Choosing a subwoofer for a car

Types of subwoofers for cars

Car speaker systems can be open (separately built-in speaker) or closed (placed in a plastic or wooden case). There are several types of subwoofers on sale.

1. Closed box. For better music sound, a special hole is made in the case for speaker output. When choosing an audio system for a car, you need to correctly calculate the available space. Closed subwoofers, measuring 46x31 cm, take up a lot of space in the cabin. For a small car, it is better to choose smaller cabinet speakers – up to 40x30 cm.
2. Bass reflex housing . Manufacturers have provided a ventilation duct, which provides a completely different sound in bass and low-end music.
3. Bandpass system. Such subwoofers for cars are a symbiosis of the two previous types. A distinctive feature of the speaker system is its large size. Vandpass audio speakers are installed in the trunk of the car, providing ideal sound to your favorite tracks.

Note! Depending on the size of the car and the available space in it, you can choose 8, 16, 21 and 24-inch subwoofers. Consumers purchase cabinet-mounted car speakers in which the speaker is mounted in a special shell that helps create the desired acoustics.

Box music systems for car enthusiasts are divided into passive and active. The former require connection to an external amplifier, while the latter have a built-in speaker. They differ from each other in price and quality of reproduced sound. Active subwoofers are more expensive, but their quality is cleaner and more powerful.

Subwoofer with bass reflex

The most popular type, most often found in stores. Visually, a bass reflex subwoofer is very similar to a closed box with only one difference - the presence of a special hole for sound output. Such units cost a little more, but their sound quality is much higher. True, due to its impressive dimensions, not every car owner can afford such a purchase. But if you can still find free space to install a bass-reflex subwoofer, you will be rewarded with truly gorgeous sound.
1

JBL Stage 1220B

9,800 rub.
choice

Rating of the best rust converters for 2020

The best passive bass reflex subwoofer for 2020. The powerful, cool JBL Stage 1220B will definitely not leave anyone indifferent. The 12-inch speaker with high sensitivity and equally impressive power will easily shake the trunk of any sedan. You shouldn’t count on super-powerful bass here, but the acoustics sound very clean, deep and rich. And with all this, the subwoofer does not take up much space, so it’s definitely worth testing it out.

10 /10

rating

pros

• Minimum nonlinear distortion
• Compactness
• Power
• Sensitivity 94 dB
• Large speakers
• Build quality
• Justified cost

Minuses

• Lack of any grills

JBL Stage 1220B

2

Alpine SBG-1244BR

8,700 rub.
A legendary model from a world famous brand. The classic bass reflex subwoofer performs well, delivering bass in the range from 28 to 200 Hz. At the same time, its rated power is only 250 W, and at the peaks the acoustics produce as much as 800 W. At a relatively low price, the 12-inch device produces rich, expressive bass, the richness of which can be the envy of many famous competitors.

The ergonomics of the model are also beyond praise. True, the unit weighs neither more nor less, but as much as 19 kg. But this only once again emphasizes its cool quality. With an MDF case, you definitely don’t have to worry about the safety of the hardware and speakers. And there will be no background noise in such a massive structure.

9.6 /10

rating

pros

• Cool bass
• Frequencies within 28-200 Hz
• Adequate price
• High quality case
• Reliable fastening
• Small dimensions
• Stylish lighting

Minuses

• No grills
• Weight 19 kg

Alpine SBG-1244BR

3

Kicx ICQ 301BPA

8,200 rub.

At the same time, the speaker with a size of 12 cm takes up minimal space and is not demanding on the installed radio.

Compact subwoofer from a well-known Chinese manufacturer. Despite its modest size and appearance, the little monster is so powerful that the music you listen to can be heard by the entire neighborhood. And thanks to the built-in amplifier, the unit produces quite deep, expressive bass, which will certainly appeal to avid music lovers. According to reviews, Kicx ICQ does not make background noise and does not wheeze. So he fulfills the declared cost 100%.

9.4 /10

rating

pros

• Optimal size
• Good sensitivity
• Power up to 550 W
• Reasonable price
• Build quality
• Deep Bass
• High-quality reproduction of low frequencies

Minuses

• Slippery body
• No connection cords included

Kicx ICQ 301BPA

Trusted manufacturers

There is a wide range of car speaker systems on the market, which are manufactured by various companies. World famous brands and new brands introduce their models. Drivers who decide to purchase a subwoofer for their car are offered European, Chinese, Japanese and domestic audio systems.

