Choosing Subwoofers for Your Car Stereo
No matter what kind of music you like, or how softly or loudly you like to listen, a quality subwoofer can really improve your overall listening experience. Sundown Audio is dedicated to building digital audio subwoofers that perform and last.
What Are Some of the Key Specifications to Consider?
- Power: If you want a car system that really booms, there's no way you’re to overlook power. Pay more attention to RMS power ratings, as opposed to peak power ratings. RMS ratings measure continuous power handling or output and are a much more realistic measure than peak power. Make sure you match the sub's power handling to your amp's power output. Peak power rating, on the other hand, is the amount of power the subwoofer can handle as a brief burst during a musical peak. You should not drive your subwoofer continuously with wattage equal to the peak power rating.
- Size of the woofer: Try to consider sensitivity, enclosure type, and available power. However, this depends on your goals or what you’re looking to achieve from your woofers. If your ultimate goal is to have a system that plays loud and low, and space isn't an issue, go for the biggest subs. But don't underestimate smaller subs. With power, and in the right enclosure, smaller subs can put out plenty of sound.
- Impedance: Most subwoofers rate at 4 ohms impedance, but 2-ohm, 8-ohm, and dual voice coil subwoofers have become commonplace. For instance, SA-15 (Sundown 15) Subwoofers come in 2-ohms and dual 2-ohms. After you ’ve chosen subwoofer, look for amplifiers that will match up to your sub in terms of power rating and impedance. Use an amplifier that provides a power level or continuous watts.
What Are the Different Types of Subwoofers?
Basically, there are four types of Subwoofers;
- Powered Subs: These comprise the speaker and the amplifier in 1 compact enclosure. This type of sub is ideal for installing in small spaces, but not for producing big bass.
- Component Subs: These includes just the speaker. If you choose a component sub, then you'll have to choose the enclosure and amplifier separately. Component subs are ideal for those looking for a highly customized car stereo system.
- Vehicle Specific Subs: These aim to fit in the out-of-the-way spaces of your car, such as the door.
- Enclosed Subs: These are pre-mounted in a box, meaning you must choose an external amplifier for this type of speaker.
It is important to ensure that the sub sits on a base that is as solid as possible; use a speaker pad for this purpose.
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