Best Car Subwoofer for the Money

Music becomes mere waves of sound if you don’t have the proper equipment. Subwoofers are a boon as they make sure that you get access to the best bass and enjoy your sounds.

If you’re like me, I’m always looking to get the most I can for the least amount of money. Same goes when I go shopping for a subwoofer for my car.

We’ve looked at all the popular sub’s on the market today and put them here on this shortlist. Our favorites are below.

Top 15 Best Car Subwoofers 2021

1. Dual Electronics BP1204

Dual Electronics has a special design guaranteed to give you a surreal experience. One of the best things about their subwoofers is that they are available in pairs, because two is always better than one, at least when it comes to subwoofers. This provides you with a huge amount of bass which enhances your listening experience.

These dual 12-inch subwoofers have a high-grade in-line carpet to lessen as much enclosure movement as possible. This allows for maximum streamlining of the sound quality through both the subwoofers.

It is capable of an impressive 1100-watt power capacity and a frequency range between 30 Hz to 200 Hz. It’s driven by 600 watt RMS power at a 4-ohm nominal impedance, giving you optimum sound quality. It has a specialized tune port that includes 2.5-inch voice coils and brushed aluminum cones that allow for low-sounding bass throughout.

The 12-inch dual bandpass enclosure has a built-in crossover that lets you install your subwoofers in your car or any other setup effortlessly. The enclosure is also designed to withstand turbulence and the Plexiglass window increases protection. This adds to your subwoofers’ durability and you get the best quality sound even on bumpy roads.

These subwoofers also have a mirrored interior on both sides of the carpet enclosure, which gives studio-quality sound. Pair it with the illumiNITE technology and the magnificent blue lights will get you a supreme listening experience.

Dual Electronics’s subwoofers are efficient and durable and have a very cool design. If you’re looking for something which not only gives an amazing listening experience but is also visually aesthetic, these are the best subwoofers for cars.

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2. Alpine R-W12D4

Alpine is one of the best car subwoofer brands out there and these subwoofers in its R-series don’t disappoint. With a whopping 2250-peak-power capacity, it runs at 750 watt RMS power and 4-ohm impedance.

It has an ergonomic design with a parabolic cone structure, which gives a better, more streamlined sound-quality. The cone is made of pulp and kevlar materials, while the dust cap is made of Polypropylene, mica, and talc. Being a savior to your subwoofers even in rough weather and against high amounts of force, Kevlar is known for its high tensile strength.

The Type-R by Alpine is known for its deep bass extension. The addition of talc to PP and mica increases the vibration absorption of the cap and lowers its density. This helps develop low frequencies and better bass, as well as making the cap more rigid.

Its frequency response ranges from 24 Hz to 200 Hz and has a sound sensitivity of 84.3 dB.

Alpine uses its unique HAMR technology, which is High Amplitude Multi-Roll Surrounds. This feature allows for greater sound output and better sound quality.

These 12-inch subwoofers have a cast aluminum frame and a magnet weight of 127 oz. The voice coil has a diameter of 2.6 inches for enhanced sound output.

Alpine’s Type-R provides incredible bass sounds and gives you a wholesome music experience. It keeps its promise of being among the best car subwoofers for deep bass.

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3. MTX Audio TNE212DV

MTX Audio’s subwoofers are desired by many for providing good bass at an affordable price. MTX has been around the audio equipment scene for over 40 years now and you can sense the experience while using its products.

The size of the subwoofer unit is 12 inches and has a dual vented enclosure. It’s got a dual vented enclosure that keeps away noise. The venting also helps to keep the warm air away from the coil.

It employs Spider Plateau Venting. This is a mechanical cooling process that allows the subwoofer to continually refresh the air around the voice coil, thereby helping to dissipate the heat generated when you use the subwoofer. Keeping the air cool improves your subwoofer’s performance and extends its lifespan.

Each of the two subwoofers can handle a power capacity of 500 watts, resulting in a total power capacity of 1000 watts RMS. Its peak power capacity is 2000 watts and provides an impedance of 2 ohms.

