While stock automobile sound systems are passable, they are far excellent. There are many things you need in order to upgrade the total sound system of your automobile. One of the most important things you need is a subwoofer. A subwoofer is responsible for giving your sound that huge, bass-laden low end that is so desired.
Subwoofers come in all different sizes, but the most popular size is 12 inches. There are a number of things to look for when trying to choose the right 12-inch subwoofer. This guide will provide you with the best of choice, but a compilation of the 8 best 12 inch subwoofers on the market as well.
What are the Best 12 Inch Subwoofers for Deep Bass?
Product | RMS Watts | Amount of Voice Coils | Impedance (Per Voice Coil) | Sensitivity | Enclosure | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pioneer TS-W126M | 350 | Single | 4 | 96 | Sealed/Ported | Check Price | |
Kicker 43CVR124 | 400 | Dual | 4+4 | 86 | Sealed/Ported | Check Price | |
CT Sounds Strato | 800 | Dual | 1+1 | 85.9 | Sealed/Ported | Check Price | |
Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch | 300 | - | - | - | Powered Sealed | Check Price | |
Sundown Audio SA-12 D2 REV.3 | 750 | Dual | 2+2 | 83 | Sealed/Ported | Check Price | |
Rockford R1S412 | 150 | Single | 4 | 87 | Sealed Shallow Mount | Check Price | |
MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D | 400 | Single | Final 2 | - | Sealed Dual 12" Loaded Enclosure | Check Price | |
JL Audio 12W0V3-4 | 300 | Single | 4 | 85 | Sealed/Ported | Check Price |
1. Pioneer TS-W126M – The Best Cheap Subwoofer
Looking for a high-quality 12-inch subwoofer on a budget? If so, you might consider purchasing the Pioneer TS-W126M. Though it carries a relatively small price tag, it offers high value in terms of power, volume, and overall sound quality.
It’s capable of being mounted inside either a sealed or ported box, allowing you to pick one of your choosing. With a seamless cone design, it reduces overall distortion while increasing overall efficiency. One of its true high points is its construction quality. Made out of tough polypropylene, it’s built to last over quite a long period of time.
This subwoofer sports a sensitivity of 96 dB. This is just about ideal. Any higher and you’ll be dealing with unwanted distortion. Any lower and you’ll be wanting for power. It should be noted that this subwoofer sports only a single voice coil. This will limit the overall power you can pump into it. However, despite the fact that it possesses only a single voice coil, it still provides huge, full low-end that will shake your entire vehicle.
If you’re looking for a great 12-inch subwoofer on a budget, the Pioneer TS-W126M is the subwoofer for you. While it’s not quite as powerful as more high-end 12-inch subwoofers, it still provides more than enough power to get your car shaking. Available for a very low price and coming with a 1-year warranty, it’s as good of a bang for your buck as you’re going to find.
- Very powerful for its price
- Excellent 95 dB sensitivity
- Can be mounted inside both ported and sealed enclosures
- Very reasonably priced
- Can distort at higher volumes
- Some users had trouble with it blowing out
2. JL Audio 12W0V3-4 – Best 12-inch Sub for the Money
Are you looking for a subwoofer that offers high-end value at a mid-level price? If so, the JL Audio 12W0V3-4 is just the subwoofer you’re looking for. While it’s very affordable, it still provides more than enough in the ways of power, clarity, and overall tonal quality.
This subwoofer can handle up to 300 watts of RMS power and 600 watts of peak power, making it both powerful and controlled. While it’s not quite as powerful as some other 12-inch subwoofers on the market, it provides more than enough boom for most users’ tastes.
This subwoofer possesses sensitivity of around 85 dB, so it takes a little more power to successfully drive. However, the fact that it’s not such a high sensitivity ensures that it won’t easily distort or blow. It possesses a single voice coil, meaning that it’s limited when it comes to its amount of amp wiring configurations. But this doesn’t mean that it’s difficult to find an amp for it. It’s a 4-ohm subwoofer and accommodates plenty of amps.
Overall, the JL Audio 12W0V3-4 is a great 12-inch subwoofer for those who want high-end sound quality at a reasonable price. While it’s not quite at the level of some high-end woofers, it serves its purposes just fine.
