- Anthony
Car owners are always looking for the best car experience, and sound is one of the essential aspects. However, choosing the best car competition subwoofer among thousands of products will be a challenge for you. Let us help you.
In this post, Hooke Audio will provide you full of information about the most outstanding car subwoofers in the market as well as detailed guides for your shopping.
Now, get started.
Contents
- 1
- 2 Top Best Car Competition Subwoofer on the Market of 2023
- 2.1 1. JL Audio 12W7AE-3
- 2.2 2. DS 18 15-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.3 3. Kicker 12-inch with enclosure Competition Subwoofer
- 2.4 4. American Bass XFL 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.5 5. Power Acoustik MOFO 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.6 6. JBL CS1214 Competition Subwoofer
- 2.7 7. Skar Audio 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.8 8. Skar Audio 15-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.9 9. Orion HCCA15 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.10 10. American Bass 8-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 2.11 11. Massive Audio 10-inch Competition Subwoofer
- 3 Guide to Buying the Best Competition Subwoofers
- 4 FAQs
- 5 Conclusion
Top Best Car Competition Subwoofer on the Market of 2023
1. JL Audio 12W7AE-3
Best competition subwoofers
Look no further if you are looking for the best quality subs. The JL Audio competition subwoofers are among the most powerful and high-quality.
This was our top choice as the best 12-inch subwoofer. The SQ is key to this one. Although not as loud as those of the Hooligan, these subs still sound loud enough.
If you are looking for power and refined sound, the JL car Audio is a great choice. It makes up for what it lacks in SPL, at least when compared to other subwoofers of the same price range, with excellent sound quality.
The JL Audio sub has an RMS of 1,000 Watts. It is not as powerful as the Hooligan, but it will blow your hair back. You can crank up the volume but still be able to hear and feel your music clearly with a peak power handling of 2,000 watts. It has a sensitivity level of 86.2. This means that it can amplify the sound more effectively with any amount of power.
Competition grade paper cone subs require more power than regular subs, so it is important to have sensitivity.
To prevent overheating, the JL Audio features a large, vented aluminum alloy frame. This allows it to withstand greater power without getting fired.
The JL audio sub is available in 3-ohm resistance and, as mentioned in the previous section of this article, is lined with an aluminum alloy frame. Make sure you are familiar with how to install this sub so it doesn’t get damaged.
This sub is ideal if you are looking for a sub that can produce crisp sound, but not sacrifice too much power.
It is at the lower end of competition subs in terms of SPL. This JL Audio model is great if you prefer quality to power.
This sub may be a little expensive, but it will definitely deliver.
Pros
- High quality sound output
- High SQ, extremely crisp and refined sound
- Made in the U.S.
- Raving customer reviews
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires a custom made box for proper performance
2. DS 18 15-inch Competition Subwoofer
The most popular size for subwoofers is the 15-inch, but you will find them in larger sizes from some manufacturers. There are two versions of the DS18 subwoofer: a 2-ohm or 4-ohm version, with dual voice coil settings. This subwoofer has a power output of 3,000W at peak pulse and 1,800W at RMS. Here’s the 2-ohm EXL version, model number A15.2D. Let’s take a look at its specifications.
The Fs of the subwoofer is 35 Hz, and Qts is 0.339. The frequency response of the subwoofer is 44 kHz – 1,300 kHz. Its SPL is a jaw-dropping 92 dB. The speaker features a 2.5-inch voice coil and a 200-oz magnet. The double-ferrite magnets are 100 ounces in weight and cushioned by two conex spiders. The cone is made from fiberglass and paper, with a frame of red aluminum.
Your DS18’s top has a considerable foam overlap that provides additional padding and makes it easier to mount. It is 92 DB and fits the self-described descriptor of extremely loud’. You may not want to be too close to your speaker. It has been thoroughly tested for quality and performance to ensure its reliability. It weighs in at 37 pounds and requires a 12V battery for operation.
DS 18 will provide formal verification for buyers who require it. The speaker has been tested and approved by SEMA and IASCA, as well as CEA and MERA.
PROS
- Looks amazing.
- Great sounding.
- Loud.
- Excellent value.
CONS
- Max out quickly.
3. Kicker 12-inch with enclosure Competition Subwoofer
Best competition subwoofers
Kicker has a strong and long history in the car entertainment industry. They produce high-quality speakers with good quality materials. The Kicker 12’’ subwoofer is well-constructed and is the most affordable subwoofer available for car and speaker enthusiasts.
