Willie Greer
- July 19, 2021
Some don’t have the budget to afford subwoofers that cost a few hundred bucks, and that’s okay. You may be wondering if a low-priced sub can give you good bass quality. The answer is yes, but only if you choose right. Our team reviewed the best car subwoofers under 100 to save you from wasting your hard-earned cash while getting a quality product.
Car Subwoofer
- Peak power of 1200 watts
- High-temperature coil
- Competition-grade paper cone
- High-flux ferrite motor
- Anodized aluminum voice coil
- Parabolic propylene cone
- Stamped steel basket
- AWG compression terminals
Car Subwoofer
- Compact shallow mount subwoofer
- Budget car subwoofer
- BASV premium coil
- Advanced airflow cooling
Reviews of the Best Car Subwoofers Under $100
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1S412 R1
The Rockford Fosgate Prime R1S412 R1 is a very impressive sub. At 12 inches, the power is a little lower than other car subwoofers, but having a pair of these will boost your car audio system.
The R1S412 R1 is minimalistic on the surface, but all its premium components are located beneath. For 100, the car subwoofer features an anodized aluminum voice coil, a parabolic polypropylene cone in a stamped steel basket.
The AWG compression terminals can handle the heat to deliver high-quality sound upon connection.
Pros
- Excellent bass response for car speakers
- Parabolic propylene cone
- Scratch-resistant surface
- Stamped basket
- Minimalistic design
- Easy to connect
Cons
- Only optimized for a sealed enclosure
- Lower watts RMS and peak
Skar Audio SDR-10 D4
Skar is one of the most reputable brands for car stereos at low prices. The SDR-10 D4 is one of the best subwoofers at this low price range. The peak power is an impressive 1200 watts, and the RMS reaches 600. That is a lot of bass for a 10-inch sub.
The high-temperature voice coil delivers max power. The high foam roll surround and paper cone help with the frequency response. The high-flux ferrite motor is elevated to reveal an advanced cooling system. It will help the coils manage the heat and produce great bass for longer.
Pros
- High peak power
- 600 RMS continuous power
- 4-layer high-temperature voice coil
- Excellent frequency response range
- Advanced airflow cooling design for optimal performance
- Dual 4 ohm
- Skar signature red spider
- Pressed paper cone for an excursion
Cons
- Requires breaking in
- Cabinet port length affects the bass
Skar Audio IX-8 D2
Our best budget option is also from Skar Audio. This specific car subwoofer has a shallow mounting depth and is very compact at only 8 inches. The small subwoofer features a BASV voice coil, and the advanced cooling will keep it functioning in tip-top shape.
The IX-8 D2 is constructed with a pressed paper cone and a foam surround. The frequency range can reach as low as 30Hz, which is enough for big bass sounds. The sub features a 2-ohm configuration giving this small sub its efficient performance to satisfy any music lover.
Pros
- Dual 2-ohm configuration
- BASV high-temperature coils
- Low mounting depth
- Excellent build quality
- Good subwoofer for a budget price
- Small and compact
Cons
- Lower power handling
- Requires a larger enclosure
KICKER CVR104
Just under the price limit is the Kicker CVR104. The subwoofer looks extra cool with red detailing and an injection-molded polypropylene cone. The max power handling is at 800 watts, which is not bad for a 10-inch sub.
The dual 4-ohm correct coils can handle high temperatures to support the car stereo system. The frequency range reaches down to 25Hz, which means it can produce lower tones than many other models.
The only thing is these component subs need to be mounted in the right sub box to really unleash their potential.
Pros
- Best subwoofer for frequency response
- Pairs well with a car stereo system
- Made with high-quality materials
- No complicated wiring
- Long-lasting performance
- Injection-molded polypropylene cone
Cons
- Needs a suitable enclosure and not a truck box
- Needs a separate amp
Rockville RVB8.1A
The best subwoofers under 100 for your car can also come ready in the correct coils’ cabinet. The Rockville RVB8.1A is an active subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. It’s a little quieter at 300 watts for peak power handling, but keep in mind it is only an 8-inch size.
