You’re beefing up your bass—but space is tight. Do you go all-in with a traditional subwoofer enclosure, or keep it sleek with an under seat sub? We’re diving into the details on under seat subwoofers and traditional subwoofer enclosures, so you can make an informed decision tailored to your system's needs.
Understanding Under Seat Subwoofers
What Are Under Seat Subwoofers?
Under seat subwoofers, such as the SQBASS68 pictured above, deliver tight, punchy bass that’s a bit more refined than the bass reproduced by your enclosure. These compact units, powered internally and tucked discreetly beneath your seat, excel at enhancing the mid-bass and lower frequencies without overwhelming the cabin. Expect a responsive, refined thump that complements your music rather than dominates it. The sound is clean, contained, and immediate.
Pros of Under Seat Subwoofers
1. Space-Saving Design: They fit under your seat—perfect for small cars with limited trunk room.
2. Clean Look: They're hidden and out of sight, keeping your car interior neat and uncluttered.
3. Easy To Install: Many are plug-and-play with simple wiring. Great for beginners or DIY installs.
4. Good for Tight Bass Fill: They add clean, tight bass that improves your sound without overdoing it.
Cons of Under Seat Subwoofers
1. Limited Power Handling: Smaller size means they can’t handle as much power as bigger enclosures.
2. Less Thump: They add bass, but not the window-rattling kind we like here at DS18 HQ!
Diving Into Traditional Subwoofer Boxes
What Are Traditional Enclosure?
Traditional enclosures like the ZXI-212LD.RG (shown above) deliver a different beast entirely. With dual 12" subwoofers in a ported enclosure, they push massive air to generate booming, thunderous bass that you feel in your chest. This setup turns your trunk into a rolling concert stage, ideal for bassheads and show builds looking to rattle windows and turn heads at every intersection.
Pros of Traditional Subwoofer Boxes
1. Superior Output: They deliver deep, strong bass and higher volume thanks to their larger size.
2. Customizability: You can choose different box types to get the exact kind of bass you want—tight and punchy or deep and booming.
3. Compatibility with External Amps: They connect easily to strong external amps for louder, clearer sound.
4. Looks Cool: Custom boxes can match your car’s interior and give your setup a clean, show-ready style.
Cons of Traditional Subwoofer Boxes
1. Bulkiness: These boxes are big and can eat up a lot of trunk or cargo room.
2. Complex Installation: They often need more wiring and setup time—sometimes even custom work.
3. Not Suitable for All Vehicles: Larger sub boxes may not fit well in compact cars or vehicles with limited trunk space.
Key Considerations for Your Decision
Vehicle Type and Space Constraints
The type of vehicle you drive plays a crucial role in determining whether an under seat subwoofer or a traditional sub box is the better choice. For example, if you own a compact car, an under seat sub may be the only viable option. Conversely, if you have a larger vehicle like an SUV or truck, a traditional sub box could fit without compromising cargo space.
Listening Habits
Your personal listening habits are another essential factor. If you primarily enjoy bass-heavy music and want a powerful audio experience, a traditional sub box may be more suitable. However, if you’re a casual listener who appreciates a balanced sound without overwhelming bass, an under seat subwoofer could get the job done.
Power and Amp Matching
When selecting a subwoofer, consider how it will integrate with your existing audio system. Under seat subs typically come with built-in amplifiers, making them easier to match with your vehicle’s audio setup. Traditional sub boxes may require external amplifiers, so you’ll need to ensure compatibility to maximize performance.
Budget
Your budget will also influence your decision. Under seat subwoofers generally come at a lower price point compared to traditional sub boxes, which may require additional components for optimal performance. Assess your financial constraints and prioritize features that matter most to you.
DIY Skill Level
If you’re not particularly handy with car audio installations, an under seat sub may be the more accessible option. The plug-and-play nature of these devices means you can easily install them without extensive technical knowledge. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with DIY projects and enjoy customizing your audio system, a traditional sub box might be a fun challenge.
Comparing the Two Options
|
Feature |
Under Seat Subwoofer |
Traditional Sub Box |
|
Size |
Compact |
Large |
|
Output Power |
Moderate |
High |
|
Installation |
Easy |
Moderate/Complex |
|
Bass Depth |
Tight, clean |
Deep, powerful |
|
Space Usage |
Minimal |
Requires trunk/cargo space |
|
Ideal User |
Daily drivers |
Audio enthusiasts |
Making Your Choice
Choosing between an under seat subwoofer and a traditional enclosure ultimately depends on your unique needs and preferences. If you prioritize your system’s space and easy installation, an under seat sub may be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you crave powerful bass and a customizable audio experience, a traditional sub box could be the way to go.
No matter what you’re looking for, DS18 has what you need! Check out our collection of subwoofers by clicking here! Considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that your system will thank you for. Happy listening!
