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When deciding to upgrade your car audio system, adding a subwoofer can produce massive results. Adding volume at sub frequencies is like adding a third dimension to your favorite tunes. Whether you're considering building a new audio system, or just adding or more subwoofers to your factory system, this easy addition will give you the single, most significant sonic improvement. Simply adding even a little bass will make a big time improvement in your overall system 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 fanatic.
Some of the top brands are:
MA Audio, Rockford Fosgate, SPL, Pyle
What type of sound do you prefer?
There are two main groups in the audio 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 music. 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 ported 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 naturally means more space. Generally speaking, ported enclosures will be to be 35- to 40-percent larger 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 slight rise around the tuning frequency (35 Hz) and roll off very quickly. Both types of enclosures have true supporters. What you decide to use really comes down to your application and how they will perform in your vehicle.
If you want more suggestions, you can visit Car Audio Tips and learn how to get Great Bass.
Professor Apex is an Guru In Car Audio and Mobile Video. He has more than 12 years of experience. You can find him here: Wholesale Car Audio
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