In this guide we will be answering common questions many car audio enthusiasts may have about under seat subwoofers.
1. What are Under Seat Subwoofers?
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Unseen, Not Unheard: Under seat subwoofers are subwoofers designed to fit neatly under the seats in your vehicle. They offer a space-saving solution to boost the bass in your vehicle's sound system without sacrificing cargo space in the trunk.
2. Are Under the Seat Subwoofers Worth It?
There are many benefits of under seat subwoofers, but there are two that really stand out for most drivers.
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Space-Saving, Clean Design: Traditional subwoofers often take up valuable trunk space, limiting your cargo capacity. Under seat subwoofers utilize the often unused space beneath your car seats, keeping your trunk free for luggage, groceries, or other gear. Since they fit under the seats, under seat subwoofers maintain a clean and uncluttered look in your car's interior. This is great for those who desire a more minimalist aesthetic and want to keep the subwoofer hidden from view.
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Powerful, Balanced Bass Enhancement: Traditionally, subwoofers placed in the trunk can create uneven bass distribution. Under seat subwoofers are strategically positioned to optimize low-end frequencies. Placing them closer to the center of the cabin disperses soundwaves more uniformly, ensuring a consistent and powerful bass experience for all passengers. By adding that missing bass layer, instruments and vocals become clearer in bass-heavy genres like rock, hip-hop, or electronic music.
3. Will an Under Seat Subwoofer Fit in My Vehicle?
That depends. Underseat subwoofers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them ideal for a wider range of car models compared to bulkier traditional subwoofers. You'll have to measure the under seat space and check the dimensions of your desired subwoofer.
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Precision Custom Fitting & Easy Installation: Many manufacturers have created custom fitted subwoofer enclosures that are designed to perfectly match the contours of the under seat space in your specific vehicle. This ensures a clean, professional look and maximizes the available space for a snug fit. This can also simplify the installation process dramatically as it requires little to no modifications to your vehicle. For instance, Stinger has created a custom fit under seat dual 8" subwoofer enclosure for Jeep Gladiators that fits perfectly and installs seamlessly. Check out the video below and see for yourself!
4. Are Two Under Seat Subwoofers Better Than One?
Yes, especially if you are an audiophile. Using dual under seat subwoofers can result in:
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Smoother Bass Response: One subwoofer can create peaks and dips in the bass response at different listening positions in the car. Two subwoofers, properly positioned and configured (often in a symmetrical layout), can help smooth out these variations, leading to a more consistent and accurate bass experience across the listening area.
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Improved Soundstage: Dual subwoofers can enhance the overall soundstage by eliminating the tendency for a single subwoofer to localize the bass, creating a more natural and immersive listening experience.
5. Is It Okay to Face Under Seat Subwoofers Down?
Yes, matter of fact, down firing subs can offer a few adavantages:
- Coupling with the Floor: The downward-facing woofer fires sound waves directly into the floor of your car. The car floor acts as a large resonator, amplifying the bass frequencies and potentially increasing the perceived loudness of the bass compared to a front-firing subwoofer.
- Crawling Bass: As the sound waves hit the floor, they travel outwards in all directions. This "crawling bass" effect can sometimes lead to a more even distribution of low frequencies throughout the cabin, especially in larger vehicles.
We hope this guide answered some questions you may have had about under seat subwoofers and their part in building a complete audio sound system for your vehicle.