Best Competition Subwoofers To Buy In 2019 [ Updated List ]

Car audio competitions are a huge deal. These are contests that pit the participating vehicles’ stereo and speaker systems against one another to determine who has the best sound pressure level (SPL) and sound quality. Now, a car’s audio system is made up of several different parts such as the radio, the main speakers, the amplifier and a subwoofer or two. Each part plays a key role in the entire set-up. In this article, we are going to focus specifically on subwoofers. We are going to introduce you to some of the best car competition subwoofers currently up for grabs. We are also going to explain how a competition subwoofer works followed by a buying guide.

Best Competition Subwoofers To Buy

Let us now take a look at the top competition subs in the market. In the below table you will find top 3 products. The detailed reviews are done in later sections.

Preview
Best Competition Subwoofer - Editor's Choice
1st Runner Up - Competition Subwoofer
Best Value Buy - Competition Subwoofer
Title
Orion HCCA12 12" Car Subwoofer 2000 Watts - Old Model
Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 12" 3000 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Competition Car Subwoofer
Rockville W12K9D2 12" 4000w Peak Car Audio Subwoofer Dual 2-Ohm Sub 1000w RMS CEA Rated
Color
Red
Black
Black
Product Specialties
Moisture & UV-resistant paper cone, 12 Inch Competition Subwoofer with 2500 watts RMS power & 5000 watts nominal power.
12 Inch Competition Subwoofer with 3000 watts max power.
12 Inch Competition Subwoofer with 1000 watts RMS & 4000 watts max power.
Best Competition Subwoofer - Editor's Choice
Preview
Title
Orion HCCA12 12" Car Subwoofer 2000 Watts - Old Model
Color
Red
Product Specialties
Moisture & UV-resistant paper cone, 12 Inch Competition Subwoofer with 2500 watts RMS power & 5000 watts nominal power.
1st Runner Up - Competition Subwoofer
Preview
Title
Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 12" 3000 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Competition Car Subwoofer
Color
Black
Product Specialties
12 Inch Competition Subwoofer with 3000 watts max power.
Best Value Buy - Competition Subwoofer
Preview
Title
Rockville W12K9D2 12" 4000w Peak Car Audio Subwoofer Dual 2-Ohm Sub 1000w RMS CEA Rated
Color
Black
Product Specialties
12 Inch Competition Subwoofer with 1000 watts RMS & 4000 watts max power.

Pro Tips : Quick Check
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Orion HCCA124 12-Inch Competition Subwoofer :

The Orion HCCA124 is one of the best competition subwoofers you can get your hands on. It is a 12-inch sub from the Black Coil Series by Orion. It has a massive dual 4-ohm voice coil and triple stacked magnet assembly for a balanced performance. It is best suited for automotive applications and can be installed in cars and trucks. The Orion HCCA124 has an RMS power handling of 2500 watts, nominal power handling of 5000 watts and maximum power handling of 10,000 watts. It has a 12-inch paper cone and a polypropylene dust cap, both of which are resistant to moisture and UV radiation. It has a high-density expanded polyester foam surround with tri-radius symmetrical edge design for linear controlled long excursion. It has a 4-inch high-temperature copper-clad aluminum voice coil wound on a 4-inch aluminum voice coil former. The former has vents for faster heat expulsion. The vents are 1.25 inches and are part of the advanced voice coil cooling system designed for forced convection. The frame of the subwoofer is made from cast aluminum. The rear pole piece heat sink is also made of cast aluminum. It has vents and fins for more cooling. The sub has a screen meshed area that lets out hot air below the spider. The mesh serves the dual purpose of keeping out insects and foreign particles, and letting out hot air. The HCCA124 competition subwoofer has a bottom flat interlaced Conex spider with special looped tinsel and stitched leads. It also has a top flat interlaced Conex spider. There is an 11 mm steel front plate and back plate. The magnet is a large triple stacked 445 oz magnet. The subwoofer has a speaker displacement of 0.289 cubic feet, mounting depth of 10.28 inches and cut-out diameter of 11.5 inches. If you are using a sealed enclosure, make sure it has a volume of 2 cubic feet. If you are getting a vented box, it has to have a volume of 1.5 cubic feet. Length of the vent must be 31.33 inches and vent square equivalent must be 14 inches x 2 inches. Tuning of the port should be 40 Hz. Frequency response of the Orion HCCA124 is 25 Hz to 100 Hz. Other specifications are: Fs: 33.2 Hz, Vas: 0.931 cubic feet (26.29 liters), Qms: 4.16, Qes: 0.54, Qts: 0.48, Re: 7.4, Z (nominal impedance, ohms): 4 x 2, Le: 3.67, Efficiency: 83.38 dB 1w/1m, and Xmas: 1.189 inches.

