If you love music, then you probably use your car to listen to a lot of it. Whether it’s a sound system in the trunk, an aftermarket stereo on top of the dashboard, or a built-in subwoofer under the seat, there are plenty of great-sounding systems out there designed for those who want more from their rides. So what kind of shallow mount subwoofers are best for your car?
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Shallow mount subwoofers are speakers specifically designed and marketed for their ability to go small. These subs can fit in places where traditional cone speakers can’t. Their design makes them ideal for use in any type of audio setup and their small size is useful if you have limited room since a shallow mount subwoofer can get into all those hard-to-reach areas that a larger model cannot.
As we all know, finding the best subwoofer for your car can be a complicated task. It’s important to realize that not every speaker will work in every vehicle, and that there are many factors you’ll need to consider before making a final choice.
In this post, we’ll give you a list of 15 different shallow mount subs plus some information about each product. You’ll learn about their specs/features, how much power they use at maximum output, and more. So let’s get started…
The VD-10 Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer is an all-around performer, whether used for bass enhancement or as the sole audio system in your vehicle. It is a perfect companion for the high-performance VQ-10D or VQ-12D amplifiers. The dual 4-ohm voice coil is made from copper with ferrite magnets to maximize magnetic force while reducing problems associated with heat saturation.
Two unique mounting options are available: as a shallow mount subwoofer using the manufacturer’s standard bracket or as an under-dash subwoofer that mounts right behind your dash using the optional D4S aluminum dash subwoofer bracket. The D4S bracket features a water-resistant aluminum mounting plate with precision CNC cutouts that allow it to mount in all standard vehicles.
The VD-10 can be powered by any low impedance amplifier in the market. It has an RMS power rating of 500 watts and a peak power rating of 800 watts as well as a dual spider venting feature that allows for maximum airflow and cooling while reducing distortion. Its 2” high-temperature copper voice coil, low moving mass poly cone, and linear long-travel suspension deliver an incredible bass response.
The Infinity Reference REF1200S 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer is an extremely small speaker that doesn’t require depth or placement in a specially designed enclosure in order to deliver an astonishing performance. That’s why the speaker can be used in nearly any installation you can think of. It has a mounting depth of 3-5/16″ (83mm) and is incredibly easy to install, even for inexperienced installers with no prior experience using small subwoofers like this one.
The weight of the speaker is extremely light as well so it’s very easy to pick up and move around, which makes it quite hard to break. The reason for this hardness is the very high total material density used in the construction. It has a sensitivity rating of 92 dB at 2.83 volts so you have a product that’s great in every way. The frequency response of 27Hz – 175Hz is also a good thing since you’ll be able to use it for any bass application. It handles up to 250 watts RMS power (1000 watts peak).
This sub is managed by a single 12-inch driver and it comes with a low impedance rating so you can easily connect it with almost any kind of amplifiers, including those that are designed for the best audio systems. The Infinity Reference REF1200S is equipped with the Harman-industries trademark SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance) technology which makes it possible to switch the resistance of the woofer from 4 – 8 ohms automatically, depending on your application conditions, in order to deliver a clear and consistent performance and reliable bass sound. This technology is developed specifically for both the Infinity Reference series and other Infinity products.
There are many different features of the JBL Club WS1000 Subwoofer that make it stand out from the crowd. The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek and stylish design it offers. Not only that, this sub comes with many other perks as well: high-performance polypropylene woofer cones; power handling up to 800W peak or 200W RMS; 3-5/16-inch (83mm) mounting depth; and a wide frequency response range of 35 – 175Hz.
Another thing that makes this subwoofer stand out is the fact that you have the option to choose between two different impedance levels by adjusting the frequency switch at the back of the subwoofer. This makes it much easier for an installer to mount this subwoofer into a car stereo or on any other vehicle and also helps to keep your sound quality intact so you don’t get any distortion during use.
If you want to play your music at higher volumes, then you can adjust the level controls to your desired sound level. This very small sub can be very discreet if needed, so it doesn’t get in the way while listening to music from your stereo.
