Many articles may say shallow-mount subwoofers are much better, but I’ve discovered they don’t sound any different from regular ones. The real advantages of using shallow-mount subwoofers are that they are lighter, easier to install, and more portable. So, if your car has limited space or you want a simple installation, these subwoofers could be perfect.
Some time ago, a person asked me which shallow subwoofer I believed was the best right now. This made me want to do some testing and try out about 10 different shallow subs that experts suggested online.
I used them with my car sound system and spent time with each one. Then, I made a list of my top 7 best shallow-mount subwoofers. Here are my reviews for each of them:
What is the best shallow mount sub? {Quick overview}
Here is the list of the top ten best shallow mount subwoofers in 2023.
1: Pioneer TS-WX1010A – Best overall
2: Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 – High-performance
3: Kicker 43CWRT102 – Premium sound
4: Infinity REF1200S – Powerful bass
5: Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 – Clear and crisp
6: Infinity REF1000S – Reliable and versatile
7: Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X12 – Deep and rich bass
best shallow mount subwoofers { In-depth analysis }
After researching and investing time, Here are our detailed descriptions of the best shallow mount subwoofers which I believe are the best available in the market right now.
1: Pioneer TS-WX1010A – Best overall
Innovative trapezoid shape and high rigidity
The Pioneer TS-WX1010A is a powerful and smart amplifier designed to bring out the best in your car’s audio system. With its innovative trapezoid shape and high rigidity, this amplifier is perfect for tight spaces, fitting comfortably under your car seats. Its small, sealed enclosure ensures optimal bass tuning, delivering deep and punchy lows that will make your favorite songs come alive.
Class D Power for Impressive Performance
With 300 watts of Class D power, this amplifier packs a punch without draining your car’s battery. The woofers are specially designed with high sensitivity, making them responsive to even the subtlest music nuances. You’ll hear every beat with clarity and precision.
User-adjustable features
What’s even better is the user-adjustable features that let you customize your sound just the way you like it. The user-adjustable LPF (low-pass filter) gives you control over the frequencies, while the phase control allows you to fine-tune the sound to your preference.
Frequency response and bass
If you love bass, you’ll appreciate the variable bass boost, which lets you dial in the perfect amount of thump from 40Hz to 100Hz. With up to +12dB of bass boost, you can really feel the music in your bones.
Wired remote control
The Pioneer TS-WX1010A comes with a wired remote control, allowing you to easily adjust the bass level with a convenient bass knob. The carpeted surface not only adds a touch of style but also protects the amplifier from scratches.
2: Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 – High-performance
Anodized Aluminum Cone and Santoprene Surround
The Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 is a powerful subwoofer built to deliver excellent bass performance. Its cone is crafted from tough anodized aluminum, while the surround material is made of durable Santoprene. This sturdy construction ensures longevity and reliability, allowing the subwoofer to withstand the demands of continuous use without compromising on performance.
Detailed and Thumping Bass
With the capability to handle up to 150 Watts of power, the P3SD2-8 delivers detailed and thumping bass sounds that elevate your music or movie experience to new levels. The subwoofer’s ability to reproduce deep and low-frequency sounds with clarity adds richness and depth to your audio, creating an immersive and engaging listening experience.
Wide Frequency Response Range for Deep Sounds
The P3SD2-8 boasts a wide frequency response range of 38 Hz to 250 Hz, allowing it to produce deep and low-frequency sounds with precision and clarity. This expansive range ensures that you can enjoy every nuance of the bass in your audio, enhancing the overall quality of your music or movie soundtracks.
2-Ohm Impedance for Versatility
With a 2-Ohm impedance, the P3SD2-8 offers compatibility with various audio systems, facilitating better power transfer. This feature contributes to improved audio quality and efficiency, enabling the subwoofer to deliver its full potential without straining your amplifier.
Solid Construction for Long-Lasting Performance
One of the key advantages of the P3SD2-8 is its solid and durable construction. Designed to endure the rigors of regular use, this subwoofer maintains its performance capabilities over time, ensuring a reliable and consistent bass output throughout its lifespan.
Well-Defined Bass with Depth and Richness
The bass produced by the P3SD2-8 is well-defined, adding depth and richness to your audio. Whether you’re listening to your favorite music or watching a movie, the subwoofer’s ability to reproduce bass frequencies accurately enhances the overall audio experience, immersing you in the sound.
Slight Distortion at Low End
One potential downside to consider is that some users have noticed slight distortion at the low end of the subwoofer’s output. While this may be noticeable in certain situations, it is essential to consider the overall performance and bass quality that the P3SD2-8 delivers.