The subwoofer enclosure is made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which contains extremely low-frequency sounds without any hassle. You get a better soundwave quality and bass because of this. It is also resistant to wear and tear and makes the subwoofer strong and durable.

The subwoofer enclosure is covered in black aircraft-grade carpet. Black always adds class to any product and goes well with any interior. There is a Terminator logo embroidered onto the enclosure, which adds a custom look to it.

MTX also offers a two-year warranty along with this product, which makes it more desirable. These subwoofers are the real deal if you’re looking for a good performing product under your budget.

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4. JBL GT-BassPro12

JBL is a popular choice among audiophiles for the best-quality audio equipment at reasonable rates. The GT-BassPro fulfills its promise as one of the best car subwoofers available today.

For starters, it has a built-in amplifier specially designed to complement the subwoofer and give you an enhanced listening experience. This saves you the time, money, and effort that goes into finding the perfect amp for your speakers.

The GT-BassPro12 works on the remote control so that you can control your subwoofer even if you’re not in the driver’s seat. It lets you adjust the bass hassle-free so that your ride goes smooth and fun without any interruptions.

The Progressive Spider feature of this subwoofer lets you exert control over the motion of the cone at large excursions. This provides great reliability even at the highest levels of listening. This allows you complete control over your subwoofer.

One of the problems faced by most subwoofers is the heating issue. JBL sorts this out by adding a vented polepiece to the GT-BassPro12 that helps cool the motor. This improves the power usage as well as lowers the power compression of your subwoofer.

The slipstream port of this subwoofer gives you a noise-free experience even at very high output sound levels. This makes your music cleaner, less distorted, and more fun.

It has a size of 12 inches and its cone is made of polypropylene. The added rubber surround allows for greater cone damping, which yet again reduces distortion of sound. This gives you the best bass at all times, inside and outside the car.

The speaker bars are designed to be oversized to provide maximum protection to your cone. It also adds to the classy look, along with the black color.

JBL’s GT-BassPro12 is a great purchase if you’re looking for efficiency, quality and sleek looks all combined in a subwoofer.

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5. MTX Audio 5512-44 5500

Part of MTX Audio’s 55-series subwoofers, this product is designed to deliver the amazing low-frequency bass response and great sound quality. It’s a 12-inch woofer with dual voice coils.

It uses the Inverted Apex Surround, which is narrower than the traditional half-roll surround. This increases the surface diameter of your subwoofer cone and enables it to displace more air and thus generate a higher SPL.

It has the progressive suspension feature, which controls excursion at high amounts of power and reduces sound distortion. With lesser noise, your listening experience would be similar to bliss even at very high volumes.

One of the key features of these subwoofers is the Spider Plateau Venting that solves the heating problem. It is a mechanical cooling process that targets the cool air at the voice coil.

It’s got a radial ribbed T-yoke, which functions as a heat sink and facilitates dissipating heat onto the backplate. This helps you keep the temperature of the subwoofer under control and keep it running efficiently for a long time.

The compression terminals are designed such that the installation process becomes smooth and easy for you. The dual voice coils provide an impedance of 2 ohms each, making it a total of 4 ohms. The subwoofer is driven by a power capacity of 400 watts RMS.

Pair these subwoofers with the right amp and you’re great to go. You can check these out if you are looking for great sound quality for both high-and low-frequency levels, at a reasonable price.

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6. Kicker 43CWR84

Kicker’s subwoofers are specially designed for those who are looking for strong bass in their music. Unlike the products we have looked at so far, this subwoofer is 8 inches and has dual coils.

The two voice coils have a total impedance of 4 ohms and can handle a power supply of 100-300 watts RMS, which means that each coil can take around 150 watts of power. Its peak power handling is 600 watts, which is a decent amount for an 8-inch subwoofer.

This subwoofer responds to an impressive frequency range of 30 to 500 Hz and has a sound sensitivity of 82.1 dB.

