Shallow mount subwoofers are a popular choice to bump up an individual’s vehicle. Ideally you could fit dual twelve inch subs into your car, but for most interiors that isn’t possible. Or you were lucky enough that your car came with a factory installed subwoofer, only to find out it’s a custom design and it’s really shallow.
Luckily for us nowadays, there’s several choices to add or replace a factory sub with a shallow mount subwoofer.
To help you narrow your search for this car electronic devices we have listed below a few of the top subwoofers available and several important factors to think about.
Top 4 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers 2021
1. Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8
First up on the list of finding the best shallow mount subwoofer is the Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 woofer. Praised for its durability and robust design, this subwoofer is the perfect addition to your car.
One of the unique features of this particular subwoofer is its all-new Flex Fit frame. With this frame’s integration, individuals can easily mount the speaker and maneuver it as per their tastes and preferences.
With the addition of a durable aluminum ring, this particular subwoofer is extolled for its aesthetic appeal.
If you take a closer look at the woofer, you will notice that this particular trim ring is mounted over the labium of the woofer itself. This not only accentuates the beauty of the woofer but also elevates it in terms of diameter and height.
The best part of this particular speaker is its size. Even though it is quite smaller than other shallow mount subwoofers in the market, this subwoofer delivers performance and sound quality.
With a maximum power of 300 Watts and 150 Watts for peak watts and RMS respectively, this shallow mount subwoofer produces a clean yet loud sound.
Plus, it is highly sensitive and brings out the music’s finer details much better than an ordinary factory speaker.
Also, this shallow mount car subwoofer is compatible with both ported enclosures, as well as sealed ones.
To top it all, this subwoofer makes use of an exclusive dual voice coil. With this inclusion, vehicle owners and motorists can customize the wiring of it as per their liking.
However, a major concern with this particular shallow mount subwoofer is that the mounting grillers are not included with the woofer. Thus, it may take a longer time to get accustomed to the speaker and its deep bass notes.
On the whole, if you are looking for a subwoofer that is budget-friendly yet high quality, then you should definitely grab hold of this woofer.
2. Alpine Swr-t10
The next best shallow mount subwoofer is the Alpine Swr-t10 woofer. Highly regarded for its superior sound quality and effective performance, this is a top-notch subwoofer for your car.
One of the key features of this particular subwoofer is its shallow design. Built to encompass any type of vehicle perfectly, this particular woofer offers its users a hassle-free installation.
Plus, this woofer is carefully designed as per the FEA optimization norms, yielding to an ameliorated power handling.
When speaking about the woofer’s anatomy, it is hard to miss out on the aluminum cone. This aluminum cone is included in enhancing the woofer’s lightweight nature, as well as its rigidity and durability.
If you take a closer look, you will see that the cone is encased in a strong Santoprene rubber casing, allowing the woofer to be much more flexible.
Furthermore, this woofer is acclaimed for its all-new Type R framework. Designed to dissipate heat rapidly, this woofer speaks volumes about accuracy and precision. It is fabricated by one of the top competitors in the audio industry and is an epitome of effective performance and premium audio quality.
However, the major drawback of this distinct subwoofer is its price. Therefore, if you are on the lookout for an affordable shallow mount subwoofer, then this may not be an ideal choice for you.
But on the whole, this subwoofer is the perfect fit if you are willing to walk the extra mile to purchase the best shallow mount subwoofer in the market.
3. Skar Audio VD-12 D4
When speaking about the best shallow mount subwoofer, it is hard to miss the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 woofer from your shopping list. If you are on the hunt for a woofer that checks the box for depth and bass, then this is the perfect speaker for you.
Designed to honor the true essence of sound, this particular subwoofer offers superior performance to its users. With the inclusion of various components like the Conex spider, it delivers in terms of power handling.
In addition, this subwoofer is integrated with a light-weight pressed paper cone to increase the system’s rigidity. By being stitched to a durable foam casing, this speaker is a hallmark of durability and endurance.
As you take a look at this subwoofer, you will notice that the system is embedded with slender yet elegant coils to increase the aesthetic appeal and eliminate any slip hazards.
It is important to recognize the unique design and its significant impact on the speaker’s overall performance. The subwoofer is designed to withstand long hours of use without overheating. Plus, since it can be used with a spectrum of stereo systems, it is extremely versatile.
The best part about this particular shallow mount subwoofer is its construction. Produced by one of the top leaders of the audio market, this woofer is built with the best parts to guarantee its users an effective performance.
Like a coin that has two sides, this particular subwoofer has its own set of disadvantages. This particular shallow mount subwoofer cannot handle tons of power, which may hinder its performance.
On top of that, the woofer has a relatively lower frequency response rate as compared to other shallow mount subwoofers in the market.
