If you’re interested in purchasing or upgrading subwoofers for your car stereo system, here are some tips to help you achieve the best quality of sound through your speakers:
1. Take Measurements: Subwoofers vary in size and shapes. Be aware of much space is in your vehicle to house a subwoofer before deciding which size to purchase. Larger subwoofers produce better bass, so if that’s the route you’re hoping to take, make sure it fits within the designated space of your vehicle.
2. Carefully select your subwoofer box: There are three types of subwoofer boxes – sealed, ported, and bandpass. Sealed boxes distribute deep bass, while ported and bandpass provide louder sound. Of course, you always opt for subwoofers that don’t require boxes, such as ones that can be mounted inside your trunk, which naturally acts as a type of enclosure.
3. Be wary of issues with power, sensitivity, frequency, and impedance: This is otherwise known as the RMS value, SPL, frequency range, and ohms. A higher RMS value means more bass production, which will need a head unit or amplifier to provide adequate power. Subwoofers with high SPL rates don’t need as much power to emit high volumes, so if your amp or head unit isn’t strong in power capacity, your subwoofers will need to have high sensitivity. As for frequency, choose a unit on the lower end of the spectrum. Impedance should match up to your amp and subwoofer.