Its cone is made of injection-molded polypropylene, which makes it tough and strong. It remains rigid even at high volumes so that maximum noise is removed and you get the most accurate bass. Polypropylene makes it lightweight and strong. Its low density and reduced thickness prevent sound waves from reflecting a lot, thereby providing you with high-quality sound.

It also has a rubber surround system that helps control the cone movement during high energy music. This enhances the sound quality and gives you the best possible listening experience.

With a great design and magnet structure, Kicker’s 43CWR84 is a great purchase for those looking for an efficient subwoofer under their budget. It works well in sealed or ported enclosures. Pair it with a good amplifier and it could well be one of the best car subwoofers.

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7. Pioneer TS-SW2502S4

Ideal for smaller spaces, the TS-SW2502S4 belongs to Pioneer’s range of shallow subwoofers. Designed smartly, these subwoofers have a size of 10 inches and an oversized cone made of mica-injected molded resin. This enables better air movements and helps to generate clearer bass sounds. The outer part of the subwoofer is made of an elastic polymer, which makes it water-proof and gives it anti-slippery qualities.

It works on 300 watts RMS power and has a peak power capacity of 1200 watts, which is quite good. It works between a frequency range of 20 to 125 Hz and has a sound sensitivity of 91 dB.

It has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.

Subwoofers are now no longer made solely for SUVs. Products like the one we have here are fit for smaller cars as they are specifically designed for compact spaces. It’s got a tight mounting depth of 3-⅛ inches, which is very convenient for smaller cars.

These subwoofers are very easy to install, given their small size. Its port diameter is 3 inches and it has a port length of 13 inches. It’s also easily adjustable and you can customize the length of the port by cutting it. Pair it with a truck-style or down-firing enclosure and you’re great to go.

Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 is a great subwoofer if you have a small car or are looking for something that fits smaller spaces. It’s compact, portable, and provides great bass and sound quality. As an efficient and affordable subwoofer, this product is a decent purchase.

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8. Kicker Bass Package- 43DCWR122

This CompR subwoofer promises to bring amazing bass to your car. It has an in-built Kicker DXA 1000 watt RMS amplifier that goes perfectly with the subwoofers. You need not worry at all about spending your time looking for an amp.

It’s a dual 12-inch subwoofer, with a total impedance of 2 ohms. It has an RMS power of 1000 watts and a peak power of 2000 watts, which is pretty impressive. It has a sound sensitivity of 95.8 dB.

The subwoofers come with a grill casing so that the device remains protected throughout. It can thus withstand turbulent conditions and is very strong.

They look classy with the black carpeting; black is always classy. With a refined appearance, these subwoofers are bound to take the style quotient in your car up a notch.

The front-facing tuned port adds to the acoustic efficiency of your subwoofers. They help develop exceptional bass levels so that your listening experience remains splendid.

It has an added amplifier wiring kit and provides great bass. Kicker’s Bass Package is an affordable subwoofer you can look out for.

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9. Earthquake Sound SWS-6.5X

Earthquake Sound SWS-6.5X is the budget-friendly subwoofer you need that will give you the extra bass in less space. Earthquake Sound Corporation also brings to you the added guarantee with their name.

These subwoofers are only 6.5 inches in width and can fit snugly within any enclosure without you losing out on your bass quality at all.

This set of subwoofers gives you a maximum of 200 watts power capacity with an aluminum bobbin for support. With a mounting depth of 1-3/4” and the perfect inverted cone design, these subwoofers are a popular choice for people who are looking to fulfill their shallow mount requirements.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that the Earthquake Sound SWS-6.5X comes from the original inventors of the Shallow Woofer System (SWS), so you know that you are in safe hands.

These subwoofers run on an optimal 100 watts with a 4-ohm impedance. They can be your friend if you’re a fan of bass but don’t want to invest too much or make a lot of modifications. They are also an easy replacement option if your OEM car speakers no longer fulfill your needs.

Earthquake Sound SWS-6.5X promises to provide you with that strong base while being out of your way. Opt for these power-packed subwoofers for a unique listening experience without making a hole in your pocket. Hands down one of the best subwoofers for the car.

