Real music lovers always strive to receive quality sound from audio systems. However, car manufacturers often save on the installation of powerful multimedia equipment. Therefore, you have to think about how to choose a subwoofer and amplifier in the car yourself.
With their help, it is possible to establish a harmonious sound of audio files at different frequencies, especially when playing deep bass. For almost all standard speakers, sound quality parameters are an unattainable luxury.
Choosing the Right Sound
It must be borne in mind that the low-frequency element in the form of a subwoofer, unlike other speakers, is not an independent unit through which sound is reproduced. It only complements common system, and without the support of standard speakers will not give an adequate result.
It is generally accepted that when choosing which subwoofer to put in a car, you need to focus on its cost. After all, it is not recommended to buy acoustics of this type for more than 20% of the cost of the car itself. But an overly cheap woofer will be a waste of money, not giving out high-quality sound.
When looking for a decent device, you need to know that there are two types of subwoofers:
- active;
- passive.
The design of an active subwoofer is characterized by the presence of a built-in amplifier, so it doesn't need external padding. The device has high reliability, which is achieved by design features. The advantage is that manufacturers often provide standard connectors for its connection. It is easier and faster to install and set up.
When choosing which subwoofer is better in a car: active or passive, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages of the active layout. The proposed device has a complete one-piece design, which is not always able to neatly fit into the dimensions of the cabin. It is believed that budget models of this type have the worst sound due to manufacturers saving on case materials.
Scheme passive subwoofer
When buying a passive subwoofer, a car enthusiast gets only one woofer. To it you need to purchase separately high-quality amplifying equipment. You will also need a set of cables and connectors.
Each driver will be able to engage in installation both independently and with the help of professionals. They will more organically fit the kit into the limited space of the car. All sound adjustments after the installation of the equipment are carried out through an additionally connected amplifier.
Amplifier selection
The presence of an amplifier in the car will give the sound more breadth and volume. Even despite the basic audio system, the amp is able to stretch the average sound to a new quality level.
Due to the use of a larger frequency range and advanced settings, the music lover will be able to correctly distribute the flows between the existing built-in speakers. Although standard systems often marked with the designation 4x50, but they are sometimes unable to drown out the rumble of the road, which can be heard with poor soundproofing. In most regular audio, power is limited to 10 ... 12 watts. Only an additional amplifier can increase this limit.
Subwoofer with amplifier
Devices are differentiated by the number of channels, which can be from 1 to 6. They also come in analog and digital. In the first case, higher efficiency, but less power. In the second case, the power is higher, but the quality is slightly behind.
The most popular are five-channel devices. These include
- Genesis Profile Five;
- Alpine PDX-V9;
- Audison SR5;
- DLSMA51;
- Blaupunkt GTA-5350;
- Rockford Fosgate R600X5.
Four channels of speakers are easily connected to them and the fifth will be low-frequency.
Varieties of subwoofers
Subwoofers differ in layout. It is customary to distinguish between open and closed units.
For open models, it is customary to use mounting in an autopanel, since the bass is not enclosed in a rigid frame of the case. The frequency is adjusted only by the low-pass filter, however, this design will not provide a level below 100 hertz. In most cases, these devices are installed by novice drivers.
As closed structures, columns enclosed in rigid frames are common. They are divided into three varieties:
- Sealed– when the module has a closed case. The advantages lie in the simplicity of design and the absence of speaker overload. The disadvantage is an extremely decrease in efficiency.
- Phase inverters have tunnels in the body. Due to such a structural finding, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the diffuser. Also, the tunnel significantly increases the efficiency of the device.
- Bandpass consists of elements of the two previous designs. It is also called a strip subwoofer. It has a built-in tunnel, divided by a grid into two compartments. Due to this, a closed space is formed in the rear part of the module, which increases the diffuser rigidity. The front part is open with output through a phase inverter. The sub has large dimensions in comparison with analogues.
For the latter type, it is necessary to carry out installation only in the factory housing.
Basic parameters of subwoofers
Choosing which active subwoofer it is better to buy a car, you should focus on its basic characteristics. Rated values different models differ significantly and not in all cases depend on the cost.