Key Features :

  • Black Coil Series 12-inch competition subwoofer.
  • Moisture and UV-resistant paper cone and polypropylene dust cap.
  • High-temp dual 4-ohm 4-inch copper-clad aluminum voice coil.
  • RMS power 2500 watts, nominal power 5000 watts, peak power 10,000 watts.
  • Frequency range 25 Hz to 100 Hz, vented former, Conex top and bottom spider.

Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 12 inch Competition Car Subwoofer :

The next high-performance competition subwoofer is by top sound gear maker, Skar Audio. The VXF-12 D2 is a 12-inch automobile subwoofer with a maximum power handling of 3000 watts and RMS power handling of 1500 watts. It is a competition-grade subwoofer best suited for cars, trucks and RVs. The VXF-12 D2 belongs to the VXF Series of comp subwoofers by Skar Audio. It boasts superior engineering to produce the perfect combination of SQ/SPL and super low ‘Fs’ for its range of power. The device has a dual 2-ohm 3-inch copper voice coil that is unaffected by high temperatures. It has a 300 oz ferrite motor which works beautifully with the voice coil to generate heart-thumping bass. A high roll foam surround is stitched and integrated into the structure. Under the surround is a 4-layer spider with stitched leads. The woofer cone is made of high-quality pressed paper that is both resilient and durable. The VXF-12 D2 has incorporated a sophisticated air flow cooling system to keep the inside temperature as low as possible. During long play times, the ports rapidly eject hot air from the device and prevent damage. Frequency response of the sub is 22 Hz to 300 Hz and sensitivity is 87.1 dB. If you are planning on mounting the sub in a sealed enclosure, be sure the box has a volume between 1.25 ~ 1.50 ft3. If you are getting a ported enclosure, its volume must be between 1.80 ~ 2.00 ft3. The port area must be 29.75 square inches and the length of the port must be 31 inches. Tuning frequency of the port should be 33 Hz. Cut-out diameter of the subwoofer is 11.128 inches and mounting depth is 8.50 inches. Total height of the sub is 9.33 inches and outside diameter is 12.49 inches. Subwoofer displacement is 0.14 ft3. Other specifications are as follows: Fs: 32.1 Hz, Re: 4.0 Ohms, Qms: 4.85, Qes: 0.35, Qts: 0.32, Nref: 0.33 %, Cms: 0.11 mm/N, Bl: 23.3 n/a, Vas: 35.4 L, Mms: 233.8 gr, Sd: 471.4 cm², and Xmax: 25 mm.

Key Features :

  • 12-inch competition subwoofer for automobile.
  • Pressed paper cone, dual 2-ohm 3-inch high-temp copper voice coil.
  • Stitched high roll foam surround, air flow cooling system.
  • Max power output 3000 watts, continuous power 1500 watts.
  • 300 oz ferrite motor, 4-layer spider with stitched leads, frequency response 22 Hz to 300 Hz.

