Choosing between a bass tube and an underseat subwoofer becomes confusing when looking for the best sound system.
There are not many differences between the two subwoofers. Also, both are brilliant options.
Looking at the characteristics of the bass tube and underseat subwoofer will help us decide which is the best option.
So I did the dirty work and gathered information about the two subwoofers. By the end of this article, it should be easier to squash the bass tube and subwoofer battle under the seat.
Here's the difference between bass tube and underseat subwoofers:
So, in the world of subwoofers, what differentiates the different types of subwoofers are their characteristics.
In this case, the lower tubes are cylindrical (with some flat sides). One of these flat sides faces the speaker driver. The rest of the tube enhances the tone production. The underseat subwoofers, on the other hand, are flat. The goal is for them to fit under the seats of all cars.
Advantages of a down tube
There are many benefits to buying and owning a down tube.
Let's take a look at three benefits associated with down tubes:
1. Integrated amplifier
Other subwoofers require an external amplifier. However, the bass tubes have a built-in amplifier. The bass tubes are active subwoofers due to the internal amplifier.
This feature makes bass whistles cheaper and less complicated to set up. With other subwoofers we have to choose between many components. But with this one, the down tube is all you need.
2. Good size
Lower tubes are not very big. Therefore, they fit easily in the trunk and between the back seat and the trunk area.
This perfect sizing makes the bass whistles ideal for smaller cars. No need to struggle to install a down tube on your car.
3. Impeccable bass
Bass whistles are known for having a thundering bass. Because the bass tubes are closed and sealed, they prevent any bass or low frequencies from escaping.
So if you're more interested in getting punchier bass, bass tubes are great.
4. Accessibility
Unlike box subwoofers, the down tubes are made from cheaper materials like plastic and are pre-engineered. Therefore, unlike box subwoofers, bass tubes are inexpensive.
So, the cheap price makes the bass whistles a great device if you are on a tight budget.
down tube cons
We've listed the positives and they're enough to nudge you towards the downtube. Still, it's important to discover the cons in order to make an unbiased choice:
- Bass tubes produce excellent bass or low frequencies. But if you like it a little finer, you won't like the quality.
Bass tube designs change the sound quality. However, it's important to note that they're not bad on output. It just means you won't enjoy the sound quality like you would with some boxed subwoofers.
Advantages of underseat subwoofers:
In this battle of subwoofers, it only makes sense to look at the characteristics of bass pipes and underseat subwoofers.
Now that we're done with the downpipes, here are the benefits of underseat subwoofers:
1. Save space
Underseat subwoofers take up space in the car that cannot be used for anything else. The sub can be stowed under the seat to save space.
Subwoofers tend to be large and take up an unnecessarily large amount of space. As a result, we have to move things around or stow the sub in the trunk. Honestly, some of our smaller cars can't accommodate a couple of box subwoofers.
2. Hassle-free installation
When I bought my subwoofer, I asked every product I saw if it was difficult to install. There? I'm not good with complicated cables and connections.
Luckily, underseat subwoofers are specifically designed to be placed under the seat, so there's not much you can do.
Having said that, I understand that some people prefer to hire a professional to do this, which is perfectly fine.
3. Low power consumption
Unlike other subwoofers, underseat subwoofers don't require a lot of power to run. In fact, most don't require external amplifiers to improve sound quality.
Underseat subwoofers are excellent as some come with built in amplifiers.
4. Flawless audio profile
Underseat subwoofers enhance the vehicle's audio profile. They produce a unique low frequency bass that is only produced by kick drums and basses.
When you pair underseat subwoofers with other speakers, you get higher frequencies and therefore better sound output.
5. Compact and lightweight
Because these subs are designed to fit into tight spaces, manufacturers make them smaller than regular subs. You can always remove them under the seat without much help.
Contras dos subwoofer Underseat
Wie viele andere Produkte haben Untersitz-Subwoofer einige Nachteile.
Here are the main disadvantages of underseat subs:
- Due to their small and compact size, underseat subwoofers are limited in sound quality. The overall performance cannot compete with that of box subwoofers.
- Opting for a beefy underseat subwoofer can limit passenger comfort. These submarines take up space for the passenger's legs.
- Because they have to be compact, underseat subwoofers lack safety features like extra rubber around the edges and covers. This makes them less durable as they are prone to damage.
Also, seat subs tend to have a shorter lifespan due to constant stress and vibration.
So which is better, a downtube or an underseat subwoofer?
Choosing between a bass tube and an underseat subwoofer also comes down to your tastes and preferences.
