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Car Audio Subwoofer Selection Guide

When choosing to upgrade your car stereo system, adding a sub-woofer can produce massive results. Adding volume at low frequencies is like adding a third dimension to your favorite tunes. Whether you're considering building a new audio system, or just adding one subwoofers to your factory system, this simple addition will give you the single, most significant sonic improvement. Simply adding even a little bass will make a huge improvement in your overall sound.

I'll never forget my first experience listening to the heart-pumping sound of bass. I was completely amazed that you could actually feel the impact of the woofers. From that instant on, I've been a car audio fan.

A Few of the best selling brands are:

Power Acoustik, MA Audio, SPL, SoundStorm, Lanzar, Hifonics, Kicker, Pioneer

What type of sound do you want?

There are two main groups in the sound world: (Sound Quality, aka, SQ) and (Sound Pressure Level, aka, SPL).

Sound Quality refers to just that — a very linear response that's not boomy and is very controlled, especially when listening to complex audio. An SQ System generally uses a smaller woofer and requires a smaller enclosure. A sealed enclosure would typically work best for this application.

SPL, on the other hand, is for you “Big Bass Lovers.” If you're like me, and like a lot of impact with your music (extended bass response and 3 dB more efficient gain), then you're probably looking for a vented enclosure. The smaller the enclosure, the more pressure is exerted against the cone under movement.

With a sealed enclosure of predetermined volume, we can also predict the cut-off frequency and Q* of the system.

Sealed enclosures will also forgive minor mistakes in design (up to 10 percent), without major effects on sonic performance.

The main drawback with a ported enclosure is that the design and construction are not very forgiving of errors. Unlike a sealed box, you must determine a number of different parameters: the box volume, tuned frequency, port area, and port length. But, the advantage is huge — you'll get more output with the same number and size of woofers.

With all of that extra output there's always a compromise. More bass obviously means more space. Generally speaking, vented enclosures will be to be 30- to 45-percent bigger than a sealed enclosure.

You're probably thinking, can a vented box sound as good a sealed enclosure? The answer is, for sure, but it's different in that it will have a minor peak around the tuning frequency (35 Hz) and roll off very fast. Both types of boxes have true supporters. What you decide to use really comes down to your install and how they will perform in your vehicle.

If you want more tips, you can visit Car Audio Tips and learn how to get Great Bass.

Article Source: http://www.dummiesguideto.com

Professor Apex is an Expert In Car Audio and Car Video. He has more than 10 years of experience. You can find him here: Wholesale Car Audio

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