All speakers look the same to non-specialists. A stereotypical dome with a circular vibrating center will be a speaker. Technically speaking, subwoofers refer to cones that produce low sound wave frequency, which are the ones we recognize as bass. Tweeter cones produce higher sound frequencies than the ones we hear in the treble. These sounds are amplified.
Subwoofer cones look larger than tweeter cones. The kicker is a complete sound system. It includes two subwoofer cones and enclosures to keep them in place. Amplifiers can be added for increased volume and range. Amplifiers “push the sound further”. The Kicker kit’s subwoofers measure 12 inches in diameter. You will also find a capacitor and 4-gauge wiring cables in the kit.
Each subwoofer cone has a 2-ohm resistance, giving it a total of 4 ohms. Each subwoofer has 600 Watts peak power and 1,200W RMS. To reduce distortion, the two subwoofers have been encased within a single carpeted box. MDF is used to make the box, while the black carpet improves acoustics. Bullz Audio manufactures the digital capacitor used by the kicker. The Boss amplifier is 1,100W.
The Kicker subwoofers come with a mono amp. The kit includes two subwoofers to produce stereo sound. This bundle includes all the wiring needed to make it a complete sound system.
PROS
- It is easy to install.
- Affordable.
- The bundled package is a good idea.
- Sound clear and responsive.
CONS
- Subwoofers with less power than the loudest competitors are not enough to keep up.
4. American Bass XFL 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
The subwoofer measures 12 inches in length and weighs only 38 lbs. It can produce 1,000 watts of RMS power and 2,000 watts peak power. The maximum mounting depth is 7.6 inches.
Dual 4 ohm voice coils (3”) are included. It has a carbon-kevlar reinforced non-pressed paper cone. It is housed in a diecast aluminum container. A multi-layered, high-density foam material surrounds the driver.
Triple stacking is used for the 220z magnet. This is necessary to support a 3” voice coil.
The American Bass XFL 1244 2000W Subwoofer is as perfect as you would expect from American Bass. It is also bombproof. It’s made in America and is a shining example of American craftsmanship and design.
This unit is reliable. Conex spiders are used to cool the USA XFL1244 2000W subwoofer and keep it in good condition. They are neat, new, and very effective.
Look no further if you are looking for a subwoofer that is rock-solid, durable, and proven.
The XFL1244 2000W subwoofer is loud. A subwoofer that can output 2,000 watts of maximum power would be expected to be loud. This subwoofer is more than noise and power.
Its crisp quality sound is what makes it stand out from its competitors. Low frequencies have low distortion and sound clear and crisp. The detail is still evident even at low frequencies.
American Bass has received numerous awards for its sound quality. It’s easy to understand why the USA XFL1244 2000W subwoofer has won multiple awards. Great subwoofer at an affordable price.
PROS
- Clear, deep bass output
- Solid quality construction.
- Excellent value.
- It is easy to install.
CONS
- Sometimes there are freezes.
5. Power Acoustik MOFO 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
Best competition subwoofers
With its bright blue hue, the Power Acoustik subwoofer catches your attention. It’s small, however, so it might be easy to overlook its bass-booming capabilities. Although it has a stunning design, it may not produce as much bass as you expected. The power output is a decent powerhouse at 2,500W and the RMS at 1,350W. There are two dual 2-ohm coils and two conex cotton spiders. A patent-pending 4-spline heatsink is also included—each coil measures 2.5 inches.
The speaker cones that we have seen so far are either paper or plastic. The Power Akoustic subwoofer cone is made of cloth and paper and absorbs vibrations to reduce sound distortion. The speaker’s top will remain exposed, even though most of it will be concealed within the speaker case. This means that dirt, debris, and sun radiation could cause damage to your cone-top.
A dust cap made of aluminum fins is attached to the subwoofer to prevent this. The fins have a greater surface area for heat dissipation. This means that your speaker cools faster and remains dust-free. To reduce daytime sun deterioration, exposed parts of the cone are treated with UV protective material. This MOFO is a heavy-duty option that will be well worth your time.
The Power Akoustic Mofo powerful subwoofer features a solid aluminum and nickel frame. The magnet spins four times around its voice coils, which cool down at record speed. Its Xmax is also 15mm.
