How To Choose an Active Subwoofer For Cars
Active subwoofers for cars are an essential component of high-quality car audio system. In a clear sense, the subwoofer is a large speaker for bass reproduction, which is enclosed in a housing to provide the best acoustic performance. In fact, without this element, it is almost impossible to build a high-quality speaker system.
In general, subwoofers are divided into the above-mentioned active subwoofers for the car, as well as passive.
The difference between the first is that they are equipped with a built-in signal amplifier, which distinguishes them from their “passive” counterparts. The advantage of active subwoofers for the car is the most compact system and easy installation. To activate the device in the system, simply connect the pins from the head system of the car. In addition, active subwoofers for cars do not require harmonization of components, which is also a significant advantage. However, such models have disadvantages. Chief among them become their own advantage – low in comparison with the “passive” systems price. For this reason, in the design of automotive manufacturers apply active subwoofers more available components, which results in lower performance sound.
Currently, the market presents a wide range of models of this type. Preference should be given to solutions from recognized manufacturers in the field of acoustics. In particular, such as the model PIONEER TS-WX205A, KENWOOD KRC-WA82RC, Lanzar HWT-8, PANASONIC EAB-12132J and Earthquake ASB 10. They have an excellent quality, and at the same time, quite affordable regarding the price that makes these active subwoofers for the car is the very popular solution for owners of relatively inexpensive cars.
Speaking of subwoofers, it is important to note the fact that there are different types of them on the market. The most popular active subwoofers for the car is the closed type. Their difference is a closed, sealed enclosure that allows the manufacturer to create a subwoofer in the speaker cavity. No less known reflex subwoofers. They are distinguished by the presence of reflex, which is a slit or a pipe. It serves to adjust the frequency characteristics of components in the lower ranges. There are also a bandpass subwoofer type and active subwoofers for cars with the passive radiator.
In the first type of speaker is located inside the subwoofer enclosure and for the direction of the sound used reflex.
The second type of subwoofers has another speaker, which serves to reduce the resonance frequency. Each of these types of subwoofers differs own merits and characteristics.
Establishing active subwoofers for the car, you want to take into account the configuration of the car trunk and body type. The latter there are three types – sedans, station wagons, and hatchbacks. The remaining variation is, in fact, are their modifications.
So, sedans subwoofer speaker sent directly into the back seat of the car. However, when installing recommended to leave a gap of about 8 centimeters and try to send the subwoofer right in the center of the seat, in the center armrest, if it is, of course, there is the car. This will ensure maximum penetration of the sound in the cabin. In the case of a hatchback powered subwoofer for cars “aims” the speaker upwards and sloping roof luggage compartment serves as a reflector, directing the sound wave and distributes it on the internal volume of the vehicle. On the wagon is sent back speaker and sound wave distribution also occurs due to the reflection from the tailgate.
In recent years, manufacturers have begun to focus on the production of active subwoofers with extremely compact dimensions. Of course, the sound quality is inferior to them in a bulky fellow, but compact, coupled with the ease of connection to the “head” of the subwoofer allows you to take with you when long term parking. This will prevent theft. To place such a decision should also be easily accessible – at the feet of the front passenger, or in a cavity under the dashboard. Also, the subwoofer of this type does not take away the useful volume of the luggage compartment, and it is very affordable. The downside of the decision is, as already mentioned, the smaller the volume and sound quality worse. However, for drivers of used cars or selling domestic car industry, this solution is quite suitable.
Generally, separately worth noting the fact the cost of the acoustics. The classic version is the one in which the price of all the components does not exceed 20 percent of the value of the car. High costs are simply unjustifiable.
In addition, in an accessible vehicle with low levels of noise reduction will hardly be able to implement the best possible sound. Maximum the “cheat” the system will lead to a significant rise in price and cost increases did not offset when the vehicle is resold.
For this reason, it is important to keep a reasonable balance of characteristics. The active subwoofers for the car are the most rational solution to ensure a satisfactory sound at a relatively low cost. As already mentioned, getting a subwoofer, it is better to pay attention to products of famous brands. Cheap, but unknown analogs are a kind of lottery in quality and uniquely lose the quality of the resulting sound.
Besides, we must remember that when installing a subwoofer is as fully get rid of “crickets” in the car, which can create resonance. Mindful of these nuances are not so difficult to make the right selection of the right solution in the sea of modern speakers, which we indulge the current market.