Overall, if you have the constraint of space, and are searching for a compact woofer for your car, this is the perfect choice for you.
4. Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F
Another ideal subwoofer is the Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F subwoofer. Even though this is not as powerful as the above-mentioned subwoofers, this does make the list because of its depth and house design.
One of the impressive features of this woofer is its cone design. Composed of a premium quality carbon-glass fiber engraved with a unique honeycomb pattern, this subwoofer is much more responsive than other woofers.
This cone is encased with a rigid rubber casing to maintain an equilibrium of the resonance and distortion levels.
Plus this subwoofer is designed with a strapping basket made out of aluminum. This basket’s main purpose is to distribute the heat evenly and reduce it when more power is exerted.
When searching for the best shallow mount subwoofer, it is important to think about the sensitivity of the woofer. This particular woofer guarantees individuals with a 91-decibel sensitivity power resulting in louder and powerful sounds.
Serving as the competitive edge, this sensitivity plays a vital role in distinguishing the woofer from other entrants into the market.
Despite such positives, the subwoofer has a few flaws, which may hinder the overall decision to buy it.
One of the major concerns is its size. As compared to other models of subwoofers, this one is slightly larger in size. Also, it is not integrated with a dual voice coil mechanism, which may not appeal to those looking for a woofer with dual voice coils.
Despite the negatives, this woofer is the perfect choice for a beginner in the audio field who is looking for something low-key and experimental.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Buying the perfect shallow mount subwoofer is not an easy task. With a variety of options to choose from, it can be quite difficult to choose the one that suits you.
Therefore, when purchasing the best shallow mount subwoofer, it is important to analyze each model on the basis of certain elements. T
Below are a few factors to consider when buying the best shallow mount subwoofer for your car or vehicle.
1. Size
The first and foremost factor to mull over is the size of the subwoofer. The size of the subwoofer is what characterizes it to be a shallow mount woofer.
Available in a variety of sizes, you can find the right one for your car. Typically, shallow mount subwoofers range in sizes between 8 to 15 inches. Each size has its own set of characteristics that distinguishes it from others.
Let us take a look at each size, and what it has to offer to car and automobile enthusiasts.
a. 8 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Starting at the bottom of the hierarchy of sizes is the 8-inch subwoofer. These are the smallest woofers available in the market. Highly regarded for their size, these types of shallow mount subwoofers are the perfect accompaniment for a bass audio system.
By providing just the right amount of lightness and softness, these woofers help to mollify these deep sounds, enhancing the sound’s overall experience.
Plus, these tiny woofers are esteemed for their high responsive rate, allowing them the perfect to play fast tempo music.
b. 10 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Up next is the 10 inch sized woofers. These are an upgrade to the 8-inch subwoofers. Designed to produce the perfect amount of bass for a variety of musical tracks, these are acclaimed for their well-rounded performance.
If you are looking for a low-key and safe shallow mount subwoofer, it is ideal to search for a good 10-inch woofer.
c. 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Another common size of shallow mount subwoofers is the 12-inch woofer. When compared to the other sizes, this sized woofer is quite popular among music enthusiasts.
Renowned for their crystal bass quality, these types of subwoofers can handle various music genres with absolute perfection. Besides, they are acclaimed for their versatility and are used to play a spectrum of frequencies.
However, it is important to note that the 12-inch shallow mount subwoofers are not ideal for fast-paced tracks.
Therefore, if you are searching for a multifaceted speaker, try searching for a good quality 12-inch woofer for your car.
d. 15 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofers
The top-level of the hierarchy is the classic 15-inch subwoofer. Illustrious of their big size, these types of woofers are the perfect gear for trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Out of the entire lot of shallow mount subwoofers, these woofers offer the best sound quality and bass notes performance.
The only negative is that they are less responsive to fast-tempo music, which may hinder its overall performance.
On the whole, when purchasing the best shallow mount subwoofer, it is essential to think about its size because the size tends to have a drastic impact on the woofer’s fitting and sound quality.
A rule of thumb is that the bigger the speaker, the more difficult it is to mount it in your car.
2. Impedance
Another factor to contemplate is the impedance of your subwoofer. In the vast field of audio and music equipment, the term impedance refers to the resistance of the woofer.
In any type of shallow mount subwoofer, an electrical signal travels through the speaker’s wire, bringing in a level of resistance into the electrical circuit.
A rule of thumb is to remember that a lower impedance gives rise to clearer and better audio quality than higher impedance.
A regular subwoofer ranges in either 2 ohms or 4 ohms in impedance. Some models also come in 8 ohms as well. Therefore, it is important to create an equilibrium between the impedance of the subwoofer and the amplifier to prevent any damage.