For an active sub it is important to select a large rated power. Keep in mind that a higher overload threshold will give cleaner bass. When choosing passive devices, it is necessary to take into account the capabilities of the built-in amplifier.
Audio speakers with an output power of, for example, 0.9kW or 0.45kW are capable of delivering comparable sound pressure levels, but there will be a significant difference in sensitivity between the two. In any specialized store, you can consult with an experienced seller about how much real power the speakers give out.
An important parameter is the resistance of the coil. A common setting is 4 ohms, 8 ohm coils are rare, and 2 ohm loads are not enough for your modern sub. It is desirable that there be at least two coils to ensure high-quality connection of devices.
Popular manufacturers
Acoustic products are produced for consumers with different incomes. The cost of subwoofers depends both on the manufacturer and on the output parameters of the equipment. When buying, it is necessary to install the products under the guarantee so that it is possible to change it in case of any problems. To do this, you need to buy a subwoofer in licensed points of sale.
The most popular among domestic car music lovers are the following companies:
- ALPINE;
- MYSTERY;
- pioneer;
- PROLOGY.
The most budget options for low-frequency acoustics can be found at a price of 2 thousand rubles, but you should not expect decent sound from them. You can look at the following current models:
- PROLOGY WOWBOX1200(about 3500 rubles);
- PROLOGY WOWBOX1000(about 2700 rubles);
- DRAGSTER DER210(about 4300 rubles)
- CADENCE MBX-12A(8000 rubles);
- CADENCE XBP-122(11,000 rubles);
- ESX SXB-302(12500 rubles).
Some music lovers will not be stopped by the price of several tens of thousands, for example, for AUDISON TH10(more than 65,000 rubles).
When buying car acoustics, the question often arises of choosing a subwoofer - passive or active. To briefly answer the question at the very beginning of the article, how does an active subwoofer differ from a passive one, you need to give a definition. We are talking about a special woofer that expands the bass frequency range and allows it to be made more saturated and deep.
Passive speaker connects to the amplifier, gives the sound more High Quality. Active is an all-inclusive system with a built-in amplifier. At the same time, convenience and economy affect the sound quality.
Features of choice: which subwoofer is better
There is no definite answer which subwoofer is better: active or passive. It all depends on the specific situation of choosing between these proposals. With passive system will cost more. It will be more troublesome to install with it, you will need to buy an amplifier. But with the right installation, Hi-Fi class sound awaits you. With such a formulation of the question, which is better, it is not worth it.
True, in order to get professional sound in a car, in addition to high-quality acoustics, you will need a car radio with a sound processor. This device takes into account the features of the internal shape of the cabin. So with all the pluses "at the output", a passive subwoofer has two major drawbacks - high cost and installation complexity.
An active sub can be connected independently immediately after purchase. Moreover, with some preparation for the question, you can get very quality speaker. When choosing specific brands, it is quite difficult to say which is better and choose between an active and passive subwoofer.
Manufacturers come up with various tricks that level out differences in sound quality, while the active version has a number of advantages (in such models, the question of which is better is not relevant):
- compact size;
- no need to purchase additional equipment;
- ease of installation.
The described principles will help you understand the differences and the difference, and choose which subwoofer is best for you. A passive subwoofer, if desired, can be made into the car yourself by adapting the case to the interior of the car. In this case, the difference in connection convenience and price will not greatly affect your media system. But such installations are a matter for enthusiastic people and professionals.
So, active and passive subwoofer: what is the difference, figured it out. Now let's consider the question of how it differs, the choice of functions and qualities of the system will be considered in more detail.
What does the choice bring?
As they say, every case is personalized. If the owner of the car has carefully considered the issue, then they know perfectly well what the difference is. The purchase is associated with certain factors: price, personal, installation features in the car. In general, we can recommend taking the asset version from a good manufacturer.
This will protect against a number of problems. If you want a sound no worse than the Maybach, then stop at the passive model, but on the condition that you have a good quality stereo system in your plans to buy. Doing this all together is not easy.
It is quite difficult to complete such a system, since, by definition, passive versions are intended for home theaters. Models with a phase inverter are designed only for large rooms.
