Which car subwoofer is better: active or passive?

True music lovers always strive to get high-quality sound from audio systems. However, car manufacturers often skimp on installing powerful multimedia equipment. Therefore, you have to think about how to choose a subwoofer and amplifier for your car yourself.

With their help, it is possible to establish a harmonious sound of audio files at different frequencies, especially when playing deep bass. For almost all standard speakers, quality sound parameters are an unattainable luxury.

Choosing the right sound

It is necessary to take into account that the low-frequency element in the form of a subwoofer, unlike other speakers, is not an independent unit through which sound is reproduced. It only complements the overall system, and without the support of standard speakers it will not produce adequate results.

It is generally accepted that when choosing which subwoofer to put in a car, you need to focus on its cost. After all, it is not recommended to buy acoustics of this type for more than 20% of the cost of the car itself. But an overly cheap low-frequency driver will be a waste of money, not producing high-quality sound.

When looking for a decent device, you need to know that there are two types of subwoofers :

The design of an active subwoofer is characterized by the presence of a built-in amplifier , so it does not need an external addition. The device has high reliability, which is achieved by design features. The advantage is that manufacturers often provide standard connectors for its connection. It is easier and faster to install and configure.

When choosing which subwoofer for a car is better: active or passive, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages of the active layout. The proposed device has a complete one-piece design, which is not always able to neatly fit into the dimensions of the cabin. It is believed that budget models of this type have worse sound due to manufacturers saving on cabinet materials.

Passive subwoofer circuit

When purchasing a passive subwoofer, the car enthusiast receives only one low-frequency speaker. You need to purchase separately high-quality amplification equipment for it. You will also need a set of cables and connectors.

Each driver will be able to carry out installation either independently or with the help of professionals. They will fit the kit more organically into the limited space of the car. All sound adjustments after installing the equipment are carried out through an additionally connected amplifier.

Amplifier selection

Having an amplifier in your car will give the sound greater breadth and volume. Even despite the basic audio system, the amplifier is capable of taking average sound to a new quality level.

By using a larger frequency range and expanded configuration options, a music lover will be able to intelligently distribute streams between the existing built-in speakers.

Although standard systems are often labeled 4x50, they are sometimes unable to drown out road noise, which can be heard with poor sound insulation. In most standard audio systems, the power is limited to 10…12 W.

Only an additional amplifier can increase this limit.

Subwoofer with amplifier

The most popular are five-channel devices. These include

Genesis Profile Five;
Alpine PDX-V9;
Audison SR 5;
DLS MA51;
Blaupunkt GTA-5350;
Rockford Fosgate R600X5.

Four channels of speakers can easily be connected to them and the fifth will be low-frequency.

Types of subwoofers

Subwoofers differ in their layout. It is customary to distinguish between open and closed units.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjN9X78zdow

For open models, it is customary to use installation in a car panel, since the bass is not enclosed in the rigid frame of the case. The frequency is adjusted only by a low-pass filter, however, this design will not provide a level below 100 hertz. In most cases, these devices are installed by novice drivers

Columns enclosed in rigid frames are common as closed structures. They are divided into three types:

Sealed - when the module has a closed housing. The advantages are the simplicity of the design and the absence of speaker overload. Disadvantage: extremely low efficiency.
Bass reflex units have tunnels in the housing. Due to this design finding, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the diffuser. The tunnel also significantly increases the efficiency of the device.
The bandpass consists of elements of the two previous designs. It is also called a strip sub. It has a built-in tunnel, divided by a grid into two compartments. Due to this, a closed space is formed in the rear part of the module, increasing diffuser rigidity. The front part is open with output through a bass reflex. The sub is larger in size compared to its analogues.

For the latter type, installation must be carried out only in the factory housing.

Basic parameters of subwoofers

When choosing which active subwoofer is best to buy for your car, you should focus on its basic characteristics. The nominal values of different models differ significantly and do not in all cases depend on cost.

For an active subwoofer, it is important to select a higher rated power . It must be taken into account that a higher overload threshold will give cleaner bass. When choosing passive devices, it is necessary to take into account the capabilities of the built-in amplifier.

Audio speakers with an output power of, for example, 0.9 kW or 0.45 kW are capable of producing comparable sound pressure, but there will be a significant difference in sensitivity between them. In any specialized store, you can consult with an experienced salesperson about how much real power the speakers produce.

