Subwoofer Buying Guide

Bass is the foundation of every great system. Here's how to choose a subwoofer you'll still love a year from now.

1. Pick your size

• 8" , tight, quick bass; great for small cabins and factory-space installs.
• 10", the balance point: punchy, musical, fits most vehicles.
• 12", the most popular size; deep, powerful bass for almost any genre.
• 15", maximum low-end authority; needs serious enclosure space and power.
• Shallow mount, for trucks and tight spaces where a standard sub won't fit.

2. Sealed vs ported

Sealed boxes give tight, accurate bass in a compact size. Ported boxes are louder and dig deeper for the same power, at the cost of space. Prefabricated loaded enclosures take the guesswork out.

3. Match the power

Use RMS ratings only. Your amplifier's RMS output at the sub's wired impedance should sit at or slightly above the sub's RMS rating. Underpowering a sub and clipping the signal kills more subwoofers than overpowering ever has.

4. Impedance & voice coils

Dual voice coil subs (DVC) give you wiring flexibility: a DVC 4Ω sub can wire to 2Ω or 8Ω; a DVC 2Ω to 1Ω or 4Ω. Choose the combination that lets your amp deliver its rated power.

Shortcuts

Shop by size: 8" · 10" · 12" · 15", or grab a powered sub for the simplest install.

Not sure? Email us your vehicle and budget, we'll spec the exact sub, box, amp, and wiring in one reply.