The Best Subwoofer-And-Amp Packages
With many of us spending hours of our week driving or stuck in traffic, a little music therapy is sometimes just what we need to stay sane. And while not everyone can afford a car with a premium stereo system, adding a subwoofer and amplifier has never been easier. A good sub and amp can boost your highs, mids, and bass frequencies, giving you a punchier listening experience. Check out our list of the best subwoofer-and-amp packages to find one that is right for you.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite subwoofers-and-amp packages, we looked for ones that are easily installed, give you clean and riveting audio, and are a great value for their price. Skar Audio’s SDR Series package has a specially designed enclosure to provide you with deeper and more powerful bass tones. For compact cars, we recommend Rockville’s SS8P. Its slim profile allows it to fit perfectly under car seats, so you get great audio without the clutter. Keep on reading to learn more.
Skar Audio SDR Series Subwoofer with Amplifier
Top of its class
If you’re looking for one of the best bass systems money can buy, Skar Audio’s 1,200W subwoofer-and-amp package has you covered. Its 12-inch sub packs a punch, allowing you to feel the tremors as it produces its signature deep bass sound. The custom enclosure surrounding the sub helps amplify lower frequencies, so you get clean audio that doesn’t sound tinny. And to power this beast, it comes with a monoblock amplifier paired specifically for this subwoofer.
Pros:
- The bass response is very powerful
- The amp mounts easily
- It produces very clean audio
Cons:
- It can overheat if not calibrated or pushed too hard
Pioneer TS-WX120AM Subwoofer with Built-In Amplifier
Upgrading your car audio can be a pain, especially the more cables and wires that get involved. Pioneer’s TS-WX120AM subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, helping eliminate some of the setup steps. Connecting the cables to a car stereo is so quick and easy that those new to the process shouldn’t have any significant issues. And its ported enclosure can give you a loud and more booming experience as you listen to your music.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- It has plenty of power for its size
- The trapezoidal shape helps it fit behind car seats
Cons:
- While it fits behind seats, it’s not small enough to fit underneath most car seats
Rockville SS8P Under-Seat Subwoofer and Amp
Feel the boom from below
Driving a compact car shouldn’t prevent you from having great audio. Rockville’s SS8P subwoofer-and-amp kit gives you the bass you need in a trimmed-down package. The subwoofer is eight inches and 400W, enclosed in a cast aluminum case for cooling and durability. And to ensure you have the best audio quality possible, this kit includes premium copper RCA cables that help reduce signal loss from the subwoofer to your stereo.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- It fits in tighter spaces underneath or behind seats
Cons:
- It doesn’t produce as powerful a bass as a larger unit, but it’s still fantastic for its size
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-10T Truck Subwoofer
Clarity at its finest
While some people want their car to shake from a deep bass, others may prefer something cleaner and more accurate. Rockford Fosgate’s Punch P300-10T gives you fantastic audio quality in a smaller package. Because of its sealed box design, the subwoofer moves with more control, giving you bass that doesn’t sound drowned out and muddy. Best yet, this unit is extremely tunable, with plenty of knobs to give you the control you need.
Pros:
- Very punchy sound despite its small size
- Installation is quick and painless
- It takes up very little car space
Cons:
- A bit pricy, but we think it’s worth it for the quality
Rockville RW10CA Low Profile Subwoofer
Feedback free
When it comes to subwoofers, every part matters. Rockville seems to have considered this, using a MOSFET power supply to run their RW10CA package. It uses electrical switches to precisely control the flow of electricity to the unit, ensuring the right amount is provided to eliminate feedback and audio loss. And because it can provide a strong, stable current, this subwoofer can offer more power at higher volumes without blowing out.
Pros:
- The built-in amplifier works excellently
- It has a bass boost for an extra punchy sound
- It offers short protection if the subwoofer gets too hot
Cons:
- It runs a bit warmer when pushed to the limits because of its smaller size
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a ported and sealed subwoofer?
Ported subwoofers have a vent in the enclosure that allows the sound waves to travel out from the case, providing a more booming audio experience. Sealed units, on the other hand, are completely enclosed, allowing them to be put into smaller boxes and preventing the subwoofer from vibrating excessively. This leads to a more accurate sound and better timings.
What does an amplifier do?
Amplifiers are devices designed to amplify signals so your subwoofer and speakers can output more powerful audio than average. They help detect lower frequencies and boost them, allowing your subwoofer to provide a stronger, more powerful bass. Additionally, if a sub doesn’t have a power supply of its own, an amplifier gives the unit the exact power needed for it to run efficiently.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.