Moderate Sensitivity for Higher Power Requirements
Another aspect to be aware of is the subwoofer’s sensitivity, which is rated at 82 dB. This moderate sensitivity means that it might require a bit more power to reach high volumes compared to more sensitive subwoofers. However, with proper amplifier matching and setup, the P3SD2-8 can still deliver impressive and powerful bass.
3: Kicker 43CWRT102 – Premium sound
Enhanced Sound Experience
The Kicker 43CWRT102 is a 10-inch car speaker designed to elevate your music experience while driving. This speaker delivers great sound quality and is perfect for audiophiles who crave powerful bass in their favorite songs. With its special “2 Ohms DVC” feature, the speaker can handle a significant amount of power and produce loud, clear bass, enhancing your in-car audio to new levels.
800W Peak and 400W RMS Power
With a powerful peak power of 800W and a continuous RMS power of 400W, this speaker can handle high volumes without sacrificing precise sound quality. The Kicker 43CWRT102 is ideal for those who enjoy bass-heavy tracks and want to feel the music’s impact while on the road. Its ability to deliver loud sounds even with lower power inputs, thanks to its sensitivity of 84.8 dB, ensures that you’ll enjoy a dynamic and engaging audio experience.
Built to Last: Sturdy Construction
The Kicker 43CWRT102 is made with durable materials like Injection-Molded Polypropylene for the cone and Rubber for the surround, ensuring it is built to last. Its solid construction allows it to withstand the bumps and vibrations on the road without compromising performance. This longevity ensures that you can enjoy your favorite tunes with consistent and reliable audio quality for a long time.
Extended Frequency Response for Detailed Sound
One of the standout features of this speaker is its extended frequency response. It can reproduce deep, low bass sounds down to 25 Hz and clear high tones up to 500 Hz. With this wide range, you’ll be able to hear all the details in your music, from the thumping bass to the crisp vocals and instruments, enhancing your driving experience and making it more enjoyable.
Amplifier Compatibility Consideration
However, it’s worth noting that some amplifiers may struggle to handle the power demands of this speaker fully. To unleash its full potential, ensure you have a powerful and compatible amplifier that can drive the Kicker 43CWRT102 efficiently. By doing so, you can optimize the speaker’s performance and enjoy its powerful bass and precise sound quality to the fullest.
4: Infinity REF1200S – Powerful bass
Experience Amazing Sound
The Infinity REF1200S is a special kind of speaker that will take your car audio to a whole new level, delivering an amazing sound experience. Despite its compact size, it packs a big punch with powerful bass that can rival larger speakers. The woofer cone, made of sturdy polypropylene material, ensures clear and impressive sound quality, making every note a delight to listen to.
Perfect Fit for Your Car
Designed to be low-profile, the Infinity REF1200S fits perfectly in your car without taking up too much space. Its compact size allows it to fit into almost any car, ensuring a seamless integration into your vehicle’s audio system. Moreover, installation is super easy, so even if you’re not an expert, you can easily set it up and enjoy the exceptional sound it offers.
Exceptional Bass Performance
Let’s talk about bass, those low sounds that add thump and power to your music. The Infinity REF1200S excels at producing bass that will resonate deep inside you, creating an immersive and concert-like experience. You’ll feel the music pulsating through your body, adding an extra dimension to your favorite tracks.
Choose the Right Sound for You
The subwoofer offers different impedance options, allowing you to customize the strength of the sound to your preference. Simply choose between 2 Ohms or 4 Ohms, and you’ll get the perfect sound that suits your musical taste and audio system setup. Rest assured that the Infinity REF1200S has been extensively tested to ensure its reliability and performance, so it won’t let you down when you need it most.
5: Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 – Clear and crisp
Powerful Bass with Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 Subwoofer
The Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 is a powerful 10-inch subwoofer engineered to elevate your car’s sound system with awesome bass. Its cone is constructed from a unique mica-injected resin, ensuring the delivery of strong and clear sound.
With impressive efficiency, this subwoofer can produce loud and clear music without draining excessive power. The bass quality it provides is simply incredible, offering deep and resonant tones that will breathe life into your music.
Durability and Easy Installation
This subwoofer is built to last, boasting a proven track record of durability. It can handle the bumps and shakes of the road without compromising its performance, ensuring that you can enjoy powerful bass for an extended period. The angled push terminals make installation easy, allowing for a secure and hassle-free connection to your car’s audio system.
Punchy and Dynamic Sound
With a robust power rating of 400 watts RMS (TS-A3000LS4), you can trust that the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 will deliver a punchy and dynamic sound that truly enhances your audio experience. The subwoofer’s ability to produce impactful bass ensures that your music comes to life, immersing you in a captivating auditory journey.