PROS
- Inexpensive.
- Aluminum Dust Cap Fins Dissipate Heat.
- Great looks.
- High-quality sound.
CONS
- Heats up quickly.
6. JBL CS1214 Competition Subwoofer
Best competition subwoofer for car
This car subwoofer is the most affordable in JBL’s subwoofer range. The CS1214 is rated at 250-watts RMS and 1000-watts maximum. It could be a great subwoofer if your goal is to build a competitive sound system or increase the volume of an existing one.
With its 12-inch polypropylene cone woofer and rubber surround, the CS1214 subwoofer will look great in your car. JBL states that the cone is designed to provide solid rigidity and internal damping, which will help to reduce road noise while listening to music on the road.
The subwoofer’s 90 dB sensitivity rating allows for high volume output, more than you would expect from a low-powered subwoofer. This speaker’s frequency range is 35 Hz to 200Hz, which is slightly narrower than some other speakers on our list. The standard 4 ohms rating is used for impedance.
This sub can be mounted in a 6-inch depth, making it easy to install in your car, especially if it’s being added to your existing stereo system.
PROS
- Affordable cost
- high performance at high volumes
CONS
- Not suitable for high-powered setups
- Bass could be deeper
7. Skar Audio 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
Best competition subwoofers for car
Although it may be difficult to see the differences between the Orion and the one that has just been shown, peak power is only a brief burst. The previous model can withstand more significant drops than the newer one. It can also use identical amplifiers.
Another key difference is how they are installed. The top of this model is more expansive, which can impact how you mount it. It also affects its location in your trunk and the size of its enclosure.
The 4-ohm Orion is made up of voice coils, each of 2 ohms. With the sensitivity of 87.4 dB, it is more than the human safety limit of 80 dB. An aluminum frame protects the copper voice coils. They are both beautiful conductors and will cool down quicker.
This Skar Audio 12-inch subwoofer measures 17 ins in length. It weighs 90 lbs, so be careful when mounting.
At an affordable price range, you get a pair of these subs. Peak power handling for each is 1200 watts and RMS is 600 watts. This is enough to produce a loud and crisp sound.
PROS
- High-temperature voice coils
- Well-engineered.
- Reliable.
- Affordable.
CONS
- Not the loudest subwoofer.
8. Skar Audio 15-inch Competition Subwoofer
The Skar Audio 15 inch could have the same settings as its smaller sibling in terms of settings. Some models come with 3-inch voice coils and 1,500W RMS, and 3,000 Watts peak power. The frequency range it covers is between 25 Hz and 400 Hz. The larger model is 18 inches and can extend frequencies to 20Hz. It also has a higher peak power and RMS of 3,200W and 1,600W, respectively.
Despite this, it’s not part of the ZVX Series. It’s part of the DDX family. Its model number is DDX 15D2. It is a 15-inch speaker. However, its dual coils have only 1 ohm per coil. ZVX speakers are 4-ohms in resistance, but the DDX has only dual 2-ohm. The voice coil measures 2.5 inches in diameter.
Skar Audio is smaller in power. The peak power of the speaker is 1,500W, while its RMS is 1,000W. Its SPL is 90.6 dB, and the magnet it uses is double-stacked rather than the triple-slugs used in ZVX subwoofers. The same type of cone is used, though, a stitched high roll foam surround and a piece of paper. It cools just as fast but has a lower Fs (33.6 Hz) and a frequency response between 20 Hz and 250 Hz.
This Skar Audio subwoofer’s 202-ounce double stack magnet is perfect for the 2.5-inch coils. Although its outer cone diameter is larger, all internals of the subwoofer is smaller, lighter, and more compact.
PROS
- 20Hz to 250Hz frequency response.
- High build quality.
- Two-year warranty.
- Affordable.
CONS
- Long break-in time.
9. Orion HCCA15 12-inch Competition Subwoofer
Best competition grade subwoofer
Orion is well-known for its bright red subwoofers. You can see them even from miles away. You can, at least, while you shop in the store. The subwoofer’s bulk will be concealed within the casing once it is installed. This model comes with a casing, but you will need to purchase it separately. The Orion 12-inch is ‘nude’ at 83.8 lbs.