Rockville W12K9D2 12-inch Competition Audio Subwoofer :

The Rockville W12K9D2 is another top-rated car competition subwoofer. It can handle a peak power of 4000 watts, program power of 2000 watts and RMS power of 1000 watts. If you are looking for window-rattling bass, this is the perfect speaker for you. It has a 12-inch ultra-stiff black non-pressed paper woofer cone designed to handle abuse at high power levels. It has a dual 2-ohm 3-inch 4-layer black aluminum voice coil with vents on the t-yoke for faster cooling. The coil is wound with USA-made 100% copper OFC wire and can withstand temperatures up to 240 ᵒC. The W12K9D2 competition subwoofer is hardy and lightweight. It has a special double-stacked 190 oz magnet structure with a custom rubber boot magnet cover. The cover protects the magnet and lends the subwoofer a smart look. The basket is made from cast aluminum and sports a beautiful black sanded finish. The sub’s cone has a thick foam surround that reduces distortion and improves audio quality. The cone also has red stitched cone reinforcement for greater longevity. The W12K9D2 has a polypropylene dust cap. It has a Nomex spider that is resistant to wear and tear. Nomex is known for its durability, and is preferred over cotton and poly cotton spiders. The subwoofer has a mounting gasket for easy installation in sealed and vented enclosures. It has a high BL magnet motor gap. The special black glue used in constructing the device can survive extreme high temperatures. This enables the sub to handle yet more power than it is rated. Frequency response of the speaker is 33 Hz to 1.5 kHz and sensitivity is 83 dB. Cut-out diameter is 11.13 inches and mounting depth is 6.85 inches. The sub has two chrome-plated binding post terminals. If you are mounting the sub in a sealed box, it must have a volume of 0.9 to 1.47 ft3. If you are using a ported box, the volume has to be 1.8 to 2.75 ft3.

Key Features :

  • 12-inch competition subwoofer for cars.
  • 4000 watts max power, 2000 watts program power, 1000 watts RMS power.
  • Ultra-stiff non-pressed paper cone, dual 2-ohm 3-inch 4-layer black aluminum voice coil.
  • Nomex spider, foam surround, t-yoke with vents, polypropylene dust cap.
  • Double-stacked 190 oz magnet with rubber cover, cast aluminum basket.

Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 D2 12 inch SPL Car Subwoofer :

Our next contender is the ZVX-12v2 by Skar Audio. It is a massive 12-inch competition subwoofer with a peak power output of 3000 watts and continuous power output of 1500 watts. It pumps out car-shaking bass to enhance your music listening experience. The ZVX-12v2 has a competition-level pressed paper cone crafted for longevity. It has dual 1-ohm voice coil configuration and features a 3-inch 8-layer copper voice coil. The coil is resistant to high temperatures and ensures a balanced output. The cone has a stitched high roll foam surround that lowers distortion. The subwoofer has a massive triple stacked magnet and a 306 oz motor. It has an advanced air flow cooling system to maintain a favorable inside temperature. It keeps the system well ventilated as any heat that builds up is quickly dissipated. Frequency response of the gadget is 30 Hz to 400 Hz and sensitivity is 84.0 dB. The manufacturer suggests mounting the sub in a ported box with a volume of 3.0 ft3. Length of port must be 23 inches and area of the port 38 inch2. Tuning frequency of the port should be 34 Hz. The subwoofer needs a cut-out diameter of 11.125 inches and a mounting depth of 9.875 inches. Diameter of the magnet is 8.3 inches. Subwoofer displacement is 0.15 ft3. Please note that the specifications of the box shared above do not include the subwoofer, bracing and port displacement. Other parameter of the subwoofer are as follows:- Fs: 51.0 Hz, Re: 1.8 Ohms, Qms: 3.8, Qes: 0.44, Qts: 0.41, Nref: .15 %, Cms: 0.03 mm/N, Bl: 16.0 n/a, Vas: 24.4 L, Mms: 350 gr, d: 510 cm^2, and Xmax: 29 mm.

Key Features :

  • 12-inch dual 1-ohm competition subwoofer for automobile.
  • Max power 3000 watts, RMS power 1500 watts.
  • Pressed paper cone, 3-inch 8-layer copper voice coil.
  • Stitched high roll foam surround, triple stacked magnet, 306 oz motor.
  • Advanced air flow cooling system, 30 Hz to 400 Hz frequency response.
  • Only vented enclosure recommended.