They are not intended for cars. Thus, the smaller your interior, the more you need to lean towards a good quality active model. This option is also suitable for those users who do not place excessive demands on car acoustics and are looking for the best option for their car.
Conclusion: Between Rationality and Functions
As a result, the difference between an active subwoofer and a passive subwoofer is in purpose. The first version is more suitable for ordinary class cars. The second is exclusive cars with a large interior or versions for those people who love good acoustics and masterfully understand it.
A high-quality model with a built-in amplifier solves most of the organization tasks good sound. In most cases, the sound improvement will not be felt in a small car interior, so you can choose a system with medium parameters.
The passive version is purchased mainly by connoisseurs of high-quality sound, who prefer modern music. Since the sub makes the basses richer. Choose this option if you are interested in this particular difference. Now you clearly understand which is better: an active or passive subwoofer. You can also watch a video on how to connect speakers to the system.
A subwoofer is a speaker system that reproduces low-frequency sounds. Approximate range of frequencies converted by the device varies from 20 to 160 Hz. A person hardly perceives low frequencies, which is why he feels more outgoing vibration. However, sound waves can create the necessary atmosphere when listening to music or watching blockbusters, so the device is often included in the speaker system.
There are two types of subwoofers in relation to the power amplifier:
- passive;
- active.
Passive and active subwoofers
The separation is due to an amplifier, which is either built into the device or not, which requires its additional connection.
Passive subwoofers
The passive subwoofer is quite simple in design. It consists of a body and one or more low-frequency heads. They are later connected to an external amplifier. This type of device also differs in connection type. When transferring sound signal both the subwoofer and the other speakers experience severe sound distortion, so direct connection Not recommended. In order to achieve the purity of the transmitted sounds when listening to music, you should connect a passive subwoofer through a crossover filter, since it separates the bass from the higher frequencies.
Active subwoofers
An active subwoofer is a more advanced device, since an amplifier and a crossover filter are already built into it. This technique can be connected directly to the sound source, so it does not cause difficulties during the installation process. The active subwoofer has built-in functions for adjusting the level and frequency of the signal, the rear panel is equipped with line-type input and output connectors. A high-quality device allows you to clearly reproduce sounds from a wide range of low frequencies, which is important for good speaker system.
The difference between the two types of subwoofers
Depending on the purpose for which the device is purchased, it is better to give preference to one or another type. Standard settings active subwoofers are good for heavy or rhythmic music. The device transmits low frequencies better and allows you to adjust their severity. A passive subwoofer can also achieve a similar effect, but this requires expensive equipment connected to a powerful system.
Active subwoofers are already equipped with an amplifier, so there can be no problems with power differences. A passive subwoofer needs an external amplifier, since often the sound source and the speaker system have different capacities. If you connect them directly, the sound waves will be distorted, resulting in noise or the sound will be quiet even at maximum volume.
A passive subwoofer, when properly tuned, is capable of delivering cleaner sound that will outperform an active subwoofer. True, to achieve such a result, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. In addition, not every layman understands these subtleties so deeply. Thus, for an ordinary listener, an active subwoofer will be much more preferable, and true connoisseurs of high-quality sound often acquire a passive one.
Why does a passive subwoofer sound cleaner?
As already mentioned, a passive subwoofer with correct settings capable of delivering a thicker and more voluminous sound. This is due to a number of parameters:
- no overheating of the air inside the device;
- the ability to connect additional filters;
- external amplifiers have a large number of parameters for tuning;
- the power and depth of the sound is enhanced by the fact that there are no unnecessary obstacles in the body.
In addition, when comparing active and passive subwoofers with similar parameters of converted sound waves, the latter will cost less, since they are not overloaded with additional devices. True, you will have to buy an additional amplifier, which will significantly increase the final costs.
How to connect an active subwoofer?
There are three ways to connect a powered subwoofer to a sound source. The diagram shows the most common input and output options for speaker system devices.
