Are you ardent about elevating your music experience to the next level during your long travels, short tours, and late-night trips? hen it’s time to upgrade your default audio speakers for maximum bass. However, not every subwoofer needs to be enormous and cumbersome to produce amazing bass tones they can even be small too. Shallow-mount subwoofers are one such device that is compact and can easily fit into tighter spaces while yet producing a powerful bass rumble. They are the most powerful and popular subwoofers, as they will greatly enrich your music with deeper bass.
And coming to picking the right fit among multiple models and brands is a daunting task for music lovers. To make things easier, we researched numerous sources and emphasized our top options below for your convenience. Take a tour a know more about their features, technologies used in them, build-in materials, advantages, and disadvantages. We hope this article would be of great help in “Choosing a Perfect” shallow-mount subwoofer for your car (or) truck.
Here are the greatest shallow-mount subwoofers we identified for providing smooth, low bass to your ears.
Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers Table
Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers Reviews
1. Rockford Fosgate Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate is a premium and high-end brand of subwoofers that you can consider if you are looking for something large and ideal for high-end audio output.
The Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X12 R2 shallow mount subwoofer is present at the 1st position in this list since it can be a great large sized option for many. To be exact, you get a subwoofer cone size of 12 inches with it. And this subwoofer comes included with an MDF enclosure for easy installation.
Talking about its performance, this is where this shallow mount subwoofer lacks a bit since it has a peak power rating of just 500 watts resulting in low audio levels. Thankfully, its frequency response of 29 Hz to 250 Hz does mean that you can expect great audio quality from it. Being a high-end shallow mount subwoofer, its given 1-year warranty is also to be expected.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 12 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 500 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 29 Hz to 250 Hz
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Large-sized shallow mount subwoofer
- Includes an MDF enclosure
- Great audio quality output
Cons:
- Loudness output is quite poor
2. BOSS Audio Systems Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Even though Boss Audio is a highly affordable and entry-level brand of audio products like speakers and subwoofers, most of its offerings are highly reliable, including the one given here.
Boss Audio Systems’ D10F shallow mount subwoofer is present at the 2nd position in this listicle as this is the most affordable option given here. And even for its given price tag, you get a fairly large subwoofer driver size of 10 inches. Because this is a budget-friendly subwoofer, you do not get any enclosure with it, which is to be expected.
Unfortunately, Boss Audio Systems does not mention any frequency response range rating with this subwoofer. That being said, you do get a peak power rating of 800 watts which is quite respectable, especially at the given price tag. Unlike what you would expect from a budget option like this one, Boss Audio Systems offers a 3-year warranty with this subwoofer making it perfect for long term usage.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 800 watts
- Offers a resonant frequency of 50 Hz
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Ideal for long term usage
- Highly affordable shallow mount subwoofer
- Decently loud and powerful for the given price
Cons:
- Does not mention a frequency response range
3. Alphasonik Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Alphasonik is another high-end brand of car audio equipment which is known for offering high-performance speakers and subwoofers, including its full-size shallow mount subwoofer.
This Alphasonik AS12DF shallow mount subwoofer is present at the 3rd position in this article because it is the perfect full-sized option given here. As you would expect from a full-size subwoofer, this one includes a cone or driver size of 12 inches. And to allow you to install this subwoofer with ease, it also comes with an included enclosure.
And unlike the previously stated Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, this one also comes with a very high peak power rating of 1500 watts for proper audio output in terms of its loudness. Other than being loud, this subwoofer also offers a great audio quality thanks to its frequency response of 26 Hz to 500 Hz. Alphasonik also includes a decent build quality along with a 1-year long warranty in the case of this shallow mount subwoofer.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 12 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 1500 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 26 Hz to 500 Hz
- Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
- Excellent high-performance subwoofer
- Great audio quality
- Fairly wide frequency response range
Cons:
- A bit large in size for compact spaces
4. MB Quart DS1-204 Shallow Mount Subwoofer
MB Quart and its audio equipment, like its shallow mount subwoofers, can be another option for those of you who are on a tight budget. Despite having a low price tag, you get a decent subwoofer size of 8 inches with this subwoofer. As for its enclosure, you will need a separate one making it ideal for compact spaces.