However, it should be noted that every amplifier is different. They vary in terms of impedance and dictate the woofer’s compatibility. Your main objective is to try out varying degrees of impedance and find the best one for your amplifier.
3. Number Of Coils In The Subwoofer
When searching for the best shallow mount subwoofer, it is important to consider the number of coils present in the woofer itself. Voice coils range in either single or dual, and each of them has its own set of positives and flaws.
Firstly, what does the term voice call mean? In the field of audio equipment, a voice coil helps to pass the electric current through the speaker wire, causing a magnetic field to form around it.
A single voice coil or SVC subwoofer is wrapped with a single copper wire around the former. If you were to take a look at such a woofer, you would notice that there is one negative terminal, as well as one positive wiring terminal.
These types of subwoofers are comparatively lower in price than dual voice coil subwoofers.
On the contrary, subwoofers are also manufactured using two coils. As the name suggests, a dual voice coil woofer consists of two copper wire strings with two negative and positive wiring terminals.
Furthermore, dual voice coil subwoofers are renowned for their flexibility, as they are compatible with multiple wiring choices. This majorly includes series wiring, parallel wiring, as well as independent wiring.
The first type of wiring that is compatible with dual voice coil subwoofers as series wiring. In this system, individuals are allowed to connect numerous subwoofers to a single amplifier.
Another type of wiring is parallel wiring. In this wiring option, individuals are provided with the maximum output power from their amplifier.
Lastly, dual voice coil subwoofers are also compatible with the independent wiring system. In this option, they can wire each voice coil to a different channel in the amplifier. This is an ideal fit for wiring a two-channeled woofer to a four-channel amplifier.
4. Power
In any musical equipment, one of the essential factors is power. This applies the same to the best shallow mount subwoofer. The power handling of a subwoofer is denoted in two forms i.e. the peak power and the root mean square power.
In technical terms, the peak power is the maximum level of power that a subwoofer can withstand without blowing. This applies to amplifiers as well. In simpler terms, the peak power of a shallow mount subwoofer can be compared to the speedometer of a car.
On the other hand, the root mean square power or RMS power is the continuous output of power for an amplifier. They are synonymous with the unit’s power capacity.
In simpler terms, the RMS power is that value that connotes how much power a speaker can withstand regularly without affecting the audio quality or performance.
When buying a good quality subwoofer, it is important to consider the total power capacity of your system, as this plays a vital role in the overall quality of the track played.
5. Enclosure Type
Another important factor that has a drastic impact on the system itself is the enclosure type. This is extremely crucial for finding the best shallow mount subwoofer as it impacts the sound quality.
Normal shallow mount subwoofers range in three major enclosure types. They are the sealed enclosures, band-pass enclosures, and the ported enclosures.
a. Sealed Enclosures
The first category of enclosures is the sealed enclosures. These are commonly called closed enclosures, designed to control the diaphragm, yielding to a more accurate note to be heard.
The main advantage of such types of closures is that they are easy to design and construct, as they are smaller in nature.
b. Ported Enclosures
Another type of enclosure is the ported enclosure. These are also called a bass-reflex closure.
If you take a look at such closures, you will notice a hole in the front, which aids in creating an equilibrium in the inside and outside of the unit.
As the diaphragm shifts into the speaker, the internal pressure increases which is then funneled out through the front opening of the device.
This type of enclosure’s main objective is to augment the sound waves from the speaker and increase its efficiency significantly.
In a nutshell, a ported enclosure is a perfect choice if you are looking for a device with a bold and punchier audio quality. However, these enclosures are comparatively larger than sealed ones.
c. Band-Pass Enclosures
The last type of enclosure is the band-pass enclosure. These are exclusively designed for providing the maximum slam. In such types of enclosures, the subwoofer is mounted on a dual-chambered box, wherein the sound waves emerge from the ported end.
This way, the audio is characterized by an extra loud frequency range. It is important to highlight that these types of subwoofers are highly efficient.
6. Placement
When hunting for the best shallow mount subwoofer, you need to think about the placement of the woofer itself. This is because only a few ideal spots are suitable for mounting a shallow mount subwoofer.
However, it is essential to remember that the location varies on how much space is free inside your car.
Some of the few ideal locations are mentioned below.
The first ideal spot to mount your subwoofer is your trunk. This is a favorite spot for many bass enthusiasts, as it helps them feel and experience the music rather than hearing it. The best part about this is that you can listen to your music loud and clear without compromising on its quality.
Another ideal location to place your best shallow mount subwoofer is near the rear speakers. If you are an audiophile trying to achieve a beautiful harmony amongst the low and high notes, installing your shallow mount subwoofer near the rear deck is the best option. They help create a lively ambiance and bring in a realistic twist to your music. In short, it helps to create an energized aura for you to jam to your favorite tunes.