Of course, everyone has their bright traits that make them different or even better than the other. However, everyone's needs are different.
Bass tubes are best for those on a budget. On the other hand, underseat subwoofers work best in tight spaces. So both are perfect in different conditions.
Before buying, it is best to thoroughly evaluate the best properties and choose accordingly. Your needs are more important, so don't buy the sub because someone you know did too!
Top Bass Pipe Brands
I've narrowed it down to two brands of bass tubes to make it easier for you.
BOSS audio systems tube
Boss is a renowned brand. It is known for its portable audio devices. This is particularly suitable for your car.
This speaker is waterproof and only requires a Bluetooth connection. So say goodbye to multiple cable connections and complicated setups.
In addition to music support, the Boss speaker also supports calls. Nothing beats this as it gives you a hands-free experience while driving.
The battery supports up to eight hours of battery backup. In addition, the speaker has 32 GB of storage space.
Pyle Subwoofer Tubo
This down tube has cool features, exquisite design and construction. It also has good power output and frequency response.
The Pyle subwoofer tube supports between 30 and 700 Hz. Combined with the easy installation feature, this speaker is worth buying.
Since we mentioned the best bass whistles, it's only fitting that we also talk about the best underseat subwoofers.
Superior subwoofers under the seat
Here are the top three brands of underseat subwoofers to compare with bass tube subwoofers:
Subwoofer Kicker 11HS8 Powered
Kicker subs have been around since 1973. This one in particular is a perfect kicker sub. It has an impeccable design, perfect for tight spaces. After all, it's only eight inches, which is perfect for working.
The manufacturer has made sure that the speaker offers the best features to assist in the operation since it is located under the car seat.
Kenwood 250 W max. (150 W RMS)
Kenwood is a respected brand. It has a sleek and stylish design perfect for placing under your car seat.
In addition, it comes with a wired remote control for easy navigation. The subwoofer produces an ideal, crisp and clean sound between 38 and 150 Hz.
summary
Both bass whistles and underseat subwoofers are good at producing sound. However, before you buy, think about the space you have, the features you want, and your budget. Don't forget to consider what appeals to you the most. You don't want to be stuck with a subwoofer you don't love.
resources
Subwoofer Bass Tube Vs. Lower Field
FAQs
Which is better woofer or bass tube? ›
Bass Tube vs Subwoofer – Which One To Choose? If better bass reproduction, louder audio output & uncompromised low-pitch audio are on your mind, then a dedicated Subwoofer is the one that anyone must go for. Subwoofers significantly improve the overall performance of your car audio and tend to be more accurate.
How do I choose a good subwoofer? ›Power and Volume
The internal amplifier is the beating heart of your subwoofer and the most important thing it does is power the speaker driver. That power is measured in watts and understanding it is the key to choosing a good sub. Subwoofers usually have two types of wattage listed on their specs: RMS and Peak.
A 12-inch subwoofer is known for generating extra bass production with decent bass response Overall the sound quality is not sacrificed, but if you are playing your sub at peak power your system will suffer. It is always recommended to use the RMS Wattage to best utilize your woofer.
How many subwoofer do you need? ›Most home theaters, if they have surround sound at all, typically use a single subwoofer to reproduce bass frequencies. Many experts recommend at least two, and some bass fanatics really go crazy with multiple heavy-duty subs. What works in your home theater?
Which sound system is best for bass? ›- JBL Professional NANO K4-4. ...
- Edifier R1280DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers. ...
- F&D F210X Multimedia Speaker. ...
- Sony SA-D40 4.1 Channel Multimedia Speaker System. ...
- boAt Aavante Bar 1500. ...
- Infinity by Harman Hardrock 410 Bluetooth Multimedia Speaker.
- MTX Audio RT8PT Subwoofer.
- Bazooka Bass Tube.
- Skar Audio SK8TBV Subwoofer.
- Pyle Subwoofer Tube Speaker.
- Bazooka Tube Subwoofer.
- MTX Road Thunder Bass Tube.
- BOSS Audio Systems Tube.
- Pyle Subwoofer Tube.
In fact, a 1,000-watt sub may sound better at "regular" room volumes than a 100-watt sub. Though quite common, 100-watts really isn't that much when we're talking subs. Thanks to digital amplification, 300, 500, and higher wattage subs are quite affordable.
How do I match my subwoofer to my speakers? ›Putting speaker and subwoofer sizes together that are closer in diameter will result in the most cohesive playback. Regardless of what sizes you match up, it's important to use the subwoofer crossover to make sure that the main speakers are only receiving the frequencies above what the subwoofer is producing.