Its compact sizing is convenient though, it won’t take up too much trunk space unless you buy an oversized case. If you’d like to have multiple speakers, you can create one with the included case. The Orion HCCA’s peak power is 5,000W, and its RMS value is 2,000W. If you don’t want to blow your entire sound system out, make sure to pair it up with suitable amplifiers. You should aim for 75% to 150%.
For safe sound quality and to avoid distortion or short-circuiting, amplifiers that you purchase will require wattages of 1,500W – 3,000W. Dual spider cones are used in this subwoofer, which means it has dual voice coils. These 4-inch coils are equipped with coolers that draw heat away from the subwoofer and keep it from burning. The spiders are flat and reinforced with loop stitches and tinsel leads.
The cones are made from polypropylene. The rubber ring has three levels and is placed on top of the rim. This creates a triradius effect, which provides more surface area for sound waves. These multiple sounds allow you to enhance the stereo effect of your boots bass.
The Orion HCAA measures 7.5 inches in depth and comes with a 1-year warranty. The cone can be replaced, and the super woofer is powerful enough to provide hyper-cooling capabilities.
PROS
- Super loud.
- Excellent build quality.
- Good cooling system.
- It can be re-conned.
CONS
- It will require a robust battery setup.
10. American Bass 8-inch Competition Subwoofer
Best competition subwoofers for the money
The 8-inch American Bass subwoofer stands out visually from its larger brother. It uses the same carbon-kevlar aluminum basket, but the base is woven. This gives it a more texture look. The cone’s rest still has high-roll stitched foam and a non-pressed paper cone.
It is almost half the weight at 15.35 lbs. The outer dimensions of this speaker model are 7.5 in-depth and 10 in diameter. This speaker model’s peak power is 800W, and its RMS 400W. It is therefore small in both size and electrical output. The same but slightly larger version has 1,200W peak power, 600W RMS, so make sure you double-check what you are buying.
This competition subwoofer is a low-power model and best suited for low-bass music. It’s also suitable for audiobooks and podcasts. It can be used for country, classical, soft rock, soft rock, and high-treble music. You’ll feel overwhelmed if you try to play hip hop, bass-heavy jazz, or drum-led music. It’s possible to make it work if your car has a small hatch or trunk.
American Bass subwoofers may seem small and easy to overlook visually. It has lower power output. It works well if you use it primarily for audio reading and easy listening.
PROS
- Well-made and sturdy
- It is affordable.
- Tiny physical profile
- Versatile sounding.
CONS
- It doesn’t have the power and output of a true competitor subwoofer.
11. Massive Audio 10-inch Competition Subwoofer
Best competition car subwoofers
Many speaker manufacturers recommend that we not touch the subwoofers’ thrumming surfaces. We may accidentally damage the membrane. It can be challenging to resist the vibrating cone. Massive Audio has textured painted its top surfaces. It is both pleasant to touch and reduces the potential damage that your fingers could cause.
What is the secret? You can feel less contact between your fingers and the membrane because of the tiny bumps and ridges on the paint surface. Ergo, minor damage! Let’s now get into the technical details. The 10-inch Massive Audio speaker features dual 3-inch 4-curl voice coils and can be set to either 2-ohm (or 4-ohm) impedance. To ensure that you get the correct amplifiers, be sure to specify which one you have.
Your coils will cool faster if they are arranged in a T yoke design and anodized in black. The 180-oz dust cap is made of woven fiberglass, and the double-stacked magnet weighs in at 180 oz. Each magnet is equipped with a pair of mirrored cotton spiders at its base. These spiders are made from poly and attached to a Kevlar basket. These cones are made of non-pressed paper and EROM foam.
Bright red stitching is used to hold the foam and cone together for visual recognition and aesthetics. The speakers are rated at 2,000W peak power and 1,000W per hour. Both the magnet former and gasket are made from rubber. The speaker ships with a 10-gauge lead cable.
The TOROX104 car subwoofer features an Xmax of 14.3 mm and an SPL of 86.5. dB. It is 22 pounds and measures approximately 11 inches in circumference. The subwoofer’s pretty red stitching makes it stand out from the rest.
PROS
- It produces impressive low-end sounds.
- Produces apparent sounds
- It is durable and well-built.
- It is also affordable.
CONS
- It seems to be a hitch, even though it is small when you get to the bottom.
Guide to Buying the Best Competition Subwoofers
Before we get into the finer details of competition subwoofers, let’s define what a competition subwoofer is.
