Comparison JBL Stage 800BA vs Kicx ICQ 301BXA

— Closed box. The simplest type of case: a box closed on all sides with a speaker (speakers) on the front panel. The advantages of such models are high accuracy of sound transmission and low cost, the disadvantages are low sensitivity and somewhat “flat” bass.

— Phase inverter. A classic phase inverter is a hollow tube connecting the internal volume of the case with the outside world (however, there are other options for such a connection). The length of the phase inverter channel is chosen so that the sound waves of a certain range, passing through it, are inverted in phase relative to the waves from the speaker (hence the name). This improves (in particular, "deepens") the sound of the subwoofer and allows you to achieve good performance with a small cabinet size. On the other hand, the sound stream in the tube creates a certain additional noise.

— Strip. A design that combines the features of a closed box and a bass-reflex enclosure. One of its parts is made closed, and the second is equipped with a phase inverter tube; between them is a partition, on which the main speaker is located. Unlike previous types, the speaker is entirely inside the case. Strip-line enclosures provide louder sound than boxes or bass reflexes, with sound quality comparable to the latter. The disadvantage is the complexity of the design, as a result — a slightly higher price.

The size (diameter) of the main subwoofer speaker. In all types of subwoofers, this parameter primarily affects the power and depth of sound: the larger the speaker, the louder it is and the deeper the bass it can provide (ceteris paribus). However with an increase in the size and dimensions, they increase accordingly, which determines the installation possibilities. The latter is especially true in Free Air subwoofers (see "Execution"): some cars are initially equipped with "seats" for a certain size, and it is difficult to install models with other dimensions there.

Now on the market there are subwoofers with such popular sizes: 5" (13 cm), 6" (15.25 cm), 6.3" (16 cm), 6.5" (16.5 cm), 6.75" (17 cm), 8" (20 cm ), 8.25"(21cm) , 9" (23cm ), 10" (25cm ), 11" (27cm), 12"(30cm) , 13" (33cm), 15"(38cm) , 16 " (40 cm), 18" (46 cm).

The average (root mean square — RMS) power of the input signal, at which the subwoofer is able to work continuously without negative consequences (damage, failure) for at least an hour. The rated power of the subwoofer must be greater than the power of the amplifier connected to it — in order to avoid overloads.

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.

The range of audio frequencies reproduced by the subwoofer. It is believed that the human ear is capable of perceiving a frequency range of the order of 16 – 20,000 Hz, but in this case note that the subwoofer is designed to reproduce the lower frequency band (up to 200 Hz). Accordingly, in the case of the lower limit of the range, everything is simple: “the lower, the better”; the upper one should not be lower than the lower limit of the main car audio — otherwise there will be "gaps" in the frequencies, which will affect the sound quality.

The natural frequency of the cone in the subwoofer speaker, namely the frequency with which the cone will oscillate if the speaker is suspended freely in the air and a single impulse is transmitted to the cone (for example, by clicking on it with your finger). In subwoofers, this parameter determines, in particular, the lower limit of the frequency range (see above): at frequencies below the resonant sound power drops sharply. Accordingly, for deep rich bass, the resonant frequency should be as low as possible. This parameter is also used to calculate the size of the enclosure for the subwoofer.

The presence in the subwoofer of an infra-low frequency filter (Finch), also referred to as Subsonic. This filter "cuts" subsonic frequencies, preventing the subwoofer from reproducing them. Often this filter has a frequency control. This feature serves several purposes. Firstly, the human ear is no longer able to recognize such vibrations, and there is no point in reproducing them — this only leads to useless expenditure of energy. Secondly, intense infrasound can adversely affect well-being (both physical and mental). Thirdly, working with infra-low frequencies at high power can damage the subwoofer itself: figuratively speaking, the coil “blows” off the speaker.

The presence of a high-voltage input at the active (see "Type") subwoofer. Such an input greatly expands the possibilities for connection. Usually active subwoofers are connected via a linear (low-voltage) input directly to the radio. The high-voltage input allows you to connect the speaker to a separate power amplifier, like a passive subwoofer.

The presence of gold plating on the subwoofer connectors. Such a coating is not only aesthetically pleasing, but above all it is resistant to oxidation, has low electrical resistance and ensures reliable contact, thus minimizing interference from the connection point.