DS18 HOOLIGAN X15.2D Car Audio Bass Subwoofer :

The DS18 Hooligan X15.2D breaks all sound records. It has an upgraded DS18 X-clusive basket design, a remodeled spider and a Kevlar-enforced paper cone. It has a maximum power handling of 6000 watts and RMS power handling of 4000 watts. If you want heads to turn at a traffic light, this is the gadget to go for. The Hooligan X15.2D is a competition subwoofer with a massive 15-inch woofer. It has an impedance of 2 + 2 and a 4-inch dual 2-ohm voice coil. It has four ferrite magnets measuring 150 oz each. The magnets allow the device to handle massive amounts of power at high volumes for hours on end. The sub has a 6-layer Conex spider and a carbon fiber dust cup. The frame of the subwoofer is made of high-quality aluminum. It has a tough paper cone with glass fiber. The surrounds are made of foam and the voice coil former is made of black aluminum. The Hooligan X15.2D needs a cut-out diameter of 14.06 inches and a mounting depth of 11.22 inches. Overall diameter of the cone is 15.59 inches and it weighs 37 kg. The dual voice coil configuration of the subwoofer allows for greater flexibility in terms of parallel, series and independent wiring options. It comes with direct 8 AWG copper wire coil connection. The sub can be mounted in a sealed or ported enclosure. If you are using a sealed box, it has to have a volume of 2.75 ft3 for optimal performance. If you are going for a ported enclosure, it must be 3.47 ft3 in volume. Speaker displacement is 0.21 ft3. Thiele and small parameters are: Fs: 31.63 Hz, Re: 2.3 + 2.3, Qes: 0.531, Qms: 4.387, Qts: 0.474, Vas: 45.13 L, and Xmas: 59 mm. frequency response of the sub is 35 Hz to 2.3 kHz and sensitivity is 86.2 dB.

Key Features :

  • 15-inch competition subwoofer for large vehicles.
  • Max power 6000 watts, RMS power 4000 watts.
  • 35 Hz to 2.3 kHz frequency response, 86.2 dB sensitivity.
  • DS18 X-clusive basket design, Kevlar-enforced paper cone with glass fiber, 6-layer Conex spider.
  • 4-inch dual 2-ohm voice coil, 4 x 150 oz ferrite magnets, carbon fiber dust cup, aluminum frame.

DS18 EXL-B15.2D 15-Inch Competition Subwoofer :

Another DS18 sub to make our list of top competition subwoofers is the EXL-B15.2D. It is a beefy 15-inch subwoofer with a dual 2-ohm voice coil. It has a peak power handling capacity of 3000 watts and continuous power handling capacity of 1800 watts. It is ideal for sedans, SUVs, vans and trucks. The EXL-B15.2D is built for power. It has a pair of 100 oz high-strength ferrite magnets. It has a durable paper cone with glass fiber for balanced high-volume high-power output. It has a 2.5-inch 4-layer dual 2-ohm black aluminum voice coil. The voice coil is resistant to high temperature and generates outstanding output at all volumes. The gadget has a smart red basket made from aluminum. It has a large foam edge circling the cone and a 2-layer Conex spider. Frequency response of the sub is 44 Hz to 1300 Hz, sensitivity is 92 dB and impedance is 2+2 ohms. Minimum impedance is 3.6 ohm + 3.6 ohm. The subwoofer can be installed in sealed and ported enclosures. Recommended sealed box volume is 1.58 ft3 and recommended ported box volume is 2.26 ft3. Mounting depth of the sub is 7.76 inches, baffle cut-out diameter is 14.06 inches and overall diameter is 15.6 inches. Thiele and small parameters are: Fs: 35 Hz, Re: 2 ohm + 2 ohm, Qes: 0.391, Qms: 2.587, Qts: 0.399, and Vas: 44.23 L. DS18 is a member of CEA, IASCA, MERA, and SEMA.