An important parameter is the coil resistance. A common parameter is 4 ohms, eight ohm coils are rarely seen, and two ohm coils will not be loaded enough for your modern sub. It is advisable to have at least two coils to ensure high-quality connection of devices.

Popular manufacturers

Acoustic products are produced for consumers with varying incomes. The cost of subwoofers depends both on the manufacturer and on the output parameters of the equipment. When purchasing, be sure to install a warranty on the product so that you can change it in case of any problems. To do this, you need to buy a subwoofer at licensed points of sale.

The most popular companies among domestic car lovers are:

ALPINE;
MYSTERY;
Pioneer;
PROLOGY.

The most budget options for low-frequency acoustics can be found at prices starting from 2 thousand rubles, but you should not expect decent sound from them. You can take a closer look at the following current models:

PROLOGY WOWBOX1200 (about 3500 rub.);
PROLOGY WOWBOX1000 (about 2700 rub.);
DRAGSTER DER210 (about 4300 rub.)

More expensive category of subs:

CADENCE MBX-12A (8000 rub.);
CADENCE XBP-122 (RUB 11,000);
ESX SXB-302 (RUB 12,500).

Some music lovers will not be stopped by the price of several tens of thousands, for example, for the AUDISON TH10 (more than 65,000 rubles).

Source

Source: https://drive.temaretik.com/1155616395390094332/kakoj-sabvufer-v…/

Which subwoofer is better: active or passive – make a choice

Which sub to choose

As you know, the debate about which subwoofer is better, active or passive, is still raging. Some dispute the benefits of a powered subwoofer, while others fiercely defend this speaker, arguing that it is much easier to install and connect. Let's find out from our article which subwoofer is better, active or passive?

What is the difference between these speakers

Which is better, active or passive subwoofer?

Subwoofers tend to produce bass. But active and passive speakers are known. Let's find out why they are called that?

Passive sub

This:

Active sub

So:

The active subwoofer includes a crossover filter and a power amplifier. It is a highly mobile combination of several devices found separately.

What is better: passive subwoofer or active?

The active sub has linear inputs and outputs, as well as a special function for adjusting the signal level and crossover frequency.
A high-quality active subwoofer can significantly expand the dynamic range of the speaker system, which naturally has a beneficial effect on the quality of music.

Which subwoofer is better, active or passive?

Comparison

So:

An active sub, firstly, is better suited for dance and rhythmic music. This speaker with all its standard settings has more flexible options and adjustments.
Secondly, active speakers, having their own amplifiers, are no match for passive ones. If they are of high quality, they are much better than passive ones, because they do not have their own amplifier.

Which subwoofer is better, passive or active?

Difference

To be more precise, the difference between these two speakers would be as follows:

An active sub is better than a passive one, because it has a built-in amplifier. And to connect a passive sub, you will need to look for external sound amplifiers.
It is much easier and faster to set up speakers with an active sub than with a passive one.

Which is better to choose an active or passive subwoofer?

A speaker with a passive subwoofer, if tuned accurately and efficiently, without sparing time and effort, will give more spacious sound than a system with an active subwoofer.

Important information

So:

It will be interesting to know that an active subwoofer is the same as a passive one, but it is equipped with an additional bass amplifier.
Today, active subwoofers are more popular than passive ones, and this determines their cost. It is the popularity of the active subwoofer that makes many people think that it is a priori better than a passive one.

What is better, an active subwoofer or a passive one?

If you have a separate amplifier, then there is nothing better than purchasing a passive subwoofer.
Under no circumstances should you be fooled by flashy advertising. Today, every manufacturer can lie shamelessly, just so that his products are purchased from him. It is recommended not to believe words, but to refer to the reputation of the company and judge, as they say, by deeds. By adhering to this advice, you can find exactly the subwoofer that suits you.

How to choose the right subwoofer for your speaker system

Which is better, passive or active subwoofer?

So, the difference between an active and passive subwoofer is known. Now we’ll find out how to choose the right subwoofer for your speaker system.

Analysis of the existing acoustic system

First of all, you need to analyze what is available. If you have simple speakers and an amplifier, then there is no point in buying an expensive and powerful sub, since it will not sound good anyway.