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10. Pioneer TS-WX1010A

Pioneer TS-WX1010A, with its sleek design and powerful specifications, is what was birthed to transform your in-house music experience. Running at 1100 watts of maximum power and a built-in 300 watts Output Class-D Amplifier, these subwoofers bring with them more than you can handle, and at a price that is bound to make your wallet very happy.

With its 10” speakers and a sleek trapezoid shape, this subwoofer also comes with a built-in amplifier that makes it a bang for your buck. The shape of this subwoofer makes it portable and easy to fit anywhere. The exterior is also fully carpeted to make it long-lasting and scratch-resistant so that you don’t have to think twice before making full use of it.

This wireless subwoofer comes with adjustable controls to match your mood every day. You can alter the LPF, phase control, and bass boost according to your discretion. The user also has the option to control the input gain easily using a wired remote control.

Get the Pioneer TS-WX1010A for its high bandwidth and low distortion, and the built-in amplifier that is all bound to make for a supreme listening experience.

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11. Kenwood KSC-SW11

Kenwood KSC-SW11 is the perfect subwoofer for you if you are short on bass and space. It packs a punch with its maximum output of 150 watts and its durable aluminum body. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry anywhere.

This small package has a lot to offer, be it from under your seat or on the top of your trunk. Kenwood KSC-SW11 enables you to never be behind on the best sound experience even if you’re low on space. It is easy to wire up and mount, and will definitely enhance your daily commute. It has a frequency response of 35-150 Hz and a sound sensitivity of 110 dB.

Kenwood KSC-SW11 further lessens your tension because it comes with an amp. The minimal surface area, high input, an amp kit – all wrapped up in a durable aluminum exterior – makes it a popular choice for anyone looking for a subwoofer.

If you’re looking to supplement your vehicle’s sound system without throwing away a lot of money, Kenwood KSC-SW11 is the subwoofer that is capable of accompanying you for a long time and with impressive bass quality.

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12. Kicker CompRT

The big bang or boom for the buck, these are placed in the ‘best car subwoofers’ category for obvious reasons. These are among the best car subwoofers to reach out for if you’re working with a smaller space for your car’s audio set-up. The Kicker CompRT subwoofers have a shallow-mount design that allows you to install them in smaller enclosures than the average subwoofer requires.

The installation is also pretty easy. The frequency response is slightly below average, with the 12-inch subwoofer and the 10-inch subwoofer reaching down to 25Hz. The high-frequency reach of 500Hz means that it can boost the low-mid frequencies giving you the ultimate audio experience.

The sensitivity rating of 87.1dB indicates how efficiently the subwoofer converts power to volume; using 1 watt of power, the subwoofer measured 87.1dB of volume output at 1 meter.

The power handling of Kicker compRT 6.75 is undisputedly one of the best with a continuous power handling of 800 watts. The power-handling peak makes up for its low sensitivity rating. Take the music up by a notch with Kicker compRT and treat your auditory buds to a brilliant treat.

In short, these are of excellent quality and do their job for the price we pay. It is an absolutely worthy addition to your car stereo.

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13. Planet Audio TQ10S Torque

The Torque woofer features a treated paper cone and large foam surround to accurately reproduce bass frequencies. Designed for either sealed or ported enclosures. The Torque series is a very versatile performer for when you are ready to crank up your sound.

The resonant frequency 35 Hz and the sensitivity (1W / 1m) is 87 dB making it easily one of the best subwoofers you could get. It has a power capacity of 1200 Watts and the single 4-ohm resistance coil provides you with bass so good that you will thank heavens for deciding to buy it.

The treated paper cone, with a 2-inch aluminum voice coil foam surround and sealed enclosure volume of 1.1 cubic feet is the deal-breaker.

This hits home for the price it is sold for. Put it together well and it draws you into a movie with the amazing deep bass to make it more interesting. It’s also a stunning subwoofer to use while playing video games.

Get ready to be blown away for a very pocket-friendly subwoofer with the amazing array of qualities it offers so effortlessly.