These car subwoofers are built well-built with an inverted carbon graphite molded dust cap, a Kevlar-reinforced cone, a blue chrome woofer, and a double-stitched foam surround.
The cabinet is made of a sturdily braced MDF material with blue and black aviation-grade carpeting.
Pros
- Powered subwoofer with built-in amplifier
- Good bass response
- Comes in its own MDF cabinet
- Aviation-grade carpeting
- Strong and durable materials
- Futuristic and edgy design
- Great for hatchbacks
Cons
- No instruction manual
- Bass can distort at maximum output
Car Subwoofers Under $100 Buyer’s Guide
When looking for the best car subwoofer under 100, there are considerations that need to be met. If you pick carefully, even these affordable car subwoofers can end up lasting a very long time and generate more bass than other models.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is essential in a subwoofer, and a variety of qualities determines it. The frequency range, power, sensitivity and impedance, and size are all influencers for sound. Our audio engineers will cover these sections in more detail below and focus more on the materials of the sub.
Car subwoofers don’t need as much power as home theater options since the space in your car are much smaller, but the materials will either support or limit excursion and bass production. Our team suggests looking for a rubber surround. Component subwoofers with a rubber surround are durable and hard-wearing. A poly foam surround is the next best option.
Materials such as these and polypropylene pressed paper, or Kevlar-reinforced cones can handle the high output and deliver an accurate sound.
Frequency Range
The frequency range is the part of the sound spectrum your best subwoofer can produce. For speakers, especially tower speakers, the more comprehensive the frequency range, the better. However, since subs are responsible for the lower end of the spectrum, the lower hertz matters. The human audible range starts from 20Hz, so you won’t need anything below that unless you’re a professional.
Our audio testers say 25Hz is generally a good starting point with 30Hz and below as acceptable choices.
Power
The power rating is where it gets a bit tricky. Also referred to as a subwoofer’s power handling, the power is where the sub gets its drive for hard-hitting bass. The power handling is separated into two ratings – the RMS and the max power. The max power rating is where the subwoofer pumps out beats for short bursts.
The max rating is usually higher than the RMS, sometimes 2x higher, because it is the maximum power. The RMS is the continuous power at which the subwoofer can be played at max without damaging your system. The RMS can be hit for long periods.
Even for subwoofers under 100, you can find ones with impressive power ratings. Our team says not to focus solely on the rating because it doesn’t guarantee precise sound. There are plenty of models out there that boast a very high peak and RMS, but the bass gets muddy before you hit those numbers.
Our expert audio engineers have taken the time to test each of the speakers above individually to find ones that give the minor distortion. A 10-inch subwoofer should deliver at least 500 RMS for high power, and a larger 12-inch subwoofer should be closer to 1000. The compact best car subwoofers should have at least 300 watts peak.
Sensitivity and Impedance
What is sensitivity? It’s a rating that is measured in dB, or decibels [1]. It also impacts how loud your subwoofer can be. Our sound team suggests taking the sensitivity and power rating into account when looking for loud bass.
Our professionals say subwoofers at 82 to 90 sensitivity are the most common and will perform just fine. For better performance and accurate bass, we suggest looking for the highest sensitivity rating possible.
Then, you need to consider the impedance. The impedance is measured in ohms and is the figure that signifies the resistance to the electrical current. A speaker with a lower impedance is optimal by logic since it will require less power to reach certain volume heights.
For example, a speaker with a 2-ohm impedance will need a lot less power to reach its 300 RMS rating than a speaker with an 8-ohm impedance. Standard impedance ratings are 2, 4, 6, and 8 ohms. Our engineers say anything above eight is not worth considering and look for ones as close to 2 as possible.