Key Features :

  • 15-inch competition subwoofer for automotive applications.
  • Max power capacity 3000 watts, RMS power capacity 1800 watts.
  • Paper cone with glass fiber, dual 2-ohm 2.5-inch 4-layer black aluminum voice coil.
  • 2 x 100 oz ferrite magnets, red aluminum basket with large foam edge, 2-layer Conex spider.
  • 44 Hz to 1300 Hz frequency response, 92 dB sensitivity, 2 ohm + 2 ohm impedance.

Power Acoustik BAMF-154 15-Inch Competition Subwoofer for Car :

One of the best car competition subwoofers in the market today is the Power Acoustik BAMF-154. It is a powerful 15-inch competition subwoofer from the BAMF Series of car subwoofers by the brand. It has a maximum power output of 3800 watts and RMS power output of 1900 watts. It is perfect for those seeking enhanced bass from their existing car audio systems. The BAMF-154 is fitted with a 15-inch non-transfer woofer cone made from the pulp of spruce trees. The cone is resistant to chemicals and UV rays for problem-free outdoor use. It has a poly ether foam surround with extended excursion and UV-protection. The sub has stitched and glued surround/cone joints for a more cohesive bond. It has a 3-inch dual 4-ohm 4-layer voice coil wound around an aluminum former. The coil has greater power handling ability due to the Direct Connect Wire feature. Also, the stitched voice coil leads safeguard the cone and the coil against damage while handling high power and operating in high temperature conditions. The BAMF-154 has an overcompensating motor structure for greater magnetic inertia. It has a die-cast aluminum basket that is non-magnetic and non-resonate. It has a 12 mm t-yoke and top plate which pack more power into the low-end frequencies. For faster cooling of the voice coil, the t-yoke and the subwoofer frame have vents. The BAMF-154 competition subwoofer features dual poly cotton hybrid suspension which serves to dampen extreme accelerations. It comes with a gasket/trim ring with hidden mounting ports. The adhesive used is tolerant to high temperatures and resistant to thermal failure. Sensitivity of the gadget is 86.40 dB @ 1w/1m and motor volume is 272 oz. Mounting depth is 8 inches. The sub can be popped in a sealed or vented enclosure. If you go for a sealed enclosure, it has to have a volume of 2.0 ft3. If you opt for a vented box, recommended volume is 4.0 ft3. The product is 17.3 inches wide, 17.3 inches deep, 11.2 inches high, and weighs 27.78 lbs. It has a warranty of one year.

Key Features :

  • 15-inch competition subwoofer for cars and trucks.
  • Max power handling 3800 watts, RMS power 1900 watts.
  • 3-inch dual 4-ohm 4-layer voice coil, aluminum former, non-transfer spruce tree pulp cone.
  • Poly ether foam surround, stitched voice coil leads, extra-large motor structure.
  • 12 mm t-yoke and top plate, die-cast aluminum basket, dual poly cotton hybrid suspension.

Earthquake Sound Subzero-15 Competition Subwoofer for Car :

The Subzero-15 by Earthquake Sound produces sound that will move you. It is armed with a monstrous 15-inch bass driver that has unbeatable SPL, speed and audio quality. It has two military-grade flat wire voice coils (dual 2 x 4 ohm) that can be used in 2, 4 and 8 ohm configurations. The voice coil has a 3.5-inch winding height on the cone. It produces a massive 4-inch excursion for high SPL. The US-made 3.25 inch aluminum voice coil former has a unique flat wire wrapped edge wound style. The Subzero-15 has a peak power output of 2500 watts and continuous power output of 1250 watts. It is the perfect bass equipment for your car or pick-up. It features a Turbine Cooled Transducer (TCT) coil. It has faster heat dissipation thanks to pole cooling technology. The biggest advantage of the Subzero-15 is that it has a PSP Terminal block that lets you change stereo and mono impedances with the flip of a fuse. It has 8-gauge PSP terminals and extra-wide edge surrounds. The subwoofer requires a cut-out diameter of 14.5 inches and a mounting depth of 8.75 inches. Speaker displacement is 0.3 ft3. If you are building your own box, we recommend using ¾-inch thick MDF for best audio performance. Suggested dimensions for sealed box are 17 inches (width) by 15 inches (depth) by 18 inches (height). Suggested dimensions of vented box are 23 inches (width) by 14 inches (depth) by 18 inches (height). Here are the other specifications of the device:- REVC: 7.80 ohm, LEVC: 12.409 mH, Fo: 24.46 Hz, Sd: 89.06 msqM, BL: 37.8262 TM, Qms: 12.6551, Qes: 0.3021, Qts: 0.3021, SPLo: 89.7 dB, No: 0.5877%, Vas: 129.65 M, Mechanical Xmas: 4 inches peak to peak, Electrical Xmas: 2 inches peak to peak, Cms:  114.6 uM/N, Mms: 369.43 g, and Mmd: 354.18 g.

