The idea to choose the best underseat subwoofer isn’t only about the quality of the sound, but also about the placement and the installation. It’s definitely nice to have a good audio system in your car – great for the entertainment, naturally. The under-seat construction is also handy when you want to enjoy the sound without compromising the space inside the cabin. After all, the subwoofer comes in small dimension and simple installation process. But don’t get me wrong, under the small device, there are tons of power and abilities – especially if you can choose the right ones.
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Underseat Subwoofer Buying Guide
A subwoofer can be inexpensive, but still, you will have to spend a substantial amount of money for it. It would be great if you can learn the important elements and factors that make a subwoofer under the seat worthy. If you want to save up money for the important purchase only, consider these factors:
- Power. There are two types of power: peak power and RMS power. Peak power is about the maximum wattage that the device can handle within short bursts. If the amp can produce more watts than the device can handle, it will result in sound distortions or it can damage the subwoofer. The RMS power, on the other hand, is the real (actual) power that the amp can put out continuously. The RMS rating is about how much power can be channeled through the subwoofer without causing distortion or damage to the device.
- Size. The size determines the ‘behavior’ of the subwoofer but it can also mean the amount of space you lose when you install it. In 8-inch subwoofer, the bass response and clarity is pretty okay but you will have to compromise the bass. This is quite popular for easy installation and decent sound quality. But if you expect impressive or ‘wow’ quality, you won’t get it. With 10-inch subwoofer, the clarity is nice and so is the bass response. In terms of sound quality, this one is better. In 12-inch subwoofer, the bass clarity and response is good but it has more bass than the other models. Unfortunately, this model can be hard to find and also more difficult to install.
- Position and type of cars. Installing the subwoofer depends on the type of car you are driving. Let’s say that you have a sports car. It looks cools and great, but you can only choose the 8-inch type for it. Even the 10-inch type would be too big. If you have a sedan, you can choose between 8 and 10-inch type. If you have SUVs or trucks, you can choose any subwoofer that you like. Even installing the 12-inch won’t be a problem because you will have a lot of space.
- Personal preference. Installing the subwoofer is crucial for those who value their entertainment so much –they can’t live without music. They need music to accompany them while driving. However, some don’t really like the blaring sound of anything. They like quiet space whenever they are driving. Which one are you? If you are the latter type, it would be useless to spend money to buy and install the subwoofer, wouldn’t it?
Top 5 Best Underseat Subwoofers
1. Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway Subwoofer
This subwoofer has 150W for the RMS power despite its compact design and dimension. With the 8-inch internal subwoofer, Kicker 11HS8 has a dimension of 9 3/8 x 13 7/8 x 3 1/8 inches, the subwoofer is definitely small without compromising ability and performance.
A lot of people who have bought the Kicker 11HS8 subwoofer claim that they do experience a significant improvement in the car’s entertainment system. The sound system is bombastic without overdoing it. They can feel the bass, which was previously weak with other subwoofers. It feels heavy with enough power and clarity. They can enjoy good music without making it annoying or disturbing to other cars, especially when they have to stop at the traffic light.
Besides the punchy outcome, most people also like the compact design. You can hide the underseat sub under the seat and voila! It won’t be visible from afar. You won’t have to compromise the space inside the cabin either. Managing and setting the device is pretty straightforward if you have experienced such a thing. But if this is your first time, it would be better if you ask someone else to do it. You can learn from them.
2. Rockville RW10CA Amplified Subwoofer
The Rockville package offers 800W with 200W RSM power. It has a bass remote with wire 10 gauge kit along with RCA cables. The reason why this Rockville device is included in the list of the best underseat subwoofer ever designed is because of the clear and crisp sound quality. You can even fill the device up to an impressive 150 Hz which is pretty good.
Let’s not forget that the subwoofer package already includes the installation kit. Basically, everything comes in good and decent quality. Don’t expect the kit parts to be as impressive and amazing as the ones from the higher-end brands but for the inexpensive brand, this one from Rockville is pretty good, considering the price. It’s a good thing that it isn’t flimsy or cheesy.
A lot of users who have bought and installed the device claim that they like the compact design as well as the simple installation. The combination of the compact dimension and the easy installation makes this subwoofer a breeze. Not to mention that the bass power is just amazing. It has all the right punch without making it overwhelming or cheap. The package kit is definitely handy if you want to install everything without breaking a sweat.
3. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8
Do you know why a lot of people consider this Alpine device as one of the best underseat subwoofer ever created and designed? It’s because the subwoofer packs a lot of power, features, and benefits within such a small package. But don’t get me wrong, with cast aluminum case, it looks tough and solid and sturdy.
The dimension is considered just about right – it isn’t too big or too small either. With a total 13.5 x 3 x 9 inches, you can install it in the sedan’s trunk, under the seat, SUV’s hatch, or behind a truck’s seat. With 120W amplifier and 32 -150 Hz frequency response and 1.5-30V speaker input, the small device is powerful and punchy enough for a great entertainment inside the car. Finding the control buttons is generally easy as the automatic speaker level sensing and RCA inputs can be found within the side panels, together with LP Crossover, Gain, Phase, and Remote Sub Level.
Most buyers claim that the subwoofer is nice and compact. Once you install it under the seat, it is invisible. You won’t even remember that you have installed it under the seat. Managing and setting up the sub is also easy – you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to manage it all. And the result is just amazing for the interior cabin.
4. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Subwoofer
The compact subwoofer has a stylish design, but it isn’t the only thing that makes this device stands out among the others. The aluminum enclosure offers a solid and tough look – it looks simple and yet it also looks sturdy and strong. It comes with a wired remote that provides easy access and also flexible control. With it, you can control the low-pass crossover variable as well as the level of the volume. The Kenwood KSC-SW11 comes with 75W built-in amplifier RMS power can deliver the maximum 150W outcome, which is pretty impressive.
There is no doubt that the sound quality is just perfect. Don’t let the small dimension to fool you because you can expect a lot of power and energy from this device. And you can do it without having to exaggerate its own power. Yes, you don’t need to overdo it to make the entire system look amazing. Expect to encounter sound fullness as well as good vibrations. Managing the installation is pretty easy – if you knowhow. But if you have never done this and this is your very first try, then you should have it installed by the professionals.
5. Pioneer TS-WX130DA Active Compact Subwoofer
As a compact subwoofer (it comes with 8-inch size), this best underseat subwoofer is surely punchy. It packs all the right power and amazing features that would seriously improve your cabin’s entertainment. The 8-inch size is pretty compact and small. The aluminum cone has the built-in 160W of the amplifier. The wired remote gives you better control and a flexible arrangement.
Many who have purchased the subwoofer state that they have tried and installed the device, and they are pretty satisfied with the outcome. They can place it conveniently under the seat and it won’t get in the way of the car’s interior cabin space. The bass quality is just amazing. Even with the low setting, it is pretty bombastic in a ride full of people. The easy setup, the convenient size, and the amazing result are the perfect combination that makes this device likable and loved, even if you aren’t a fan.
Final Words
So, there you have it. Which one of these options for the best underseat subwoofer should you choose?
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