10Best.Guide

12 Inch Subwoofers

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Hits hard and clean
  • Durable and well-built
  • Aluminum cone for long-lasting use
  • Great value for the price
  • Impressive bass that shakes mirrors
Cons
  • Some received used or refurbished items
  • May require a strong amp to push
Bottom Line
The Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 subwoofer is a powerful and well-built option for those looking for impressive bass at a great value. However, some may experience issues with blowing out or heavy distortion, and it may require a strong amp to push.
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Impressive power and capabilities
  • Good output and bass
  • Can handle overpowered signals
  • Musical and slam the lows
Cons
  • Fragile materials
  • One subwoofer may crack at high volume
Bottom Line
Skar Audio SVR 12 subwoofers are a great value for the price, with impressive power and capabilities that can handle overpowered signals. However, they are made of fragile materials and may have some issues with sound quality and coil burning. No returns are allowed, so buyers should be sure to choose the right model and take care when installing and using these subs.
Pros
  • Fits perfectly in Kicker CompR ported enclosure.
  • Hits much harder than Kicker 12" CompR.
  • Love this sub, lows are beastly and moves some air.
  • For this price, they are very nice.
  • Skar EVL-12-D4 subwoofer sounds amazing.
Cons
  • Sound quality is poor.
  • Junk, don't waste your money.
Bottom Line
The Skar EVL-12-D4 subwoofer is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly sub that hits hard and has a clean sound. However, there are some quality control issues and some customers have reported poor sound quality. Overall, it is a good value for the price.
Pros
  • Good quality for the price
  • Comes with everything needed for installation
  • Impressive bass
  • Great value for the money
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Some units may blow out
  • Amp may overheat and shut off
Bottom Line
Skar Audio's subs and amps offer great value for the price, but buyers should be aware of potential issues and consider purchasing parts separately for optimal performance.
Pros
  • Great bang for the buck
  • Skar audio is affordable and dependable
  • Hits hard and shakes everything
  • Good midrange subs
  • Makes windows flex
Cons
  • Delivery issues
  • Clipping at high volumes
Bottom Line
Skar audio offers great value for money and hits hard, but there are some issues with delivery, clipping, and blown speakers.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for 12 Inch Subwoofers: Find the Best Subwoofer for Your Needs

Overview

When it comes to enhancing the bass in your car, home theater, or gaming setup, a 12 inch subwoofer can make a huge difference. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the different types of subwoofers to key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

1. Sealed subwoofers: These subwoofers are enclosed in a sealed box, which produces tight and accurate bass. They are ideal for music and home theater applications.

2. Ported subwoofers: These subwoofers have a port or vent in the enclosure, which allows for more volume and deeper bass. They are ideal for car audio and DJ applications.

3. Free-air subwoofers: These subwoofers are designed to be mounted in a vehicle without an enclosure, which saves space and produces a more natural sound. They are ideal for car audio applications.

Key Considerations

1. Power handling: Make sure the subwoofer can handle the amount of power your amplifier is putting out.

2. Sensitivity: Look for a subwoofer with a high sensitivity rating, which means it can produce more volume with less power.

3. Impedance: Make sure the subwoofer's impedance matches your amplifier's output impedance.

4. Frequency response: Look for a subwoofer with a wide frequency response range for more accurate and natural sound.

Features

1. Cone material: Look for subwoofers with cones made of materials like polypropylene, Kevlar, or aluminum for durability and performance.

2. Voice coil: Look for subwoofers with large voice coils for better power handling and heat dissipation.

3. Surround material: Look for subwoofers with surrounds made of materials like rubber or foam for durability and flexibility.

Prices

12 inch subwoofers can range in price from under $50 to over $500, depending on the brand, features, and performance.

Tips

1. Make sure the subwoofer fits in your car or home theater setup before purchasing.

2. Consider the type of music or content you will be using the subwoofer for.

3. Invest in a quality amplifier to get the most out of your subwoofer.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a sealed and ported subwoofer?

A: - Sealed subwoofers produce tighter and more accurate bass, while ported subwoofers produce more volume and deeper bass.

Q: What is the ideal power handling for a 12 inch subwoofer?

A: - It depends on the amplifier's output, but generally, a subwoofer with a power handling range of 300-500 watts RMS is ideal.

Q: Can I use a 12 inch subwoofer for gaming?

A: - Yes, a 12 inch subwoofer can enhance the bass in gaming setups for a more immersive experience.

Q: Do I need a separate amplifier for my subwoofer?

A: - Yes, a separate amplifier is necessary to power the subwoofer and get the most out of its performance.

Conclusion:

A 12 inch subwoofer can significantly enhance the bass in your car, home theater, or gaming setup. By considering the key factors like power handling, sensitivity, and frequency response, and choosing the right type of subwoofer for your needs, you can find the perfect subwoofer to take your audio experience to the next level.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Provides great bass and sound quality
  • Affordable price
  • Good magnet and design
  • Can handle high power and abuse
  • Bang for your buck
Cons
  • Overheating and frying issues
  • Not as good as other high-end subs
Bottom Line
Skar Audio SDR-12 D2 12" 1200 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer is an affordable and powerful subwoofer that provides great sound quality and bass. However, it may have some issues with overheating and blowing out easily. It is a good option for those on a budget who want a decent subwoofer.
Pros
  • Good bass response
  • Compliance curve is sweet
  • Durable
  • Fit and finish is excellent
  • Impresses in all the musical qualities
Cons
  • Coil issues
  • Difficult to mount in the box
Bottom Line
The Rockville subwoofers have good bass response, are durable, and have excellent fit and finish. However, some users have reported issues with coil and mounting, and the subwoofers may be overpowered by some amps.
Pros
  • Unbelievable bass from a single subwoofer
  • Excellent and loud hard bass
  • Nice quality box and sub
  • Great value for the price
  • Knocks hard and performs well
Cons
  • Putting a grill cover can affect the bass quality
  • May not handle the advertised wattage
Bottom Line
The Skar Audio Single 12-inch Subwoofer is a great value for the price, providing excellent and loud hard bass. However, it may not handle the advertised wattage and may start to rattle after a few months. Buyers should also be aware of the size of the speaker box and ensure that their wires are sufficient for the box.
Pros
  • Affordable price.
  • Hits hard and sounds great.
  • Can handle more power than advertised.
  • Clean and beautiful design.
  • Replaces multiple subs with just one.
Cons
  • Some users experienced blown speakers.
  • Bolts may be difficult to remove.
Bottom Line
The Audiopipe TXX-BDC4 12" subwoofer is an affordable and well-built option that hits hard and sounds great. While some users have experienced blown speakers, the majority of negative reviews seem to be due to user error. Overall, this subwoofer is a great value for those looking for high-quality bass on a budget.
Pros
  • Good performance for the price
  • Easy plug and play installation
  • Decent bass quality
  • Fits well in large trunks
  • Hits hard with a clean sound
Cons
  • Incompatible amplifier
  • Confusing box style options
Bottom Line
The MTX Audio TNP212D2 Terminator Power Pack Subwoofer System offers good performance and easy installation at an affordable price. However, buyers should be aware of the incompatible amplifier, high power consumption, and inaccurate wattage claims.
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