Types and Sizes of Car Subwoofers [2024 Researched List]
While driving long routes, one of the few pleasures drivers can experience is listening to music. However, built-in car speakers lack the bass that a music lover needs.
Subwoofers play a crucial role in providing the necessary low-frequency and enhancing your listening experience.
Selecting the right subwoofer with so many sizes, designs, and power ratings can be challenging.
Read on to learn everything you need about the Types and Sizes of Car Subwoofers, whether you’re a bass-head or want to enhance your driving experience.
Types of Car Subwoofers
Here are the different types.
SVC (Single Voice Coil) Subwoofers
SVC (Single Voice Coil) subwoofers can be useful for many reasons. Here are a few
- Affordability: These are among the most affordable, making them a great choice for budget-conscious consumers. They are an excellent option for car audio system owners who want more bass without spending too much.
- Easy Installation: Single voice coil subwoofers are easier to wire than other subwoofers since they only have a single voice coil. For those who are new to installing car audio, they’re a good choice because they’re easier to install.
- Being flexible: It works with many amplifiers, making them a great option for car audio system upgrades. Additionally, they can be wired in parallel or series to change the subwoofer’s overall impedance, making them ideal for matching amplifiers and subwoofers.
- Size: Plus, available in various sizes, making them a good option for smaller vehicles. The sizes range from 6.5 to 15 inches, so almost any car can use one.
- Sound Quality: It may not be as powerful as some other types of subwoofers. However, they can still produce excellent sound quality when paired with the right amplifier and enclosure. It a good choice if you want some extra bass in your music without compromising the rest of your audio system.
Overall, SVC subwoofers can be a great choice for those who want to upgrade their car audio system without spending much money or dealing with a complicated installation. They are Flexible, easy to install, and can provide excellent sound quality when paired with the right equipment.
DVC (Dual Voice Coil) Subwoofers
DVC subwoofers are commonly used in car audio systems as a type of subwoofer. Two separate voice coils can be wired in various ways to produce various impedance levels. Due to this flexibility, car audio lovers can customize their systems to suit their needs.
Power handling is one of the biggest advantages of it. Compared to single-voice coil subwoofers, they can handle twice the power. In other words, they are able to produce louder, more powerful bass without distorting it. It is especially important for car audio enthusiasts who enjoy loud music.
It also delivers superior sound quality. Due to their dual voice coils, they produce more accurate and detailed sound than single-voice coil subwoofers. They have cleaner and more precise bass, which can make a big difference in the overall sound quality of a car’s audio system.
In addition, it is more flexible in terms of wiring configurations. As a result, car audio lovers can adjust the impedance of their system to match their amplifiers by wiring them in series or parallel. As a result, they can maximize the performance of their amplifiers and subwoofers.
In general, a great investment for anyone who wants to take their car audio system to the next level, these speakers can handle more power, produce superior sound, and be wired in a variety of configurations.
Powered Subwoofers
These are becoming increasingly popular among car audio enthusiasts because of their convenience and ease of installation. It combines the subwoofer and amplifier in one unit, making installation easier.
You won’t have to purchase and install a separate amplifier, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and require professional installation.
It also has the benefit of saving space due to its compact design. Due to the compact size of both the subwoofer and amplifier, you have more space for passengers and other equipment in your car.
For those with smaller cars or trunks with limited space, this is especially important.
Plus, it is known for producing powerful and clear bass. As a result of the subwoofer and amplifier working together, the sound produced is more accurate and detailed than with traditional subwoofers and amplifiers.
Car audio enthusiasts looking for a convenient, space-saving solution with high-quality sound should consider powered subwoofers. Designed for easy installation, their clear and powerful bass can enhance your car’s audio system.
Shallow Mount Subwoofers.
Since shallow-mount subwoofers are slim, they can fit into areas where traditional subwoofers cannot.
They are like powered subs, therefore, a great choice for those who want to add bass to their car’s audio system but don’t have much room.
