A subwoofer is an integral part of any sound system to produce the bass separately and give you a complete music experience.
Especially if you are interested in music listening inside your car, fitting a regular subwoofer can pose a challenge due to limited space. That’s where the shallow mount subwoofers come in with a lower mounting depth to provide you the subwoofer’s benefits in your car.
If you have decided to buy a shallow mount subwoofer, it can get frustrating with different options piling in the market every day.
So to save your time and energy, I have compiled a list of the best 10 shallow mount subwoofers. Additionally, you get a buying guide too to help you compare and make an informed decision about the purchase. So without wasting any more time, let’s begin.
Our Top 10 Picks at a Glance
If you are running short on time, this section is for you. Before we get into the full review, let’s get introduced to the products shortly with their key characteristics.
Infinity REF1000S Shallow Mount Subwoofer – Best for Variable Impedance
A familiar name in the market with excellent power handling, sensitivity, and frequency response. The selectable smart impedance stands out as the star of the show.
Skar Audio VD-10 D4 Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer – Best for Sizing Options
Well-balanced subwoofer with one of the highest RMS power on the list. Available at different sizes with dual voice coil configuration.
Planet Audio AC10D Car Subwoofer – Best for Enclosure Compatibility
One of the cheapest options on the list yet comes with spectacular power handling numbers. Compatibility with both sealed and ported enclosures makes it a good value for money subwoofer.
PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 Shallow Mount SVC Subwoofer – Best for Narrow Space
Great for cars with tight space. It is moderately priced with an impressive low-frequency number.
MB Quart DS1-254 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer – Best for Durability – Not the most powerful subwoofer out there. But in terms of durability gets the full mark with durable aluminum vents at the front and rear.
JBL Club WS1000 Shallow Mount Subwoofer – Best for Flexible Installation – Comes from an established name on the market. Definitely not cheap, but the sliceable smart impedance and flexible installation make the price worth it.
Rockford Fosgate R2SD2-10 Prime DVC Shallow Subwoofer – Best for Heat Dissipation
A subwoofer with good heat management. Additionally, it has a dual voice coil and support for both sealed and ported enclosures.
BOSS Audio Systems D10F Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer – Best for Warranty
Another reasonably priced subwoofer from a known brand. Comes with balanced performance and a 3-year warranty.
BOSS Audio Systems CXX10 Car Subwoofer – Best Value for Money
Again, from the same manufacture as the previous one. This one is the cheapest subwoofer on the list, yet it packs enough to compete with pricier models on the market. Additionally, you get a 3-year warranty.
Cerwin-Vega VPS104D Pro Shallow Mount Subwoofer – Best Newcomer in the Market –
If you are open to trying something new, the performance of this subwoofer will surprise you. Balance performer with a premium price tag.
Comparison Table- Best 10 Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Infinity REF1000S Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 35Hz – 175Hz
- Sensitivity: 89dB
- Max Power: 800 Watt
- RMS Power: 200 Watt
Starting my list with Infinity’s REF1000S subwoofer. Combining everything from price, design to other specifications, this shallow mount subwoofer is a pretty balanced package. That’s why this subwoofer earned the first spot on my list.
Right of the bat, you’ll notice the simple design of this subwoofer with an Infinity logo at the front. The installation is pretty flexible, and the subwoofer just blends in with any compact car these days. As for the performance, this subwoofer has a peak power of 800 watts and an RMS of 200 watts.
With a considerable amount of power behind, this subwoofer can deliver powerful and crisp beats with your music system. The con inside is made of propylene with a rubber surround which ensures the most accurate sound reproduction without distortion.
Another impressive feature I forgot to mention is the Harman proprietary SSI. Instead of a fixed impedance, you can switch between 2 and 4 ohms.
Lastly, I would say the price point, besides other great features, makes this subwoofer an appealing choice. If you want great bass without hurting your pocket, you should check out Infinity REF1000S Shallow Mount Subwoofer.
Pros
- Selectable smart impedance
- Great performance
- Simplistic look
- Good value for the money
Cons
- It doesn’t run on that peak voltage for long
Skar Audio VD-10 D4 Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 30Hz – 350Hz
- Sensitivity: 85.2 dB
- Max Power: 800 Watt
- RMS Power: 500 Watt
Skar Audio’s VD-10 D4 is another excellent subwoofer that costs even lower than my previous entry from Infinity. Despite this low price tag, the punch this subwoofer was able to pack was really impressive. Several features make this subwoofer an excellent buying decision.
