8 Inch Subwoofers at Crutchfield (2024)

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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.

• Car amplifiers FAQ Our Amplifier FAQ answers many common questions like: How can I add an amp to my system? Where should I mount it? What wiring do I need? How many channels do I need? Read our article for these answers and many more. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Amplifier wiring diagrams These wiring diagrams illustrate how amplifiers connect to your audio system, which will make it easier to shop for the gear you need for the system of your dreams. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• What are dual voice coil subwoofers? Dual voice coil subwoofers are a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts who want more flexibility in wiring their sound systems. by Crutchfield's Bob B.
• Subwoofers FAQ Which subwoofer will sound the loudest? Or the deepest? Which hits harder: one 12" sub or two 10" subs? How much power do I need? These answers and more in our FAQ. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
• How to build a subwoofer box Helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for designing and building your own custom subwoofer box. We walk you through the math and the actual build in detail, so you'll know how to do it yourself. by Crutchfield's Robert F.
• Car subwoofer buying guide Our subwoofer shopping guide will help you determine which kind of subwoofer and bass system you need to get the sound you want. by Crutchfield's Bob B.
• Subwoofer wiring diagrams There are many ways to connect subwoofers to an amplifier. Our wiring diagrams will help you find the best way to wire your subs and amps so you'll get the most powerful performance out of your gear. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Tuning your subs What does the gain control do anyway? How should you set the low-pass filter? This article describes how to tune your amplifier so that your subwoofer sounds just the way you want it to. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Shallow subs for big bass in a tight space With subwoofers, size matters. But small cars and trucks present a dilemma when you want to build a great bass system. The solution: shallow mount subwoofers and compact boxes. by Crutchfield's Robert F.

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