Are you one of those people that simply cannot get enough bass out of your car audio system as you drive? You not only want your car vibrating but those around you too. Well, in that case, a standard subwoofer is definitely not for you. You need all that a competition subwoofer has to offer. These high powered, high output subwoofers will crack your windows if you are not careful with the deep bass thumping that comes out of them.
Maybe you don’t know where to start when it comes to buying a competition subwoofer? Well, we are here to help you find the best competition subwoofer for your car audio system. Here we will do several competition subwoofer reviews that will definitely kick up the bass on your current vehicle sound system. Anyone of them would be a great buy for giving your car audio system the deep, loud thumping bass tones that you desire.
Competition Subwoofer Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Rockville Destroyer 12D1 Competition Car Audio Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
AudioPipe Sub-BDC4-12D2 Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 Competition Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
Power Acoustik MOFO 10-Inch Competition Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 Car Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
Skar Audio DDX-15 Competition Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
DS18 Car Subwoofer Audio Speaker |
| View On Amazon | |
DS18 EXL-B15.4D Competition Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon |
Best Competiton Subwoofer Reviews (Updated List)
1. Rockville Destroyer 12D1 Competition Car Audio Subwoofer
For the powerful sound and bass lovers, the Rockville Destroyer 12D1 is a high-grade 12-inch 1-ohm car subwoofer. Weighing 49.6 lbs can handle a peak output of 8000 Watts and an RMS power of 2000 Watts. Coated with a thick and robust layer on its outer cone and 4-layer aluminum voice coils, it is designed to withstand high temperatures and offers high-quality sound. A silver stitching coin provides extra reinforcement and longevity, while the extra thick surrounding foam ensures optimal sound quality with minimal distortion. Its rubber mounting gasket makes it easy to mount, with a cutout diameter of 11.65 inches and a mounting depth of 8.66 inches. This unit does require reasonable mounting space, making it ideal for more oversized vehicles, which are also more apt for withstanding its depth and vibrations.
A truly power-hungry woofer, ideal for enhancing your sound experience, the Rockville Destroyer comes as a single-unit product. Still, it will generally provide more than enough power and balance when mounted to the trunk. Much like its name suggests, the woofer will out-sound most of its competitors and replicate a club-like sound experience.
Pros:
- The top-quality foam will give you an excellent sound experience.
- High-grade materials are used for the making of the unit.
- Distortion is minimal
Cons:
- It’s definitely on the heavy side with its 50 lbs.
2. AudioPipe Sub-BDC4-12D2 Subwoofer
This 12-inch dual Subwoofer will add a new dimension to your car’s audio system with its crisp and clear sound and intense bass. At 35.2 lbs and peak power of 2800 Watts, it may not seem like the most potent products in its class, but it will perform sharp, with its 4-layer dual voice coil. The speaker is simple and easy to install, with a mounting depth of 7.88 inches and included wiring and bolts. Designed with a powdered aluminum basket, the protection and a 10-gauge speaker wire ensure the item’s durability. A delicate rubber surround material generates smoothness and quality performance.
While some woofers can withstand higher amps, intending to fire it up to higher power will cause this speaker to burn. Some additional modifications to your vehicle’s interior may be required, and professional installation is recommended, as the manual is not always straightforward and comfortable for the first-time user. Ensuring that it will stay stable in varying driving conditions and terrains is essential, as it can quickly get loose when not mounted accurately. Furthermore, for a small additional price, you can buy an extended 3-year warranty on the Subwoofer.
Pros:
- You get crisp sound here, unlike some similar versions.
- Wiring and bolts come with the unit.
- An extended warranty is available.
Cons:
- The wattage isn’t as powerful as other units in the same class.
3. Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 Competition Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a competition grade subwoofer to upgrade your car’s audio system, you should take a closer look at the ZVX-12v2 model produced by Skar Audio.
The ZVX-12v2 is a 12” subwoofer that’s capable of producing 1,500 watts of RMS power. The sub has a 3” voice coil and an effective cooling system, so it can blast music for hours without any problems.
This model has a very powerful speaker that will produce a high-quality sound, no matter what type of music you’re listening to.
Pros
- Killer Bass – The amount of bass this subwoofer produces is one you can feel, not only hear. You should expect to start all the car alarms in your neighborhood once you turn up the sub.
- Powerful – The sub is powerful, and it will rattle your teeth every time you turn it up.
Con
- Bad Packaging – Some customers have complained that their subwoofers came in damaged packages. Make sure you test the sub right after it arrives, and contact the customer service if the unit is defective.