How many Hz is good for a subwoofer? ›Check out the entire SVS Subwoofer line-up to choose the subwoofer that is best for your TV/movie viewing. The most common crossover frequency recommended (and the THX standard) is 80 Hz. On-wall or Tiny 'satellite' speakers: 150-200 Hz. Small center, surround, bookshelf: 100-120 Hz.
What sub is best for deep bass? ›- Sonos. Sub Wireless Subwoofer (Gen 3) ...
- Sonos. Sub Mini Wireless Subwoofer. ...
- Klipsch. SPL-150SW 15" Bass-Reflex Subwoofer. ...
- SVS. SB-1000 Pro 12" 325W Sealed Box Subwoofer. ...
- SVS. PB-1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer (Black Ash) ...
- SVS. 3000 Micro Subwoofer with Fully Active Dual 8-inch Drivers. ...
- SVS. SB-3000 13" Subwoofer. ...
- Polk Audio.
What size sub is best for sound quality? ›
For most people , 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers are the best, as they are affordable and can deliver decent sound quality. If you like listening to music at higher volumes, then 15” subwoofers are the perfect choice because they will give you the best performance overall.
How do you get a punchy bass on a subwoofer? ›Quick Answer. To create punchy sub-bass in your master you can use a resonance filter with a high-pass filter around 20Hz, utilize harmonic distortion, try a sub-frequency generator, or compress and amplify the harmonics directly above your sub-frequencies. These techniques will work well but in different circumstances ...
Does more subwoofers mean more bass? ›The answer to this question is typically yes, assuming you're comparing one vs. two subs of the exact same brand and model #. In almost all circumstances, installing multiple subwoofers in your theater room will yield significantly better and smoother bass response across a wider listening area due to modal averaging.
Does a bigger subwoofer mean more bass? ›Low frequency extension and sound pressure level (SPL) are widely considered the two most important factors of a subwoofer's performance. The laws of physics dictate that a massive subwoofer driver has the potential to produce greater SPL and deeper bass than a smaller subwoofer driver.
What makes a subwoofer more powerful? ›The power is determined by the wattage of the subwoofer in question, where a higher wattage demonstrates a more powerful subwoofer.
Are bigger speakers better for bass? ›This is most pronounced in the bass frequencies; large tweeters can produce bass frequencies better, creating a full sound that isn't achievable in the same way with small speakers.
What waveform is best for bass? ›Of the four main analog waveforms, either square/pulse and sawtooth would be a great place to start when crafting a deep bass sound. A triangle wave would work too, but it can be a bit too thin for what we're looking to do.
Are tube bass amps better than solid state? ›Solid state amps always clip more sharply than tube amps which can be a very harsh sound to many people. On the other hand, tube amplifiers are heavier, less reliable and are very expensive compared their counterparts.
Which bass tube is best pioneer or jbl? ›There is no comparison, JBL is much much better. beats is a fashion accessory, and JBL is an audio, sound company that has a good reputation.
Do different brands of tubes sound different? ›You should also try different brands of power tubes, because there are tonal differences. One way to swap power-tube types without having to involve a tech is to try a converter like those from Yellow Jackets or VHT.
What size amp do I need for a 500 watt subwoofer? ›
Then choose a high-quality amplifier with a similar power rating. So, if you have a 500-watt subwoofer, then an amplifier capable of producing 500 watts into the current load impedance for that driver is a good choice.
What does RMS stand for? › RMS stands for Root Mean Square and TRMS (True RMS) for True Root Mean Square. The TRMS instruments are much more accurate than the RMS when measuring AC current.
Does it matter what watt amp you get for a subwoofer? ›To ensure your car stereo system has excellent bass, you need to find an amp that matches your sub. In other words, the amp's capabilities need to match the subwoofer's specifications to work properly together. For the best sound quality, make sure the RMS watts of the sub and amp match.
What Hz is the deepest bass? ›Deep bass refers to the audio bandwidth between 16-80Hz. The range of frequencies is most commonly handled by a powered subwoofer receiving an audio signal from an AV receiver or other audio source component the cutoff limit of human hearing where sound enters the "feel zone".
What Hz is most bass? ›Bass: 60 to 250 Hz
The fundamental notes of rhythm are centered on this area. Most bass signals in modern music tracks lie around the 90-200 Hz area. The frequencies around 250 Hz can add a feeling of warmth to the bass without loss of definition. Too much boost in the bass region tends to make the music sound boomy.
The bass range is a range that many people are passionate about. The bass range area lies around 60 – 250 Hz.