Sub choice

The second stage involves deciding whether an active or passive sub will be chosen.
As mentioned above, the first option is easy to install in a car, because you just need to connect it to the speaker. But, oddly enough, an active sub has its drawbacks. Disadvantages of an active sub:

Such an active speaker produces worse sound than a thoroughly tuned passive one.
Often, when making active subs, cheap components are used, which make the sound rough.
As a rule, an active sub is cheaper than a passive one, precisely because of the low-quality materials used in its production.

Speaker sizes:

After we decide on the choice of subwoofer, we need to decide on the sizes. And the opinion that the larger the speaker, the better, is fundamentally wrong. You need to know that a large size means more noise. Often a huge subwoofer simply shakes the car, dominating all other and no less important sounds.
It is advisable to buy speakers (subs) measuring 10-12 inches. This will make it possible to get good quality bass. There will also be more cabin seating options.

Material:

Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the suspension is made. Some manufacturers use rubber, which is quite cheap. But such material makes the sound “harsh”.
To get a soft sound, it is recommended to choose subwoofers with rubber surrounds.

Power:

Perhaps the most important parameter. In this case, it is recommended to rely only on yourself and simple logic, ignoring the statements of sellers and the manufacturer.
No need to pay attention to the appearance of the speaker. On the other hand, a good manufacturer always thinks about the fact that his products were attractive.
It is better not to buy models from unknown brands. It is recommended to immediately cross them off the list.
When choosing, you need to think logically. For example, if a sub has a power of 500 W, then a priori it cannot be small and compact. The weight of such a sub must be 20 kg and a cast basket must be prepared for it. The magnet itself of such a subwoofer should be the size of a regular speaker (see How to choose speakers for a car radio on your own).
To listen to music at normal volume, you can get by with a 150-250 W subwoofer. Buying higher is already an empty idea and a waste of money. If you really want to, you can install two 150 W subwoofers.

The main thing when looking for a good speaker is to find a good store with a conscientious seller.
Instructions on how to install a subwoofer in a car with your own hands can be found on our website. During the work process, it is advisable to use video and photo materials. The price for such installation a priori will not be high, because you will only have to spend money on speakers and a couple of meters of wire.

Source: https://avtozvuk-info.ru/akasticheskie-sistemy-i-ekvalajzery/sabvufer/kakoj-sabvufer-luchshe-aktivnyj-ili-passivnyj-430

Active and passive subwoofer: what is the difference, which one to choose and which is better for the car?

When creating a personal speaker system for your car, choosing the right subwoofer is quite important. Today, different manufacturers offer many models, but in this article we will talk about how active and passive subwoofers differ, what are their disadvantages and advantages.

So, what is the difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one?

Unfortunately, not all car owners can give a clear answer to this question.

What does passive subwoofer mean?

A passive subwoofer is one or more low-frequency speakers that are placed in a housing made of wood, plywood or MDF. In order for it to reproduce sounds, an external amplifier and a sound separation filter are needed, which leaves only low frequencies from the signal.

What does active subwoofer mean?

An active subwoofer is an acoustic system that has a built-in amplifier, a crossover filter and, of course, one or more speakers. This system is somewhat easier to connect, and according to popular opinion, it sounds slightly better than a passive subwoofer. But as practice shows, everything depends on the overall setup of the speaker system.

Active and passive subwoofer: what's the difference?

In order to understand which subwoofer is better, passive or active, let's compare the main indicators that, one way or another, all car owners pay attention to:

Cost – active subwoofers are more expensive, which is not surprising because they contain a lot more expensive electronics;
Ease of installation - since passive subwoofers require an external amplifier, frequency filter, etc., they are somewhat more difficult to install. In addition, active systems already have a built-in amplifier, and this can significantly save space;
Sound quality - it would seem obvious that an active subwoofer should sound better, but in reality everything is somewhat more complicated. After all, in order for a speaker system to sound good, it must be configured correctly. And as practice shows, a well-tuned passive subwoofer can sound better than an active one;
Ease of setup - on the one hand, active subwoofers have more options for setup, however, if you have a good external amplifier, this advantage disappears.

Advantages and disadvantages of passive subwoofers

As already mentioned, a passive subwoofer is essentially just a speaker equipped with a special speaker that emphasizes low frequencies. Accordingly, such an element of the acoustic system will cost relatively inexpensively.