Versatile Fit for Many Vehicles
One of the great features of this subwoofer is its versatility. It is designed to fit in various vehicles, allowing you to enjoy fantastic bass regardless of your car’s make and model. Whether you have a compact car or a larger vehicle, the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 can seamlessly integrate into your audio setup, delivering outstanding bass performance.
Consideration at High Volumes
While the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 excels at producing powerful and clear bass, it’s important to note that at extremely high volumes, there might be a slight distortion in the sound. To ensure the best experience, it’s advisable to keep the volume at a reasonable level where the subwoofer’s capabilities shine without compromising audio quality.
6: Infinity REF1000S – Reliable and versatile
Unleash Powerful and Deep Bass
The Infinity REF1000S is an impressive subwoofer that brings your music to life with its powerful and deep bass. Its ability to produce thumping bass sounds that you can feel in your chest creates a captivating and immersive audio experience. The slim profile and perfect fit design allow it to seamlessly integrate into your car’s audio setup, providing a seamless and powerful bass enhancement.
Choose Your Size and Power
With the option to choose between the 10-inch and 12-inch sizes, you can tailor the bass output to your preference. The REF1000S offers flexibility in power handling with both 2-ohm and 4-ohm impedance options, making it easy to match with various car audio systems. This adaptability ensures that you can achieve the desired bass performance with ease.
Efficient Cooling System: Aero-Cooling
The REF1000S is equipped with the Aero-Cooling system, which effectively keeps the subwoofer from overheating even during intense bass output. This feature ensures that the subwoofer performs optimally and reliably, delivering consistent thumping bass without compromising on quality.
Acoustically Damped Glass-Fiber Cone
The Acoustically Damped Glass-Fiber cone material used in the REF1000S is designed to produce crisp and clear bass notes without any unwanted vibrations or distortions. This sophisticated material ensures that the bass quality is exceptional, allowing you to hear every beat with accuracy and clarity.
Affordable and Durable
Despite its impressive performance, the Infinity REF1000S remains affordable, providing excellent value for your money. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, giving you peace of mind that it will serve you well for a long time without any issues. Customer reviews consistently praise its sound quality and durability, making it a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts.
Mind the RMS Rating
While the REF1000S has a lower RMS rating, meaning it handles continuous power at a moderate level, its overall performance manages to impress with its powerful and deep bass output. Considering the affordable price and excellent sound quality, this subwoofer proves to be a fantastic option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet impactful bass upgrade.
7: Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X12 – Deep and rich bass
Space-Saving Subwoofer for Clear and Deep Bass
The Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X12 is a unique subwoofer designed to fit into tight spaces, thanks to its shallow design. As a 12-inch subwoofer, it delivers excellent sound quality, enhancing the music in your car and making it sound really cool. Installation is a breeze; just plug it in, and you’re ready to enjoy powerful bass.
Perfect Fit for Compact Vehicles
If you own a Mazda Miata or a Mini Cooper, the R2S-1X12 is an excellent fit for your ride. Its wedge-shaped design makes it ideal for trucks with only one row of seats. Despite its compact size, this subwoofer produces clear and deep bass sounds that enhance your favorite songs, creating an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
Durable Components for Longevity
Built to last, the components of the R2S-1X12 are designed for durability, ensuring it can handle the demands of continuous use without any worries of breaking easily. This reliability guarantees that you can enjoy high-quality sound for an extended period, making it a worthy investment for your car’s audio system.
Space-Saving Design
One notable feature of the R2S-1X12 is its space-saving design, which takes up only a small amount of trunk space. Despite this, you still have ample room for other items like groceries or sports gear. It strikes a perfect balance between providing great sound and allowing you to use your trunk for everyday needs.
Concert-Like Music Experience
Although not designed to shake your car windows like in movies, the R2S-1X12 still offers a concert-like music experience with its clear and deep bass. It enriches the overall audio quality, making your music more enjoyable and engaging. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality sound rather than sheer volume.
Best shallow mount subwoofers – Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best shallow-mount subwoofers, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Shallow-mount subwoofers are designed to fit in tight spaces, making them ideal for vehicles with limited mounting depth. Here’s a buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
Size and Mounting Depth:
When choosing a shallow mount subwoofer, consider the available space in your vehicle. Opt for a size that fits well and a mounting depth that allows for easy installation without interfering with other car components.
Power Handling:
Select a subwoofer with power handling that matches or slightly exceeds your amplifier’s output. This ensures that the subwoofer can handle the power without distortion or damage.
Sensitivity:
Higher sensitivity is generally better, as it means the subwoofer can produce louder sound with less power input. Look for a sensitivity rating above 85dB for efficient performance.
Frequency Response:
A good frequency response typically spans from 20Hz to 200Hz or more. This range allows the subwoofer to produce deep and rumbling bass as well as handle higher bass frequencies for a well-rounded audio experience.