However, if you want a shallow mount subwoofer that offers loud audio output, you should look elsewhere since it includes only a 400-watt peak power rating. It also lacks any form of frequency response rating, which is an issue if you want to get an idea of its audio quality. Thankfully, MB Quart does offer a great build quality along with a 1-year long warranty.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 8 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 400 watts
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer
- Fairly large subwoofer cone size
- Decent build quality and warranty
Cons:
- Not a loud shallow mount subwoofer
- Does not mention a frequency response range
5. Skar Audio Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Just per the name, Skar Audio is primarily a brand of a wide range of audio products, which also includes its high-quality shallow mount subwoofer stated here that is great for compact spaces.
Skar Audio’s VD-10 D4 shallow mount subwoofer can be a great powerful option for its given size. Even though it has a driver size of 10 inches, this shallow mount subwoofer is still fairly compact. And when it comes to using it, you can easily install it in any enclosure of your choice for versatility and easy installation in compact spaces.
You also get a fairly decent and high peak power rating of 800 watts with this subwoofer resulting in a decently loud audio output. One of the best things about this shallow mount subwoofer is that it features a frequency response of 30 Hz to 350 Hz, which makes it one of the best sounding options out there. Because Skar Audio is fairly reputable, it also comes with a 2-year long warranty.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 800 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 350 Hz
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Decently long warranty with great build quality
- Fairly powerful and loud for the given size
- Superb audio quality with high detail
Cons:
- Not the loudest option out there
6. Infinity Reference Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Infinity is a sub-brand of Harman and JBL, which makes it a great option if you are looking for high-quality audio solutions like a shallow mount subwoofer for your car.
This Infinity Reference REF1200S shallow mount subwoofer is one of the best value for money options available out there. Starting with its subwoofer cone size, it is a large 12-inch subwoofer making it perfect for loud audio output. Although being a value for money pick, it does not come with an enclosure, and you need to get one separately.
While it may not be the highest for the given price, its peak power rating of 1000 watts makes it perfect for all kinds of heavy-duty usage. You also get a fairly great frequency response of 27 Hz to 175 Hz with it resulting in great audio quality. Since Infinity is a sub-brand of Harman, its included 1-year warranty is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 12 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 1000 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 27 Hz to 175 Hz
- Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
- Great value for money shallow mount subwoofer
- Fairly large with a high peak power rating
- Decent audio quality for the given price
Cons:
- Required an enclosure separately
7. JBL Club Shallow Mount Subwoofer
MB Quart also offers more options when it comes to buying a budget shallow mount subwoofer which even includes a few large-sized options like the one given here.
The MB Quart DS1-254 shallow mount subwoofer is one of the largest options available out there when you are talking about affordable subwoofers for cars. To be exact, this budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer features a subwoofer cone or driver size of 10 inches. And similar to most other shallow mount subwoofers, this one also comes without an enclosure.
Despite the larger size, MB Quart still features a very limited peak power rating of 400 watts which means that its loudness is pretty low. Not only that, but this shallow mount subwoofer from MB Quart even lacks any form of frequency response rating. However, you still get a 1-year long warranty with this budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 400 watts0
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Quite large in size for the given price
- Decent build quality and warranty
- Versatile installation with lack of any included enclosure
Cons:
- Poor loudness output
- Lacks frequency response range
8. Kicker Shallow Mount Subwoofer
You can also consider Kicker and its shallow mount subwoofer units if you are looking for something reliable that also offers great audio quality at the same time.
Kicker’s 43C104 shallow mount subwoofer is one of the best picks if you are looking for subwoofers made for long term usage. But other than being reliable, it also offers great audio quality with its 10-inch subwoofer cone size. And the only issue with this shallow mount subwoofer is that it lacks any form of included enclosure.