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14. MTX Audio TNE212D

You will find a huge number of subwoofer speakers in the market, but there’s a higher possibility that you’ll end up buying the wrong one. MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D is one of the best car subwoofers for deep bass.

The MTX Audio TNE212D can handle up to 1200 watts of power, which makes it the best subwoofer for deep bass. The peak power capacity is 800 watts. Systems one subwoofer works with 250 watts of RMS power.

Two terminator subwoofers in one package – the two speakers together increase the low-frequency level and provide stronger bass. The enclosure prevents sound distortion for clear pitch.

These are covered with aviation-grade black carpet that fits any car’s internal environment and a solid MDF construction is done to support distortion-free bass. The black carpeting also provides your subwoofers with a sleek, classy look.

The terminator subwoofers come with polypropylene dust caps to provide a convenient and durable attire. These dust caps protect the property from tears and damage. So that the speakers don’t burn out quickly a pretty efficient venting system that is Spider Plateau Venting system is provided to reduce and expel out the internal heat.

The in-built amplifier is the reason behind the bass magic of a speaker. It is used for tuning and bass variability to provide you with your desired bass performance.

If you’re looking for an affordable subwoofer set that does not compromise on the quality, go for this one.

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15. Bose Audio CXX8

Find the best of bass with the boss of audio. Perhaps the most popular name among audiophiles, Bose has been known for its quality sound systems and has earned an incredible reputation in this field. These subwoofers are projections of the level of quality that they bring to the table. If you are looking for amazing top-notch quality sound at an affordable price this is what you should grab next.

These 8-inch subwoofers with a 4-ohm resistance coil and 600 Watts maximum power deliver crystal clear bass enough to make you drop hard. With a resonant frequency of 49 Hz and sensitivity SPL (1W/1m) of 83 dB, this is one of the best available in the market.

Every good product should last for a considerable amount of time and these are made from propylene that not only spits some vibrant sound but also gives it durability.

Rubber has the innate quality to endure much strain without any sign of damage hence ensuring resilience without compromising on these subwoofers’ sleek attire. The stamped basket can absorb the heat adequately adding to the quality of the product.

It has good corrosion resistance, good mechanical property, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and retains strength at high temperatures. The voice coils are also specially crafted to resist high temperatures and prolong the life of these subwoofers.

Arguably the best subwoofer for car that there is, Bose’s CXX8 is your best buy if you want the incredible sound quality in your car. Add a lot of life and music to your moments with these subwoofers.

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What Are Car Subwoofers?

A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that reproduces bass and sub-bass, which are low-pitched audio frequencies. It covers the high frequencies of sound produced by your normal loudspeakers by enhancing the low frequencies.

Even though a speaker covers a vast range of frequencies, you can totally feel the difference when you install a good subwoofer in your car. The change is tangible and you’re going to love it.

Subwoofers are built to withstand the sound pressure levels (SPL) of high decibel sounds. In fact, they were initially meant to protect the traditional speakers from the low-frequency sounds that have more pressure and are more damaging.

Typically a subwoofer functions on a frequency range of 20 to 200 Hz if it is a consumer item. For specialized live sound, it works at a frequency less than 100 Hz and less than 80 Hz in a THX-approved system.

Components

A subwoofer comprises one or more woofers (speakers) mounted on an amplifier enclosure. The size of this speaker usually varies from 8 to 21 inches, depending on its use. For example, the best subwoofer for car would ideally be within the size range of 8-12 inches.

It also has voice coils, which contain magnets that are responsible for making the movements that create the sound. Most subwoofers use equalizers for better sound control but passive subwoofers often tend to have filters.

Some of the best car subwoofers come with a built-in amplifier so that you get the perfect complementary amp. The features of your subwoofer depend on how, when, and where you use it.

Factors To Look For In The Best Subwoofer For Car

Finding the perfect subwoofer is a much more difficult task than you think it might be. But if you keep the following factors in mind, your task will become a lot easier.

1. Size Of The Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a subwoofer that gives you the highest volume output, you need to go for the largest unit your car can accommodate. The amount of space available in your car would be something that needs good consideration if you want the best quality subwoofers.