While incorporating all of the proven features that made this series great, Rockford Fosgate has taken things further with an even larger voice coil resulting in higher power handling, lower distortion, wider tuning range, and better transient response. Other innovations include the new Hybrid Stamp-Cast basket (HSC) vented and sealed design significantly reduces weight while providing the strength needed for long-term reliability, custom 10-AWG nickel-plated push terminals, anodized aluminum cones and dust caps, and a unique spider venting design; all for a price lower than those of its competitors.
This unit comes with dual voice coils – upper and lower voice coils positioned at 180° from each other for outstanding power handling capability. You’ll also get high-efficiency Class D technology and 150 watts RMS/300 watts peak power.
Whether you’re building a new sound system or upgrading an existing one, the PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a quality choice. This product has everything you need to create custom subs for any installation requirements. The TS-A2500LS4 Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a large, shallow subwoofer that is best for custom home theater systems and car subwoofers. Its large fan shape and sink mounting depth make it ideal for bass management, vehicle amps, and in-wall installations. The front panel has a combination of steel construction and durable black vinyl as well as flat steel grills to conceal the built-in crossover network. There are four 8 AWG push terminals with rubber surround so you can connect your system very easily.
The rubber surround adds to the visual quality of this subwoofer which comes with a frequency response of 20Hz – 900Hz. The ridged cone is made of glass fiber and mica reinforced IMPP and offers long excursion for deep bass and accurate sound reproduction. The Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a piece of equipment that most people would love to have. It is loaded with features that are often hard to find on subs in the same price range.
The MB Quart DS1-254 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a 10-inch subwoofer with 400 watts of power that only requires a mounting depth of 2.5 inches at the most. It has an air-cooled voice coil, UV rubber surround for greater resistance against sun fading, and nickel-plated push and insert that checks corrosion and ensures easy installation. It is a perfect sub if you enjoy deep bass in small spaces such as between cabinets or behind furniture. It comes with front and rear vents for cooler air that not only delivers deep bass in enclosed spaces or sealed rooms but also helps ensure longevity.
This is a shallow mount subwoofer with an extraordinary amount of performance for such a small unit. It can be mounted in any orientation and still provide amazing sound quality. Another unique feature is the above-mentioned UV rubber surround. This material is typically associated with more expensive subwoofers and adds to the durability and longevity of the speaker. The amp is built into the subwoofer and it doesn’t require an external amp to operate.
The DS1-254 subwoofer has a peak power of 400 watts and an RMS rating of 200 watts which means that it can maintain clear sound quality without distortion, even at higher volumes.
Have you been longing for better bass response from your speakers, or just want to listen to the distortion-free sound of clear vocals and well-balanced music? Then the American Bass XD ES 1244 Shallow Mount Subwoofer will be a worthy addition to your home theater. With 1500 watts per channel maximum power output and 65 oz magnet, this subwoofer delivers the sonic punch.
Its 4.3-inch mounting depth makes it easy to install in any vehicle without obscuring the view from your dashboard or windshield. Additionally, its 10.79-inch cutout size is perfect for those smaller spaces in which you don’t have enough room for larger subs with increased dimensions. This woofer has dual 4-ohm voice coils that enable better heat distribution, ensuring long-lasting performance. The rugged non pressed paper cone allows for better internal airflow and delivers acoustic energy with minimal distortion.
Further, the computer-optimized roll spider allows you to enjoy clarity in your music without any distortions or vibrations. With an RMS power of 800 watts and a max power of 1500 watts, this subwoofer produces clean and clear audio quality. The low frequency is provided by the 2.5″ high-temperature dual voice coil with a carbon fiber reinforced dust cap. The voice coil ensures crystal clear high-quality sound output. The American Bass XD ES 1244 can also serve as a replacement subwoofer for factory-installed audio systems in cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
The KICKER 46L7T104 Car Audio L7T Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a 10″ Sub Square true-bass thin sub. The L7T features two 4-ohm voice coils (front and rear) with a total impedance of 2 ohms each for maximum bass response from a small and lightweight enclosure. The L7T subwoofer is designed to be mounted in the trunk, under-seat, or wherever you can find space. Kicker recommends that the woofer be installed 10” away from any type of interior surface while mounting on carpeted areas between 3/4″ thick.