Key Features :

  • 15 inch competition subwoofer.
  • 4-inch excursion for high SPL, dual military-grade flat wire voice coils (2 x 4 ohm).
  • 25 inch aluminum voice coil former, Turbine Cooled Transducer (TCT) coil.
  • PSP Terminal block, 8-gauge PSP terminals, extra-wide surround.
  • Max power handling 2500 watts, RMS power handling 1250 watts.

Power Acoustik MOFO 122X 12-Inch Competition Subwoofer :

The final product on our list of best car competition subwoofers is the MOFO 122X 12-inch competition subwoofer by Power Acoustik. It is designed for high-output bass reproduction in cars and trucks. It has a peak power capacity of 2700 watts and a continuous power capacity of 1500 watts. The MOFO 122X by Power Acoustik has a rigid 12-inch composite sandwich non-pressed pulp cone. It has a polypropylene surface for standing up to weather and operation abuse, and a spruce pulp backing for smooth unhindered bass delivery. The cone is resistant to chemicals and UV radiation which further increases it durability. The dust cap fits into the recesses of the cone for extra bracing. The subwoofer has a cast aluminum heat sink. It has an anodized blue dust cap that is coupled to an aluminum voice coil former and extends over the cone. This braces the cone and reduces cone flex during high excursion. Plus, since the dust cap is made of aluminum and couples to the voice coil, it acts as a heat sink and prevents temperature build-up. The dust cap serves as a heat extractor by extracting heat from the voice coil and keeping it cool. The MOFO 122X competition subwoofer has an extra-large motor structure for greater magnetic strength. It has a 5-inch 4-layer dual 2-ohm voice coil with large gauge wire for more power. It has a 12 mm t-yoke and top plate for better bass output. The vents on the t-yoke and frame prevent spike in temperature. The subwoofer has a non-magnetic non-resonate die-cast aluminum frame. It has nickel-plated 8-gauge spring loaded compression wire terminals. It uses temperature-resistant adhesive to create impenetrable joints. The gadget has a high-density poly ether foam surround with UV and chemical protection. It has a dual poly cotton suspension for dampening violent accelerations. It also has stitched voice coil leads that check temperature-induced damages. The package includes one gasket/trim ring with hidden mounting hole for quick and easy installation. An optional re-cone kit is also available for those wanting to get that extra slam out of their devices. Sensitivity of the sub is 85.37 dB, motor volume is 373 oz and mounting depth is 6.875 inches. Recommended sealed box volume is 1 ft3 and recommended vented box volume is 2 ft3.

Key Features :

  • 12-inch competition subwoofer for car.
  • Peak power 2700 watts, RMS power 1500 watts.
  • 12-inch composite sandwich non-pressed spruce-pulp cone, large motor structure.
  • 5-inch 4-layer dual 2-ohm voice coil, cast aluminum heat sink, anodized dust cap.
  • Aluminum voice coil former, 12 mm t-yoke and top plate, poly ether foam surround.
  • Stitched voice coil leads, dual poly cotton suspension, re-cone kit available.