But this is far from the only advantage of passive subwoofers. With their help, you can assemble a system in which all components will maximally satisfy your ideas about the right sound. After all, in order to get optimal sound, you need to assemble a set of a suitable amplifier, the necessary frequency filters, and a set of speakers in suitable housings.

Also quite important is that, unlike active ones, passive subwoofers use different types of enclosures, namely standard boxes, bass reflexes, and bandpass. In active systems, the ability to use different types of enclosures is hampered by the need to house additional electronics.

Advantages and disadvantages of active subwoofers

Of course, the main advantage of active-type subwoofers is that a speaker, amplifier and filter are combined in one housing. This makes it as simple as possible to connect them to car radios, and provides a certain quality of sound with a minimum of settings.

Unfortunately, this is their main drawback. Due to the need to place both the speaker and electronics in one housing, certain compromises have to be made. In particular, this applies to insufficiently powerful amplifiers, which naturally affects the power, sound pressure and responsiveness of the system.

Of course, there are models in which all the components allow you to get the highest quality sound. But, unfortunately, their cost is quite high.

In order to reduce the cost of active subwoofers, manufacturers often try to reduce the cost of components as much as possible, which makes the sound of most of them somewhat rough. This also affects their reliability.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the power of active-type subwoofers. The fact is that in order to ensure sales, manufacturing companies often attract their potential buyers with a combination of small dimensions and high power. But in fact, truly good sound from a powerful amplifier is impossible without a speaker of the appropriate size, namely 10, 12 or more inches.

What is better for a car owner to choose?

The differences between an active subwoofer and a passive one are quite obvious, and based on them, car owners make their choice in favor of one option or another.

People who want to slightly improve the installed speaker system, as a rule, purchase inexpensive and compact models of active subwoofers.

They are quite easy to install, but you should understand that a truly powerful high-class amplifier cannot be placed in a compact case.

Accordingly, such a subwoofer will improve the sound somewhat, but will not provide truly powerful and punchy bass.

If a car owner is disappointed in the sound of an active subwoofer, and the return period has expired, then the question naturally arises - “is it possible to turn an active subwoofer into a passive one?” Of course, in practice this is possible, but it is worth understanding one simple point. Most active systems have slightly poorer speaker performance compared to passive subwoofers.

Also, before choosing a subwoofer, it makes sense to check whether your radio has a built-in amplifier. Today, many cars are initially equipped not only with a car radio, but also with amplification equipment. In this case, there is little point in purchasing an active subwoofer, unless you want to get very powerful sound, at a power of 250 watts or more.

A fairly important point is that active subwoofers have factory settings that are designed for the most popular styles, in particular various dance music, etc. Therefore, if you consider yourself a sound gourmet, then they may not be enough.

Let's summarize. In order to clearly understand which subwoofer to choose - active or passive, you need to clearly formulate your requirements for the car's acoustic system. In particular, you need to define the following parameters:

The presence of a built-in amplifier of the required power in the radio;
Free space in the car to place a subwoofer;
Planned budget;
Free time that you are willing to spend on setting up the speaker system;
Requirements for the sound of the car's acoustic system (would you like to add some bass, or are you planning to participate in car audio competitions).

As you can see, choosing which type of subwoofer suits you best is not as easy as it seems. Indeed, in addition to the above factors influencing the choice of model, much depends on musical preferences, etc.

Source: http://jeepclubspb.ru/passivnyj-ili-aktivnyj-sabvufer/

10 best subwoofers for cars

A high-quality sound system in a car is every man’s dream. The automotive electronics market is developing very intensively, so audio equipment is presented in a very wide range.

But if earlier it was easy to choose a good active or passive subwoofer due to weak competition from manufacturers and lack of choice, today finding a suitable model is much more difficult. Sensitivity, impedance, frequency range - many parameters can be combined in a variety of combinations, so it’s easy to get confused about them.

Our review of the best car subwoofers of 2017, which collected the best devices of both active and passive types, will help you understand the world of car acoustics.

Which brand of car subwoofer is better?

There are not many manufacturers in the car audio system market, but competition, unlike the late 90s, has become much higher. Previously, Alpine was the main trendsetter in subwoofers.

Elegant, reliable assembly of devices, high-quality metal and plastic elements, a wide frequency range, many additional settings - the list of advantages of this company’s products is simply endless.