Power handling is one of the key aspects of any speaker, and this subwoofer gets the full mark in that segment. With a peak power of 800 watts and RMS power of 500 watts, you won’t have to worry about its performance twice.
Though the mounting depth is considerably shallow, it doesn’t affect the bass generation at all. The frequency response of 30-350Hz is pretty balanced, so the subwoofer easily picks different tones accurately. For the cone, it features a pressed paper one with a foam surround to offer a rich and heavy bass experience.
Pros
- Dual voice coil configuration
- Available in different sizes
- High RMS and maximum power rating
- Foam surround
Cons
- The shallow mounting depth can affect the sound quality in some cases
Planet Audio AC10D Car Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 39Hz – 350Hz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Max Power: 1500 Watt
- RMS Power: 750 Watt
Yet another super affordable subwoofer that can uplift your car music experience. If you are on a tight budget, Planet Audio’s AC10D car subwoofer can save you big time. Additionally, thousands of positive review speaks for its good quality.
Let’s talk about performance first. Though the price here is surprisingly low, Planet Audio didn’t compromise at the power department. This subwoofer boasts a max power output of 1500 watts and an RMS power of 750 watts to deliver the clearest bass quality.
The dual voice coil setup allows more wiring configurations. If you decide to add extra subwoofers in the future, you can easily wire the new one to control the power output. However, to set up the wirings, you might have to seek professional help. Additionally, the foam design of this subwoofer offers more flexibility without affecting the cone excursion.
Another praise-worthy feature of this subwoofer is that it can fit into both ported and sealed enclosures. In both cases, the subwoofer performs pretty well, adding versatility in it’ usage.
Overall, if you don’t have much to spend, this subwoofer can be a great starting point for a balanced music system for your car. The compromises made are pretty negligible, considering the price. If you are looking for the perfect blend of affordability and performance, you can’t go wrong with this subwoofer.
Pros
- Amazing level of power
- Good value for money
- Can fit into both sealed and port enclosure
- Polypropylene cones provide accurate bass
Cons
- Sound breaks up at a certain point
PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 Shallow Mount SVC Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 9000Hz
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- Max Power: 1200 Watt
- RMS Power: 300 Watt
Pioneer is already one of the most established names when it comes to the worldwide audio scene. So if you are looking for a subwoofer that packs tons of power in a compact form factor, Pioneer’s TS-A2500LS4 shallow mount SVC subwoofer can be a pretty easy recommendation.
At first glance, you’ll notice that the profile is pretty thin to fit into various sizes of vehicles. With an impressive peak power rating of 1300 watts and RMS power of 600 watts, this subwoofer can easily compete against bigger and pricier subwoofers in the market. In addition, this subwoofer equips a 4-ohm voice coil to ensure that you get the most precise bass experience.
The cone is another feature that distinguishes it from the rest of the options in the market. The MICA injected resin cones increase the gasket’s surface area to move more air inside and generate a clearer and louder bass.
The frequency range is praiseworthy, too, with a lower limit of 20 Hz, tops at 900 Hz. Overall, it does a fantastic job of picking up different tunes accurately.
If you are looking for the perfect bass solution for your car, look no further than this Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 subwoofer. With minimum distortion, excellent power handling, and the resin cone, there is not much to complain about.
Pros
- Slim and low profile design
- No unwanted rattling
- Amazing lower end frequency of 20 Hz
- Works great in tighter spots
Cons
- The RMS is considerably low
MB Quart DS1-254 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: N/A
- Sensitivity: 82 dB
- Max Power: 400 Watt
- RMS Power: 200 Watt
Unlike the other names I have mentioned in the list, MB Quart is not as famous as other brands. Additionally, the ordinary look and low power rating can seem like a turnoff. But let me tell you, even I was surprised when I listened to this beast perform for the first time.
With a maximum power of 400 watts and RMS of 200 watts, you might think this subwoofer lacks the power to rock your road trips. However, with a moderate power rating like this, this subwoofer still provides a very punchy bass.
We often face problems with our music system as there is very limited space in the car to install them. But with a mounting depth of less than 3 inches, this subwoofer thrives in sealed enclosure applications.
For the surround, MB Quart used regular rubber ones, and they offer a low distorted and flexible sound experience. Additionally, a nickel-plated push and insert protect from further corrosion and eases up the installation process.
If you can overlook the power rating and want a smooth and gentle bass experience for your car’s music system, MB Quart DS1-254 can easily get the job done.
