12 best subwoofers for the car

Standard car audio systems have long failed to satisfy the required sound reproduction quality. Popularization of music with a predominance of low frequencies requires the installation of special equipment, giving a strong and clear bass. The name of such equipment - subwoofers.

Currently, the development of subwoofers are engaged in many leading manufacturers of audio equipment, so the number of device options on the shelves of specialized stores often exceeds all imaginable limits. Of course, for each car there are a number of certain parameters that limit the number of suitable models. But even in this case, the choice is very difficult.

Our rating is aimed at a quick and easy solution to this problem. We have already selected the best models in our categories, and are ready to share valuable information with you. Careful selection of candidates was made on the basis of a comparison of the parameters and characteristics of subwoofers, the number of positive user reviews, and the opinions of recognized experts in the field of audio.

Video - how to choose and connect a subwoofer

Top 20 cm (8 inch) subwoofers

3 Hertz DBA 200.3

The subwoofer with a passive radiator Hertz DBA 200.3 is a model of high quality, inherent in almost all lines of European manufacturers. Despite a more than modest indicator of maximum power (140 W), the model has an exceptionally clear sound, does not allow overcrushes and performs well frequencies from 32 to 400 Hz. It has a high-voltage input and an amplifier that harmoniously fits into the overall "sound reproducing pattern."

Consumers are talking about Hertz DBA 200.3 exclusively complementary, citing the above criteria as the main advantages. The only nuance on the background of all this is the price level, which has noticeably jumped over the past four years. However, in the "price / quality" ratio, this subwoofer is still ahead of most of its opponents.

2 Pioneer TS-WX210A

In the second place rises another model of the subwoofer from the Japanese brand - Pioneer TS-WX210A. "Pioneers" tried to make a model that is convenient for placing in the trunk of a car, and under the front seat, if the luggage compartment is occupied and does not allow to place inside even a compact "box". By the way, it is aimed precisely at creating an incredible atmosphere of sound in the cabin, and not outside the car, so you won’t be able to throw a real street party. The model is characterized by a high sensitivity of 101 dB, and this is its only significant advantage.But the disadvantages can be recorded unreasonably high price, which is able to scare off budget consumers.

Advantages:

• nice design;
• compactness (can be installed under the car seat);
• high sensitivity level (101 dB).
• easy installation

Disadvantages:

• overcharge.

1 Alpine SWE-815

The first line of the rating is rightfully occupied by the Alpine SWE-815 bass-reflex active subwoofer. Despite the high price available not to every buyer, motorists are drawn to buying mainly this model. It is not known how, but the Japanese company Alpine was able to implement in the subwoofer support for the unthinkable frequency range - from 34 to 1500 hertz with a sensitivity of 91 decibels - which makes the sound not just quality, but close to ideal. Also pleased with the presence of a remote control, albeit wired. In general, the Alpine SWE-815 seems to be almost the best 8-inch model that can compete with more overall subwoofers.

Advantages:

• high frequency range (34-1500 Hz);
• attractive design;
• the presence of a remote control;
• overall sound quality;
• good grade.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

Top 25 cm (10 inch) subwoofers

3 u-Dimension Blackbox X10

U-Dimension products are not very popular. Nevertheless, this does not affect the quality of their equipment, including subwoofers. In the third place in the ranking is the 10-inch model of the u-Dimension BlackBox X10, designed to be installed both in the trunk and in the passenger compartment. The overall build quality of the subwoofer raises a lot of questions about the cost of the product - they say, for that kind of money you could try and make everything much more accurate. As for the sound quality, the opposite picture is observed here: users are very satisfied with the purity of the reproduced sound.

Advantages:

• good sound quality;
• the presence of a built-in amplifier;
• 200 watts rated power.

Disadvantages:

• well thought-out body is made carelessly;
• unreasonably high price.

2 Alpine SBE-1044BR

One more representative of the Japanese company Alpine - the passive bass-reflex subwoofer of the SBE-1044BR model deserves close attention.As regards the quality of the assembly, there are no complaints about it, with the exception of soft plating that wears off over time. The overall impression of the sound is pleasant, one feels that the subwoofer is trying to honestly work out the indicators of nominal and maximum power of 150 and 500 watts, respectively. The disadvantage is manifested under rather interesting conditions: in winter, due to the temperature drop, the speaker may simply not respond to the "play" command. And while the design is not warmed up, there is a possibility of mechanical failure of the subwoofer.

Advantages:

• optimal cost;
• good quality;
• nice appearance;
• 500 watts maximum power;
• the presence of a phase inverter plug.

Disadvantages:

• refuses to play at low temperatures.

1 Kicx ICQ-250BA

Productive active subwoofer closed type is not the most expensive device in the series, but actively pleases consumers with high technical characteristics. Its power, equal to 200 W in nominal and 400 in peak, is enough to create in the car a unique atmosphere of sounding juicy and loud bass. The sensitivity is rather low (89 dB), but there are plenty of reproducible frequencies: their range varies from 36 to 800 Hz. All of these qualities somehow appear in the reviews of users who liked both the exterior of the subwoofer body and its internal content.