- Lower than 30hz average responce
- Fantastic construction and durability
- Works with both sealed and ported enclosures
- High-end quality at a mid-level price
- Not as powerful as some
- Bass sounds muddy on uptempo music
3. Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch – Powered Subwoofer
If you’re looking for the absolute best powered subwoofer on the market today, you can’t go wrong with the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch. This subwoofer may cost a little more than others, but it’s well worth the price.
It accommodates 300 watts of RMS power and is powered by a 300-watt built-in amplifier. This means that it is ready to go right out of the box. Of course, this also means that it can’t be customized to sync up with other amplifiers.
It possesses a 12 dB low pass crossover, allowing you to adjust it to best meet the bass specifications of your choice. Built with an auto turn-on/turn-off function, it is a high efficiency subwoofer with a quiet signal that won’t disturb audio quality.
All in all, the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch is the best powered 12-inch subwoofer on the market today. If you’re looking for huge, high-quality sound, this is the woofer for you. Though it’s a little expensive, it comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Possesses a built-in, 300-watt amp
- Comes in a sealed enclosure for nuanced sound
- Simple installation and connection method
- Comes with 1-year warranty
- A little expensive
- Sound is not quite as passive subwoofer has
4. Sundown Audio SA-12 D2 REV.3 – Subwoofer for Powerful Bass
If you truly value sound quality, you’re surely interested in purchasing the best subwoofer possible. In our estimation, the best dual voice coils subwoofer currently on the market is the Sundown Audio SA-12 D2 REV.3. Hugely powerful and capable of handling tons of wattage, it will have you automobile shaking like an earthquake.
Its construction is top-notch, with a tough SPL competition grade paper cone and a 2.5″ voice coils made out of anodized aluminum. It’s designed to be mounted inside of both sealed and ported closures, ensuring that you can use it to get the bass sound of your choice.
Possessing dual voice coils, this subwoofer possesses an impedance of 2 ohms and you can wire the sub to 4 ohm in series or 1 ohm in parallel. You can buy the 4 ohm version and it can be wired down to 2 ohm or 8 ohms.
Its incredible 750-watt power handling capacity makes it one of the most powerful of all 12-inch subwoofers. In fact, if you maximize its full power, you’ll likely be pulled over by the cops. It’s loud, powerful, full, and everything else you could ever want from a subwoofer.
In essence, this Sundown Audio subwoofer is the best 12-inch car subwoofer on the market today. Though it may be a little expensive, its audio quality, construction, and durability make it well worth its price. And with a 2-year warranty included, you can’t go wrong.
- Shakes your car
- Tough and durable construction
- Ridiculously powerful low bass
- Includes a 2-year warranty
- A little expensive
- Requires a powerful amplifier
5. CT Sounds Strato – Best Sub Overall
Let’s just put this simply: the CT Sounds Strato is the best 12-inch subwoofer on the market today. Incredibly powerful and masterfully constructed, it’s designed not only to shake your car but last for years of use.
It’s capable of handling an incredible 800 watts of RMS power as well as 1,600 watts of peak power. This makes it far and away the most powerful subwoofer on our list. Whether you’re listening to rap, rock, country, or classical, this subwoofer will give you huge, well-rounded sound.
With a double stitched paper cone, it offers some of the most nuanced sound you’ll ever get from a subwoofer. Made out of heavy-duty plastic, it’s designed to withstand a great deal of wear and tear.
If you’re looking for the absolute best 12-inch subwoofer on the market today, this is the one you’re looking for. Hugely powerful, well-constructed, and as nuanced as they come, it will turn your sound system into a complete monster.
- As powerful as they come
- Sounds detailed and punchy, even at loud volumes
- Offers controlled and nuanced sound
- A little expensive
- Be sure the amp you’re using is able to power them
6. Rockford Fosgate R1S412 – Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Perhaps you’re looking for a shallow mount 12-inch subwoofer? If so, the Rockford R1S412 is the subwoofer for you. Mounting at 5.5 inches, it fits in the majority of cars, whether they be big or small. And for its price, it offers superb sound quality to boot.