Subwoofers from world-famous brands are in demand: Pioneer, Alpine, Hertz, Sony and JBL. Companies rely on the high quality of the equipment they produce, a guarantee from the manufacturer and the excellent sound of musical compositions. The acoustic systems of these brands are constantly being improved in accordance with consumer needs.

Manufacturers have also made efforts for buyers with a limited budget. Subwoofers produced by Ivolga, Mystery, URAL and Oris are popular among car enthusiasts, competing with more expensive brands. These brands offer consumers car speaker models with clear sound signal transmission.

What should you consider when purchasing?

In order for the car speaker system to work at full capacity, not distort the sound and convey the power of low tones, it is important to choose the right subwoofer. The main parameter that influences the choice is the standard size. Most brands of modern cars already have space for installing car speakers. This in some cases has a negative effect on the sound of the music. The small size of the subwoofer seat limits the range of the speaker.

Accurate reproduction of audio tracks will be ensured by speakers with a large number of frequency bands. The wider their range, the cleaner the sound will be. But the price of such subwoofers is several times more expensive.

Important! When purchasing, you should take into account the presence or absence of a built-in amplifier, which affects the uniformity and purity of the sound of the compositions. To prevent the music from being distorted, you will have to additionally purchase an external amplifier for the passive subwoofer.

An important indicator is the power of the speaker system. It affects the operating life of the installation. If you do not comply with the indicators specified by the manufacturer, the subwoofer will quickly become unusable.

How to choose

The main thing when choosing a device is to take into account that a subwoofer in a car is an addition to car audio, and not a replacement for “bass”. The optimal system option is considered to have five speakers: two each in the front and rear and one sub.

An active subwoofer is suitable for a hatchback and station wagon, since the shelf does not interfere with the penetration of bass. It is better for sedan owners to embed an open type into the rear seat or make a stealth from fiberglass. The method of making a box using the layer-by-layer plywood method is expensive and labor-intensive.

When choosing a subwoofer, you must remember that a high price does not indicate decent quality. In practice, some manufacturers equip active subwoofers with lower-quality speakers, although the price from passive “competitors” “deprived” of a crossover and amplifier may differ by 2 times.

TOP 15 best subwoofers for cars

The rating of the best subwoofer models will help you choose the most suitable speaker system for your car, one that transmits high-quality sound, has a beautiful design and a long service life.

HERTZ DBA 200.3

The German manufacturer took care of music lovers by creating a high-quality subwoofer HERTZ DBA 200.3. The system power is small - 140 W. This indicator does not affect the quality of playback of tracks. The speakers are in no way inferior to more powerful analogues. Music sounds clear and without bass. The main advantage of the model is the wide range of frequencies that it perceives (from 32 to 400 Hz).

Car audio speakers Hertz DBA 200.3 have only positive reviews from customers. The only negative point is the instability of the pricing policy pursued by the manufacturer. Over the past few years, the price of a subwoofer of this brand has increased several times.

Cost: 15900 rubles.

HERTZ DBA 200.3

PIONEER TS-WX210A

The model occupies a leading position among Japanese speaker systems. Their versatility lies in the fact that they can be equally conveniently placed under the car seat and in the trunk - the sound quality does not change. The sound system is designed to play music throughout the entire vehicle interior. The subwoofer has a compact shape and attractive design. The PIONEER TS-WX210A model has high sensitivity (101 dB).

Main advantages:

• compact shape;
• ease of use;
• remote control of speakers using a remote control;
• ease of installation.

The only disadvantage of the model is its high price. This is not an option for the consumer on a budget.

Cost: 12,200 rubles.

PIONEER TS-WX210A

ALPINE SWE-815

This is an active subwoofer model. ALPINE SWE-815 has a bass reflex housing, which ensures high-quality sound of audio tracks. The inflated price of the ALPINE SWE-815 pays off with the high sensitivity of the speakers, which reproduce music as if it were “live”. The sound of an 8-inch subwoofer is no different from larger car speakers. The speaker system stands out among similar gadgets in its completeness. Manufacturers have equipped the subwoofer with a control panel that puts it into operation with the press of one button.

Important! In reviews, consumers note the high quality of the gadget. The subwoofer perceives a wide range of frequencies (34-1500 Hz). It has a nice design and plays music perfectly without distorting the sound. No negative aspects were identified in the operation of the acoustic system.

Cost: 10320 rubles.

ALPINE SWE-815

U-DIMENSION BLACKBOX X10

U-DIMENSION is a Japanese manufacturer that is little known to Russian consumers. The equipment produced by this company for cars is of high quality. This is a 10-inch subwoofer that fits perfectly into the interior. You can install the speaker system in the trunk of a car. Buyers who like to listen to music in their cars note the clarity and power of the audio tracks played.