4. Power Acoustik MOFO 10-Inch Competition Subwoofer
The Power Acoustik MOFO-102X is a 10-inch competition subwoofer with a patent-pending heatsink, designed to produce high-quality sound and bass augmentation. It’s a compact, 5.35 lb item, which comes with a 90-day warranty. But don’t let the size fool you. The speaker can run 5000 at watts.
Still, this unit performs at a maximum RMS of 1200 Watts but will generally perform better at lower capacities and ensure a longer duration. An elegant black and blue design, this item is characterized by a smooth and stiff cone and a rigid basket structure, prepared to withstand high frequencies and deep vibrations, giving you a unique car audio experience.
Pros:
- This unit can be titled ”portable.”
- Can be quite powerful for its size
- The design sets it apart from other competition subwoofers.
Cons:
- The warranty is short – not useful at all.
5. Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 Car Subwoofer
The EVL series of Skar has proved to be a leader in low-end sound reproduction. Each feature is well thought out, and all of them together make a perfect subwoofer.
The EVL-12 D2 is a very powerful woofer with maximum power peaking at 2500Watts, and the RMS is at 1250Watts. Its frequency response is rated at 25Hz to 250Hz. With such power, a ported box is always to recommend against a sealed enclosure. The best size for your box would be 28 inches wide by 14 inches in height and 14 inches deep. Make sure there are 1.5 inches of airspace, and you will be all set to start the party.
The terminals can accept a wire size of maximum eight gauges. When starting to use the subwoofer, there might be a light smell emitted. It wears off with use, and the glue burning of the coils causes it.
Pros:
- The maximum power of the subwoofer is at 2500Watts
- RMS Power at 1250Watts
- High db sensitivity of up to 85.1
- High-temperature voice coil
Cons:
- A light smell is emitted at the beginning of use
6. Skar Audio DDX-15 Competition Subwoofer
Are you looking for a competition grade subwoofer that will have your car’s wheels bouncing off the ground with bass when your car audio system is cranked up? Then you will want to take a serious look at the Skar Audio DDX-15 D2. This competition subwoofer really delivers when it comes to high powered low-frequency bass notes.
This competition grade subwoofer really has the power to do some heavy thumping inside your vehicle. It is best used with an amplifier that will consistently supply this subwoofer with the recommended 1000 watt RMS power it craves. Its competition grade pressed paper cone only adds to the deep, rich bass tones it produces.
Among its other great features are its wide 30Hz-400Hz frequency response range and its advanced airflow design that offers it superior cooling. Skar also stands behind this competition subwoofer with a full 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Competition Grade Pressed Paper Cone
- Dual 2-ohm voice coil subwoofer
- 1000 watt RMS power/1500 watt max power
- Generous 30Hz-400Hz frequency response range
- Advanced airflow design to help with cooling
- Nice 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Needs 24 hours to break in
- Very heavy at almost 40 lbs.
7. DS18 Car Subwoofer Audio Speaker
This 12-inch entry-level car audio subwoofer is made of high-quality glass fiber cone and specially treated foam, designed to ensure durability and the finest quality of sound reproduction. Equally, it can be applied to enhance your home theater to increase stereo sound. Operating at a peak power of 500 Watts, it can be easily mounted inside your car, at a cutout diameter of 10.9 inches and 5.47-inch depth. This speaker can be both sealed or ported enclosure, depending on your preference and budget. The DS18 has a wide frequency response range of 41 – 4.2KHZ.
Note that the bass strength is raw, and if cranked up to maximum levels, will considerably shorten its durability. The DS18 is rather good at integrating, rather than exaggerating sound, so choose according to your preference. Initially, it could take a week to two weeks to break in and settle with a smooth sound, but it will produce crisp and clear audio once it gets going.
Pros:
- The leather lining is stylish.
- You get good value here because the craftsmanship is impressive, and you won’t need to pay that much.
- It can be mounted both in your car or at home to enhance your home theater system.
Cons:
- The wattage will not blow you away.
8. DS18 EXL-B15.4D Competition Subwoofer
There’s nothing like driving on a new road listening to the songs you like. And when you have a high-quality audio system, the feeling only gets better. The DS18 EXL is a competition grade subwoofer that enhances your audio system. The sub is capable of handling 3000 watts of peak power and 1800 watts RMS.
This is a very loud subwoofer. If you turn it up, the whole neighborhood will enjoy your tracklist, even if they did not intend to. The sound quality is also top-notch, and you can even discover new instruments in songs you’ve known for years.
Pros
- Loud – This subwoofer is loud. Some people might even consider it overkill. If you turn up the sub you won’t be able to hear your own thoughts.
- Amazing Sound – The sub produces an amazing sound. The sound is so clear and crisp, you’ll hear every instrument in the song individually.
