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.
Size
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).
Frequency range
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.
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.
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.
Woofer Diameter
Subwoofer main speaker size. The diameter of the woofer determines the size of the device (see above).