Keep in mind that the L7T is a small square dual 4-ohm voice coil subwoofer so it can be wired up in different ways to the amplifier, based on system goals. The driver is 3-inch in diameter and dynamic. The motor’s cone includes Kicker’s SoloKon technology which helps to reduce distortion caused by nonlinearities of the cone’s travel during operation. This technology uses a non-symmetrical spider structure that helps control cone movement and shape so that linearity is maintained over the operating range of the cone.
The SoloKon cone comes with a 360-degree back bracing and the ribbed Santoprene surround provides resistance against heat and degradation. A stamped durable steel basket helps add strength to the design so that this subwoofer can withstand turbulent air pressures without flexing and adding distortion into the output. There’s also a Square Sub technology that gives you up to 20% extra air than round subs and loads of nickel-plated terminals, among others. The L7T works most efficiently with a sealed or ported enclosure and 500 watts of recommended power.
The lightweight but sturdy BOSS Audio Systems P120F Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer contains a single 4-ohm voice coil with a poly injection cone and rubber surround. This makes the product easily compatible with all vehicles and speakers. The poly injection cone will keep it from being deformed through long periods of play or when under extreme pressure. A sensitivity of 86 dB means high performance and low cost.
It has a resonant frequency of 44Hz and an RMS power of 1400 watts. An internal volume of .75 cubic feet makes it easy to find a suitable enclosure for your vehicle. With an outer diameter of 11 inches, it is also quite durable and compact. Its rubber surround helps keep it intact when pushed against the walls of enclosures and any other objects in the passenger area of cars or trucks.
The P120F has a mounting height is 3.9 inches and a mounting depth in the range of 3-7/8 inches meaning that it can be mounted in most spaces without any trouble. It weighs nearly 10 pounds, making it very lightweight for a subwoofer with such a power level. The light weight also makes it easy to install without damage to the areas surrounding it.
This subwoofer has a very simple design consisting of an almost unadorned black molded plastic covering and a metal band at the top that holds the enclosure. Design-wise, this is a highly professional product that does exactly what it needs to do without any unnecessary frills or features that can interfere with performance. The P120F comes in a few other variations but this 1400-watt model seems to be the most popular among customers because it provides sharper musical clarity and bigger bass while still being affordable enough.
If you seek a compact subwoofer that offers maximum performance in minimal space and with minimal power requirements, then the SOUNDSTREAM PSW 104 Picasso is for you! This 10″-long shallow subwoofer can generate massive amounts of bass even with its tiny size, thanks to its beefy 8-inch driver and 500-watt dynamic power handling capability.
The PSW 104 Picasso features a cast aluminum basket for strength, rigidity, and added durability. The driver is mated to a precision-tuned suspension with a cone made from lightweight glass. This combination works together to realize maximum bass power while sacrificing as little as possible in the way of weight or size. The PSW 104 Picasso offers you an engaging range of sound that provides consistent dynamics and impact even at low listening levels while offering plenty of subtlety and nuance when you drive it louder.
Designed for efficient performance, the PSW 104 Picasso is capable of surprising listeners with its overall output, particularly its deep bass reproduction in small enclosures. At high volumes, the solid aluminum cone provides a tight, punchy response that’s missing from many shallow-mount subwoofers in this price category. And even at softer levels or with less than ideal electronic components, the PSW 104 Picasso still delivers a satisfying listening experience, thanks to its unique ability to provide volume without sacrificing impact or dynamics.
The PSW 104 is compact, and its front-firing driver is engineered to blend into any environment because of its custom grille. The enclosures are constructed with ultra-rigid 0.75″ MDF and feature a low-profile front baffle that adds to the subwoofer’s sleek appearance. For added strength and stability, the baffle features metal inserts and is finished with a black powder coating that complements any decor.
The Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a versatile 8-inch subwoofer with features and specifications that make it suitable for performance in a wide range of sealed enclosures. This subwoofer has a 400 watts max sound output. It also has dual voice coils a double linear magnetic gap which helps to promote thermal stability and increase the life expectancy of the voice coil by providing twice as much air space. These coils are nickel-plated with a heavy gauge stamped steel basket that makes for maximum heat dissipation and a minimization of the moving parts to ensure durability. Also, the 2-inch voice coils and UV rubber surround that helps reduce unwanted sound distortion while reducing overall weight by minimizing the amount of moving parts.