Let’s first talk about this subwoofer’s power handling capabilities. It possesses RMS power of 200 watts. While this isn’t as powerful as other woofers on our list, it’s still plenty powerful enough to get a large, well-rounded low end sound.
Possessing a single voice coil, this subwoofer has an impedance of 4 ohms. While it isn’t as powerful as some subwoofers, it will still easily get the job done. Its voice coil is made out of anodized aluminum and is designed to hold up well over time.
If you own a small car in which you can’t fit a larger subwoofer, the Rockford R1S412 is the subwoofer for you. Shallow-mounted, it takes up very little space, yet still provides a full, rich, booming sound. Available for a very reasonable price, it’s quite the bargain as far as 12-inch subwoofers go.
- Fits easily into most small vehicles
- Very affordable
- Offers controlled and nuanced sound
- Only possesses RMS power of 200 watts
- Can burn up at high volumes
7. MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D – Pre-Enclosed Subwoofer
Are you looking for a great pre-enclosed 12-inch subwoofer that can be powered by an external amp? If so, the MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D is the subwoofer for you. This monster is available for a mid-level price and is capable of supplying quite a bit of power and volume.
The cones of each woofer in this subwoofer are made of tough, durable polypropylene, ensuring that they last over long periods of time. With a sealed enclosure, this subwoofer offers controlled, punchy, and nuanced sound.
Each woofer in this subwoofer contains a single voice coil. Considering the 200 RMS power of each woofer, this is all they need. You should be able to get quite a big sound by driving an amp through both of these woofers at the same time. You certainly won’t be wanting for more volume.
- Set of two subs and enclosure
- Very reasonably price
- Not designed to for heavy commercial use
- Very low frequencies does not respond well
8. Kicker 43CVR124 – Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a powerful dual voice coil 12-inch subwoofer at an affordable price, the Kicker 43CVR124 is just what you’re looking for. While it doesn’t provide quite the same quality of sound as a high-end woofer, it still provides plenty of value for its price.
This subwoofer possesses RMS power of 400 watts and peak power of 800 watts. This allows it to handle all types of music, from rap, to rock, to classical, to jazz, and more. It possesses dual voice coils and is has an impedance of 4 ohms.
Because its dual voice coils are made out of anodized aluminum, they can withstand quite a beating. This subwoofer has a sensitivity of around 87 dB; a nearly perfect sensitivity that can get very loud without distorting.
All in all, the Kicker 43CVR124 is a terrific subwoofer for those who are looking for maximum power on a budget. It can get extraordinarily loud, and can provide a ridiculous amount of low end. It might not be quite as nuanced as a high-end subwoofer, but it’s nuanced all the same.
- Can get very loud
- Ridiculously powerful for its price
- Very affordable
- Sounds clear and concise, even at high volumes
- Not as powerful as high-end subwoofers
- Not as nuanced as high-end subwoofers
Buyer’s Guide
Difference Between a Passive and Powered Subwoofer
Subwoofers are operated in one of two different ways: passive and powered.
First, let’s talk about passive subwoofers. Passive subwoofers contain enclosed woofers which must be powered via an external amplifier. Typically, passive subwoofers provide a cleaner sound and are more flexible in terms of overall wiring configurations.
Powered subwoofers contain enclosed woofers that power the subwoofer themselves. While these subwoofers are a little easier to understand and operate, they typically don’t provide the same level of sound quality provided by passive subwoofers.
Sealed vs. Ported Enclosure
Typically, subwoofers are enclosed in one of two different ways; they can be either sealed or ported.
Let’s begin by talking about sealed subwoofers. Seal subwoofers typically offer clearer and more controlled bass. They keep air locked in tight, allowing sound to be nuanced, punchy, and responsive. However, they also require a great deal more power to operate.
Ported subwoofers allow air to move in and out freely. This has both its benefits and drawbacks. While ported subwoofers don’t require as much power to operate, they don’t offer quite as clear a sound as you’ll find with a sealed subwoofer. Whereas sealed subwoofers are best used for classical and jazz music, ported subwoofers are best used for rap, rock, and other raw-sound music.