Cone Material:
Subwoofers with cone materials like polypropylene or Kevlar tend to offer a good balance between rigidity and flexibility, resulting in clear and accurate bass reproduction.
Voice Coil Type:
Opt for dual voice coil subwoofers if you want more wiring flexibility, as they allow for different impedance configurations and can be connected to multi-channel amplifiers more efficiently.
Impedance:
Match the subwoofer’s impedance with your amplifier’s requirements to ensure it receives the appropriate power and operates efficiently. Common options are 2-ohm or 4-ohm.
Enclosure Type:
The choice between a sealed or ported enclosure depends on your preference for bass characteristics. Sealed enclosures provide tight and accurate bass, while ported enclosures offer louder and deeper bass.
Brand Reputation:
Trust established and reputable brands known for their quality and reliable performance. Research customer reviews and expert opinions to gauge the brand’s reputation.
Customer Reviews:
Consider user feedback to gain insights into real-world experiences with the subwoofer you’re interested in. Look for consistent positive reviews regarding sound quality, durability, and overall satisfaction.
Best shallow mount subwoofers – FAQs
Do shallow-mount subwoofers sound good?
Shallow-mount subwoofers can indeed sound impressive, despite their compact design. While they may not match the sheer power and depth of larger, traditional subwoofers, their specialized construction enables them to fit into tight spaces, making them ideal for smaller vehicles or limited installation areas.
Shallow mounts utilize clever engineering to deliver tight and punchy bass, adding depth to your audio experience without sacrificing too much space.
While audiophiles seeking the utmost in low-frequency performance might opt for larger options, for most enthusiasts, shallow-mount subwoofers offer a fantastic compromise between size and sound quality, enhancing the overall audio system without overwhelming the car’s interior.
What are the benefits of a slim car subwoofer?
A slim car subwoofer offers several benefits, primarily due to its compact design.
1: It takes up less space in the car, allowing for easier installation and saving valuable cargo room.
2: It provides enhanced bass performance without compromising on audio quality, making it ideal for vehicles with limited space for larger subwoofers. Additionally, a slim subwoofer is often more lightweight, reducing the overall load on the vehicle.
3: It can be discreetly placed in various locations, maintaining the aesthetics of the car’s interior while still delivering impressive low-frequency sound, ensuring an enjoyable audio experience for the driver and passengers.
How do I install a slim car subwoofer?
Installing a slim car subwoofer is doable for most people who like to do things themselves. You’ll need some basic tools and a bit of know-how. Here’s what you can do:
Decide where you want to put the subwoofer. It could be in the trunk or behind one of the seats.
Next, get or build a special box to fit the subwoofer. The box is important because it affects how the subwoofer sounds. You can choose between a sealed box or a vented one, depending on what kind of sound you want.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to having a great sound system in your car!
What is the difference between a slim car subwoofer and a regular car subwoofer?
Regular car subwoofers are larger and have a typical design, while slim subwoofers are smaller and specially made to fit in cars with less space or for a sleeker look. Slim subwoofers have different designs, including the frame, cone, surround, spider, and motor. Even though modern slim subwoofers are quite powerful, there is still a slight performance difference compared to regular subwoofers.
What Size Shallow Mount Subwoofer Is Best?
Imagine subwoofers as speakers that make the thumping bass sounds in your car’s sound system. The bigger the subwoofer’s surface area (the part that moves to produce sound), the more powerful and detailed the bass will be.
But not all cars have enough space for large subwoofers. In small vehicles, an 8-inch subwoofer is the best compact choice. If you have a bigger car with more room, you can go for a 12-inch or even a 15-inch subwoofer to get even better bass.
In simple terms, bigger subwoofers give richer bass, but smaller ones are more practical for tiny cars, while bigger cars can handle larger subwoofers for even more impressive bass sounds.
Should I get 2 or 4-ohm subwoofers?
To achieve a louder and more powerful sound, opt for a 2 Ohm subwoofer, while a 4 Ohm subwoofer ensures clearer and deeper bass without distortion. However, for those seeking energy efficiency and cost savings, the 4 Ohm models are the ideal choice, as they consume less electricity.
So, consider your priorities: if it’s volume and intensity, go for 2 Ohms; if it’s clarity and efficiency, opt for 4 Ohms. Ultimately, both options offer distinct advantages, catering to diverse preferences and requirements in creating an immersive and enjoyable audio experience.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best shallow-mount subwoofers, there are several top-notch options that cater to your space-saving needs without compromising audio performance. These compact powerhouses pack a punch, enhancing your car audio experience with deep bass and rich sound. With their slim designs, they easily fit into tight spaces, making them ideal for smaller vehicles or those seeking a seamless installation.
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