Body shape
—
Case Box. Literally "box". The simplest type of case, in fact, is a box of medium dimensions, designed for installation in the boot.
— Compact. This option means rather than the shape, but the size of the case — as the name implies, it includes devices that have small dimensions. Such subwoofers are as simple as possible to install, some models can be installed directly
under the seat. At the same time, their sound quality and power are usually lower than those of full-size ones.
— Tube. The case is in the form of a pipe, on one of the ends of which a speaker is displayed. This form does not significantly affect the sound characteristics, it plays mainly an aesthetic role —
subwoofers-pipes look quite stylish.
Max. power
The maximum signal power that the subwoofer is able to withstand for a short time (up to several seconds) without any negative consequences. When selecting an amplifier-subwoofer pair, it is recommended to take a subwoofer with a maximum power of at least twice the maximum power of the amplifier. In general, the higher the maximum power, the more resistant the subwoofer is to overloads.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity determines the loudness of the subwoofer when a signal of a certain power is connected to it: with equal signal power and impedance (see below), the subwoofer with the higher sensitivity will sound louder.
Impedance
The electrical resistance of a subwoofer when a signal is applied to it. This parameter is important primarily for selecting a subwoofer-amplifier pair: at a lower impedance than that of the amplifier, the subwoofer will distort the sound, at a higher impedance the sound will be too quiet.
For dual voice coil models (see above), the impedance is specified for one of the voice coils.
Remote control
The remote control allows you to control the functions of the subwoofer from a distance. This is especially useful if the device is installed in the boot or otherwise difficult to access — you can easily change settings without access to the subwoofer itself, including while the car is moving.
Protective grille
The presence
of protective devices in front of the main speaker of the subwoofer — this can be the grill itself, metal rods, plastic elements, etc. Such devices protect the device from foreign objects to a certain extent, and they can also play an aesthetic role.
Material
— MDF. Abbreviation for medium density fiberboard, i.e. medium density fibreboard. This material is inexpensive, easy to process and has a uniform structure, which is important for speaker cabinets. As a result, most modern cabinet subwoofers are made from MDF.
— Resin. It is used in cases where a complex shape is needed, which is difficult to reproduce when using MDF, as well as in compact models (see "Body shape"). In addition, it has no significant advantages over MDF, and therefore is used very rarely.
— Aluminium. Aluminium is light, homogeneous, and also conducts heat well, which allows you to install powerful speakers in such cases without fear of overheating. In addition, it has an elegant appearance. On the other hand, such cases cost accordingly.
— Plastic. Relatively inexpensive and easy to process material, which, at the same time, is available in different grades and may have different properties. Due to this, plastic enclosures are found in both relatively inexpensive and fairly advanced subwoofers; the sound quality of such a subwoofer depends mainly on its general price category.
