How to choose a subwoofer in a car: an overview of the best models and reviews of manufacturers

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Regular speaker systems that are installed on the factory conveyor cannot be called good. A good half of car manufacturers treat them like a tick - they plugged the holes with the cheapest speakers and okay.

Of course, some undemanding users are quite satisfied with the sound quality with standard speakers, but this will obviously be missed by music lovers. The abundance of car speakers allows audiophiles to roam properly, but for really high-quality and full sound, a subwoofer is additionally needed, that is, a device responsible for reproducing low frequencies.

Despite severe limitations in the form factor of automotive equipment, today's speaker market offers a very wide range of models. And if the gurus of this business can still somehow figure out all this hodgepodge, then inexperienced users simply shrug their shoulders and trust consultants in stores. It’s good if the latter turn out to be literate and with moderate financial self-interest, but, as a rule, we are dealing with sellers who are semi-literate in this matter and withinstallation to file more, faster and more expensive. Here we are mainly talking about the notorious networkers like Eldorado or Mvideo.

Some especially technically savvy motorists do assemble a subwoofer into a car with their own hands. But this option is far from suitable for everyone, and fiddling with instructions and manuals for such “constructors” sometimes turns out to be more expensive both in terms of strength and time (and sometimes in finances). Some users themselves cannot connect a subwoofer to the car, not to mention DIY assembly, so here we will consider only branded options. In addition, branded and licensed solutions cannot (with the right choice) harm the car's electronic system and are safer.

So, let's try to understand the issue of choice and designate a list of good subwoofers in the car. Consider the main criteria that you need to pay attention to, the advantages and disadvantages of specific models, as well as the feasibility of buying them.

Difficulties in choosing

Before going to the store, it would be useful to learn theory in order to talk with a consultant, as they say, in the same language and not become another victim of a money divorce. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of critical parameters that greatly affect the sound quality, as well as the installation of equipment.

Size

This is one of the most obvious criteria to focus on. In a good half of the car, regular places have already been laid for the installation of acoustic systems and for installing a subwoofer in a car inparticular. For the most part, the nominal and maximum power of the device depends on the form factor (the opposite is also true).

On the shelves you can see three main sizes. These are small devices at 20 cm, or 8 inches, medium - 25 cm / 10 "and large - 30 cm / 12". The choice of form factor largely depends on the available regular places for a subwoofer in the car and what you want to get out in terms of sound.

Number of lanes

The accuracy and quality of the output sound depends on the number of bands. That is, the more of them, the cleaner and generally better the sound, if, of course, the subwoofer in the car is correctly configured. The number of bands is directly reflected in the cost of equipment, so picky music lovers will have to fork out well.

Amplifier

An amplifier for a subwoofer in the car is necessary for uniform sound. If you opt for a model without it, then the low frequencies will clearly drown out the rest. While in acoustics with an amplifier everything is evenly distributed.

The presence or absence of an amplifier to a large extent affects the cost of equipment. For ordinary users who are not used to “jamming” passing streets with their bass, you can do without it: at medium volume, almost all parts and all music from the subwoofer in the car are clearly distinguishable, but the rest should take a more expensive device.

Power

Here we mostly have speaker performance. The durability of the speakers largely depends on the rated power of the device. Maximum parametersindicate the peak short-term load that the column can withstand without any damage.

So lovers of stronger and louder need to look at equipment with higher subwoofer power for the car. This parameter has a good effect on the cost, so you should not get carried away with it either.

Producers

As for manufacturers, the backbone of well-established brands has been formed for a long time and has been successfully producing high-quality equipment for decades. Here we are talking about the venerable Pioneer, Sony, Supra, Alpine, Kenwood, Polk and JBL.

Reviews about these manufacturers are entirely positive. Yes, their equipment is more expensive than similar "Chinese", but you can be 100% sure of the quality of the models. In this case, you should not contact little-known or generally no-name manufacturers, because such savings can cost you too much. It is much more practical to take expensive equipment and use it for years than cheaper equipment and change it every few months.

Next, let's look at specific subwoofers for the car, distinguished by their quality component and a good balance in terms of price to return.

Supra SRD-T20A (20cm/8”)

The model from the famous Japanese manufacturer is distinguished not only by its excellent sound quality, but also by its attractive appearance. Despite its democratic cost, the subwoofer in the car can easily cope with frequencies from 35 to 250 Hz. If you properly adjust the acoustics, then the sound quality will be almost the same as models frompremium segment.

The only fly in the ointment that users sometimes complain about is the subwoofer's ill-conceived connection to the car by the manufacturer. The fact is that the speaker removes mass from the body and the cross section of the wires is extremely modest. This may not be so critical for those who listen to music not at full volume, but for the rest, it will obviously be useful to include a capacitor in the circuit, or even change the standard wire.

Model benefits:

• great sound quality;
• good build;
• small dimensions;
• easy installation;
• more than affordable price tag for the available features.

Flaws:

ground on the car body (need a wire with a larger cross section or a capacitor in the circuit)

Estimated cost is about 5,000 rubles.

Pioneer TS-WX254 (25cm/10”)

One of the most noteworthy features of this car subwoofer, along with its low cost, is its impressive 1100W of power. This makes the device more resistant to peak loads and greatly increases its service life.

