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How to shop for 8 Inch Subwoofers
Whether it's the boom of hip-hop or the details of a jazz trio, a subwoofer is a must if you want to hear the full impact of your music. An 8" subwoofer is great for big bass in smaller vehicles or for multi-sub arrays where space is an issue. They create bass that's tight and focused, especially when they're in a sealed box. And the shallow-mount versions are perfect for replacing that 8" sub in your car's factory system.
Important details for selecting an 8" subwoofer
There are a few pointers below, but read our subwoofer buying guide for more advice and tips on choosing your subs.
Voice coils – Subwoofers have either one or two voice coils. This important feature greatly impacts the sub's performance in your audio system. Dual voice coil subs are popular among enthusiasts because they offer more flexibility when wiring the bass system.
Power rating – How much power do you need to make the subwoofer(s) sound their best? The closer your amplifier's power output is to the sub's max RMS power rating (not the peak power), the better it will sound.
Impedance – Most subwoofers are rated at 4 ohms impedance, but 2-ohm and 8-ohm subwoofers are also available.
When you've chosen a subwoofer, look for amplifiers that will match up to your sub in terms of power rating and impedance. With the wide variety of amps available, you shouldn't have any trouble finding one that will bring out the best in the sub you've chosen.
Popular questions customers ask
It's simple. A subwoofer gives you more bass, reproducing lower frequencies that your other speakers can't deal with. And subs aren't just for "bassheads." Filling out those lower frequencies will make any kind of music sound better. At Crutchfield, we love to see that look of surprise and joy on someone's face the first time they hear a sub in their vehicle!
The larger the woofer, the deeper the bass. A 12" sub will play louder and deeper than a 10" sub. A single subwoofer is all it takes to reinforce your music, but if you're looking for volume, then two subs are certainly louder than one.
A sealed enclosure will sound tighter and more accurate. A ported (or vented) enclosure makes the bass louder, with more boom, but with a slight loss of accuracy. A bandpass box is a combination of those two designs for even more output in a narrow frequency range.
First, figure out where a sub will fit. If you have limited space, consider a small powered sub. You'll be surprised how much bass you'll get. Also, what are your plans for your sound system? A small sub and amp will work great for adding some bass to a factory radio, but if you have plans to expand your system, go with the biggest sub that'll fit.
Yes, all subs need an amplifier. Some subs even come with an amp built-in (called "powered subwoofers"), so you don't have to match the sub to the amp. If you prefer to customize your system, make sure to get an amp that's powerful enough for your sub. The more bass you want, the more power you'll need.
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