What gives a speaker deep bass? ›A subwoofer speaker uses large drivers called woofers to produce deeper sounds. These woofers are typically enclosed in a wood or plastic structure and look like any other speaker. The subwoofer then uses the large woofer and a built-in amplifier that powers the signal to produce deeper, cleaner bass.
What music has the deepest bass? ›- “Super Bounce” – Duckwrth. DUCKWRTH - Super Bounce (Audio) ft. ...
- “Starboy” – The Weeknd. ...
- “What's the Use?” – Mac Miller. ...
- “Fly Away” – Flatbush Zombies. ...
- “By the Ton” – Meshuggah. ...
- “Heart of the Sunrise” – Yes. ...
- “Of Reality – Palingenesis” – Tesseract. ...
- “New Born” – Muse.
Overall, recording at 44.1kHz is a safe option that will provide you with high-quality recordings, regardless of the type of audio project you're working on. 44.1kHz is the most common sample rate for music CDs. It captures the entire audible frequency spectrum accurately.
How many Hz is best for sound? ›The generally established audio frequency range is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, though most people can hear less than this entire range, and as they get older, the range tends to contract on both ends.
How many watts do you need for good sound? ›
So, how much do I need? Much depends on your listening habits and your speaker's efficiency. If you like loud uncompressed music and your speakers are 90dB efficient, 200 Watts is likely plenty of power for you. If you only listen to light classical, jazz and don't expect them to rock the house, 50 Watts is adequate.
How do you EQ bass to sit perfectly in the mix? ›- Cut the low-mids and boost the high-mids. ...
- Try a passive-style EQ to bring flavor to the low end. ...
- Watch out for dead spots and resonances. ...
- Use dynamic EQ sidechained to an offending instrument. ...
- Don't be seduced by too much low end. ...
- Learn when to not EQ.
A 2 Ohm subwoofer is louder, but 2 Ohm models also are more prone to distortion. On the contrary, a 4 Ohm subwoofer offers a deeper bass effect. It produces a clearer sound that does not distort. But it is a little quiet compared to the 2 Ohm one.
How much sub-bass is enough? ›Subbass should be peaking at -12dB, so you keep enough headroom for the rest of the song. If mixing with headroom is not working for you, a general rule of thumb is to keep the subbass lower than the kickdrum by about 2 to 5 dB.
Will a higher watt amp make my subs louder? ›Yes, it's true that the higher the power (watts), the louder and cleaner the speakers will play. Small differences in power, however, don't make much of an audible change. In order to perceptively hear a difference (a 3dB increase), the power would have to double.
Do subwoofers hit harder facing up? ›Facing Upward – Towards The Trunk Hatch
Facing the subwoofer upward while in the trunk, gives you big bass without consuming a lot of space. This direction offers crisp sound with a slight advantage to high frequencies and treble, and won't rattle loose parts in your vehicle as much.
Subwoofers are better for bass, while woofers are better for producing low-frequency sounds in general.
Do tube bass amps sound better? ›When it comes to thick, warm, powerful tone, bass tube amps are king. They're an ideal choice if you're looking for vintage-tinged bass sound. And if you're looking for natural-sounding overdrive that avoids sounding harsh, a tube amp might be just what you need.
Which is better for home bass tube or box? ›Bass boxes are passive subwoofers and are generally better with higher sound quality and power, but they are more expensive because they have a separate amp. On the other hand, bass tubes are active subwoofers, they are cheaper, include an integrated amp, don't sound as great, and often take up less space.
Why do tubes sound better? ›Tubes, like analog recordings, have a more full-bodied sound than transistor gear. There's a "roundness" to tube sound that solid-state gear never equals. Tubes are less forgiving about mismatches, so to get the best out of a tube amp it must be used with just the right speaker.
What gives a subwoofer more bass? ›
It is recommended that for optimal quality sound, you should place your subwoofer within 8-12 inches of a wall, facing outwards towards the rest of the room. For even more output, consider placing your subwoofer in the corner of your room, as it can significantly increase the overall sound due to the positioning.
Should Subs be louder than bass? ›Subbass should be peaking at -12dB, so you keep enough headroom for the rest of the song. If mixing with headroom is not working for you, a general rule of thumb is to keep the subbass lower than the kickdrum by about 2 to 5 dB.
When should you not use a subwoofer? ›- Five Reasons Not to Use Subwoofers (and why they are wrong)
- Reason 1 – Subwoofers take up too much space.
- Reason2 – Subwoofers don't blend well with mains.
- Reason 3 – There's no music down there (20 – 80 Hz)
- Reason 4 – Subwoofers are hard to hook up right.