This sub comes in a sleek black color with no external markings that would have robbed it of its clean and discreet look. It is less than 3 inches deep, meaning that it can be mounted directly behind most seats or seat backs without having to cut any holes.
The Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is best used in sealed enclosures as it features a high level of bass. It has a 2-inch voice coil and UV rubber surround that helps reduce unwanted sound distortion while reducing overall weight by minimizing the amount of moving parts.
The 10TW1-2 Shallow Mount Subwoofer is an ideal match for the JL Audio C5 or V5 Series car speakers. This shallow mount is designed to give your speaker the bass it needs to sound amazing and comes with several features, including a mica-filled polypropylene injection-molded cone with rubber surround that gives it high durability and lightweight.
This shallow mount subwoofer leverages new digital signal processing technology that takes out other noises in your car, (for example, engine rumble and road noise), ensuring that you get nothing but clean bass from your music. The 10TW1-2 can be used in any vehicle that has a factory amplified system or even without one.
The enclosure measures 4-3/8″ in depth, making this sub ideal to be installed in the back of a car, even with a factory amp already installed. The mounting depth is also 4-3/8″ from the top mounting surface, allowing you to conveniently align it with your speaker’s mounting hole.
The 10TW1-2’s rubber surround distributes the cone’s vibrations evenly, maintaining a more consistent sound even at high volumes. These subwoofers come with grilles that protect them from road debris and accidental bumps. With them. you take your factory speakers to the next level or kick up your already great bass to another level!
This shallow TXX-FA Series Subwoofer from Audiopipe features an aluminum alloy basket with a non-press paper cone and a sensitivity of 98 dB so the full audiophile experience can be enjoyed even when playing at lower volumes.
This subwoofer is fitted with a 12-inch woofer which has a dual voice coil of 4 ohms. The amplifier used is the TDA7496 and features 800 watts max power and 400 watts RMS.
The TXX-FA can be wall-mounted without any problems. Along with the conventional controls of volume and bass, there are also controls for different frequency ranges due to its adjustable crossover function. This crossover function allows you to target specific areas and bring out the details in the bass notes, making your listening experience ever more vivid and enjoyable.
The 3510-04S is designed for sealed enclosures and is perfect for pick-up trucks, sports cars, and other vehicles. This sub is designed to deliver outstanding SPL (sound pressure level). Hundreds of watts of available power, super-quick control, and extreme accuracy are some of the essential characteristics that guided the design team in creating the new MTX line of subwoofers with one major goal: to deliver the ultimate in bass for your vehicle.
It comes with a forced-air cooling system and a cooling plate molded into the frame to keep things cooler, under fire. High current cea-2010 compliant 110 vac relays are used in all new MTX models to allow for last-minute control options.
There’s a custom extended voice coil for maximum power transfer and high efficiency so you can get the most out of your amp. A durable aluminum frame is used for a smooth, solid finish with less weight and longer service life. AMSOIL seals and gaskets are used to deliver optimum performance. A cone attached to a voice coil is mounted directly to the driver for reduced wind noise and superior response time.
The Polk MM1 series speakers are a line of professional studio monitor speakers designed to deliver high-fidelity sound with clarity and accuracy. These speakers come in various models with different features. The most popular model that is available today is the MM1-8 model which has an 8-inch woofer and boasts a very sleek design, excellent sound quality, and plenty of features for your needs.
With its dynamic balance technology, this car audio subwoofer delivers not just high-quality sound but also offers total sonic accuracy. It’s a revolutionary approach to design that ensures symmetrical, extended excursion while eliminating any distortion and unwanted resonant frequencies.
You can easily install this marine certified sub even if you are not mechanically inclined because it comes with all necessary mounting hardware. Also, due to its quick-connect terminals, it is incredibly easy to connect your power and signal inputs. With the Polk MM1-8, you’ll always enjoy a rich sound.
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