Con
- Defective Units – Some customers complained that they received defective units. If this happens, contact the customer support service and they’ll replace your defective unit with a new one.
What Is An SPL?
SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level, and it’s calculated in decibels. The human ear does not hear volume, it hears pressure. The closer you are to the sound’s source, the more pressure your ear will register. If you are far from the sound’s source, the pressure will be reduced, but the volume will remain the same.
The Difference Between Sound Pressure and Volume
It’s true that in most cases when you turn up the pressure, the volume will go up as well. Volume affects the sound, but it does not affect our perception of how loud the sound is.
Unlike regular speakers, professional ones can produce more pressure without drastically increasing the volume. In other words, professional speakers are capable of producing more pressure with less volume than regular ones.
Why Is SPL Important?
It’s very important to know what SPL is because SPL can damage your ears. The human ears are capable of withstanding sound pressures of up to 80 dB. When the sound pressure is over 85-90 dB, the ears start to degenerate. If you spend a lot of time around speakers that produce a high sound pressure, your ears can be damaged irreversibly.
The further you are from the source of the sound, the less pressure your ears register. Professional speakers are specially designed to move a lot of air, so they will generate a lot of sound pressure. However, the sound pressure also affects the quality of the sound. If you increase the SPL, chances are the bass will be sloppy and ill-defined. It can also be damaging to your ears, depending on the amount of pressure produced.
Volume measures the intensity of a sound. You can say a speaker is loud even if you are far away from it and you don’t feel the sound pressure it produces.
Buying Guide: How to Buy a Competition Subwoofer
Competition subwoofers are beasts. They produce a lot of bass and maintain good sound quality. Finding the right competition subwoofer for your car is not difficult if you know what to look for. In case you don’t, just read the following section of our article.
Here, we explain what to look for in a competition subwoofer, and how to find the right model for your car.
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Competition Subwoofer
- Power –
A competition subwoofer has to be powerful. That’s why you’re buying one in the first place. Here’s how you determine exactly how powerful a subwoofer is.
- Peak Power –
Many people see the peak power rating of a subwoofer and consider it the sub’s maximum capacity. That is partly true, but it’s a long way from how a sub really works.
The sub’s peak power affects its performance, but only in a small degree. This is actually the rating of the maximum voltage the sub can handle in short bursts. - RMS Power –
The RMS rating measures how much power the sub can handle continuously. This rating is the one that actually matters when you try to determine how powerful a sub is.
You should know that not only the sub’s power rating will influence how it will behave once you install it. A subwoofer needs to be connected to a good amp if you want it to work as well as it can. You should always use an amp that has a similar power rating as the sub. An ideal amp should produce somewhere between 75 – 150% of the sub’s power rating. - Size –
As you could see from our short reviews, competition subwoofers come in different sizes. The sizes influence the subs performance, but a large sub is also more difficult to install and transport than a smaller one.- 12 Inch Subwoofers –
These subs are not small, but they won’t take up your whole boot, either. If you like listening to powerful bass, but you don’t want to sacrifice the sound’s quality for pressure, then 12” models are the right ones for you. These units are relatively easy to install, and they work nicely in dual setups. - 15 Inch Subwoofers –
These subs are large, and they will take up more of your boot space. They can be very loud and they will make your teeth rattle even if you don’t turn them up to the max. Most of them perform well in all lows, but you have to be careful when you install them. Installing them with an SPL setting too high can lead up to sound distortions. You can set them up in dual setups if your trunk space allows it.
The size of the subwoofer is very important for its performance. The larger the sub, the more air it will push. You should also know that every sub will need a box in order to work. Large subs will need larger boxes, so they will end up occupying most of your boot space. The sub’s size is especially important for people who travel a lot. Larger subs are also heavier, so they can slightly affect your car’s fuel consumption as well as its performance.
- 12 Inch Subwoofers –
- Cost –
If you want to improve your audio system, you can do it with a competition subwoofer. Even though the subs are not very expensive, the whole setup can be, because you have to buy an amp, connecting cables, and a box. Each configuration is different, but the subs are a vital component, and you should spare no expense when buying one.- Cheap Subwoofers –
Unlike other products, the cost of a sub is not necessarily related to its performance. You can find cheap models that are capable of amazing outputs, and if you hook them up to a good amp they will perform as well as any other expensive model would. One of the advantages of buying a cheaper sub is that you can buy more of them with the same budget. This can be very good, especially if you’re planning on using more for your configuration.
Cheap subs are also a great choice for beginners. If you don’t have any previous experience with competition subs, buying a cheap one is a good way to start. You can experience with different configurations and figure out which one you like better before buying more expensive units. - Expensive Subwoofers –
Even though there are some good cheap subs on the market, there are others that cost more. You might be wondering why that is, and if they’re worth the extra money.
