Getting to Know the Three Types of Car Subwoofer Boxes
When it comes to accomplishing the perfect car audio setup, there are many avenues that you can take. Some drivers like to focus on achieving ultra-crisp playback while others are more concerned with getting as much volume and power as possible. The type of music that you listen to also plays a factor. Rap, EDM, and classic rock all have varying musical attributes that define them. Some tracks will sound better when showcasing high-frequencies while others are made for highlighting the mid-ranges.
However, here at San Diego Car Stereo, most of our customers that get car audio installation performed want to know how to get the best bass. From a technical standpoint, this not only means choosing the best car subwoofers but also the best boxes to house them. In this piece, we’ll break down the three primary car subwoofer boxes and their specific attributes. The next time you’re looking for car stereo installation near you for subwoofers, you’ll know exactly what to ask for.
The Three Types of Subwoofer Boxes
The enclosure that houses an external subwoofer is known as a subwoofer box. A subwoofer box not only protects the equipment itself, but it also has a direct effect on how it sounds during playback. Subwoofer boxes come in three varieties: sealed, ported, and bandpass. Let’s break these down one-by-one.
Sealed Subwoofer Boxes
As the name implies, a sealed subwoofer box is an enclosure that is designed to be airtight with no ventilation. The sealed design means that there’s more pressure behind the subwoofer cone, resulting in bass that sounds tighter and more accurate; however, you will need to provide your subwoofer with more power via an amplifier to achieve louder levels of bass. For those of you who like a more precise sound with their car stereo system, a sealed subwoofer box is the ideal choice.
Ported Subwoofer Boxes
Ported subwoofer boxes feature a vent (more commonly known as a port) that allows for airflow in the enclosure. This means that there is less pressure behind the subwoofer cone which allows it to move more freely, resulting in more thunderous sounding bass. Ported subwoofer boxes sound much louder than sealed subwoofer boxes, and require far less power to achieve peak levels. The only drawback is that ported subwoofer boxes are much bigger in physical size compared to their sealed counterparts. Smaller vehicles may present a challenge when it comes to installation.
Bandpass Subwoofer Boxes
A bandpass subwoofer box is similar to a ported subwoofer box, but with the distinction of being dual chambered with the subwoofer mounted on the inside. One chamber is sealed while the other is ported. The result is a very narrow frequency range that produces a maximum level of bass. Ported subwoofer boxes are loud. Bandpass subwoofer boxes are VERY LOUD. The trick with bandpass subwoofer boxes is that they’re a little temperamental when it comes to tuning them. Car audio experts say that buying a pre-loaded bandpass box is the best way to ensure that your subwoofer and subwoofer box work in harmony.
How to Select Your Subwoofer Box
When it comes to choosing subwoofers and subwoofer boxes, there are a few things you should check into before making any purchases. First and foremost, you want to pay attention to your RMS power ratings for both your subwoofer and your amplifier. This ensures that your subwoofer can handle your amplifier’s output power.
A couple of other factors to keep in mind are sensitivity and frequency range. Remember, a sub that has higher sensitivity will require less power from an amplifier (ex: sealed subwoofer boxes). Frequency range will serve as one of your primary indicators as to how the subwoofers will sound. Just remember to keep in mind that variables such as placement and enclosure type have an impact on frequency range.
Finally, the size of your subwoofer and subwoofer enclosure should definitely play a factor when selecting products. Ported subwoofer boxes are much larger than sealed subwoofer boxes. For those that drive smaller vehicles or can’t afford to give up valuable trunk space, going with sealed subwoofer boxes is probably the way to go.
Elevate Your Car Audio Today with Professional Grade Subwoofers
If you’re looking to add some boom to your car stereo system, nothing quite gets the job done like a pair of professional-grade subwoofers. Of course, you’ll probably want to hear the subwoofers before you put any money down on purchasing. That’s why the best way to select car audio products is by visiting San Diego Car Stereo directly. You can test out speakers, subwoofers, and tweeters here in the store so you know which car audio arrangement best suits your listening preferences.
San Diego Car Stereo also performs professional car audio installation, which ensures your product performs exactly as it should. The best way to get in touch with us is by stopping by our storefront location at 4220 Convoy St. in San Diego. You can also email us directly using our contact form or call us at (858) 569-0777 to speak with a member of our staff.
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