Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer

What is the best shallow mount subwoofer?

We will review the top 7 units on the market today. You’ll also find a side-by-side comparison chart to help you find the perfect sub for your needs and budget.

Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer Reviews Right Now

Although shallow mount subwoofers are not a perfect solution, sometimes they are your only choice.

Whether you are on a budget or don’t have room for a larger unit, shallow mount subwoofers can be your gateway to better sound in your car.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best models we have found.

1. Infinity REF1000S

The Infinity REF1000S comes with exceptional installation flexibility. It is equipped with a low-profile design to fit into whatever type of enclosure you have.

In addition, the polypropylene woofer cones offer an excellent base even at frequencies lower than 25Hz.

Specifications

• RMS: 200 watt
• Peak Power: 800 watt
• Sensitivity: 89 dB
• Frequency response: 35 – 175 Hz
• Impedance: 2 or 4 ohms

The unique thing about the Infinity REF1000S is the Harman-proprietary SSITM (Selectable Smart Impedance). SSITM allows the subwoofer to give the amplifier the option of either 2or 4ohm with just the flip of a switch.

The provision of the two most often used impedance from the Infinity REF1000S makes it stand out from the other subwoofers. Infinity also made sure that this product was durable.

Pros

• It offers incredible crisp quality sounds
• Excellent impedances used in subwoofers
• Good quality design

Cons

• Shallow mounts that come with it are flawed

2. Kicker 46L7T124

These are one of the best great-sounding subwoofers out there. They have a more oversized cone which gives you good bass. In addition, the 46L7T124 features the SoloKon square polypropylene that creates a rigid surface that does not flex hence minimizing distortion at high-level sounds.

Specifications

• RMS: 600Watts
• Peak Power:1200Watts
• Sensitivity: 86.54 dB
• Frequency response: 25-100 Hz
• Impedance: 4ohms DVC

One of the incredible things about the Kicker 46L7T124 is the availability of various options when it comes to installation. Even if you have no experience, you can install this unit quickly and easily.

This subwoofer works under open or sealed enclosures. If you plan to wire this DVC sub at low impedance, ensure that your amp is compatible, as exceeding minimum impedance can destroy your amp.

Pros

• It comes with more than enough power
• Sturdy steel for a solid foundation

Cons

• Relatively small subwoofer in terms of size

3. Rockford Fosgate P3 Punch Series

While not quite at the same level as Alpine, Rockford Fosgate is really great about building high-quality audio equipment at a much more affordable price.

The saying is “you get what you pay for” right? Well, in this case it is “you get a freaking lot more than what you pay for, dude”

I’m far from hiding that I am a fan of Rockford Fosgate since a couple years back.

You see, they did damage their reputation something like 15 or so years ago when they moved manufacturing to china and quality dropped real hard.

Specifications

• RMS: 300Watts
• Peak Power: 600Watts
• Sensitivity: 83 dB
• Frequency response: 45-250 Hz
• Impedance: 4 ohms

Thankfully, I got to know RF years later when they already fixed that, so my experience has always been superb.

If you go for RF’s more high-end components you should be ready to drop as many 100$ bills as with JL or Sundown, but for mid-level or even entry level as in this case, man the prices are so sweet.

This subs are sold in three different sizes, from 8 inches to 12 inches and although not so powerful as the TW Series from JL or the Alpine, you get a ton of bass.

Likewise, powering this subwoofers is quite easy with a decent 4 channel amplifier bridged or a 5 channel amp.

One of the things that have made me a brand advocate is that in every instance i’ve needed tech help, i’ve called customer support and got some great, great help and that is just so important when you’re installing and then some question pops and freezes your whole project.

Pros

• 8, 10, or 12-inch models
• Durable construction
• Easy installation
• High-quality parts and materials
• Similar performance with less power
• One-year limited warranty

Cons

• Certain components are not as durable as others and may break down sooner

4. PIONEER Alphasonik AS8DF

For good bass response, we would recommend the Pioneer Alphasonik AS8DF.

We recommend installing it downward to optimize bass response for deeper, heart-pounding rich sounds for excellent results.

Specifications

• RMS: 200 Watts, 600 Watts (Maximum)
• Peak Power: 1800 Watts
• Sensitivity: 90 db
• Frequency response: 32Hz- 500Hz
• Impedance: 4ohms 

The Pioneer Alphasonik AS8DF is durable courtesy of the MDF wood construction that also reduces vibration.

In addition to this, there is a special bond that creates airtight seals that improve joint strength and bass reflex. As a result, the aluminum cone can withstand the most influential bass notes.

Pros

• It has an optimizable bass response
• The Pioneer Alphasonik AS8DF has a sleek and compact design
• It is durable courtesy of the rugged layout

Cons

• High volumes might cause crackling

5. Skar Audio VD-8 D2

This model comes with high strength foam surround and two layers of Conex spider to provide high-quality performance.

In addition, it offers impressive bass response regardless of the genre of music, so you can enjoy your music at all times.

Specifications

• RMS:  400Watts
• Peak Power: 800Watts
• Sensitivity: 85 dB
• Frequency response: 25-500 Hz
• Impedance: 2 ohms

The Skar Audio VD-8 D2 ultra-responsive motor (45 oz ferrite) offers a 2” voice coil hence allowing the subwoofer to hit every note and musical detail accurately.