Pros
- Shallow mounting depth
- Vented aluminum frame at front and rear
- 2.5-inch high-temperature voice coil
- Nickel-plated push and insert
Cons
- Not ideal if you are looking for wild bass
JBL Club WS1000 Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 35Hz – 175Hz
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Max Power: 800 Watt
- RMS Power: 200 Watt
I don’t think the name JBL needs any further introduction in the audio industry. They have been dominating the market for decades, and any sound system list will be incomplete if there is no JBL product in it. That’s why I have brought you JBL’s Club WS1000 shallow mount subwoofer.
The first noticeable thing about this subwoofer is its low-profile design with minimal mounting depth. No matter how shallow the enclosure is, this subwoofer can easily fit right in the most compact cars. In addition, the power rating is neither too high nor too low, with a moderate max power of 800 watts and an RMS of 20 watts.
With this amount of power and polypropylene cones, this subwoofer can generate an exceptional bass response. In addition, the lower end of frequency response is only 27 Hz, which is another excellent feature to catch the lowest sound frequencies.
Last but not least, this JBL Club WS1000 Harman-proprietary SSITM, allowing the subwoofer a variable impedance. So you can change between a load of 2 or 4 ohms just by flipping a switch.
If you are looking for a familiar face in the market with a reputation for confirmed performance, you will not regret buying this subwoofer from JBL.
Pros
- Selectable Smart Impedance
- Polypropylene woofer cones
- Great low-frequency range
- Flexible installation
Cons
- The impedance switch comes off sometimes
Rockford Fosgate R2SD2-10 Prime DVC Shallow Subwoofer
Specification
- Fequency response: 45Hz – 250Hz
- Sensitivity: 83 dB
- Max Power: 400 Watt
- RMS Power: 200 Watt
While selecting products for this list, Rockford Fosgate R2SD2-10 made my head turn by its fantastic bang for bucks. It’s really impressive how Rockford effortlessly pulled of a subwoofer that sounds great from a shallow enclosure.
Again, not the most powerful subwoofer on the list in terms of number. But with a peak power of 400 watts and RMS of 200 watts, this subwoofer is guaranteed to leave you satisfied. Additionally, the stamp cast with spider vent further ensures you get the most precise base possible.
Overheating is a pretty common issue for shallow mounted subwoofers. For this subwoofer, Rockford used an aluminum coil for the best heat dissipation.
The 2-Ohm dual voice coil design is another good thing about this subwoofer. This design will allow compatibility with different types of wiring configurations.
The frequency range is not the best, but a lower frequency of 45 Hz should easily meet your audio needs.
Regardless of a low price tag, this subwoofer from Rockford can compete against other known options on the market. If you are looking for a decent subwoofer alternative, you’ll definitely be happy with Rockford Fosgate R2SD2-10 shallow subwoofer.
Pros
- Good heat dissipation
- Spider vent system
- Dual voice coil for versatile connection
- Works with both sealed and ported enclosure
Cons
- The sound may distort a little at heavy load
BOSS Audio Systems D10F Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 35Hz – 2.2KHz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Max Power: 800 Watt
- RMS Power: 400 Watt
BOSS audio is another proven player on the market, just like JBL. On top of that, BOSS audio’s D10F comes with a way lower price tag than the JBL one, so that’s another great side. Though the price is low, it doesn’t compromise the overall quality of this subwoofer.
The power of this subwoofer tops at 800 watts with an RMS power of 400 watts. Combining with an impedance of 4 ohms, this subwoofer can produce tight bass even in the narrowest cars.
Inside, the subwoofer comes with a ply-injected cone with a rubber surround. The cone does a great job of handling the power, and the surround keeps any dust particles away.
For the vice coil, BOSS has opted for aluminum, which is impressive for the price. In addition, the 2-inch aluminum coil gets the job done decently.
Lastly, the addition of a 3-year platinum warranty is another excellent indicator of this subwoofer’s quality. So, if you are planning to set up a car audio system with a known name in the market, you’ll be satisfied with BOSS audio’s D10F going forward.
Pros
- 3-year platinum warranty
- Wide frequency response
- Aluminum voice coil
- Specially engineered Butyl rubber surround
Cons
- It tends to rattle with constant bass at peak power
BOSS Audio Systems CXX10 Car Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: 25Hz – 2KHz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Max Power: 800 Watt
- RMS Power: 400 Watt
I have tried my best to introduce as much variety as possible in this list in terms of the price throughout the list. In my search for variety, here I brought you the cheapest subwoofer on the list. Like the previous entry, this one, too, is from BOSS.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice quite a few similarities in build quality like the previous subwoofer. There are three other size and power options you can choose from. If you have a bigger installation hole, you can go for the 12-inch option.
