How to Introduce Powerful Bass into Your Car Audio System
Nothing makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up quite like a bass-heavy track that booms in all the right ways. Deep basslines with enough power behind them can quite literally vibrate the people and objects around them, resulting in a one-of-a-kind sensory experience from the driver’s seat of your BMW.
If you’re still using your vehicle’s original equipment, then you probably already noticed low frequencies are sorely lacking. Upgrading your car audio with an aftermarket bass speaker enhances your music-listening experience, adding depth and dimension to your favorite songs.
But not just any bass speaker will do. Consider these factors before you make your selection:
- Type of enclosure
- Power handling
- Brand
- Professional car audio installation
Let’s dive into how you can choose the perfect aftermarket bass speaker for your car at Auto Image in New Jersey.
Leading Aftermarket Bass Speaker Brands
First things first, choosing the right manufacturer sets the tone for how your bass speaker performs. The following luxury car audio brands stand out in the market for their quality, performance, and reliability:
- JL Audio: Known for its high-quality sound and durability, JL Audio offers a wide range of subwoofers that cater to various preferences and budgets. The BassWedge CP212-W0v3 features a pair of powered 12” subs, resulting in the perfect one-two punch reminiscent of Mike Tyson in his prime.
- Rockford Fosgate: With a reputation for producing some of the most high-end subwoofers in the industry, Rockford Fosgate is ideal for those looking to add some serious bass to their car audio system. The Prime R2-2X10 features two 10” subs in a gorgeous cabinet.
- Alpine: Alpine subwoofers are well-regarded for their clear, crisp bass and are a great option for audiophiles seeking to improve their car’s audio quality. The Alpine PWE-S8 compact 120W powered 8″ subwoofer proves that big things truly do come in small packages. Measuring just 3” in thickness, this aftermarket bass speaker can fit in a Fiat 500 with plenty of room to spare.
- Kicker: Offering a balance of performance and value, Kicker subwoofers are a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts looking for reliable bass enhancement. The Kicker 44DCWC122 1200W dual 12″ loaded ported subwoofer is one of their highest rated products, and it booms hard enough to shake the fillings in your teeth.
- Pioneer: Pioneer is another trusted brand that provides a range of subwoofers designed to deliver deep, impactful bass without compromising on sound quality. The Pioneer TS-WX1220AH dual 12″ ported subwoofer with built-in amplifier is a bass masterclass your passengers won’t soon forget.
Ported vs. Sealed Subwoofers
One of the key decisions you’ll make when choosing a bass speaker is whether to go with a ported or sealed subwoofer enclosure. Each type has its advantages and is suited to different listening preferences.
-
Sealed Subwoofers: These subwoofers are enclosed in a sealed cabinet, resulting in precise, accurate bass. Sealed subwoofers offer a clean sound and are excellent for listeners who prefer clarity and detail in their bass.
They require more power to produce the same volume levels as ported subwoofers, but are well-suited for a wide range of music genres.
-
Ported Subwoofers: Also known as vented subwoofers, these are enclosed in a box that features a port (or vent) to reinforce low bass response. Ported subwoofers can produce louder, more booming bass with less power compared to sealed subwoofers.
They are ideal for genres of music that emphasize deep, thunderous bass, such as hip-hop, rap, and EDM. Ported subwoofers are generally larger than sealed boxes, so you’ll need to consider the available space in your vehicle when arranging car audio installation. Just ask the experts at Auto Image when you visit our store in East Brunswick or Brick, New Jersey.
Choosing the Right Bass Speaker for Your Car Audio System
When selecting an aftermarket bass speaker, consider the following:
- Power Handling: Ensure the subwoofer can handle the power output of your luxury car’s OEM amplifier to avoid distortion or damage (or upgrade your amplifier, too).
- Sensitivity: A subwoofer with higher sensitivity requires less power to produce the same level of sound as a lower sensitivity speaker.
- Size: Subwoofers typically range from 8 to 15 inches. Larger subwoofers can produce deeper bass, but the best size for you depends on your preferences and your vehicle’s available space.
Visit Auto Image for Luxury Car Audio Aftermarket Products
The perfect aftermarket bass speaker for your luxury ride depends on your personal preferences, the genres of music you enjoy, and the specific characteristics of your vehicle’s audio system. Don’t worry if some of the technical aspects of car audio are flying over your head. The professionals at Auto Image will walk you through the finer points of bass speaker selection so that you get the perfect product.
Visit Auto Image today at our Brick or East Brunswick locations to get a guided tour of ported and enclosed bass speakers and see them in action. Remember, we’re not just a retailer of automotive products; we also perform professional car audio installation on all makes and models of vehicles, including modern luxury brands.