Coming back to its performance number, this is a decently powerful 300-watt shallow mount subwoofer. You also get a fairly decent frequency response range of 30 Hz to 500 Hz which translates to superb audio quality. As for the key feature of this shallow mount subwoofer, you will be glad to know that you get a 1-year warranty with it for peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 300 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 500 Hz
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality
- Fairly powerful and large for the given price
- Superb for long term usage
Cons:
- Requires a separate enclosure for installation
9. MB Quart DS1-254 Shallow Mount Subwoofer
JBL is one of the most popular audio brands out there that most likely needs no introduction since it offers all kinds of audio products and accessories, including shallow mount subwoofers made for cars.
This JBL Club WS1000 shallow mount subwoofer can be another decent-sized option for many users looking for car subwoofers. With this JBL subwoofer, you get a driver or cone size of 10 inches which is on par with most other options. Just like the other subwoofer options out there, this one also does not come with an included enclosure.
When it comes to the output loudness of this shallow mount subwoofer, it is rated for a decent 800-watt peak power which should be good for most. However, if you want good audio quality, then you should look elsewhere since it has a frequency response of 35 Hz to 175 Hz results in average audio quality. Because JBL is such a popular audio brand, its shallow mount subwoofer comes with a great 2-year long warranty for your peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 800 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 35 Hz to 175 Hz
- Comes with a 2-year long warranty
Pros:
- Ideal for long term usage
- Decently loud and powerful
- Quite small and compact in size for given driver size
Cons:
- Audio quality could have been better
10. Alpine Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Alpine is a high-end brand of car audio accessories that you can keep in mind if you are looking for high-performance options when it comes to shallow mount subwoofers.
The Alpine S-W10D4 S-Series shallow mount subwoofer is the most powerful option listed here in this listicle. For starters, you get a subwoofer cone size of 10 inches with it which offers a great balance between compactness and performance. And just like many other shallow mount subwoofers, this one also allows you to use it with any enclosure of your choice.
But the best thing about this shallow mount subwoofer is that you get a superb peak power output of 1800 watts, making it the loudest option out there. In fact, you also get a pretty good frequency response of 28 Hz to 200 Hz making it one of the best sounding options. And being a high-end shallow mount subwoofer, its given 1-year long warranty is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch
- Outputs a peak power of 1800 watts
- Offers a frequency response range of 28 Hz to 200 Hz
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Extremely powerful and loud shallow mount subwoofer
- Quite great audio quality
- Very easy and versatile to install in tight spaces
Cons:
- Not a budget-friendly option
Buying Guide for the Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Getting the best shallow-mount subwoofer can be an exhausting task with thousands of products flocking the market. However, we believe that you will be perfectly ready to acquire your new subwoofer system after considering the following elements.
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Considerations For Buying a Shallow Mount Subwoofer
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1. RMS Power Rating
Root Mean Square (RMS) Power Output indicates the amount of continuous power that a subwoofer can take over time. Peak power output, on the other hand, denotes the highest power that the subwoofer can take in brief bursts. So, if you are more focussed on loudness and power output ratings then you should absolutely pay attention to the subwoofer’s RMS power rating.
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2. Size
Subwoofers vary in size from 8 to 15 inches. Larger subwoofers often have greater bass, however, this is not always the case. Peak power and RMS are also affected by size. The larger the speaker, the more difficult it will be to install in your vehicle. Since a shallow-mount speaker takes up little room, it’s great for smaller cars and can fit in more confined spaces.
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3. Mounting Depth
The mounting depth of a shallow-mount subwoofer matters a lot since it stipulates how much room is required for installation. A shallow-mount subwoofer enables for simpler integration in vehicles with limited space without losing audio quality.
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4. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is an efficiency metric that shows how successfully a speaker translates power volume into loudness which is measured in decibels (dB). Ensure that the subwoofer you choose has a higher sensitivity rating in order to generate louder sounds without any disturbances (or) rumbling noises.
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5. Frequency Range
The dynamic range of sounds produced by a speaker is defined by its frequency range, which is generally measured in hertz (Hz). The only frequency range that matters for subwoofers is 20 to 200 hertz, which is at the extremely low end of human hearing. Remember that the lower the hertz, the deeper and better the bass will be. Avoid subwoofers with a set hertz rating as you won’t be able to change the bass depending on what you’re listening to.