The unit I’m reviewing has a peak power of 800 watts, and if you want more, you can go for the 1000 watt option. This subwoofer performs decently, even with a peak power of 800 watts and RMS power of 400 watts.
You get a pretty standard propylene cone with a rubber surround with this subwoofer. For the price I was paying, I was nothing but impressed by its bass quality.
Overheating can ruin your beloved sound system and to prevent that, BOSS has included a high-temperature voice coil in this subwoofer. With all this goodness, the mounting depth of 4.6 inches can be an issue for some.
However, for a price tag this low with a warranty of 3 years, this one is an easy purchase decision. With all the good features this subwoofer has, you’ll surely be over the moon.
Pros
- 3-year platinum warranty
- Polypropylene cone with rubber surround
- High-temperature voice coil
- Amazing value for the money
Cons
- The power ratings are somewhat inaccurate
Cerwin-Vega VPS104D Pro Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Specification
- Frequency response: N/A
- Sensitivity: 82.7 dB
- Max Power: 600 Watt
- RMS Power: 300 Watt
I’ll wrap up the list with another hidden gem in the subwoofer market from Cerwin-Vega. Again, this is not a subwoofer you’ll be particularly familiar with, but this brand has been manufacturing some quality subwoofer for a long time.
This subwoofer boasts a pretty low-profile design that can easily blend in any car, whether modern or old. The subwoofer is also available in a 2 ohm and 4-ohm version to add more freedom to your buying decision.
The power handling is not the best, but Cerwin-Vega ensured that it doesn’t affect the bass experience. You’ll get that deep, punchy bass experience, just what you should expect from a comparatively pricier model like this.
For proper heat dissipation, Cerwin-Vega VPS104D Pro features a vented motor structure. It keeps all the heat away to maintain the optimal performance and quality of the subwoofer. Though the frequency response was not specified anywhere, this subwoofer sounds way better and handles the lower frequencies like a pro.
In conclusion, this subwoofer can be an excellent bargain for the money. The decision might be a bit confusing as it’s a pretty unfamiliar brand, but I assure you that you’ll love the premium bass experience of this subwoofer.
Pros
- Vented motor structure
- Accurate power handling that sounds great
- Unimount gasket surround
- It fits right in narrow spaces
Cons
- Power handling could have been better
Best 10 Shallow Mount Subwoofers Buying Guide
Among thousands of subwoofers at the market, selecting one to suit your need can be a tricky job. New manufacturers are entering the scene every day, and it’s getting more challenging each day to filter out the best product out there.
To find out what is the best 10 inch shallow mount subwoofer; I decided to put together this buying guide to help you out. After reading this, you’ll know exactly what features you should look for in a shallow mount subwoofer.
Size
The first thing you need to consider while buying a shallow mount subwoofer is the size. Though the biggest doesn’t always represent the loudest sound, size can drastically affect the bass response. So, depending on your bass preference, you need to find the right size. Assuming you don’t know what each size indicates, let’s give you a primary idea.
Usually, shallow munt subwoofers can range from 8″ to up to 15″. The smaller sizes mean punchier and strong bass, suitable for a fast-paced music experience. Then when you start to climb up, you’ll be able to cover a wide variety of bass with a single shallow mount subwoofer.
If you ask me, 10′ is the most balanced size of all, providing the most balanced experience. That’s why most of the entries on my list are 10″ ones. However, if you have a different preference in mind, you can opt for different sizes.
Installation
As the name “shallow mount,” it’s pretty obvious that installation can be an issue if you don’t check the size and mounting depth properly before making the purchase. Though some subwoofer claims to be “shallow mounts,” they can be just regular-sized subwoofer that probably won’t fit in.
These shallow mount subwoofers are mainly targeted for car audio systems, where not much space is available. Especially in modern cars, it can be the mounting depths are shallower than ever. If you buy without prior measurement, you won’t be able to install the subwoofer into the space you have available.
Build Quality
The construction quality might not seem like a big deal at first, but it carries way more significance than you think. Most of the time, users don’t consider the build and durability with importance as these shallow mount subwoofers usually don’t stay exposed.