The subwoofer has two inputs. high level, so you will need a long and thick speaker cable to connect the device. When connecting, RCA cables or, in other words, "tulips" are used. One end is connected to the subwoofer, the other end is connected to the input on the back of the receiver labeled "Subwoofer". If the panel has two or four RCA connectors, then the white connector is used.
You can also use the outputs to connect speakers. In this case, both the subwoofer and the system will work in parallel in the low frequency range. It is allowed to connect active subwoofers to the amplifier, but this will only increase the load on the device, causing the sound quality to suffer.
How to connect a passive subwoofer?
If the subwoofer has two terminals, the device is connected through an amplifier to the Pre Out Subwoofer output. The connection diagram can be represented by the following chain: Passive subwoofer - Speaker cable - Amplifier - RCA cable - Receiver. In this case, it is necessary to set the settings on the receiver that limit the frequency of the reproduced frequencies.
Often, passive subwoofers are connected in parallel with the front speakers. For this:
- three terminals on the back of the subwoofer are the pluses of the front speakers and a common minus;
- the four terminals on the back of the subwoofer are the pros and cons of the front speakers.
To connect a passive subwoofer to an amplifier, it is recommended to use speaker cables with a thickness of 2.5 to 4 mm. During the connection process, the polarity of the plugs and channels must be observed. When using the device in a home theater, the subwoofer outputs are connected to the satellites.
Connecting a subwoofer in a car
Since car space is limited, most vehicle owners prefer active subwoofers. This is because the passive connection requires installation additional device- amplifier. To install the speaker system, you will need to perform a number of actions:
- connect the linear outputs of the radio to the inputs of the subwoofer using the "tulip". If there are no such outputs, the connection is made to HI INPUT;
- The subwoofer is powered by a positive cable from the battery to the twelve-volt subwoofer terminal and a negative cable to the GND terminal. The fuse must be installed 20 cm from the battery;
- the subwoofer is connected to the radio via the REM control wire. It is carried out from the radio to the terminal on the subwoofer, it is better to take a thinner cable.
Which device to choose?
If you want to purchase a subwoofer, you need to decide which one is more suitable, taking into account the goals of the user. Some people need bass in the car, others need bass to listen to their favorite music, others prefer surround and multifaceted sound when watching movies. For ordinary user an active subwoofer is more suitable, as it does not require complex settings and parameter matching different devices when connected.
Few users prefer passive devices, as their configuration requires special knowledge. If you have the right amplifier and the ability to adjust the parameters to your needs, you can give preference to this type, which can give a more dense sound.
Of the many modern devices, systems and accessories The subwoofer is responsible for the low tone of the sounding music/speech. That is, this complex system (of an acoustic nature) can reproduce the sounds of the lower register outside. All low frequencies, including infrasound (below 20 Hz), are most clearly and correctly transmitted by this particular device.
It is difficult for those who want to listen to audio materials in good sound / quality without a subwoofer. This would require powerful speakers, usually expensive and bulky. The use of a special device for reproducing low frequencies will help facilitate the work of the sound reproduction system itself (the speakers themselves). They are not "forced" to give out more bass and therefore the sound is less distorted.
Often the subwoofer is represented by a separate device, assembled in a case. Only one is needed for an audio system, because the human ear is not able to recognize the direction from which low sounds come. Therefore, the only one will cope with its task, no matter where (in the most convenient place for the owner) the subwoofer is located. And the speakers in a pair will suit any. 
What are subwoofers?
You need to choose a subwoofer based on a few parameters that determine their types. Firstly, the very design of this acoustic system "sets the tone" and predetermines its capabilities and use:
- A box-like design, closed and sealed - when the speaker itself, reproducing low-register sounds is fixed on the wall of this "closed box" - the most common type of subwoofer design.
- Phase inverter - in its design, air is removed from the back of the device (diffuser) from tuned special pipes, “pushing out” the sound.
- Bandpass, the so-called bandpass, which, due to its characteristics, attracted motorists more than others. Because he, unlike the previous ones, combined the filters responsible for the upper and lower frequencies.
The above types of subwoofers and their differences relate to the assembly, appearance and the sound system itself. As for the more fundamental, controversial types of subwoofers, they differ in the operation / design of the power amplifier, divided into passive and active.