Along with it, Pioneer and Sony, which produce top-end active and passive subwoofers with excellent sound, show themselves worthy. There are also devices from Mystery, Supra, JBL and Kicx, but they are noticeably inferior to their more famous competitors.

Manufacturers may be different, so you should not compare subwoofers only by brand. It is important to follow several criteria to help you find the best speaker system:

Reproducible frequency range. For exclusively low-frequency devices, it ranges from 20-40 to 120-150 Hz, for devices with a wider profile (i.e., also operating at high frequencies) – up to 800-1500 Hz.
Standard size. Usually it varies from 20 to 30 cm. It is best to select it according to the size of the place in which you plan to install the device.
The presence of a crossover. If this device is provided with an acoustic system, the sound will be of the highest quality, but it doesn’t matter at all if this device is not there: a high-quality subwoofer will cope with the task without it.
Sensitivity. The more sensitive the subwoofer, the more micro-vibrations it perceives. This allows you to make the sound alive and give natural and pure tones.

The best active subwoofers

The most popular type of subwoofer is active. It is considered the easiest to install and operate, since all the elements necessary for its full operation are already provided for in the structure of the device. In other words, an active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier and a separate filter. It connects to a special output of the radio, immediately outputting low-frequency sound.

1. Pioneer TS-WX210A

The review should, of course, start with the best active subwoofer in a closed enclosure, presented by Pioneer. The device is a good compact active subwoofer (only 8 inches), which at first glance even seems simple.

In fact, it has an excellent dual-wound strontium magnet woofer that produces very clear sounds.

The sensitivity of the Pioneer subwoofer is simply wonderful: at 101 dB, even subtle frequencies will give songs incredible melody and clarity.

Advantages:

frequency range – from 40 to 150 Hz;
fantastic sound;
crossover with frequencies from 50 to 125 Hz;
bass adjuster;
power – up to 150 W (low frequencies only).

Flaws:

no speaker cable included;
Can only be attached to the floor.

2. Alpine SWE-815

Once the only best manufacturer of car subwoofers, Alpine is still extremely popular in the market. The SWE-815 is a compact 8-inch device that perfectly reproduces both low and high frequencies, giving them an improved sound.

Moreover, with a sensitivity of 91 dB there is no need to complain about the sound quality. The woofer is simply wonderful because the double magnet winding allows it to effectively pick up low frequencies.

And, of course, we cannot help but say that the subwoofer body has a bass reflex, which allows you to convert one sound into two, distributing them as widely as possible (up to 180°).

Advantages:

excellent low-frequency sounds;
high voltage input for increased power (up to 100 to 300 W);
the widest frequency range (from 34 to 1500 Hz);
high build quality;
the presence of a durable protective grille;
original design;
bass adjustment.

Flaws:

The included wires are too thin;
Not everyone is comfortable using a wired remote control.

3. SUPRA SRD-T30A

This unusual device, similar to a wheel rim, is one of the most interesting budget active subwoofers with a 30-centimeter diffuser on the car audio market.

For only 4,500 rubles, Supra offers an excellent operating range that allows you to pay the most attention to low frequencies - from 28 to 250 Hz. The presence of a crossover is an undeniable plus, since hardly anyone can dislike live surround sound.

It's interesting that an active subwoofer with a remote control is a rarity today, but Supra gives buyers the opportunity to make control as convenient as possible.

Advantages:

good power (180 W);
crossover frequencies – from 40 to 250 Hz;
excellent work with low frequencies;
low price;
Great build for a low price.

Flaws:

At high volume it starts to make noise.

4. Mystery MTB 300 A

The Mystery company entered the segment of acoustic systems for cars relatively recently. However, in terms of price-quality ratio, the MTB 300 A subwoofer is one of the best in the rating.

Such high ratings of the device are explained by its excellent low bass, which, due to its purity and naturalness, allows you to enjoy music to the fullest.

The 12-inch diffuser seems a little big, but it actually looks quite harmonious in almost any car. For its fairly average price of 7,000 rubles, the subwoofer performs just perfectly.

Advantages:

good frequency range - from 40 to 250 Hz;
bass reflex housing;
smooth bass adjustment;
When properly configured, it fits well in the trunk.

Flaws:

not enough power (nominally - 180 W, in fact - less);
difficult to regulate.