The disadvantages are purely subjective. Someone in the Kicx ICQ-250BA lacks the remote control, someone complains about the irrational execution (they say, a phase inverter would be much more productive), and someone even claims that he often comes across defective copies (but stubbornly continues to buy them).

Top 30cm (12 inch) subwoofers

3 Pioneer TS-WX300A

Perhaps the most beautiful active subwoofer in the selection, the internal potential of which is fully consistent with the external design. Under the Pioneer TS-WX300A red and black case, there are 350 watts of nominal and (whole) 1300 watts of peak power, supported by a high level of sensitivity (113 dB). In this configuration, the model with ease “shakes” the whole neighborhood, not to mention the modest areas of the car interior. The range of reproducible frequencies varies from 20 to 130 Hz, which once again underlines the true purpose of this acoustic element.

As shown by user reviews, the most "weakest" place of Pioneer TS-WX300A steel wire, are not notable for reliability. Maximum power also raises a lot of doubts, but for convincing sound there is enough of what is really there.

2 "Ural" AS-D12A

Russian active subwoofer, recognized by foreign bass car audio lovers. It combines a lot of small advantages, of which the whole of his "image" is made up. The range of reproducible frequencies varies between 21 and 240 Hz, which is a standard for low-frequency acoustics. Rated power is 400 W, but at the maximum the model is capable of producing all 1100. Low susceptibility of the subwoofer to nonlinear distortion (its coefficient is only 0.4%) is also highlighted, which allows to get accurate and “juicy” bass at the output.

Without affecting the technical side, users note in AS-D12A “Ural” a pleasant appearance, good contact wires (which is important) and the presence of a remote control to change the volume. It is subject to breakdowns very rarely, so the cost of possible maintenance should not be taken into account. And, given the small starting cost of the device, it becomes clear why it is so popular among motorists.

1 Sony XS-NW1202E

We all know the Korean firm Sony as one of the coolest manufacturers of musical equipment. In the case of the active Sony XS-NW1202E subwoofer, they also did not retreat from the canons.12-inch device perfectly reproduces low bass, without lags and extraneous noise. In addition, users also note the durability and reliability of work, which is perhaps the main advantage for a budget subwoofer. With minuses, everything is also quite simple: the only drawback of a passive subwoofer is low temperature intolerance - in the cold the device simply refuses to work and it is necessary to warm it up before operation.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• wide range of supported frequencies (32-1000 Hz);
• good nominal and maximum power;
• great design;
• Sony brand quality.

Disadvantages:

• does not tolerate low temperatures.

Top 38 cm (15 inch) subwoofers

3 Kicx ZC15

Passive subwoofer Kicx ZC15 belongs to the category of low-frequency acoustic acoustics, but offers customers a very impressive (for this segment) set of technical characteristics. 700 watts of nominal power (and 1400 watts maximum) are capable of making a real soundboard from the car, setting the bass tone in the area adjacent to the vehicle. According to users, a very important step will be to place the speaker in as small a body as possible in order to prevent loss of sound efficiency.

As for the durability of the Kicx ZC15, here it is worth noting the possibility of long-term operation of the device at a power close to the peak. Despite the considerable heat, the double winding of the subwoofer is experiencing any level of load, even if it gradually (very slowly) fails. It is this fact (along with the low price) that makes the installation hit the top of the best.

2 Sony XS-GTX150LE

Another representative of the famous X-Pod series, the main "chip" of which was the optimal combination between purchase costs and quality parameters. Despite its performance, the XS-GTX150LE can only be called a subwoofer, since its competence is to play a very wide (relative to sabs) sound frequency spectrum: from 30 to 1000 Hz. In this regard, it produces a very clear and hard sound, the bass in which, although felt, does not have the depth, so necessary for very sensitive music lovers.

In general, consumers are satisfied with the acquisition of such a high-ranking device, noting the remarkable vitality of all elements of the system. According to some of them, even deliberate long-term work at facilities close to peak ones failed to put the passive Sony XS-GTX150LE out of operation. Together with the low cost, the durability element brings the model into the top of the best subwoofers for installation in the car.

1 Alpine SWR-1522D

A large and powerful subwoofer that emphasizes Alpine's competence in creating high-quality speakers. The combination of 750 W of power in nominal (2000 W at the peak) and reproducible frequencies within 22-500 Hz resulted in a whole gamut of complimentary feedback on deep, velvety and rich bass emanating from popular connoisseurs of high-quality music. In addition to sounding, the advantages of a passive subwoofer include the wide prevalence in the territory of the Russian Federation, a small susceptibility to nonlinear distortions, as well as a strong diffuser, reinforced with Kevlar inserts.

The disadvantage of the Alpine SWR-1522D is only one, and consists, rather, in the subjective perception of the situation, rather than in objective prerequisites. Some users do not like its overall dimensions, which hide a significant part of the trunk volume.There are certain issues and the value of the cost, but against the backdrop of a general price increase, it does not look the worst way.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of subwoofers for cars?
We vote!

Sony

Kicx

Alpine

Pioneer

Supra

u-Dimension

Hertz

Total votes: 156

Vote results