Features of a passive subwoofer
Its device is simple, the main element of its body - the head / and - "joins" with an external (separate) amplifier. Among them there are structural differences:
- A subwoofer device (passive) with signal transmission to a stereo amplifier, which is not divided into speakers of different frequencies, which somewhat distorts the sound.
- In its design, already to eliminate the shortcoming of the previous one, there is an electronic filter with the task of separating, sorting frequencies by speakers.
The disadvantage of a passive subwoofer is obvious: to perform the given tasks, it needs a lot: a separator, an amplifier (which, moreover, will “request” a separate connection).
Active subwoofer device
This type of speaker system "incorporated all the best": a crossover filter and an amplifier (built-in, own) similar to those of a passive subwoofer. Therefore, its connection / installation is not difficult. It clearly distinguishes inputs and outputs (linear), frequency regulators and other settings (frequency separation, their level). That is, an active subwoofer has a smooth good quality sound.
Differences between active and passive subwoofer
The difference between these two types of acoustic systems, which allow you to clearly perceive low frequencies in sounding audio, is manifested in the following:
- Availability, ease of use: installation, settings - this active type is a clear leader.
- The passive one has a more complex, but more complete range of settings. This allows you to bring the reproduced sound to a professional level.
- A high-quality audio system, chosen by true connoisseurs, true lovers of full and good sound, is more likely to “make good relations” with a passive subwoofer.
- The sound produced by a passive subwoofer is more voluminous, dense, and the active one is more even.
- An active subwoofer is good at playing rhythmic (dance) and heavy music, thanks to its flexible tuning and ease of adjustment.
- It also makes "bass" better - transmits bass frequencies.
It is also possible to convert one type of (passive) subwoofer to another, "smoothing out" their differences. To do this, it is necessary to embed (or attach / add to it) the missing components in the first one. This process is not as easy as it sounds. Therefore, it is better to choose, based on the advantages of the original types of subwoofers, necessary and suitable for the request and preferences of the owner of the audio system.
The difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one
The difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one is obvious, since both devices perform different functions. A subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker designed to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, working in conjunction with any kind of speaker system.
Knowing how an active subwoofer differs from a passive one, you can safely make your choice in favor of one or another speaker.
Types of subwoofers
For a subwoofer to work, three elements must interact. This is the body itself, the woofer and the amplifier.
Depending on this arrangement, subwoofers are divided into two types:
- Active subwoofer;
The main differences between subwoofers
A passive subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker enclosed in a special acoustic enclosure. It needs to be connected to an external amplifier for it to work.
It can also be connected using an electronic crossover filter. This arrangement allows you to achieve deeper bass and significantly expand the frequency spectrum.
Note: it should be borne in mind that linear sound distortions are significantly reduced at increased volume, so it is advisable to listen to compositions at an average sound volume.
A low-frequency subwoofer is usually complemented by a system home theater, or the speaker system in the car. This allows you to achieve rich bass and split the sound.
An active subwoofer can significantly reduce the load on the receiver in a home theater system. When choosing a subwoofer, it is necessary to take into account the properties of the space where it will be installed.
The bass-reflex subwoofer has a deeper bass and is designed for a large cubic capacity of the room. In confined spaces such as in a car, given type subwoofer may start to resonate.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each type of subwoofer has its own advantages and disadvantages due to its design features. A passive subwoofer has a deeper and richer bass than an active subwoofer.
This is due to many different factors:
- No overheating of the air inside the case;
- Possibility of connection of additional electronic filters (see);
- The external power amplifier has a large number of settings;
- Due to the absence of foreign components in the body, the power and depth of the bass becomes more saturated;
- Lower cost compared to an active subwoofer with similar specifications.
- Possibility of use as portable, if there are outputs for additional speakers;
- Various execution options.
When choosing between an active and passive subwoofer, it is worth deciding directly where it will be used and what sound characteristics are needed.
The influence of the cabinet on the sound of a subwoofer
The cabinet in the subwoofer is the main element of the speaker system. Thanks to him, you can create a directional, deaf, or diffused bass.
