The era of cassette recorders and “tinny” sound has long since sunk into oblivion. Car enthusiasts quickly realized all the advantages of digital sound and, having tried it once, could no longer return to the usual analog technology. One of the most important ingredients for quality sound is a subwoofer, which complements standard speaker systems with rich low frequencies.
Connoisseurs of powerful bass equip their cars with impressive and massive speakers. But a good half of consumers don’t need such equipment at all and compact models are enough for them to listen to their favorite tracks. The critical difference here lies only in the maximum volume threshold. And if you are not going to beat the rhythm of the passing streets on your way to work, then a compact active subwoofer in your car will be more than enough.
Today's market can offer a lot of options for such equipment, but not every system can boast of its own high-quality component, so the choice must be approached with due care. Totally and completely trusting the consultants in the store is not the best idea, especially when we are talking about the notorious networkers like Eldorado, Mvideo and others like them. So at least a minimal theoretical basis will clearly not be superfluous here.
So, we present to your attention a short review of compact active subwoofers. Let's consider the main selection criteria, advantages and disadvantages of systems, as well as the advisability of purchasing a particular model.
Difficulty of choice
The choice of a compact active subwoofer in a car is determined mainly by your musical preferences, and not just by the quality of the speaker or the power of the amplifier. For example, models with a bass reflex are distinguished by a sharper attack (open rear volume) and are excellent for synthetic tracks of the “tink-tun” plan.
Devices with a soft attack, that is, with a closed rear volume, perfectly handle blues, country, etc. genres. Cases in the Band-pass form factor have maximum efficiency and are considered universal, but it would also be a good idea to “listen” to it before purchasing.
Challenger Opus SD-250FA – from RUB 3,690.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Size | 10 inches (25 cm) |
| Voice coil diameter | 64.5 mm |
| Sensitivity, dB | 88 |
| Maximum power | 400 W |
| Rated power | 200 W |
| Diffuser material | paper with moisture-proof film |
Another subwoofer for normal everyday use. It can handle a lot of power, but its main purpose is to improve the sound of your car. You shouldn't expect much pressure from him.
The Challenger Opus SD-250FA speaker has one coil with spring-loaded terminals. This is the weakest specimen among all representatives, its rated power is 200 W. Sensitivity – 88 dB. It produces good sound and a simple amplifier is enough for it.
Conclusion: Not bad, but by adding 200-300 rubles you can buy a much better sub.
Installation
As for installing speakers in a car, it is compact active subwoofers that can boast of trouble-free installation. The fact is that active models already come with an amplifier, and all you need is to find a place for the system (usually under the driver's seat) and run the wires to the radio. While for the installation of passive models it is necessary to take care of additional space.
In addition, compact active subwoofers are noticeably cheaper than their passive counterparts. Of course, the sound with a separate amplifier is noticeably louder and in some places even better, but this will result in serious financial expenses, which is unacceptable for a good half of ordinary car enthusiasts.
Next, we will consider specific and most popular models of compact active subwoofers, which have received a large number of positive reviews from car enthusiasts.
Brief top
| Place | Model | Price | |
| 1 | URAL Pobeda 12 | from 4,390 RUR | |
| 2 | PRIDE Eco 12 | from RUB 3,990 | Look |
| 3 | Ural Molot 12 | from 4,190 RUR | Look |
| 4 | SWAT REV-12 | from RUB 3,190 | Look |
| 5 | SWAT MAS-10 | from 3,900 rub. | Look |
| 6 | Machette ML-102 D2 | from RUR 3,890 | |
| 7 | Challenger Opus SD-250FA | from RUB 3,690 | |
| 8 | Ural Patriot 6.5 | from 4,270 rub. |
"Pioneer TS-WX110A"
The model from the venerable brand boasts not only attractive characteristics, but also a more than adequate price. The active subwoofer “Pioneer TS-WX110A” is made in a universal form factor of 15 by 20 cm (6 x 8 inches) and will definitely find its place under the driver’s seat.
The rated power of the model is 50 W, and the maximum fluctuates around 150 W, which is quite acceptable even for those who like to listen to something louder. The Pioneer TS WX110A model pleased us with its good sensitivity of 82 dB, as well as a wide frequency range - from 40 to 200 Hz.
Pioneer TS-300D4
pros
- amazing power;
- strength and elegance of design;
- very powerful.
Minuses
- there is no body, which implies additional costs for creating the desired design.
From 3620 ₽
Working 400 watts (maximum crazy 1400 watts) will pump up even a large jeep. The assembly is very high quality and strong. There is no housing, but it can be easily mounted anywhere (depth 147 mm, diameter 300 mm): trunk, door, seat, fender.