In addition to this, the high temp 2” copper voice coil on this subwoofer allows it to deliver hard bass every time you play. This ensures good quality sounds in your automobile.

Pros

• Built for durability
• It comes equipped with an ultra-responsive motor design
• It offers amazing deep bass tones

Cons

• It works best when installed in the recommended box

6. Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X10

When talking about shallow mount subwoofers, most of them don’t come with any installation covering.

For the most part, the subwoofer is by itself and requires that you install it either exposed to the elements or put it where your old one was. In this case, the R2S-1X10 Subwoofer comes with a truck mount, which means that it has paneling surrounding it and comes with thick carpet to protect everything.

Specifications

• RMS: 200watts
• Peak Power: 400Watts
• Sensitivity: 83 dB
• Frequency response: 38-250 Hz
• Impedance: 2 ohms

Review

Thus, if you want a subwoofer that won’t be totally exposed (and you have space), this may be a great option.

Another great thing about this particular model is that it produces excellent sound with minimal power requirements. That means that you should be able to install it into most compact sound systems and still get the deep bass that you deserve.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Comes with enclosure included
• Low power requirements
• High-performance output
• Cost effective
• Ideal for truck cabs

Cons

• Not as loud as the competitors
• Only comes in one size (10 inches)

7. Pioneer TSSWX2502

Our final stop is the Pioneer TSSWX2502 Subwoofer.

This is yet another 10-inch model, but it can pack a punch regarding the level of performance that you get from such a compact unit.

Pioneer is another high-quality audio brand, which means that you should feel confident when you install this subwoofer into your car.

Specifications

• RMS: 200Watts
• Peak Power: 400Watts
• Sensitivity: 83 dB
• Frequency response: 38-250 Hz

Much like the R2S model above, this subwoofer comes with a truck mount attached. Thankfully, however, it is much easier to install in small spaces, and the mounting system is much more versatile, so you aren’t limited to a pickup truck cab.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Easy installation
• High-performance output
• Low power requirements
• One-year limited warranty

Cons

• Not the loudest one.
• Only one size available

Shallow Mount vs. Regular Subwoofers

So what exactly is the difference between regular and shallow mount subwoofers? From the picture above I think you can clearly spot the most notable one: Size. 

Shallow mount subwoofers are considerably (wait for the surprise…) shallower than regular subwoofers. That advantage in trade is consequence of a trade in specs. Let’s dive into it:

Advantages

When talking about regular subwoofers, the benefit of installing that kind of unit into your vehicle is that you get a full range of sound.

Additionally, the sound quality and clarity will be better because it has more powerful components.

Better Xmax, bigger coils, usually higher RMS rates… that all means you get louder, clearer sound.

If you are a true audiophile, you will most likely want a standard subwoofer in your car.

As for shallow mount models, the biggest advantage of them is that they are much easier to put into your vehicle.

If you drive a truck, a sports car, or a compact vehicle, then you may be limited in options with regards to how much stuff you can cram into it.

Additionally, if you don’t want to have the added hassle and cost of mounting a standard subwoofer, you can use a shallow mount instead.

Disadvantages

Standard subwoofers may provide you with the best quality, but the tradeoff is that they are more expensive and harder to install. Usually, to get a new subwoofer system into your car, you will have to take it to a certified installer who will take care of everything for you. You could try to do it yourself, but it is a rather complicated process.

Shallow mounts, on the other hand, make things much easier. But, their biggest disadvantage is that they won’t provide the same level of clarity or quality. You will notice a big difference if you install them, but you may not get as much as you would with a standard model.

Understanding Subwoofer Specs

For each unit that we will look at, we will provide all of the specs up front. In case you are not familiar, here is what each item means.

• RMS (Root Mean Square) signifies the standard amount of power that is used for the unit.
• Peak Power refers to the maximum amount that can go through the subwoofer with no damage
• Sensitivity refers to how loud the unit can get with one watt of power.
• Frequency Response means the range of sound that it can produce
• Impedance means the electric resistance the voice coils offer. It should ALWAYS be paired to the impedance on which our amplifier is meant to work.

Best places to install your shallow mount subwoofer

When it comes to installing your new shallow mounts, you may be scratching your head as to where the best possible placement could be. To that end, we highly recommend two spots that have the best results.

• Trunk: Depending on the size you go for and how big your trunk is, you may prefer to get the sub and enclosure on the trunk. The biggest advantage of this subwoofers is that they don’t require a very big enclosure to work properly.
• Underseat: Smaller sizes (8 and 10 inches) with really small enclosures may work under the seat of some vehicles, like vans or trucks. This really depends on the space available and if your really are thinking about getting the subwoofer under the seat I’d recommend you go for some of this ones instead.
• Rear Speaker Deck: It’s a simple solution, but I still prefer to mount the sub on an enclosure. It performs better.

Final Verdict

Overall, when trying to find the best shallow mount subwoofer for your car or truck, it will ultimately come down to space limitations and performance level we would suggest the PIONEER Alphasonik AS8DF model.

If you only have a little bit of room, however, then the Kicker Series is your best bet. If money is no object, then you have to go with Alpine, because they are the greatest.

You didn’t see here the subwoofer you were thinking to buy? Leave a comment below and we will give you our opinion about the subwoofer.