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6. Pre-Fitted Enclosure
Opting for a subwoofer with a pre-fitted enclosure is a toss-up for you. Generally, bespoke enclosures are designed to extract maximum performance from the subwoofer. A pre-fitted enclosure, on the other hand, compromises versatility when it comes to fitting the subwoofer in your car. Well, if you can install the subwoofer yourself, you should buy a subwoofer without an enclosure. If, on the other hand, the pre-fitted enclosure appeals to you, by all means, go ahead and get it.
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7. Impedance
Usually, most subwoofers have an impedance of 4 ohms, however 2-ohm, 8-ohm, and dual voice coil subwoofers have become popular. These give you more flexibility when adding multiple subs to your system.
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8. Voice Coils
Dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofers, in contrast to conventional subwoofers, employ two different voice coils, each with its own connections, mounted on a single cylinder. Dual voice coil subwoofers are popular among car audio enthusiasts who seek more control over the wiring of their sound systems. Even if you are one of those who want more control over the wiring of your sound system, DVC subwoofers are a good choice.
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9. Compatibility
Compatibility is one of the important factors that must be considered when buying a shallow-mount subwoofer. It is the capability of pairing any two (or) more devices seamlessly at a time without any interferences. That’s why make sure that the subwoofer you select is compatible with the existing home devices for quick pairing and establishing a stable and reliable connection.
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10. Build-in Quality
Even the materials do matter. A product manufactured with low-quality materials may not last long and often pops out with some (or) the other faults (or) malfunctioning of the device (or) components. On the other hand, devices build with premium materials are durable and come with a warranty as well. So, always look for subwoofers that are crafted with high-quality materials so that will endure a long time.
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11. Price
Shallow mount subwoofers can cost as little as $50 and as much as $200. In general, several shallow-mount subwoofers in the $100 to $150 range will impress even the most sophisticated audiophiles. If your budget is limited, there are many great subwoofers under $100 that come with unique features and modern technologies.
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12. Reviews
We recommend you read the reviews supplied by other customers (or) users on various brands and models across many online stores and official websites. This approach will undoubtedly assist you because it will enlighten you on many things such as performance, pros, disadvantages, features, and technology, allowing you to make an informed choice.
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13. Brand
Since the reputed companies use quality-driven materials, and provide warranty and support services, it is a sensible idea to invest in branded items rather than non-branded ones.
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Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers – FAQs
Ans: Shallow-mount subwoofers feature a slim profile, making them perfect for placement in small places like small automobiles (or) trucks. They deliver exceptional bass performance while taking up little space, letting you experience strong low-end sounds in small spaces.
Ans: Shallow-mount subwoofers are around the same price as normal subwoofers. You can buy one for less than $50, but good inexpensive ones cost $80 to $100. And shallow-mount subwoofers of high-quality cost roughly $200.
Ans: Absolutely, shallow-mount subwoofers sound good. However, it is pretty hard to notice the difference between conventional and shallow-mount subwoofers. If you prefer a certain brand, the shallow-mount subwoofers will sound and perform similarly to the brand’s regular subwoofer.
Ans: Yes, a shallow-mount subwoofer can be used with your existing audio system, including amplifiers. Make sure the subwoofer’s impedance matches the amplifier’s output capabilities to guarantee optimal power transmission and avoid compatibility concerns.
Ans: This is determined by the peak power and RMS rating of the subwoofer. Within the casing of a powered subwoofer is generally a speaker and an amplifier. They are great for compact vehicles that don’t have enough room for a separate speaker and amplifier system. To get the most out of your subwoofer, you’ll need a higher powerful amplifier.
Conclusion
Finally, the market offers an outstanding selection of shallow-mount subwoofers. Our research has revealed a number of significant candidates that satisfy the demands of various users. These items check all the requirements, from crisp and clear sound quality to small and space-saving design characteristics. Individual preference ultimately determines the best shallow-mount subwoofer, although we can certainly suggest any of the brands mentioned in this article.
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