What is a competition subwoofer ?

A competition subwoofer is a high-power high-output bass loudspeaker. It is larger and heavier that regular subwoofers. It is used in auto competition settings, although it can also be used in family cars for everyday use.

Strictly speaking though, there is no such category as ‘competition subwoofer’, although some brands do market their products as competition grade to indicate the extreme power handling capabilities of the devices. Having said that, there are a few defining attributes of competition subwoofers. They are discussed below.

First, competition subs are high-power gadgets. The average RMS power handling ability of a competition subwoofer is around 1000 watts which is not very common for a normal car subwoofer.

Second, they are larger and way heavier than standard-issue subwoofers. Most weigh upwards of 20 kg.

Third, they have large voice coils, often with diameters more than 2.5 inches.

Fourth, they have Xmas excursions of 1 inch or more.

Fifth, they have large spiders. The minimum size is 7 inches.

Sixth, their cones are made of composite or other extremely rigid and strong material.

Seventh, competition subwoofers like the HCCA Series and the Solo-X Series come with re-cone kits for fixing the sub in case of damage which is quite common in competitions.

To conclude, we can say that the most striking features of a competition subwoofer are its high power handling capacity and large excursion. A comp subwoofer needs to be put in a box. The dimensions of the box are equally important as it both supplements the sub’s performance and helps to keep it cool.

Competition Subwoofer Buying Guide :

Here are the top points you need to keep in mind while choosing a competition-level subwoofer for your vehicle.

Power Handling

The first thing you need to consider is the power handling of the device, which is denoted by the peak power and RMS or continuous power handling. Peak power indicates the maximum amount of voltage the sub can handle at a time, often in short bursts and never over prolonged periods. RMS power is the average amount of voltage the sub can handle continuously for a long period. Hence, RMS power is a more realistic assessment of the power capacity of a gadget. While selecting a subwoofer, make sure you note the RMS power of the device. Do not be swayed by a lofty max power figure. The RMS output is a more reliable and close-to-home number.

Of course, to get the best out of your sub, you will have to hook it to an amplifier and as such the power rating of the amplifier is also as important. For optimal bass reproduction, the amp should be able to produce around 75% to 150% of the sub’s power.

Size

The performance of a subwoofer is dependent on its size. The amount of air a subwoofer pushes out is directly proportional to its size. Large subs generate more SPL (SPL) than smaller ones. But, a large sub needs a larger enclosure. It is heavier, less portable and occupies more room. It consumes more power which means you will be refilling your tank more often. So, before you lock down your money, we advise you to note the space available in your car, and let that decide the size of your subwoofer.

Competition subwoofers come in 2 sizes, 12-inch and 15-inch. A 12-inch sub is not small, but it also won’t hog all the space in your trunk. If you want heart-thumping bass, but need to make sure you have space left for other things in the boot, 12-inch is the ideal subwoofer size. It is portable, easy to install and works great in dual setups. If you want bass that’s much more palpable, and don’t mind letting it have some extra space in your trunk, you should go for a 15-inch sub.

Cost

The cost of a subwoofer is another critical factor. Cost is often not a true indicator of a sub’s sound quality. Sometimes, a moderately priced subwoofer can generate impressive amounts of bass you wouldn’t have thought possible in its price range. So, before you make up your mind, listen carefully to the sound put out by the device and then take a pick.

A subwoofer is not a self-sufficient device. It needs a compatible enclosure, a good amplifier and solid wiring to work flawlessly. In other words, you need to pay equal attention to these things for the final set-up to deliver as expected. In fact, a properly wired low-priced sub matched with the right amp and mounted to the right enclosure can give you better output than a high-end sub.

However, if you want longevity and premium materials, you might have to shell out a few extra dollars. Expensive subwoofers use tougher building materials to make their cones, surrounds and baskets. They also have larger and more durable voice coils and spiders. As a result, the gadgets are less likely to suffer damage when operating at max power capacity for sustained periods.

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Read our study on how to set up a perfect car sound system ?

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