5. Kicx ICQ 300BA

The segment of the rating of active subwoofers is closed by a high-quality and sensitive model from Kicx. With such a device, the low bass in the car will always be at a level, since the power of the device is 250 W, and the frequency range starts at 28 Hz.

The sub also works well with high levels, the frequencies of which can reach 800 Hz. Excellent sensitivity of 89 dB allows you to pick up all the smallest sounds, creating a wonderful live sound.

The woofer itself also works brilliantly, which, also due to its impressive size (30.5 cm), makes the car a real music center.

Advantages:

high voltage input;
impedance 4 ohms;
small body sizes;
ease of setup and bass adjustment.

Flaws:

poor protection (terminal block too small);
low quality switches and regulators.

The best passive subwoofers

It’s difficult to say that passive subwoofers are an order of magnitude worse than active ones. The main difference is the absence of a built-in amplifier. Simply put, the meaning of the work is to convert the frequencies going to the speaker to lower ones.

On the one hand, secondary signal processing makes itself felt: the sound quality of passive subwoofers is slightly lower than that of active ones. But the frequencies can be slightly lower - from 20-30 Hz.

In addition, the price of such devices plays a role: for example, between the top-end Pioneer active and passive types with approximately the same parameters, the difference is 3,000 rubles.

1. Pioneer TS-WX305B

The most powerful subwoofer in the rating opens the review of passive-type speaker systems.

Pioneer offers a high-quality bass-reflex enclosure, a 30-inch speaker and a low frequency threshold that reaches 20 Hz (with a maximum limit of 125 Hz).

The device justifies the title of the most powerful subwoofer with a maximum power of 1300 W (with a nominal power of 350 W). All these factors, brought together, form a wonderful sound and excellent purity of the melodies played, which are a pleasure to listen to.

Advantages:

excellent sound quality;
compact body made of IMPP composite material;
value for money;
interesting design.

Flaws:

The body rings a little at high volumes.

2. Alpine SBE-1244BR

The second position in the ranking is occupied by the best passive subwoofer offered by Alpine. The device is perfectly balanced in terms of both sound and technical components.

The device's sensitivity of 93 dB is one of its main advantages, which allows you to capture all the slightest sounds and saturate the melody with them, making it more lively. It is worth noting that the company offers a very powerful passive subwoofer, as it is capable of operating in the range from 200 to 650 W.

A curious detail distinguishes the device from its competitors: it is equipped with a decorative plug for the bass inverter port. It allows you to convert the device from a cabinet subwoofer to a bass-reflex subwoofer and vice versa.

Advantages:

large and high-quality 30 cm speaker;
frequency range – from 30 to 500 Hz;
versatility and functionality;
compactness;
good protection with special grilles.

Flaws:

sensitive to low temperatures;
flimsy plastic protection.

3. Pioneer GXT-3604B

Pioneer makes some great subs, and the GXT-3604B is no exception.

A large 12-inch woofer, excellent maximum power of 1300 W with a nominal power of 300 W, low frequencies from 20 Hz - what could be better for a lover of cool bass? The device demonstrates excellent sound purity and clarity, which is achieved largely thanks to a sensitivity of 95 dB. And for those who like to listen to music in low frequencies at maximum speed, the manufacturer has included an additional amplifier in the kit.

Advantages:

great sound;
reliable closed case;
range – from 20 to 220 Hz;
comes with an amplifier;
quality of terminals and connection wires;
composite diffuser.

Flaws:

4. Mystery MBP-3000

The review of the best passive models continues with a worthy subwoofer from the Chinese company Mystery.

Very loud sound is achieved due not only to 800 W of power, but also to the Band-Pass type housing, made according to the so-called “trapezoid”, allowing it to cover most of the trunk area, which allows the sound to be distributed evenly.

The device also ranks among the best budget passive subwoofers because at a price of 6000-7000 rubles, increased sensitivity of 103 dB is an unaffordable luxury.

Advantages:

range – from 25 to 140 Hz;
double-wound strontium speaker;
gold plated contacts;
stylish original design;
great sound.

Flaws:

actual power is slightly lower than declared;
quite large dimensions.

5. JBL GT5-12

The review ends with the most inexpensive passive car subwoofer that can only be found on the car electronics market. The device fits quite well in the trunk even with a 12-inch speaker, which is very practical.

