Q&A about compact powered subwoofers
A Crutchfield Advisor talks underseat bass
W
e field lots of calls from customers who want more bass, but are tight on space in their vehicles. That's when we start suggesting compact powered subwoofers, also called "underseat subwoofers" because that's where a lot of people install them.
To help answer some common questions about these small subs, I sat down with Crutchfield advisor and car audio expert, Cam, and asked him about compact powered subwoofers. But I'll start the conversation with the easy question:
What is an underseat subwoofer?
An underseat sub is a small subwoofer with a built-in amplifier, housed in a single, compact body. This all-in-one design makes it easy to shop for and install a bass system for your car — you don't have to match a separate amp and woofer and then figure out how to best wire them up.
Phiri from S A
Posted on 10/20/2023
Do I need a monoblock for underseat subwoofer
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 10/20/2023
Kristopher M lisewski from Hampton
Posted on 12/17/2022
Will they produce an unpleasant vibration or sound if placed on carpet under seat held by gravity? Is there a preferred mounting method? Is any insulation from the vehicle needed?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 12/19/2022
Travis from APO
Posted on 10/31/2022
Hi... my only question is should it be mounted directly to the firewall/metal, or should it be placed on carpet, wood, or something like that? Just curious what offers the best sound. Thanks!
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 11/1/2022
JP from Woodbridge
Posted on 6/30/2022
I have an F150 and I am trying to decide between an 8' and 10' compact amp. I listen mostly to rock and alternative and I am trying to round out the sound from my aftermarket head unit and aftermarket speakers. I'm more concerned with sound image than rattling the truck.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 7/1/2022
Jeff from centerville
Posted on 1/20/2022
Hi, I have a 2010 jeep wrangler unlimited. Installed a Alpine ILX W650. Still using the factory speakers, but have found the base terrible and worse when the top is off. What do you recommend for this? Understand base or something else?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/21/2022
Bobby from Isleton
Posted on 1/20/2022
I have an 18 Ft Maxum SR3 open bow boat. Very limited for space, but has a cubby in front of the drivers seat area. Which one of these powered subs would you recommend? Or something else? I have 6 1/2 in front and custom 6x9 speaker boxes and speakers. Again, very limited space for speakers. I plan on purchasing JL Audio 650X & 690X speakers to replace the Pioneers I have installed. Also am going to purchase the Fusion MS-RA70NSX to run it.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/20/2022
Chris from Seminole
Posted on 1/19/2022
Is there any danger from the heat generated, especially with it under a seat?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/20/2022
Mautofu Stirk from Sefton
Posted on 1/6/2022
So I have a mg suv with a stock infotainment touch screen I couldn't replace as it's tied to the cars features .I have installed two pioneer underseat subwoofer and my partner wanted me to think of space and four new kicker 6.5 door speakers which are powered by a pioneer four channel amp which feeds all four speakers 100 watts rms .I have recently picked up a mono block pioneer amp and a shallow included pioneer 12 which pumps out 300 watts rms .my question is are the underseat subwoofers a waste of time now or will they add to a more fuller sound? I'm having the mono block amp and sub hooked up next week and am at the dilemma of do I take the undsrseat subwoofers out or leave them in as I wasted money buying them and having them installed
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/9/2022
Shawn Brown from bridgeton
Posted on 10/6/2021
can you use more than one ?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 10/11/2021
Jay from Bloomfield
Posted on 2/23/2021
Rear out or sub out on HU for pro bass SL2 ...and what slope would be best LPF also crossover settings would the cross over settings on HU interfere with the crossover on the pro bass Sl2 there no off on the HU for the subwoofer crossover .. just need the best settings
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 3/25/2021