As for the sound quality, judging by the feedback from users, there are no questions to the model. With proper tuning, you can set a very good bass level, since the frequency spread is enough - from 20 to 220 Hz.

Pros of the model:

• excellent output sound;
• very good build quality;
• good spreadfrequencies;
• 4 ohm impedance;
• high power rating;
• good looking;
• attractive value.

No cons found.

Estimated price is about 5000 rubles.

Alpine SBE-1044BR (25cm/10”)

This passive model received 150W nominal and 500W maximum power. The subwoofer fulfills these indicators to the fullest and does not f alter at all. Low frequencies at the output are quite deep and do not cut the ear with synthetic notes.

There are no questions about the build quality of the Japanese model: nothing sharpens, does not play and does not creak. The design also appealed to motorists, as did the ease of installation with ergonomics. The only critical minus of the subwoofer is its operation at low temperatures. In winter, the interior will need to be properly warmed up before starting the acoustics.

Pros of the model:

• decent sound at relatively low power;
• great build quality;
• phase inverter plug;
• ergonomic design;
• nice design.

Cons:

Playback problems at low temperatures

Estimated price is about 5500 rubles.

Sony XS-NW1202E (30cm/12”)

Sony has always adhered to its canons regarding quality, and this active subwoofer in the car is no exception. The column produces bass without any lags and impurities. The same applies to other frequencies. Pleased andthe rated power of the device is 1800 W, as well as the frequency spread - from 32 to 1000 Hz.

In addition, the model is distinguished by exceptional build quality, reliability, as well as a long service life. Of the minuses, users note the “brakes” of acoustics when working at low temperatures. That is, for normal feedback, it takes several minutes to warm up the active subwoofer. In the car, after a long period of inactivity and at a temperature of about -20 degrees overboard, you will need to wait 10-15 minutes for a normal start.

Pros of the model:

• high rated and maximum power;
• wide frequency spread;
• excellent output sound;
• Exceptional build quality;
• attractive appearance;
• more than affordable price for the available features.

Cons:

in the cold, it takes time to start

Estimated price is about 6,000 rubles.

Pioneer TS-WX305B (30cm/12”)

Another representative of the venerable brand, but in a different form factor. One of the advantages of the model is also its disadvantage. The design turned out to be compact, but it is the small dimensions of the cabinet that interfere with the deep sound of low frequencies, while there are no problems in the higher range.

There are no questions about the build quality. The brand has proved once again that even in budget models, it pays special attention to materials and structural reliability. In addition, the devicepleased with the high rated power of 1300 W, which could not but affect the length of the service life.

Model benefits:

• good power indicator;
• great build quality;
• 4 ohm impedance;
• compact design;
• attractive design.

Flaws:

shallow low frequencies at maximum volume

Estimated cost is about 7,000 rubles.

Alpine SWE-815 (20cm/8”)

This is an active bass-reflex model from a well-known Japanese manufacturer. One of the main advantages of the subwoofer is a wide operating frequency range - from 34 to 1500 Hz, with a sensitivity of 91 dB. Here we already get not just high-quality sound, but perfect.

It is also worth mentioning that the model is equipped with a remote control, albeit a wired one, which greatly facilitates the basic settings of the device and ease of use in general. It can be attached both to the handbrake and to the steering wheel.

There are also no questions about the build quality and the materials used. The whole structure looks and is monolithic without a hint of backlash and gaps. In addition, the model has an attractive appearance and an ergonomic body that does not “ride” around the cabin, even if it is not screwed on. The device can be called the best in its segment and it pays off a lot of money spent on it.

Subwoofer Pros:

• almost perfectoutput sound;
• great build quality;
• very wide frequency range;
• good sensitivity;
• presence of a remote control;
• thoughtful and cute design.

No cons found.

Estimated price is about 10,000 rubles.

U-Dimension Blackbox X10 (25cm/10”)

The products of this Japanese brand do not enjoy such enviable popularity as models from the above manufacturers, but this subwoofer turned out to be extremely successful and deserves the attention of the most demanding music lovers.

The device can be easily mounted both in the trunk of a car and directly in the cabin, since the dimensions of the latter are quite conducive. Many domestic consumers complain about the too repulsive price tag, but there are no questions about the sound quality. The output is the perfect sound: clean, without a hint of "synthetics" or even worse cacophony. Moreover, the quality does not change and does not depend on the volume level.

If in similar models modest dimensions automatically excluded deep basses, here we have a kind of nonsense. Of course, this subwoofer will not be able to keep up with massive acoustic systems due to purely physical indicators. But the 10-inch baby Blackbox X10 will easily outdo a good half of 12-inch models. So lovers of perfect sound, as well as those who do not want to litter the trunk with unnecessary devices, this option will come in handy. Yes, the subwoofer has no price tagcan not be called democratic, but for convenience, as well as for quality, you have to overpay.

Model benefits:

• perfect sound;
• built-in amplifier;
• compact dimensions (can be safely installed in the salon);
• 200W rated power;
• long manufacturer warranty.

Flaws:

price is too high for ordinary domestic motorists

Estimated cost is about 16,000 rubles.