In terms of maximum frequency, the system is slightly below Pioneer, but 1100 W is a very good indicator. The rated power is also good - 275 W, so there will definitely be no problems with volume and gain.

Despite the price tag of 4000-5000 rubles, this high-quality Free Air subwoofer (without housing) also boasts a sensitivity of 93 dB, allowing you to experience a great music experience.

Advantages:

excellent speaker and sound from it;
excellent range from 23 to 450 Hz;
versatility;
Decent build quality.

Flaws:

No criticisms found.

Which subwoofer is better to buy for a car?

Finding a decent speaker model for your car is difficult at first glance.

To quickly find the device of your dreams, when choosing the best subwoofer for a car, you need to pay special attention to a number of criteria necessary for selection, your own needs and capabilities.

If you don't have a big budget, buy passive options, but in the best cases, we would recommend purchasing devices with amplifiers as they allow you to increase the dynamic range and thereby improve sound quality.

Source: http://expert-kachestva.ru/luchshie-tovary/avto-i-mototehnika/luchshie-sabvufery-dlya-avtomobilya.html

Subwoofer for a car: which is better to choose - passive or active?

A car subwoofer is a device that produces low-frequency sounds in the range of 10 - 150 Hz with a large diffuser diameter. A subwoofer makes it possible to achieve more powerful and deeper sound. The main sound of the range from 80 to 200 Hz comes through the speaker.

Surely, most drivers listen to the radio or their favorite songs on disks or flash drives while driving. Therefore, the multimedia system plays a big role.

The sound quality is directly related to the radio, speakers or subwoofer. The first two options do not guarantee such clear sound, but choosing the best option for yourself is easier.

But you need to approach the choice of a subwoofer more responsibly and with knowledge.

Types of car subwoofers

Active subwoofer

An active subwoofer is a power amplifier and crossover filter with line inputs and outputs, as well as the ability to adjust the crossover frequency and signal level. If you choose a high-quality active sub, you can achieve a wide dynamic range of sound.

Advantages

Even a non-professional can connect such a subwoofer. Cheaper in cost than analogues, and also perfect for those who just want to enjoy music in their car without going into details.

Flaws

A fully equipped design that does not fit in every car. There are no optionalities or upgrade options. Savings in materials have a negative impact on quality if selected or assembled incorrectly.

Passive subwoofer

A passive subwoofer for a car is a low-frequency speaker that is installed in a special acoustic housing and connected to an external amplifier. It is also possible to connect it using a frequency separation filter. This will allow you to achieve deeper bass.

Advantages

In combination with a high-quality amplifier, a passive subwoofer will allow you to enjoy any music. Choosing a passive subwoofer for a car is recommended for those who really want to organize a good audio system and are willing to spend some money on it.

Flaws

To install a passive subwoofer, you must purchase additional equipment in the form of an amplifier or an electronic crossover filter. Naturally, this also affects the cost of such a device, and to connect it, you will most likely have to resort to the help of a specialist.

Open type

The open type of subwoofer is a powerful low-frequency speaker that is installed directly into the car panel. The reproduced frequencies are “adjusted” using filters, but such adjustment does not provide deep bass up to 100 Hz.

Closed type

A cabinet (closed) type of subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker that is installed in a cabinet. This design is either purchased separately or made to order according to individual parameters. More suitable for lovers of “deep bottom”.

Sealed subwoofer

Hermetically sealed - the speakers are placed in a closed box of specified volumes. In this case, the closed sound waves behind the speakers are damped in the housing.

Simple calculations of the volume of the structure, virtually no speaker overload, high-quality low frequencies are considered the main advantages of this subwoofer for a car.

But this design has too low efficiency, which explains its unpopularity.

Bass reflex

A bass reflex is a box that has labyrinths of a certain size, due to which the sound pressure at the amplifier increases. This raises the sound at certain frequencies within the range of 50 - 120 Hz.

The tightness of the box guarantees diffuser pressure with a reduction in the likelihood of sound inaccuracies, and the bass reflex (filter for acoustics) corrects the rise in the amplitude-frequency response and relieves the diffuser from excess pressure, so the efficiency of the speakers increases.

Strip

If a sealed bass reflex subwoofer is a high-pass filter, then a bandpass type is a high- and low-pass filter. The speakers are installed between the chamber partitions so that both sides of the diffuser do not work fully or with partially closed volumes - hence the concept of “symmetrical load”.