Single vs. Dual Subwoofer Voice Coils
Voice coils are the wires wrapped around a subwoofers speaker cone. These voice coils connect to amplifiers, allowing the subwoofers to be powered and operated. In general, there are two different types of voice coils: single and dual.
Let’s begin by talking about single voice coils. Single voice coils are typically less expensive, but also don’t work with as great a number of amplifiers. This can present a problem if you don’t have the correct amplifier on hand. However, there are plenty of amplifiers available which accommodate single voice coils.
Dual voice coils are more expensive but are also capable of more wiring configurations. This allows them to connect to a greater diversity of amps than single voice coils. This will make it easier to find an amp when you need to buy one.
Wiring Dual Voice Coils
Parallel Wiring | Series Wiring |
---|---|
Dual 2 Ohm Voice Coils = 1 Ohm Load | Dual 2 Ohm Voice Coils = 4 Ohm Load |
Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coils = 2 Ohm Load | Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coils = 8 Ohm Load |
Dual 1 Ohm Voice Coils = 0,5 Ohm Load | Dual 1 Ohm Voice Coils = 2 Ohm Load |
Power Handling
When it comes to subwoofer power handling, there are two different types of power to consider: RMS (root mean square) and Peak. RMS power refers to how much power a subwoofer can handle consistently over time. When choosing a subwoofer, this is the most important number to consider. The higher a subwoofer’s RMS, the louder and more powerful it can consistently be over time.
Peak power refers to the maximum amount of power subwoofer can handle in small bursts. This will be higher than the RMS, but is not as important to know as the RMS. Finding a subwoofer that can handle the power provided by its amp is an absolute necessity.
Sensitivity
Subwoofer sensitivity refers to how much power a subwoofer needs in order to produce volume. The higher a subwoofer’s sensitivity, the more volume you can get out of less power. Ideal subwoofer sensitivities range from around 80 dB to 99 dB.
You would think that the more sensitive a subwoofer is, the better. However, this is not always the case. Some subwoofers are so sensitive that they become easily muffled and distorted. In general, you’re going to want to look for a subwoofer that has a sensitivity of around 90 dB. This is the ideal sensitivity.
Matching Subwoofer’s Impedance with Amplifier’s Impedance
The most complex part of buying a subwoofer is matching it with the correct amplifier. In order to do so, you must take both device’s impedance into account. First, it’s necessary to find your subwoofer’s RMS wattage. After you’ve found this, you must find an amp which can supply between 125% and 200% of the total RMS wattage on the subwoofer.
The second thing to look for is ohms. Most mono amps are capable of 2 ohm loads. Although, most 2 or 4 channel amps are not 2 ohm capable when bridged. You can’t connect low impedance than it can an amplifier.
Single voice coil subwoofers can only match with amps that have the exact same number of ohms.
For instance, a single voice coil subwoofer with 2 ohms can only match with an amp that has 2 ohms.
Dual voice coil subwoofer you can wiring in series or in parallel.
So, for instance, a dual voice coil subwoofer with 4 ohms in series wiring: 4+4 = 8 ohm; in parallel wiring: (4*4)/(4+4) = 2 ohm. It should, however, be noted that it’s best synced up with an amplifier that possesses less ohms. The lower the number of ohms, the greater the power overall.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for big, rounded, full sound, a subwoofer is an absolute necessity. The most popular sized subwoofer available is the 12-incher. While you could go bigger or smaller, you’ll be sacrificing either power or money. There are a number of things to consider when choosing the right 12-inch subwoofer. But, if you take all of these things into consideration, you should be able to find a subwoofer that fits your sound system perfectly.
What wiil be better, sealed or ported box?
Hi Matt,
In short, sealed subwoofer box has best SQ, needed less space and more power from the amplifier. A ported box has less SQ, louder for a certain range of bass but needs to use a sub-sonic or infra-sonic filter.
Hey Andrew, great article and reviews. Im actually going to be getting a the CT Sounds Strato 12″ and was wondering what you thought the best amp for that guy might be?
Hey V.A.N.! Depending on what wiring options you want for a sub. I personally would buy these monoblocks:
CT Sounds CT-1000.1D
NVX VAD10001-1000W
JL Audio JX1000/1D
Orion XTR1500.1Dz XTR Series
What do you think about a mmats pro audio 2000.1d?