Well, these subs usually have better cones. The cones can be made out of composite or another strong material. Having a high-quality cone is very important for the sub’s performance, as it will stop most of the vibrations and lower the chances of distortions. These subs also have spiders larger than 7” which are less likely to sag. They are also more resilient to deformation, so they will be more durable than others. This will allow you to use them for a longer time at their maximum capacity. Subs are designed to withstand more pressure than their RMS rating, and expensive ones are less likely to get damaged when they have to produce a distorted signal.
- Cheap Subwoofers –
How To Set Up A Competition Subwoofer Correctly
There’s nothing like driving on your favorite road with music blasting from your audio system. But if you like bass, there is no better audio system than one that has a competition subwoofer installed.
Finding the right competition subwoofer for your car is easy when you know what to look for. They are the go-to product of bass enthusiasts, and they’re the best option if you like driving and listening to music.
If you want to get a competition subwoofer, you have to know how to install it or have a professional do it correctly. No matter how expensive your sub is, it won’t perform as well as it should if you don’t set it up right.
First of all, you will need a box for your sub. The size of the box is very important, especially if you’re going for the larger models. The box acts as a support for the sub, but also plays a crucial part in its cooling process. If a sub is not installed in a box large enough, it won’t be capable of pushing as much air as it should.
Second, you have to make sure the sub gets enough power. If you have to upgrade your car’s battery to make it work, don’t hesitate. It’s very important to connect the subwoofer to the battery directly and avoid connecting it to the fuse box. The fuse box is often the cause of distortions or interference, and you might hear the engine noises through the sub.
Now that you powered the sub, you have to connect it to the amp. The amp is very important, and if you’re looking to make a competition setup, you should get a high-quality one. Choosing the right amp is a crucial step in your audio configuration. The amp’s power rating should be similar to the sub’s. You should not under power your sub because underpowering can lead to overheating. Besides finding a good amp for your sub, you should also set the amp’s gain correctly. If you don’t have any previous experience with setting the gain, you should do it using test tones.
How To Tune Your Subwoofer in 2 Easy Steps
If you want to listen to clean and crisp music, you should tune your subwoofer. Here’s how you do it.
- Make Sure There Are No Distortions –
If you want to remove the sub’s distortions, you should set the amp’s gain low to start. Play something and turn up the volume until the music starts distorting. Turn down the volume until the music sounds good again, and mark the volume. That’s the stereo’s limit, and anything past that point will sound distorted. Turn up the amp’s gain until the sound is distorted and then turn it down a notch so it will hear clearly. You have to maintain the amp’s gain values at the same level, but you can modify the stereo’s volume. - Find The Right Bass Setting –
To find the right bass setting, turn the amp’s gain to its lowest level to start. Turn on the low-pass filter (usually marked LPF on the amp), and turn off the bass boost setting if it has one. Turn the bass tone on flat, and the subwoofer control to zero. Play music at a low volume, somewhere at about a quarter of the maximum volume. Turn on the sub until it overpowers your speakers without distorting the sound. Turn up the stereo’s volume and enjoy it.
Competition Grade V.S. Standard Subwoofers
You might be wondering what’s difference between a competition-grade sub and a regular one. Well, we made a list
- Power Ratings – Competition subs are more powerful than regular ones. They have power ratings above 1,000 watts. And we’re not talking about the peak power. It’s the RMS power that matters
- High-Quality Cones – Cones are very important because they determine the sub’s durability. A high-quality cone will stop most of the vibrations that might affect the sound, so the music will sound better.
- Large Spiders – The sub’s spiders play a key role in pushing the air. A large spider will push more air at once. Competition grade subs also have better spiders which will not sag as quickly as regular ones will.
- Large Voice Coils – The coils will respond better to the magnet, and they will have a good reply.
Competition grade subwoofers are designed to handle more power. If you like bass but you don’t want to let the whole neighborhood know you’re in the area, you might not need one. Standard subs sound good, but they don’t produce nearly as much bass as competition ones. However, standard subs are cheaper than competition models.
Also, check out which Underseat Subwoofers are best?
Wrap Up
Despite their name, competition subwoofers can be used by everyone. They are very powerful and they will improve your driving experience. Finding the best competition subwoofer is a matter of preference and budget. Even the smallest of them can blow your mind once it’s used in a good configuration. The larger models are the types of subs you install when you want to entertain your whole neighborhood, even if they don’t want you to.
As you could see in our competition subwoofer reviews, these models are very powerful. In fact, they are so powerful that they might actually harm your ears. Keep that in mind when you choose your sub, and always be careful when you turn the music on.