Subwoofer Features
Users respond entirely positively to the system, but many complain about the device’s finickiness with the radio. That is, in a good half of cases, the active subwoofer “Pioneer” will have to be properly tuned, otherwise you will not hear decent sound.
Advantages of the model:
- durable and reliable aluminum diffuser;
- remote control support;
- intelligent coating of the case, almost completely eliminating scratches and other minor mechanical damage;
- Quite reasonable price for its characteristics.
Flaws:
- The device is capricious for fine tuning.
The approximate price of the model is about 9,000 rubles.
SWAT REV-12 – from 3190 rub.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Size | 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Maximum power | 600 W |
| Rated power | 450 W |
| Resistance, Ohm | 2+2 |
| Sensitivity, dB | 86,7 |
| Diffuser material | Pressed impregnated paper |
| Suspension material | Foamed polyurethane |
| Magnet material | Ferrite |
Another subwoofer from the famous car audio company SWAT. It is also a 12-inch 1-way speaker with a power rating of 450 watts. There are 2 coils, quite good power by the numbers, but the cooling means that the device will not hold maximum power for long.
The suspension is polyurethane and moves quite well. In terms of pressure, the sub gives universal indicators, or rather everyday ones. If you are looking for a device for maximum pressure, then you need something different and in other budgets.
The only downside is the clamps for 2.5 squares, which is not enough. Most use 4 square wires that won’t fit here.
Conclusion: the leader in versatility!
Alpine PWE-V80
Another compact active subwoofer from a venerable brand, which easily fits under the driver’s seat and produces low frequencies of excellent quality. The model costs a little more than the previous Pioneer, but boasts advanced functionality.
The device will be of interest primarily to those who need a subwoofer as a head unit without a separate and customizable output. The built-in amplifier of the model can be connected either directly to the RCA interface of the right and left channels, or to the terminal using a special connector.
Control of the main functionality is placed on a separate remote control and is also connected independently of other equipment, which is very convenient. On the 8-inch (20 cm) body itself there are only controls for cutoff, volume and phase.
Pros of the model:
- work with the head unit on standard outputs for conventional speakers;
- excellent build quality and resistance to damage;
- Intelligent control panel with clear functionality.
Minuses:
- slightly overpriced.
The estimated cost of the subwoofer is about 12,000 rubles.
Rating
Each compact and fairly powerful subwoofer under a car seat, after a thorough analysis of consumer reviews, was included in the 2022 rating. Sales volumes of a particular product were also taken into account. For installation under a chair, you can buy both an active subwoofer and passive acoustics, provided you have a sufficiently powerful external amplifier.
Pioneer TS-WX70DA
pros
- compact size
- no protruding parts
- Stylish look, can be installed outdoors
- unexpectedly serious bass
- two operating modes
Minuses
- The cable included is of poor quality
- wired control panel
- sound distortion when rated power is exceeded
From 18816 ₽
This device tops the 2022 ranking. It will fit under any seat; The manufacturer does not declare any special cooling conditions. Power of 100 W and two speakers with a diameter of 6 inches are enough to create deep bass.
Kenwood KSC-SW11
pros
- good sound
- cutoff frequency adjustment
- sufficient power
- compact body
- reliable fixation
Minuses
- price
- wired remote control
- no connecting cables included
- if configured incorrectly it buzzes
From 10270 ₽
This model is a representative of compact devices with a minimum body volume, only 19x7x28 cm. Thanks to this, it can fit in any car, regardless of the size and height of the seats. The bass is adjustable, rich, the speaker size is 8 inches.
Mystery MBS-204A
pros
- neat stylish body
- built-in amplifier
- remote volume control with LED
- acceptable sound
Minuses
- poor quality of wires included
- bad fuse
- excessive brightness of the LED on the remote volume control unit
- some users note noise and insufficient filtering of interference from the car’s on-board electrical network
From 4250 ₽
This sub is popular. It could be called an ideal option in terms of price and quality ratio. However, this is a product for people who have sufficient skills to replace components.
Pioneer TS-WX130DA
pros
- compact neat body
- easy connection
- convenient installation
- built-in amplifier
- several sound modes and settings
Minuses
- insufficient power
- sound distortion at extreme operating conditions
From 8950 ₽
Owners call this subwoofer under the car seat an addition to the speaker system. He is not able to rock the interior with rich bass. However, it is very good as a complementary element for obtaining a sound image. To get the highest quality sound, you can switch operating modes using the buttons on the remote control. In addition, adjustment of the cutoff frequency and phase shift is available.
