subwoofer is not spared from having some complaints. Of the cons, a common complaint was that this subwoofer is a bit lacking in terms of continuous power handling.This could be an issue if you’re seeking a subwoofer that can deliver soul-shaking bass.I should also note that this sub’s sensitivity rating is not as we hoped it would be.
Overall though, the negative reviews the Kicker 10C124 has received from users do not affect its overall performance. Most users find them to be trivial and tolerable issues as this sub still has numerous advantages over the flaws – mainly it’s price tag .
7.Rockford Fosgate P300-12
Subwoofer size : 10″
Type of Enclosure : Sealed
Power Handling
RMS : 300 watts
Peak : 600 watts
Frequency Response : 35Hz – 150Hz
Built-in Amplifier : 300 Watts RMS
Sensitivity : N/A
Warranty : 1-year
Finally, we step away from the regular subwoofers to focus on “all-in-one” solution for adding bass to virtually any vehicle! This one, from Rockford Fosgate might be the oasis in the desert of lost hope for which you’ve been searching,especially if you’re on tight space.
Are you on the lookout to add some bass to your ride without all the hassle of matching up a sub with a compatible amp and enclosure?Well, your search ends right here because we’ve got you covered with the name of the best car subwoofer for the job.The P300-10 powered subwoofer by Rockford Fosgate makes a perfect match of enclosure,sub, and amplifier that allows you to avoid all the complex mathematics.
The Rockford Fosgate P300 features a 10″ subwoofer paired up to a built-in 300-watt amplifier.The sealed enclosure is wrapped in rugged industrial vinyl coating that withstands scrapes and bumps while in the trunk or cargo area.The whole package is all-inclusive,so you only need to pair it to your power source and sound system to get this baby moving.
Why even add a sub ?
Subwoofers are speakers designed solely to producing lower frequency sound (Bass).Every car stereo includes factory-installed subwoofers,but these built-in subs are not powerful enough to optimally handle low frequency sounds.No matter the type of music you play and no matter how softly or loudly you like to listen, a good sub can really enhance your overall listening experience , and it will make a day and night difference in terms of sound quality.
A sub can be added to your vehicle in many different ways.Which one is right for you depends on plenty of factors,including musical tastes,budget and available space inside your vehicle.
How to Choose a Good Car Subwoofer
Before you go online or to the stores to embark on your quest for a car subwoofer,there are some points you need to know and take into consideration in the first place.You’ve already read some car subwoofer reviews.Next in line is to know the different types of car subwoofers.
What Size of Sub Should I Get ?
Types of Car Subwoofers :
Car subwoofers come in various varieties including component subs,enclosed subs,powered sub and vehicle-specific sub.We’re not going to get into debate about which is better;they all clearly work,and it really boils down to personal preference.Now let’s look at which one matches up best your needs.
Enclosed subs : They come pre-mounted into a box designed to accomodate the sub.These subwoofers are your best bet if you’re looking for an easy off the shelf sub.Unlike component subs, enclosed subs eliminate the need to choose an appropriate enclosure for your sub,and you won’t have to do as much work designing and building your sound system.However,you’ll be limited in terms of the number of speakers as well as in the enclosure-type choices you have.
If you have limited space in your vehicle, an enclosed sub is your best option.
Powered Sub : If you’re looking for a saving-space bass system , then a powered sub is a great way to go.These type of subwoofers combines an amplifier and a woofer in a single enclosure.Since the amplifier is combined with the sub ,there’s only one piece of equipment that you’ll have to find a place for and install.Powered sub are usually used by those with very limited space inside their vehicle.
Although powered subs are an effective way to add some more bass to your music , their smaller drivers and amplifiers make them a bit lacking in terms of performance.If big bass is on top of your priorities, we highly recommend that you skip on these subs.On the other hand,their relatively simple installation process and tiny size make them a great add-on to factory stereo systems.
Vehicle Specific Sub : The main advantage of these subs , is that they can fit in out-of-the-way locations in many vehicles.They are usually color-matched to the vehicle’s interior.However, like the powered subs we just talked about above, they may not be a great choice if you’re seeking loud bass, but they can still enhance the sound quality you experience in your car without taking up a lot of interior space.
Bass Packages : If you’re seeking big bass, but you’re not a car audio expert, and you don’t want to sweat the details , then bass packages are your best bet.These packages include everything you need,right down to speaker wires.
Subwoofers – Some key specs to consider :
You don’t have to take my word for granted regarding the above 3 car subwoofers. You can find your own top 3 products by using the criteria I used for making my own list. Once you know what type of subwoofer you’d like to buy,comparing specs can be very helpful in making an informed decision.Here are some key specs you may want to consider:
Power — To put it simply , the more power your subwoofer can handle, the more bass it can produce , but also the more expensive it will cost ,simply because you’ll need a powerful amp to run it. If you’re looking for more bass, and louder, clearer sound, consider paying attention to RMS power ratings instead of peak power ratings.RMS (root mean square) refers to the amount of power that a subwoofer can handle on a continuous basis and not just in a short period of time (peak power).
We highly recommend that you match your subwoofer’s power handling to your external amp’s output in order to avoid voiding your subs warranty.
Sensitivity — A Sensitivity rating tells how effectively a speaker converts power (watts) applied to it into volume (decibels).Higher is better.
A sub that has higher sensitivity rating requires less power to deliver the same amount of sound as a sub with a lower sensitivity rating.
Size of the woofer — Car subwoofers come in various sizes (Common sizes are 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch.) , and we’re not going to get into debate about what subwoofer size plays loudest and lowest.That’s not easy question to answer — you need to consider sensitivity,box size and type, available power and more specs…
If your looking for a sub system that can play loud and low, and space is not an issue,we recommend going for the biggest size available.Otherwise smaller sub will do the job if they’re properly powered and installed in the right enclosure.
Impedance — Most subwoofers are rated at 4ohms impedance load,but 2 ohms , 8 ohms as well as dual voice coil subwoofers are getting widespread.In order to get the most out of your sub ,you’ll need a powerful external amplifier;Look for an amplifier that will match up to your sub in terms of power and impedance.There are a plenty of amplifiers on the market,so you shouldn’t have any trouble picking up a good amp that will bring out the best in the sub you’ve chosen.
Number of voice coils — Dual voice coils subwoofers are a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts who are seeking more flexibility in terms or wiring the sound systems.Dual voice subwoofers come with two separate voice coils,each one of these is mounted in one cylinder which is connected to a common cone.
Built materials — Consider looking for subs with rubber surrounds.Foam surrounds are also good,but not as good as rubber.However ,DO NOT BUY subs built with cheap materials such as urethane,such materials will affect not only the quality of the sound your sub will produce , but it will easily fall apart.
>>Click here to see prices, specs and reviews of the top rated car subwoofers on Amazon.com<<