Main advantages:

• excellent sound quality;
• built-in amplifier;
• high power (400 W).

Disadvantages of the model:

• poor quality speaker housing;
• overcharge.

Cost: 16,500 rubles.

U-DIMENSION BLACKBOX X10

ALPINE SBE-1044BR

This is a passive type of bass reflex subwoofer. The model is distinguished by high-quality assembly, ease of use and long service life. The speaker system requires proper care, otherwise the soft part of the casing will quickly wear out. Manufacturers have provided nominal (150 W) and maximum (500 W) power in this model.

Buyers prefer ALPINE SBE-1044BR due to its affordable price, nice design, undistorted and clear sound. Car enthusiasts note that the kit includes a plug that allows you to close the ventilation hole in the speaker housing. This improves the bass sound quality in rock songs. A disadvantage noted by consumers and not yet corrected by the manufacturer is increased susceptibility to low temperatures. With negative values, the columns do not work. You must first warm up the speaker cabinet.

Cost: 5660 rubles.

ALPINE SBE-1044BR

KICX ICQ-250BA

This Chinese model has a built-in sound amplifier, which ensures even reproduction of low and high tones. Manufacturers have equipped the speakers with increased power – 200 W and at peak performance – 400 W. All this ensures balanced sound transmission. Another advantage of a car subwoofer is a wide range of playable frequencies (from 36 to 800 Hz). Users note not only the internal contents, but also the external finishing of the speakers.

Some buyers complain about the lack of a control panel included with the speaker system.

Cost: 6610 rubles.

KICX ICQ-250BA

PIONEER TS-WX300A

The model has an unusual design and increased functionality. The manufacturer has provided a maximum power of 1300 W. The combination of increased sensitivity and the number of frequencies reproduced by the speaker sets the PIONEER TS-WX300A apart from its competitors. The speakers reproduce music without interference, delivering high-quality low tones.

The weaknesses of the PIONEER TS-WX300A model include the poor quality of the wires included in the speaker system kit.

Cost: 7290 rubles.

PIONEER TS-WX300A

JAMO S 808 SUB

According to customer reviews, this speaker system has the highest quality technical equipment. Manufacturers equipped the subwoofer with a low-frequency diffuser made of polymer fiber. The audio speaker is equipped with an amplifier that easily reproduces stereo and mono compositions, bringing the full power of the bass to listeners. With proper care, subwoofers of this brand last up to 10 years.

Main advantages:

• reliable body (constructed from MDF);
• surround sound;
• high technical parameters.

Among the shortcomings of the JAMO S 808 SUB are malfunctions when increasing the power set by the manufacturers. The speaker begins to wheeze if the speaker system is operated for a long time in conditions of more than 100 W.

Cost: 11300-15990 rubles.

JAMO S 808 SUB

"URAL" AS-D12A

This is a speaker system with a built-in amplifier from a well-known Russian manufacturer. The model combines high power (400 W) and a wide range of readable frequencies (21-240 Hz). Thanks to this, the speakers reproduce clear and accurate sound. The signal distortion factor is 0.5%. "URAL" AS-D12A makes it possible to enjoy undistorted low-frequency acoustics while traveling in a car.

Consumers using this model note the following advantages: successful case design, high-quality assembly of all components, and the inclusion of a control panel, which makes it possible to quickly turn the device on and off. The affordable price of car speakers also attracts buyers. No negative aspects were identified in the operation of the subwoofer.

Cost: 8590 rubles.

"URAL" AS-D12A

KICX ZC15

Budget option for acoustic system. Kicx ZC15 is a passive subwoofer, so in addition to it you need to select an external amplifier. The manufacturer paid special attention to the technical equipment of this model. The maximum power of car speakers is 1400 W.

Note! The subwoofer must be installed correctly in the car.

Consumers who use this model note the durability of the Kicx ZC15. Even at peak power, the subwoofer does not fail and continues to work perfectly.

Cost: 6380 rubles.

KICX ZC15

SONY XS-NW1202E

It stands out among the line of Korean subwoofers on the market due to its increased quality. The famous brand has done its best for car music lovers by developing a 12-inch subwoofer. It reproduces low tones without noise or distortion. The model is easy to use, so it will last for many years.

Main advantages:

• affordable price;
• wide frequency range (32-1000 Hz);
• laconic design;
• signature sound of the tracks.

The only drawback in the subwoofer's operation is that the speaker system does not tolerate low temperatures. In the winter season, before turning on the column, it is necessary to warm up the interior of the car thoroughly.

Cost: 5990 rubles.