Alpine PWE-V80
pros
- built-in amplifier
- compact stylish case
- good power
- acceptable sound
Minuses
- sounds harsh and biting (low volume)
- vibrates a lot, needs rubber pads or feet
- price, overpay for style that is not visible under the seat
From 12490 ₽
This model will be an acceptable alternative for a subwoofer in the trunk. The power of its 8-inch speaker (160 W nominal) is enough to pump even a large salon. However, the model is not suitable for those who prefer soft compositions and classical music. The sub's sound is suitable for harder, rhythmic tracks.
Eton USB 10
This model boasts a trendy form factor, which has become the main “trick” of marketers who use the concept of ultra-thin in relation to all characteristics of a subwoofer. Despite its large 10-inch size (25 cm), the device is indeed very thin, especially when compared with the two previous respondents.
The model was distinguished by an enviable maximum power of 350 W and the same chic impedance of 4 Ohms. Separately, it is worth noting the customizable part of the device. She was distinguished by her friendliness and anyone can deal with her, and in the shortest possible time.
In addition, to get excellent sound, you don’t have to rebuild everything in your own way. The available presets should satisfy even the most picky music lovers, not to mention ordinary users.
Ural Patriot 6.5 – from 4,270 rubles.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Size | 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) |
| Maximum power | 800 W |
| Rated power | 500 W |
| Resistance, Ohm | 2+2 |
| Sensitivity, dB | 85 |
| Voice coil, inches | 2 |
| Voice coil winding height, mm | 30 |
Well, if you want a “big” subwoofer and good pressure, then you should take a closer look at the Ural Patriot 6.5. This is all a joke, because it is only 6-inch, but it is capable of delivering its rated power of 500 W. It's all about the big reel.
Seriously, look at the size of it, especially the back. At the same time, it has pretty good characteristics. By the way, a lot of people buy it.
There are many video reviews of this Ural on the Internet due to its uniqueness. In essence, this is a toy from which you can achieve performance if you use several of these subs. In one copy it is only suitable for adding a little bass, although...
Which subwoofer should you choose?
It all depends on your task:
- I want to add bass to the music: Buy a 10-inch Machette ML-102 D2 or SWAT MAS-10. Of the 12s, Ural Molot 12 is enough for you.
- I want a lot of bass: Then look at the second and first places, they have exactly what you need.
- I want both: Definitely the PRIDE Eco 12, or a cheaper copy of the SWAT REV-12.
It’s impossible to choose the perfect sub here; it all depends on many factors, including your goals. The speakers have a lot of characteristics and one may have better power, for example, but it will lose in sensitivity. Therefore, start from your needs.
Ural Molot 12 – from 4190 rub.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Size | 12 inches (32 cm) |
| Maximum power | 600 W |
| Rated power | 300 W |
| Resistance, Ohm | 2+2 |
| Sensitivity, dB | 84,3 |
| Voice coil, inches | 2,5 |
| Voice coil winding height, mm | 15 |
On the market it costs 4,790, and on Citylink it costs 4,190.
This is a great 12" subwoofer for the money; there is also a 10" version which is naturally weaker. The speaker entrance is quite high, plus with double firmware, which is rare in the budget segment.
Stiffening ribs have been added to the basket, plus you will be pleased with two coils with a resistance of 2 Ohms. The coil itself is 2.5 inches at 300 watts with multiple cooling windows and a 15mm winding and 64mm diameter. The speaker maintains its declared characteristics.
Minuses:
- low sensitivity – 84.4 dB;
- weak stroke - 14 mm, although visually it seems larger.
Pros:
- excellent characteristics for its price;
- quality materials;
- reliability.
URAL Pobeda 12 – from 4,390 rub.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Size | 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Maximum power | 2400 W |
| Rated power | 1200 W |
| Resistance, Ohm | 2+2 |
| Sensitivity, dB | 85,6 |
| Voice coil, inches | 3 |
| Voice coil winding height, mm | 40 |
We gave this subwoofer first place in all characteristics. This is a 12-inch dual coil speaker with a power rating of 1200 watts. Of course, it is unlikely to withstand such power, but the manufacturer has added a lot of cooling compartments (even on the washer), which is good.
There are 2 spring coils (terminals) connecting with a resistance of 2+2 Ohms. Plus, the stylish design with red metal stiffeners is pleasing. We also note the dual firmware and good build quality.
It's a bouncy 12-inch speaker with plenty of excursion. If you want maximum pressure, then buy URAL Pobeda 12.
