If you’re an audiophile who loves deep, powerful bass, you’ve probably considered getting a subwoofer for your car. Subwoofers can transform the audio experience in your vehicle, making music sound richer and more dynamic. But are car subwoofers really worth the investment? In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll examine the pros and cons in detail to help you decide.
Diving Deeper Into the Benefits of Car Subwoofers
Here are some of the main advantages of installing subwoofers in your car:
a. Enhanced Bass Response
This is the number one reason most people add subs to their cars. A quality subwoofer will accurately reproduce ultra low bass frequencies down to 20 Hz and below – far lower than your car’s small factory speakers can handle. You’ll get much deeper, tighter and more powerful bass that you can not only hear, but physically feel. This enhanced low end makes music sound punchier, warmer and much more dynamic. It’s like hearing your favorite tunes again for the first time.
Upgrading to a sub opens up new layers of deep bass texture that were missing before. You’ll be amazed what you’ve been missing out on! Certain music genres like EDM, dubstep, rap and reggae really come alive with a properly tuned subwoofer system.
b. Improved Clarity from Main Speakers
Adding a powerful car subwoofer also takes stress off your car’s main speakers. Since they no longer have to struggle to reproduce the lowest bass frequencies, distortion is dramatically reduced. This often results in clearer, more defined mids and highs from your car’s speakers.
The sub handles the deep bass demands cleanly and efficiently, while your main speakers simply focus on the midrange and highs. Vocals will sound more open and detailed, while instruments like guitars, pianos and cymbals will have better presence. The overall sound will be more balanced across the frequency range.
c. Total Customization of Your Sound
Car subwoofers allow you to customize your audio experience to match your personal taste. You can fine tune a sub’s cutoff frequencies, slope, phase and gain to get precisely the amount of low end emphasis you want. No more lackluster bass – you can add as much hard hitting bottom end as you desire until it’s just right.
Sound dampening techniques can further optimize and tighten up the subwoofer’s output. Audiophiles will love dialing in the perfect blend of properly balanced bass that takes their music to the next level.
d. Works Wonders with All Music Genres
While subs are most associated with bass-heavy genres, they can enhance any musical style. Listen to rock, country, jazz or classical music with a subwoofer, and you’ll be able to pick up on subtle nuances in the bass lines like never before.
The additional low frequency extension brings out hidden details and vibes to familiar recordings you thought you knew. It’s an eye opening experience for all music lovers, not just bass heads! Even vocal-centric music gains warmth and depth.
e. Higher Overall Volume Potential
Adding more speaker cone surface area in the form of one or more subwoofers also gives your system much greater maximum volume potential. The subs handle the high wattage needed to reach louder volumes cleanly, while your main speakers can continue operating at their peak efficiency.
This division of labor allows for distortion-free loudness that reveals every detail in the recording. Overall, a well designed substage will allow you to safely push the volume higher than ever before. Just beware of overdoing it!
Examining the Potential Downsides Before Adding Car Subs
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to consider before installing subwoofers in your vehicle:
a. Significant Costs Are Involved
Putting together a high quality subwoofer system requires a significant investment. For example, a basic powered subwoofer enclosure from a respected brand can cost $200 or more. Higher-end subwoofer components from premium names like JL Audio or Rockford Fosgate can cost over $500 just for a single sub and box.
Adding a multi-channel subwoofer amp, custom enclosure, wiring kits, sound dampening materials and more can easily push costs into the $1000+ range. That’s a serious financial commitment – but car audio enthusiasts often say it’s worth every penny.
Professional installation by experienced technicians adds further cost. Labor rates vary, but expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for custom subwoofer installation. Doing it yourself requires knowledge and time.
b. Substantial Space Is Required
Car subwoofers take up quite a bit of space by nature, especially larger enclosure boxes designed for maximum bass output. For example, a single 12″ ported sub box can occupy 1-2 cubic feet in your trunk or cargo area – enough for several grocery bags. Make sure you have enough space that will not be missed.
Going with a compact powered subwoofer helps minimize space requirements. But even slim subs need airflow and positioning away from other components. The box dimensions, required air space and subwoofer size should be carefully considered before committing to anything.
c. Installation Takes Time and Effort
Unlike basic speaker upgrades, installing subwoofers usually requires extensive custom work. At the minimum, you will need to mount the enclosure box securely and wire the sub(s) to an amplifier system that interfaces with your car’s radio. Routing cables neatly through trim panels takes planning and time.
If your electrical system is not up to par, you may need to upgrade the alternator and run new power and ground cables for the amp. Proper installation is an involved process, but pays off in performance and safety. Many car owners wisely leave it to professional installers.
d. Potential Electrical System Strain
Adding a powerful subwoofer amplifier and multiple subs presents a heavy electrical load that could exceed your car’s system capabilities. Insufficient alternator output and undersized cables can lead to dimming headlights, battery drain, and potentially system damage over time.
Be prepared to upgrade your electrical components like the alternator and run new power cables directly from the battery if necessary. Replacing the battery itself with a high capacity model may also be required to support the additional current draw. Good electrical planning prevents headaches down the road.
e. Careful Tuning is Required
It’s possible to have too much of a good thing. While subs accentuate pleasing low end, some people find exaggerated bass tiring to listen to over time, leading to listening fatigue. Proper adjustment of the subwoofer amp, enclosure design, and crossover points is essential to blend the subs with the main speakers for great overall tonal balance.
EQ tuning and precise volume matching of sub and satellites helps prevent a “booming” system that muddies up the mids and highs. When properly installed and tuned, the subs should provide an enjoyable bass “foundation” that brings out the best in your whole system.
Helpful Installation Tips for Getting Optimal Car Subwoofer Sound
If you decide to enhance your car’s audio with the powerful bass of subwoofers, here are some useful tips for the best possible sound:
- Choose subwoofer drivers and an amplifier that work well with your existing speakers. Look at power handling, impedance and frequency response for system synergy.
- In most cases, a single high-excursion 12″ or 10″ sub in a well designed box will sound better than multiple smaller subs. Prioritize quality over quantity.
- Model your enclosure box carefully with proper volume, port area and dampening. The box design strongly impacts bass response.
- For SPL competitors, reinforce the box with adequate bracing to handle high wattage without flexing.
- Use high grade “OFC” speaker wire for full signal transfer between amp and subwoofers. Inexpensive CCA wire will undermine performance.
- Isolate and decouple the sub box to minimize rattles using rubber mounts. Seal any openings with weatherstripping.
- Position the enclosure securely on a flat surface aligned with optimal airspace for the sub.
- Adjust phase, crossover frequency, slope and subsonic filter for seamless integration with the main speakers.
- Equalize left and right channels separately for proper imaging and response. Aim for great bass that fills out the sound rather than dominates.
The Bottom Line: Are Car Subs a Worthwhile Investment?
In the end, whether installing car subwoofers is a wise investment depends on your listening goals and budget. For bassheads seeking to transform their listening experience with heart-thumping low end, a quality sub system is a must. For those on a tight budget, focusing funds on full range speakers first may be prudent.
Ultimately, there is no universally right or wrong answer – it comes down to personal preference.
If doing it right with top gear, car subs can take your audio to the next level! But improper installs result in disappointing boominess. If you pursue subs, choose equipment carefully, install properly, and fine tune for hard-hitting lows that integrate seamlessly into the soundstage. Done right, subwoofers let you truly feel the music!