However, clogging up all the space inside your car with your huge subwoofer is not an ideal option either. It might give you high volume sounds but that would be a terrible experience for you. In the case of small cars, you can always go for the 8-inch under-seat subwoofers. They provide you with good bass and loud sounds.

A larger cone has a greater surface area to move the air around more, thereby producing more sound. Hence it is desired for the best listening experience.

2. Types Of Enclosure

The type of enclosure you choose has a significant effect on how your subwoofer is going to function. Usually, there are two different types of enclosures–sealed and ported.

Sealed enclosures have an airtight design while portable enclosures have a vent that allows for the free flow of air, in and out of the casing. This helps a lot in dissipating the heat inside the subwoofer and keeps it efficient and durable for a long time.

Sealed enclosures give a tighter, more accurate bass compared to ported enclosures as they give out loud, booming sounds.

Sealed enclosures are smaller than ported enclosures and require more power to deliver the nest results. This happens due to the increased air pressure inside the casing as there is no ventilation. Ported enclosures are more efficient that way since they offer the best bass using lesser amounts of power.

It should also be kept in mind that ported enclosures would mean a larger subwoofer with regards to sealed enclosures. You don’t want your subwoofer to take up all your space, would you?

3. Power Capacity

Power is a determining component when it comes to buying the right subwoofers. The best car subwoofer for deep bass would have very high power as the loudest, cleanest music depends on the maximum power capacity. If you’re looking for a chilled out vibe with less bass, you can go for devices that have less power.

But if it’s loud, exploding, pounding bass that you want inside your car, you got to look for subwoofers with high power. It might be a bit expensive but it’s definitely worth the money because you deserve deep bass.

When you’re looking for the power capacity of your subwoofer, make sure you note the RMS power before the peak power.

4. Resistance/Impedance

Your subwoofers have electrical components inside them that provide resistance against the electric current passing through them. Scary physics memories? Yeah, we thought so too. But this resistance is a vital factor to look for when you’re buying the best subwoofer for your car.

This resistance or impedance is produced by components in your subwoofer like the voice coils. You must be careful with this resistance measure before connecting your subwoofer to your amplifier as their resistance ratings need to match. Typically, subwoofers have 2 or 4 ohms impedance.

5. Frequency Range

Something a lot of people tend to overlook, the frequency range of your subwoofer is a major factor you need to consider. The optimum highs and lows of the bass sequence can be achieved only when your subwoofer has a good frequency range.

So, if you want to play the lowest sound and are looking for clean bass, you should go for a subwoofer with a vast frequency range. Once this is done, you can tick off the other criteria and find your best car subwoofer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which Is Better, 2-ohms Or 4-ohm Impedance?

    Since 2-ohms rating would mean that the voice coils offer lesser resistance, the output sound would be louder compared to 4-ohms impedance. However, you must note that minimal resistance means more power consumption which eventually leads to lower quality in the bass. As for 4-ohm resistance in your subwoofer, it may not be loud but the bass it produces would be clean and distortion-free. To get the best results, we suggest that you try connecting multiple subwoofers of different impedance measures in different series and parallel combinations, whatever suits you.

  2. If I Put My Subwoofer Box In The Trunk, Will I Be Able To Hear The Bass?

    Totally, as long as your trunk is not sealed or soundproofed, the bass will reach you anywhere. Bass sounds have lower frequencies and greater wavelength, so they can travel through the objects in your car quite easily. On the off-chance that you can’t hear your bass properly because the materials in your car are blocking the sound waves, you can punch some holes in the rear deck material and fill it with acoustically transparent material.

Best Car Subwoofers – Conclusion

In conclusion, the best car subwoofers would be a life-saver if you’re a fan of bass. The only thing you need to figure out is which one would fit your car well. From then on, it’s all about rocking the bass.

1 thought on “Best Car Subwoofer for the Money”

  1. Subwoofers are the big powerful speakers commonly found in the trunk to produce the bass. Subwoofers hit the super low bass that your typical 6.5 speakers and 6×9 speakers can’t hit.

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