It is recommended to select speakers of this type with the original housings in the car. The manufacturer assembled the model, taking into account all the details, so as not to lose track of the bandpass calculations. If an error is made, a new build is required.

A budget option for a small subwoofer that is ideal for small cars. This option is usually placed either in the passenger compartment, in the passenger seat area, or in the trunk. The disadvantage of this method is the relatively mediocre sound.

Subwoofer characteristics

You need to choose a subwoofer according to its characteristics.

The frequency range is the permissible limit of sound limits. Subwoofers can have low bass (up to Hz), mid (up to 80 Hz) and high (up to 160 Hz). This technique sounds in the mid and high ranges, but is more comfortable up to 60 Hz.

Next, the crossover frequency is taken into account. With a correspondence of 70 Hz, different sound frequencies are clearly heard and a higher limit is reached (in most cases, this is from 70).

These devices are configured using amplifiers.

The crossover is installed on the radio, and to achieve flexible bass settings with better functionality, separate sound processors are required.

Attention is also drawn to the maximum in sound divisions. To put it simply – the maximum permissible sounds of devices. But, if a person is only interested in the quality of the bass, this characteristic is not taken into account.

Sensitivity is recognized. Basically, for this indicator, a height of 90 decibels would be ideal. If the indicator is good, then weaker amplifiers are acceptable. With such sensitivity, the load on the amplifier is reduced. This means that after increasing the volume, the system will not distort the sound.

The speaker parameters play an important role. The standard size is considered to be about 10 - 12 inches, but you can install a pair of subwoofers with speakers up to 10 inches.

The last thing to pay attention to is the resonant frequencies. They are determined by propagation conditions without acoustics and are variable depending on the physical characteristics.

If you pay close attention to your speaker system and choose wisely, then even for a small price you can purchase a quality product.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a subwoofer?

When choosing, it is important to consider some points:

You should only choose equipment from a trusted official store or service center, which guarantees replacement or repair within a few days if there are any defects or discrepancies in the sound.
Indicating the maximum power of a subwoofer is only an advertising ploy for buyers. This figure is not considered critical and most often does not carry important information, but it is worth taking this fact into account.
The power rating must be considered. This is considered the difference for lack of distortion. Typical power for a car is up to 300 Watts, but for a better bass experience you can choose acoustics up to 600 Watts. Anything above the specified power is used by fans or the deaf.
The sensitivity of the subwoofer is responsible for the sound pressure that the amplifier reproduces. At higher pressure, the sound improves.
It is necessary to take into account the resonant frequency of the subwoofer, which is the resonance frequency of the amplifier. A value of up to 35 Hz is allowed; a value above is considered too high, which will negatively affect the sound.

Manufacturers and prices

The pricing policy for these products depends on the manufacturer, so models with identical characteristics may cost differently. Acoustics from Alpine, JBL, Kenwood, Mystery, Gbjyth, Prology and Sony are installed in cars.

The most budget options (from 2 to 5 thousand rubles) are:

"Prology WOW BOX 1200";
"Prology WOW BOX 1000";
"DRAGSTER DER-210".

With prices ranging from 5 to 10 thousand rubles they purchase:

"Cadence MBX12A";
"Cadence XBP122";
"ESX SXB302".

Most drivers prefer just such acoustics in their car, since the price-quality ratio is equal.

True music lovers who prefer a powerful and expensive model can purchase:

"ALPINE SWD-3000";
"Focal BombA 27 V1".

The best subwoofers were selected according to customer ratings for 2018.

Compact active subwoofers	"Pioneer TS-WX210A"	10900 rubles
Best active subwoofer	"Kicx ICQ 300BA"	8400 rubles
Best passive subwoofer	"Hertz DBX 30.3"	9200 rubles
The best passive subwoofer with bass reflex	"Focal Performance SB P 30"	17900 rubles

Conclusion

From the above we can conclude: a subwoofer is selected depending on what the buyer is willing to sacrifice: finances, the internal aesthetics of his car or time. It would be optimal to contact a trusted store or workshop with competent specialists who will help you choose a speaker according to your preferences and parameters.

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Source: https://motorsguide.ru/gadgets/kak-vybrat-sabvufer-v-mashinu