7. Casing
The last factor to ponder before buying the best shallow mount subwoofer is the woofer casing. There are a variety of materials that can be used to surround a shallow mount subwoofer.
One of the popular materials is rubber. The rubber material helps to reduce any resonant vibrations, yielding a better audio track.
On the contrary, there are many subwoofers surrounds that are manufactured using plastic. These may have severe implications on the overall audio quality and on the longevity of the woofer itself.
Many subwoofer manufacturers are adopting complex, durable materials for the cone and the casing. One such fine example is polypropylene. This material has become a striking favorite due to its flexibility and durability.
In a nutshell, you need to choose the material that best meets your needs and requirements.
Types Of Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Shallow mount subwoofers are manufactured in a variety of types and shapes. Below are a few popular types of woofers for you and your audiophile friends.
1. Powered Shallow Mount Subwoofers
The first type of subwoofers is powered ones. A powered shallow mount subwoofer is integrated with an amplifier inside the overall unit in its basic sense. This is what makes it an ideal choice for small, compact spaces.
They also have a decent bass sound quality. But, it should be noted that they are not designed to suit powerful bass notes. In a nutshell, these are a rudimentary form of stereo systems and are perfect for amateurs.
2. Component Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Another category of subwoofers is the component subwoofers. As the name suggests, these are composed of several parts and are mainly targeted at those audiophiles who wish to customize their stereo system.
With such devices, the individual has the opportunity to select the enclosure type, amplifier, as well as other key components.
3. Enclosed Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Shallow mount subwoofers are also produced with enclosures. An enclosed shallow mount subwoofer is a device that is already integrated with a specific enclosure. However, they don’t include any amplifiers.
Due to this, the overall price is increased, which may hinder the decision to buy one or note.
4. Vehicle- Oriented Shallow Mount Subwoofers
The last category of shallow mount subwoofers is dependent on the type of vehicle. In short, they are already built-in on a certain spot of your car or truck. A fine example of this is the speakers built in the door of your car or SUV.
However, the main disadvantage of such woofers is that their sound quality is not as clever. Plus, they are not designed to produce loud bass sounds, unlike the larger shallow mount subwoofers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are Shallow Mount Subwoofers Good?
Many amateurs who are looking to spice up their vehicle often wonder if subwoofers are worth the investment. Well, below are a few advantages and disadvantages that can decide whether to purchase it or not. Firstly, a subwoofer is renowned for its portability and light-weight nature, which will not weigh down your vehicle, making it easier to move in and out of your car. However, it is important to note that the audio quality tends to vary as a regular-sized woofer. For example, you may experience variations in the bass notes and other lower frequencies. Despite the points mentioned above, subwoofers are a great addition to your car if you wish to experience the true beauty of sound without going broke.
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What’s The Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer?
If you are on the colossal journey to find the best shallow mount subwoofer, you can check out the models mentioned earlier. In addition, you can also look at the Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 10-Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer, the JL Audio 10TW3-D4.
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How Do I Make My Shallow Mount Subwoofer Hit The Hardest?
Many musical enthusiasts crave a sound system that can hit hard. In simpler terms, they would like a system that can produce a crisp, loud sound, making you feel each vibration. To achieve that goal, you need to master a few steps. Below are a few tips and tricks you can employ to hit your shallow mount subwoofer the hardest.
Firstly, you must select a good quality amplifier for your subwoofer. However, keep in mind that the amplifier must be compatible with your device to avoid any malfunction and damage.
Furthermore, make sure that your amplifier’s power requirement matches that of the subwoofer, as that is one of the keys to make your subwoofer hit the hardest.
After doing so, the next step is to install your subwoofer in a bandpass box. As mentioned above, a bandpass wired box is that encompassment designed to provide the maximum slam. By doing so, you can increase the quality of the sound, as well as the sound output.
Before doing this step, make sure to look at the instructional manual provided with your stereo set. This will help determine whether a bandpass box is the best option for your woofer.
The last but not the least step is to alter the amplifier’s and the stereo system’s settings to harmonize with the subwoofer. You need to keep in mind that every amplifier and sound system is different, and the settings tend to vary across the spectrum. Make sure to read your user’s manual provided within the product before adjusting the settings. This way, you know exactly what to do and can effectively and efficiently make your shallow mount subwoofer hit harder.
Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers – Conclusion
On the whole, it is quite clear that finding the best shallow mount subwoofer is a time-consuming and challenging task. However, if you wish to find that ideal system for yourself, make sure to try some of the above-mentioned models as they are the best of the lot when it comes to the best shallow mount subwoofer available in the market.