However, you should check out the build quality and the materials used, if you want to ensure a long lifespan for the subwoofer. If you plan to install the subwoofer someplace with a risk of corrosion, make sure the outer layer of the subwoofer is rust-proof. Just look out for cheap plastics, and you should be good to go.
Power Handling
Power handling refers to the values a subwoofer can handle at a certain period of time. Two power ratings fall under power handling.
The first one is the peak power, and then comes the RMS power. Most of the time, you’ll see most manufacturers try to sell you their product only by stating the peak power of the subwoofer.
However, only the peak power doesn’t draw the complete picture here. The term peak power is pretty self-explanatory as it refers to the total amount of power the subwoofer can handle.
On the other hand, RMS power refers to the number subwoofer can handle continuously. As the RMS represents the power the subwoofer would be handling regularly on average, this number is somewhat more important than the peak power.
So while buying a shallow mount subwoofer, consider the power handling and, more importantly, both the power rating to get the best out of your purchase.
Subwoofer Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a subwoofer can also be described as efficiency. While power handling is quite important, as I mentioned earlier, the power can be worthless without proper sensitivity. Let me explain. Subwoofer sensitivity is usually measured as dB, which refers to how much bass you can get from the subwoofer with a certain amount of power.
This means, no matter how great the power handling is, you won’t be able to get the volume you expect without the right sensitivity. You may wonder why manufacturers don’t make subwoofers with higher sensitivity. Increasing the sensitivity can take a toll on the sound experience in some cases, which is why some subwoofers have lower sensitivity.
To sum it up, you should always choose the subwoofer with a higher sensitivity number. It may cost a bit more, but you’ll be able to take advantage of your high-power handling.
This is the last technical term I would like to address here shortly. The main job of a subwoofer is to catch the lower sound frequencies, aka the bass, and allow us, the listeners, to hear that. For an average human, it’s typically impossible to hear something under 20 Hz.
Frequency Range
When you listen to a song, it’s a mix of different frequencies. So when buying a subwoofer, you should pick one that has the lowest frequency response. The lower frequency you can get, the better you’ll be able to hear the lower tunes in a particular song. Though there is no exact number for the upper limit, try to keep it low, too, as it’s the speaker’s job to produce them.
Price
On the market, you’ll find subwoofers at different price ranges. Interestingly, this range is so big that sometimes, it gets confusing. Starting under hundred bucks, a subwoofer can cost up to several hundred dollars.
To get the best value out of the subwoofer, you should always look for the features and the specifications I mentioned for each product.
Though the specification doesn’t always represent the quality and performance, it can give you a pretty good idea. As for a specific number, you can get your hands on some pretty good deals at a very low price range, as you can see from the list. Just decide how much you can spend, check the specifications as I discussed above, and you’ll find the perfect match easily.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best brand for shallow mount subwoofers?
A: As much as I would like to name a particular brand, it would be an injustice to other less-known brands that manufacture fantastic products. As I mentioned in the list, JBL, BOSS, Infinity are some of the established names in the market with a proven reputation and user base.
So if you are after that, you can choose any of their product. But you should always be open to other products that offer impressive specifications.
Q: What features affect the subwoofer performance the most?
A: There is no single feature that affects the performance of a subwoofer. Instead, it’s a mix of different things, especially those I mentioned under the specifications segment of each product.
The power handling, sensitivity, and frequency response are some of the key aspects that affect the subwoofer performance most.
So instead of brand names and prices, these are the factors you should check out more.
Q: Single or dual subwoofer setup, which will be the best for the music system?
A: This is one of the most frequently asked questions about subwoofers. While the answer depends largely on the subwoofers you are planning to purchase; typically, a dual setup tends to have a cleaner bass than a single subwoofer.
As the cone area of two subwoofers combined can hold more sound pressure, the dual setup produces a punchier bass experience and better bass distribution.
Q: What’s the benefit of a dual voice coil subwoofer?
A: As you have noticed, some entries on my list had two voice coils instead of one. This dual voice coil means there are two voice coils inside the subwoofer with their own connection options. Because of two separate connection options, dual voice coil subwoofers offer more wiring flexibility than a single voice coil subwoofer.
Conclusion
Now that we are at the end, I hope my list of the best 10 shallow mount subwoofers was helpful enough to choose the right shallow mount subwoofer for yourself.
Since every product on the list performs pretty well with proven user reviews backing them up, you can select any subwoofers there according to your budget.
Additionally, if your confusion still persists, you can take the help of my buying guide to look for other options.