Voice Coil
The voice coil is an inconspicuous feature that is invaluable in the subwoofer construct. It is located behind the cone and is the motive force that drives it. It’s essential to look for high-temperature voice coils in subwoofers under 100. High-temperature voice coils can withstand the head better.
You should also consider an elevated basket or a sub with a cooling system that aids in heat dissipation. Although a dual voice coil model is preferred, it can be tough to find those within this price range. Even single voice coils can still perform well, but you have to pick the right ones. Our experts suggest anodized aluminum or copper voice coils.
Size and Enclosure
Now we get into the size and the enclosure of the best subwoofers under 100. The size matters in the case of the best car subwoofers, so you have to know which size fits. If you have the freedom to pick between any size, then our experts suggest 10 or 12-inch models. These are not only the most common sizes, but they also give the best balance between power and value.
Smaller subs such as an 8-inch subwoofer can also bring good bass, but there is no doubt that most of them will be less potent with a lower peak and RMS. If you have a small cabin, then these subs should be enough. We also have a 6.5-inch subwoofer choice that is extra small. If you choose this size, our experts humbly suggest getting a pair.
In general, larger subs bring louder bass, but they will be less accurate in sound production. The opposite is true for small subs. They are the choice for precise audio, but they sacrifice loudness.
Next, we’re going to look at the enclosure. Component subwoofers come as is without an enclosure. You will need to either make or purchase one that fits. There are upsides to this because you can customize your bass, but it takes time to find compatible cabinets.
Make sure the enclosure is durable and made from very hard-wearing and solid materials. Our experts’ suggestion is MDF. The MDF cabinets will help dampen vibrations and resonance for better quality sound.
You should also consider ported or sealed enclosures. They are exactly what they sound like. Ported or vented enclosures are not entirely sealed, while sealed enclosures are. Some subs are optimized for one type, while others can work with either. It may take some testing or trial and error to find the right cabinet type for your sub.
You need to take the port length, mounting depth, and size into consideration. As a general rule, our expert audiophiles say ported enclosures are the ones that allow more expansive bass. Sealed enclosures may dampen the volume a bit, but they bring more accurate sound relays.
Easy Installation
How does the subwoofer hook up to your system? Trust, our team as they say you want the best car subwoofers that are easy to integrate. No complicated wiring and a clear instruction manual will make all the difference.
Check what type of wires and connection options your vehicle offers before you invest in a subwoofer. Even though you may customize the system to work, it’s always better to purchase subwoofers with compatible connections.
Value for Money
The million-dollar question is whether or not subs under 100 are worth the money. Car subwoofers under 100 can bring significant value.
You may think that 100 is not a lot of money, and even if you end up with a subwoofer that isn’t show-stopping, it’s not a significant loss. While we understand that, wouldn’t it be great if your first choice was a big hit right from the start?
Subwoofers under 100 are definitely worth the money if you pick the right one. The same goes for subs of any size and any price. There will be beasts and provide excellent value, and there will also be subs that fail. The key to finding the best value for your money is knowing how to pick them.
FAQ
Do you need to break-in a subwoofer for under 100 bucks?
Yes, you need to break in a subwoofer for under 100 bucks. Although they are more affordable than high-end subs, they require the same break-in period to reach their full potential. During this period, which may take 20 to 100 hours depending, you should play your subs at moderate volume and increase slowly.
Our Top Pick For a Car Subwoofer Under $100:
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1S412
Our team’s top pick for the best car subwoofer under 100 is the R1S412 from Rockford Fosgate. The sub offers 300 watts at max and very durable construction. The parabolic propylene cone, a stamped basket of steel, and anodized aluminum coils make up the heavy-duty 12-inch sub. The subwoofer is optimized for sealed enclosures for the best listening experience.
The post What is the Best Car Subwoofer Under $100? (2021) — Affordable Choices Worth Buying appeared first on The Product Analyst.
from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/best-car-subwoofer-under-100/
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