Subwoofer is an integral part of the car audio system, its main role is to enhance the low frequency effect, make the bass in the music deeper and more shocking, and bring a richer listening experience. Whether you like intense rock or enjoy deep electronic music, subwoofer can make you feel the power and layering of sound. And choosing the right subwoofer not only enhances the texture of the music, but also allows car owners to enjoy customized sound effects. This article will help car owners understand how to choose the most suitable subwoofer according to their personal needs, so that every drive is filled with the rhythm of music.
Basic Parameters: Size、Impedance、 Power
To choose the right subwoofer, you first need to understand some basic parameters, which directly affect the sound quality, power requirements and matching with other audio components. The following are the key parameters to focus on when choosing a subwoofer:
Size
Common subwoofer sizes are 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches and 15 inches, etc. Different sizes of subwoofers will have different effects on the low frequency effect.
The 8-inch speaker, due to its smaller size, has a smaller sound generating unit, which makes the sound propagation more concentrated and reduces the sound diffusion and distortion, so its low frequency effect is more accurate. 10-inch and 12-inch are the first choice of most car owners, which are able to provide enough low-frequency depth while maintaining a better balance, and are suitable for all types of music. 15-inch subwoofers deliver the deepest and most powerful bass, generating low-frequency sound waves that are very deep, hence providing a powerful and immersive experience.
Impedance
Impedance is the degree of resistance of the subwoofer to current, common impedance values are 2 ohms, 4 ohms and 8 ohms, and different impedance subwoofers require different amplifiers.
2 Ohm: Subwoofers with low impedance provide higher power output, but need to be matched with an amplifier with high power and low impedance support.
4 ohms: the most common impedance value, can balance the power output and amplifier load, suitable for most car owners.
8 Ohm: Higher impedance, suitable for some high-quality audio systems, provides stable power output, but requires stronger amplifier drive.
Power (Power Handling)
Power Handling is the maximum power and power rating that a subwoofer can handle. Choosing the right power range will prevent damage to your speakers while ensuring good sound.
Peak Power: The maximum power the subwoofer can handle in a short period of time.
RMS Power: The power that the subwoofer can stably withstand in a long period of time, which is the key index to measure the performance of the subwoofer.
Matching Amplifier Power: Power matching is an important factor to ensure the normal operation of the subwoofer. Too much power may cause the subwoofer to burn out, while insufficient power will affect the volume and sound quality.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity indicates how much volume a subwoofer produces at a given power in decibels (dB). A speaker with high sensitivity is capable of producing greater volume at lower power inputs.
High sensitivity (90dB and above): For systems with less power or for owners who need more volume in a limited space.
Low sensitivity (below 85dB): Requires stronger amplifier support, but usually provides more accurate low-frequency results.
Frequency Response
Frequency Response indicates the range of frequencies that a subwoofer is capable of producing, usually expressed in Hertz (Hz).
Low Frequency Response: The frequency response of a subwoofer usually ranges from 20Hz to 200Hz, the lower the frequency the deeper the bass effect.
High Frequency Response: Some subwoofers may also cover some of the midrange frequencies, especially for some hybrid subwoofers (e.g. full-range subwoofers).
Choosing the right frequency band: Choose a subwoofer with a suitable frequency response range according to your need for bass depth.
Cabinet: Type、Material
Aside from the size and power of the speaker, consideration must also be given to cabinet types and the materials of their composition, as those features will significantly impact sound quality and also performance. Familiarity with the different cabinet types and the types of materials will help you in choosing a subwoofer that suits your preference.
Sealed Enclosure vs. Open Enclosure
Sealed Enclosure and Open Enclosure are two common subwoofer cabinet designs, they have their own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different car owners needs.
Sealed Enclosure, by restricting the air flow, increases the accuracy of low frequency, which is less likely to have too much “boom” and can restore the true details of the music. On the contrary, the volume output of the Enclosed Enclosure is relatively small, and the sense of shock of the low-frequency is also slightly weaker.
Ported Enclosures, in contrast, are designed with a vent or opening so that air can move in and out of the enclosure and increase the volume and depth of bass. It is very good for those who prefer more punchy bass, especially those who listen to electronic, hip-hop, and other musical styles that require a strong low-frequency effect. I mentioned before that, because of the opening, the bass can sometimes tend not to be as accurate as a closed box and can easily add “fuzziness” to low frequencies.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Material
The material for your subwoofer cabinet directly influences its sound performance and durability. Basically, standard cabinet materials include MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), plastics, and some high-end composite materials. Each has its unique advantage(s) and disadvantage(s).
MDF is the most common subwoofer cabinet material, possessing good sound quality characters with excellent sealing and low resonance. However, MDF cabinets are generally very heavy and should be dealt with as heavy when imposing weight considerations.
Typically, plastic cabinets are however very lightweight due to the inherent features of the material. A great advantage of plastic cabinets is their lower prices. But that quality of sound for plastic is not always comparable to that produced by MDF.
There would also be high-end cabinets, some built of composite materials, with further lines in the purpose of weakening resonance and enhancing the durability of the cabinet. Sometimes it is these enclosures that provide very good sonic performance and greater durability, however, they would be expensive because of their materials and the complexity of the technological process, and typically belong to the range indicated by high-end audio systems.
Subwoofer Brands and Prices
While choosing a subwoofer, brand and price matter when considering sound quality and performance. MR Audio is a very famed brand, offering a huge selection of different sizes and specifications, even customizable to fit one’s requirements. Be it a car owner with auditory needs or another one looking for value for money, we can safely say MR Audio is going to have something for you with products spanning the price point, from entry-level cost to high-end products. Depending on your budget, you can choose from some high-end brands of ours for superior sound performance and very durable products, or choose the entry-level brand to serve daily needs without busting a bank. Whichever one you choose, you can be sure that you will get the right subwoofer according to your needs and financial constraints with the best balance between sound performance and sound quality.