Having a subwoofer as part of any audio system is a key element and a crucial factor in having excellent quality sound reproduction. Whether the setup be at home or in your car, a subwoofer adds depth to any sound output by emphasizing key low frequency sounds that most typical speakers will never be physically capable of achieving.
A typical car audio system is composed of four medium size speakers (6-3/4” diameter or smaller), usually mounted on each of the front side door panels and two usually mounted on the deck above the trunk behind the rear passenger seats. These speakers could be called coaxial speakers because they usually have an additional tweeter (1-1/2” diameter or smaller) mounted right on top of the speaker cone. The combination of the two will allow the audio system to pick up most of the middle to high frequency sounds and reproduce them so that the sound is audible to the human hearing. Typically, this configuration covers frequencies from 2000-20,000 Hz. However, the human sense of hearing could pick up frequencies as low as 20 Hz!
A subwoofer emphasizes frequencies as low as 10 Hz (not usually audible in human hearing) all the way up to about 1000 Hz or more depending on the subwoofer. The result of adding a subwoofer to a standard audio system is a much fuller sound, primarily due to the fact that human hearing could hear much more and in all honesty, your ears want to hear more. You know something doesn’t sound right or doesn’t sound good, and it makes you feel relieved when you do hear something that has full depth of sound.
If you let each speaker do their job with emphasizing their specific frequencies they are designed to reproduce, then adding a subwoofer is like hiring a new employee that is specialized in a certain job. Even certain subwoofers are specialized for different tasks.
Subwoofers that are classified or measured at 8” to 10” will never produce as much as bass as the larger 12” or 15” subwoofers. 8” Subwoofers and most 10” subs are primarily designed to add depth to a sound system; they typically do not feature any show-off performance such as that “boomy” sound. These smaller subs are recommended for music lovers without the urge to rattle every car at the stop light. Because these are smaller subs, they require a lot less box volume than larger subs. You could probably use 8” or 10” subs in compact to medium size sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs.
12” Subwoofers are typically used by consumers who are a bit more into the loudness and “boomy” factor that subwoofers could produce. Expect to rattle more cars with 12” subs, as it typically produce deeper bass and higher power handling. You should probably prepare a large area for the setup of 12” subs. Subwoofers this size are typically found in larger vehicles, such as full-size SUV, pickup trucks, or luxury-size sedans.
Large-size subwoofers measuring at 15”, 18” or other custom-sized subs are primarily used in competition settings. Most subs this size are emphasized for performance and loudness—not so much on sound quality. You’ll rattle a lot of cars, make a lot of stationary objects move, and maybe make your mom nauseous from all the frequency noise. You will usually need to customize your vehicle to accommodate these behemoths—so wherever it fits the enclosure is just fine. But remember, the bigger the subs, the bigger box it needs.
Not All Car Subwoofers Are The Same:
Basically subwoofers are of either a passive or powered type. A passive subwoofer setup will get its power from the car audio system. A powered type of setup will get its power delivered independently of the car audio system being used. Car subwoofers are commonly put into box enclosures that they are mounted on and then placed into a suitable place in the car which is usually the boot area. Car subs vary significantly in size with usual ranges being from 8 inches to 60 inches. These days you can pick them up relatively cheap online from places such as ebay.
Car Sub woofer Setup Arrangement:
So far we know most subs are mounted in boxes but they can also come in a tube mounted format. Typically a sub will have an amplifier connected to deliver the power required. The power delivery requirements are significant so for that reason an amp is pretty much a necessity. They also typically take up a lot of space so be prepared to give up that room in order to accommodate your car subwoofer.
Buying Your Own Bandpass Car Subwoofer:
Go for the best one that your budget can withstand. If you cant quite afford the good ones in retail outlets then have a look at online auction sites such as ebay. There are some real bargains on there. Remember, buying a used car subwoofer in great condition and decent quality could be better than buying a new one that isnt very good. Even though car subwoofers are considered a luxury item, many car audiophiles would not go without this piece of kit in their setup.
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