SONY XS-NW1202E

SONY XS-GTX150LE

This is one of the best models. The subwoofer's reproduction of a wide range of frequencies (30-1000 Hz) ensures the purity of the sound of musical compositions. Some music lovers note that the bass lacks depth and rigidity.

High-quality technical components ensure a long service life of the Sony XS-GTX150LE. Even operation at peak power does not damage the speaker system.

Cost: 6890 rubles.

SONY XS-GTX150LE

ALPINE SWR-1522D

The model has a lot of positive reviews from consumers, emphasizing the high power of car speakers (up to 2000 W) and a large number of readable frequencies (22-500 Hz). The result of these technical characteristics is clear sound in which the bass is reproduced without the slightest distortion. ALPINE SWR-1522D is a popular subwoofer among Russian car enthusiasts.

The disadvantage is its large size (the subwoofer housing takes up half of the trunk).

Cost: 17890 rubles.

ALPINE SWR-1522D

Yamaha-YST-FSW100

Floor-standing model of car speakers. Yamaha-YST-FSW100 is equipped with a 6.5-inch speaker and built-in amplifier. The bass reflex enclosure reproduces music as if “live”, combining the equivalent sound of highs and lows. You can use the system not only in a car, but also by connecting it to a home theater.

Main advantages:

• the subwoofer is equipped with a phase control button;
• frequency range up to 200 Hz;
• noise reduction system.

The disadvantage of the Yamaha-YST-FSW100 is its tendency to generate standing waves.

Cost: 8000-9682 rubles.

Yamaha-YST-FSW100

MAGNAT BETA SUB 20A

The model stands out for its stylish design, lightness and ease of use. This is a bass reflex cabinet subwoofer. To achieve clear sound of low tones, manufacturers equipped the speaker system with high-quality technical components. Despite the low peak power (140 W), the sound emanating from the speakers fills the entire car interior.

Among the main advantages of this model are the following: thoughtful design (thanks to the cone-shaped legs, the subwoofer can be conveniently placed under the seat), sufficient rated power (70 W), surround sound of musical compositions. No deficiencies were identified in the MAGNAT BETA SUB 20A model.

Cost: 23470 -26500 rubles.

MAGNAT BETA SUB 20A

Their types

A modern range of devices will provide acoustic comfort to the most demanding motorists when it comes to sound quality. However, in order not to join the ranks of those dissatisfied with the sound quality, you need to choose the right subwoofer for your car and take into account the recommendations of installation specialists.

Video - visually shows how effectively you can configure a subwoofer in a car:

All device options can be divided into two types.

Active

It consists of a speaker, an amplifier and is offered as a finished product: the woofer is installed in a box, and the amplifier is mounted externally or internally. This option has undeniable advantages - small size and easy installation. However, in terms of sound quality, an active subwoofer is suitable for listeners who are uncritical of reproduction accuracy.

Passive

Refers to more interesting devices in terms of sound quality. Structurally, it consists of a low-frequency head with an acoustic design installed in a box (trapezoidal / rectangular in shape), but for installation it is necessary to select an amplifier. When choosing such a device, you need to prepare for the fact that the trapezoid will “steal” the functionality of the trunk and the subwoofer in the car will be installed in the center. In addition, the color of the trunk upholstery does not always match the color of the device box body.

Both types are classified as case-type devices, as they provide acoustic design. However, car audio experts highlight another category in the range - open-type woofers ranging in size from 8 to 15 inches. And, although you will have to make the box yourself or contact an installation studio, such a subwoofer has a number of advantages: compactness, a wide selection of models, the ability to make a case to your taste while maintaining trunk volume.

Comparing the best subwoofers

Even after getting acquainted with the rating of the best speaker systems for a car, making a choice is not easy. A summary table will help you decide, which presents the main characteristics of top-end subwoofers.

Let's sum it up

A high-quality speaker system provides surround sound music in the car. For lovers of rock songs with clear bass sound, manufacturers have developed subwoofers with high power. For example: ALPINE SWR-1522D, Sony XS-NW1202E, KICX ZC15, SONY XS-GTX150LE.

Models with a wide range of reproduced frequencies will ensure purity of sound. The best are Chinese and Japanese brands: SONY XS-GTX150LE, KICX ICQ-250BA and ALPINE SWE-815.

Manufacturers also present budget options for car speakers, which at an affordable price make it possible to enjoy your favorite music while driving. For example: ALPINE SBE-1044BR, SONY XS-GTX150LE, Yamaha-YST-FSW100, URAL AS-D12A. Anyone can choose the appropriate speaker system for their car.