We would say that five major components are required to make a subwoofer worthy of competition. These components would include a minimum of 1,000 watts RMS power rating and spiders larger than 7”. Voice coil larger than 2.5″, and a Xmas excursion at least 1″.
RMS Power
The measurement of continuous power is called RMS power. A sub should be capable of holding RMS power for a long time. A manufacturer will typically test a subwoofer’s RMS for up to 24hrs to ensure everything is working correctly.
When setting up your system, you should pair up an amplifier of the same power rating as to your sub. You should be able to use anywhere from 75% to 150% of the RMS power rating.
Also, pay attention to the subwoofer’s power handling capabilities. This includes the RMS, ohm impedance, and maximum power handling. The subwoofer’s performance will be better if it has a higher RMS and more power handling.
Peak Power
Peak power is the maximum power a subwoofer can handle at one time. This refers to the subwoofer’s ability to handle maximum power for short bursts only. If you set up your system with a powerful amp with a higher rating and turn things up to 10, it could cause damage.
Size
The sub is more extensive, so it moves more air and becomes louder. This is a straightforward equation, but it’s important to remember that as things become louder and bigger, so will the subs.
A subwoofer 12 inches in length is not usually too big to fit in a truck or sedan of medium size. You will need to allow for subs to fit in the subwoofer box enclosure.
It will take up quite a bit of space to store a 12″ sub in a box/enclosure. It is almost sure that it will end up in the trunk. You might be able to fit one or two 12” subs in certain cars. You can eliminate any space in your boot if you have one of these subs or two.
Things will become very tight when you go up to a 15-inch sub. If you are considering a dual setup with this sub, it is essential to do your research. Many cars won’t be capable of accommodating a large box/enclosure.
Before you add a sub to your trunk space, make sure that you are comfortable with the sacrifices.
Bass Boost
We’ve all seen that the more bass you use, the more your car vibrates. Too much bass can cause your windows to shake and rattle, so make sure you choose SPLs that match your car’s model. Sound distortion is also important. You won’t be able to hear the melody and lyrics so you can’t fully enjoy your music. It is also helpful to toggle off the bass.
This is useful for listening to podcasts, classical music, instrumentals, or any other music that doesn’t have a dominant bass. You should choose a subwoofer that has intuitive controls to make it easy to adjust the settings. Subwoofers with high levels of sensitivities can produce a powerful, deep bass without requiring too much power. You can also check the lower frequencies for more bass.
Sound Quality
The subjective nature of sound quality is never fixed. Power is not subjective. An oversized unit will push a lot more air and be louder. You should be aware that high sound pressure levels can cause distortion.
You should ensure that your subwoofer is compatible with your amplifier. There are many options for competition amplifiers that can be used with subwoofers or in-car systems.
To ensure that the sub can handle the bass levels you are trying to achieve, you should check its frequency response range. To get the best from your system, it’s worth buying a high-quality receiver with EQ.
Voice coils
Choose a car subwoofer with perfect (or close to perfect) voice coils. If you aren’t concerned about complicated installation, dual voice coils can be significant.
Price
Make sure you choose a subwoofer to suit your budget. Keep in mind, however, that subwoofers that seem cheap might end up costing you more in the long run.
Subwoofer Warranty
Some subwoofers come with a 90-day limited warranty, while others have a one-year warranty. This is particularly important if you don’t want to pay for repairs or replacement.
FAQs
What Size Subwoofer Has The Deepest Bass?
15-inch subwoofers offer the deepest and most powerful bass owing to their big size. They, however, lack the tight responsiveness of their small counterparts. These subs will take much of your passenger or cargo space which is why they are commonly used in large trucks and SUVs.
Are More RMS Watts Better?
RMS values are usually lower than peak watts ratings, but they represent what a unit is truly capable of handling. Think of RMS power as the average power that a speaker can handle on a daily basis without compromising sound quality or experiencing any distortion.
Does Wattage Affect Sound Quality?
The big takeaway here is that while the number of Watts of a speaker shouldn’t be overlooked, it doesn’t tell you how loud a speaker can go. The wattage also doesn’t indicate the sound quality or possible lifespan but can be really useful when you’re looking to buy a suitable amplifier.
Conclusion
Subwoofers are expensive and it can be hard to know which is the best one. There are many factors that go into determining the quality of a subwoofer and much goes into determining which will best meet your needs. Hope that this article helps you make an easier decision for your car.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