Very good quality amp.
At best this list is a good guide for the average Joe but not for a serious audiophile or bass head. There are soo many better subs then the Sundown 12 listed, it’s not even the best 12 Sundown makes and at 750 rms it’s way far from one of the highest handling subs. There are countless subs from 8″ and up that the rms is double or close to double. People need to start somewhere, though, and this list does give a good range of choices.
Yes, this list for the average listeners who don’t tune amp with an oscilloscope, alternator upgrade and so on…)
If you are planning on running two ct sound stratos and the peak power is 2400 watts you only need one 2400 watt amp? I’m new to this.
You can run one sub per amp or two subs to mono amp. Match ohm load from subs to amp.
Yes,I wanted to buy either MTX terminator or kicker 12″ subs in box of two witch is better. KICKER IS 44DCWC122 AND MTX ISTNE212D, AND CAN I HOOK UP JBLGTO-501E2 AMP TO THESE !!!!
I think you mean GTO-501EZ. Both subs are ok for this amp.
I used to love car audio back in the day and left it back in the early 2000’s. However, I am just starting to put together a system again and really found your guide helpful! I had definitely forgotten some of these main facts. I just purchased a RF Power T1000.1BD AMP and am trying to find the right sub(s) to match. This time I am def looking to add a second battery which has been fun researching. Thanks stud!
The old school RF amp)
Check these out:
Alpine Type R 12
SA-12
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12
Audiopipe TXXBD312
IDMAX12 V.4 D4
There’s so many options.
Hey! Quick question. I have a pioneer GM-D8601 class D mono 1600 watts amp. Can I run 2 pioneer TSW126M 12″ on it?
Hi,
Yes, you can. Wire the subs in parallel = 2 ohm load = 750 Watt. Amp at 2 ohm = 500 Watt.
Low power on a subs doesn’t hurt at all. But cranking the gain on a low power amp trying to get the volume out of a sub -> clipping -> that will blow a sub.
Hey do you think that a bandpass box would be louder than a ported or sealed box?
I’ve heard some loud subs from both boxes but the loudest ones I’ve heard were in bandpass boxes. They were so loud shaking street signs shaking other cars around it.
My friend even had 2 10 inch kickers in a bandpass box and you can hear him coming from a block away. I personally don’t like kickers cause they are overpriced and overrated.
But I really want a bass that the whole neighborhood can hear.
They are very loud and you can make bad subs sound amazing. Bandpass boxes take up a lot of space and more complicated in build. Some subs don’t sound good or perform well in ported or bandpass style enclosures.
Hey Andrew,
I’ve been looking for new 12” subs and an amp to replace my current 8” setup. I currently have 2 SUNDOWN AUDIO X Series v.3 8” (800-watts) -DVC-4OHM. With an Skar Audio SKv2-1500.1D Monoblock Amplifier. What 12” sub and amp combo you recommend? I want the subs to hit hard, loud, and be somewhat clear
Hi Anthony,
The 12’s is a big advantage over the 8’s. You have many options to get louder:
I’m looking to build a system. I’ve heard some good things about the Dayton Audio HO-series 12” sub in a ported box tuned somewhere near 30-33hz and a 700+ watt RMS amp. Its matching my stock 280watt RMS system. Would that sub be good for SQ? Or is it overkill? I really want a responsive system that can hit the lows and gives clear sound without having to break the bank. Any suggestions or should I pull the trigger on that setup? Its going in the trunk of a Lexus IS350.
Dayton’s are a very popular choice for SQ. They have very low distortion and musically accurate.
Take a look at Infinity Kappa, Image Dynamics, Morel. More expensive: JL Audio W6, Audiofrog.
Hey Andrew, I have a quick question. I’m looking into getting some subs for my truck. In your opinion, would it be better to have 2 10’s in a shallow box under my back seat, or a perfectly cube box with a deep 12” in it that I would just sit on top of one side of my back seat ? Let’s say a 2’x2’x2’ box just for ease of typing’s sake.
Hi Dylan,
It depends on the subs and how much mounting depth and airspace you have. A pair of shallows usually sound pretty good.