Shallow mount subwoofers can deliver clear and powerful bass even with their slim design, enhancing the sound quality of your car’s audio system.
Low Profile Subwoofer
Subwoofers with low profiles are ideal for those who want maximum bass output while minimizing their car’s interior space. It may be necessary to purchase a separate amplifier and have the professional installation performed, which can be costly.
Shallow mount subwoofers, on the other hand, are slim, compact, and have a built-in amplifier, making installation easy and cheaper.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between shallow-mount subwoofers and low-profile subwoofers. But you can consider the price.
Component Subwoofers
Many car lovers prefer component subwoofers since they are more customizable and easy to install.
A separate amplifier and enclosure are typically required for these subwoofers, making them an excellent choice for those looking to make their audio system more customized.
Sizes of Subwoofers
Let’s begin with sizes.
6-inch Subwoofers
6-inch subwoofers are small speakers designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds.
Although they may not produce as much bass as larger subwoofers, they are an affordable and convenient alternative for those with limited space.
8 Inch Subwoofers
This type of speaker is commonly found in cars or small rooms and provides a balanced and powerful bass response. The small size of this subwoofer makes it a popular option for those who are looking for high-quality sound.
10 Inch Subwoofer
The 10-inch subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass sounds with enhanced clarity and accuracy.
For car audio systems and home theater setups, it provides a more engaging and impactful listening experience.
12 Inch Subwoofer
Due to its size and construction, it can handle higher power levels and deliver an improved bass response. The deep, booming bass enhances the overall sound quality by providing an immersive audio experience.
15 Inch Subwoofer
This is larger than the average subwoofer and is commonly used in home theaters, car audio systems, and live performances.
Adding depth and dimension to the sound makes the music or movie more immersive and realistic.
18 Inch Subwoofers
High-end car audio systems and concert venues often use it for professional audio applications. With its larger size, it can move more air, producing earth-shaking bass.
You’ll experience a whole new level of audio immersion when you use an 18-inch subwoofer.
Read Here: 12 vs 15 Inch Subwoofers – Which is Best for You?
Subwoofers vs Built-In Speakers
Built-in speakers and subwoofers differ primarily in their frequency and sound quality.
It may not have the same bass response as a subwoofer, and sometimes the sound quality may be compromised.
Subwoofers, on the other hand, are designed to produce low-frequency content and improve the listening experience. Adding a subwoofer to the car’s sound system provides a better sound experience and lower frequency sound.
Overall, built-in speakers are used for everyday use, but a subwoofer is a must if you want more powerful audio. It provides a more realistic audio experience when listening to music in the car.
FAQs
Most related questions related to Subwoofers, I think you may also have in your mind.
What are the different types of car subwoofers?
In short, there are 6 types of subwoofers: Speakers, Single Voice Coil (SVC) Subwoofers, Dual Voice Coil (DVC) Subwoofers, Powered Subwoofers, Shallow Mount Subwoofers, Low Profile Subwoofers, and Component subwoofers.
Which is the more powerful woofer or subwoofer?
The power of a woofer and a subwoofer cannot be compared because a subwoofer is a type of woofer designed to produce low-frequency sounds.
Woofers are designed to reproduce a wider range of frequencies, while subwoofers are more powerful at reproducing bass frequencies.
What type of amp is best for a subwoofer?
A dedicated mono or class D amplifier is the best amplifier for a subwoofer.
Is a bigger car subwoofer better?
Bigger is not always better when it comes to car subwoofers. Although larger subwoofers can produce deeper and more powerful bass, other factors like design and appropriate sizing also affect the overall sound quality.
Types and Sizes of Car Subwoofers – Final Thoughts
Choosing a subwoofer that meets your audio requirements requires considering power handling, sensitivity, and frequency response before purchasing.
Knowing everything described in this article about car subwoofers will help you select the perfect subwoofer for your vehicle.
Have a nice day!
