Does your car stereo sound flat? Do you crave that deep, chest-thumping bass that makes your music truly come alive? For many car audio fans, the answer is a resounding yes! Skar Audio has built a huge name by making powerful subwoofers that fit many budgets. But let’s be honest, stepping into the Skar lineup can feel overwhelming. Which model gives you the perfect balance of boom for your buck? You worry about picking a sub that’s too weak or one that might drain your electrical system.
Choosing the wrong subwoofer means wasted money and disappointing sound. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain the key differences between popular Skar models, like the EVL versus the ZVX series. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which Skar Audio Subwoofer matches your power goals and your vehicle’s space. Get ready to turn up the volume and finally experience the earth-shaking bass you deserve. Let’s dive into the world of Skar Audio power!
Top Skar Audio Subwoofer Recommendations
- All-in-One Complete SDR Series Loaded Subwoofer Complete Bass Package
- Peak Power: 1,200 Watts | RMS Power: 600 Watts
- Includes x1 Skar Audio SDR-1X12D2 Single 12" Loaded 1,200 Watt Vented Subwoofer Enclosure
- Includes x1 Skar Audio RP-800.1D Class D 800 Watt Monoblock Amplifier
- Includes x1 Skar Audio SKAR4ANL-CCA 4 Gauge Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit
- All-in-One Complete SDR Series Dual 12-inch Loaded Subwoofer Complete Bass Package
- Peak Power: 2,400 Watts | RMS Power: 1,200 Watts
- Includes x1 Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 Dual 12" Loaded 2,400 Watt Vented Subwoofer Enclosure
- Includes x1 Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Class D 1,200 Watt Monoblock Car Subwoofer Amplifier
- Includes x1 Skar Audio SKAR4ANL-OFC 4 Gauge Premium OFC Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit
- 12-Inch Dual 4 ohm Car Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 1, 200 Watts | RMS Power: 600 watts
- 2.5" 4-Layer high temperature Copper voice Coil
- High Roll Foam Surround - High flux ferrite motor
- Frequency response: 22 Hz - 300 Hz | Sensitivity: 84.7 dB
- All-in-one complete SDR series loaded Subwoofer complete bass package
- Peak Power: 1, 200 watts | RMS Power: 600 watts
- Includes x1 Skar Audio sdr-1x10d2 single 10" Loaded 1, 200 watt vented subwoofer enclosure
- Includes x1 Skar Audio rp-800.1D class D 800 watt mono-block amplifier
- Includes x1 Skar Audio skar4anl-cca 4 gauge complete amplifier wiring kit
- 10-Inch Dual 4 ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 800 Watts | RMS Power: 500 Watts
- Shallow Mount Design - Mounting Depth: 4.41"
- High Performance Pressed Paper Cone Stitched to Premium Foam Surround
- Sensitivity: 85.1 dB | Fs: 41.9 Hz
- Sdr series single 12-inch D2 ohm loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
- Peak Power: 1, 200 Watts | RMS Power: 600 watts
- Pre-wired Internally for a 1 Ohm Final Impedance Load at the terminals for an easy installation
- Premium Vented Enclosure Made of 5/8" Mdf and finished in black Carpeting
- Double front baffle (1.25") with countersunk subwoofer design for Flush and attractive appearance
- 10-Inch Dual 4-ohm Car Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 1,200 Watts | RMS Power: 600 watts
- 2.5" 4-Layer High Temperature Copper voice Coil
- High Roll Foam Surround and Competition Grade Pressed Paper Cone
- Frequency Response Range: 28 Hz - 300 Hz | Sensitivity: 82.5 dB
- 6.5-inch Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 400 Watts | RMS Power: 200 Watts
- 2" Copper Voice Coil, Sensitivity (Spl): 82.8 dB
- Great Low End Frequency Response | Fs: 64 Hz
- Small & Compact Subwoofer, Hard Hitting Bass
Choosing Your Skar Audio Subwoofer: A Buyer’s Guide
Skar Audio makes some powerful subwoofers. These speakers shake your car when you play music. Picking the right one takes a little know-how. This guide helps you choose the best Skar subwoofer for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Skar subwoofer, certain features really matter. These tell you how loud and clear the bass will be.
- Power Handling (RMS Wattage): This is how much continuous power the subwoofer can safely handle. Look for a higher RMS number if you want really loud bass.
- Subwoofer Size: Skar offers sizes like 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch. Bigger sizes generally move more air, creating deeper bass, but they need more space.
- Voice Coil Configuration (SVC vs. DVC): This refers to the wiring. Single Voice Coil (SVC) is simpler to wire. Dual Voice Coil (DVC) gives you more flexibility when connecting multiple subs or amplifiers.
- Sensitivity Rating: This tells you how loud the sub plays with a certain amount of power. A higher number means the subwoofer gets louder easily.
Important Materials That Matter
The parts inside the subwoofer affect its sound and how long it lasts. Good materials mean better performance.
The **cone** is the main moving part that pushes the air. Skar often uses treated paper or polypropylene cones. Paper cones sound natural, while polypropylene is very durable and handles moisture well.
The **surround** holds the cone to the basket. A good, stiff foam or rubber surround helps the cone move correctly for tight, accurate bass. The **spider** (the corrugated part underneath the cone) controls its movement. A strong spider prevents the cone from moving too far and getting damaged.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality in a subwoofer comes from how well it is built to handle abuse.
Higher Quality Indicators: Look for subwoofers with large, powerful magnets. These magnets keep the sound tight. Also, check the **motor structure**. A bigger motor assembly usually means the subwoofer can handle more power without overheating.
Quality Reducers: Cheap, lightweight voice coils heat up fast. If the voice coil wire is thin, the subwoofer might fail quickly when pushed hard. Thin metal baskets (the frame holding everything together) can vibrate, which colors the sound and reduces clarity.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your car audio system changes which Skar sub you should buy.
Daily Driver/Casual Listening: If you just want better bass for your everyday driving, a smaller subwoofer (like a 10-inch or 12-inch entry-level model) often works perfectly. They are easier to fit in standard trunks or hatchbacks.
Competition/Loud Music: If your goal is to win bass contests or just have extremely loud music, you need a high-excursion subwoofer (meaning it moves in and out a lot). These models, often found in Skar’s premium lines, require a much larger, custom-built enclosure and a powerful amplifier.
Enclosure Matters: Remember, even the best Skar subwoofer sounds bad in the wrong box. Sealed boxes give tight, accurate bass. Ported boxes usually play louder and go lower, but they need precise tuning for the best results. Always follow Skar’s recommended box dimensions.
Skar Audio Subwoofer FAQs
Q: What RMS wattage should I look for in a Skar subwoofer?
A: RMS wattage shows continuous power. If you listen moderately, 300W to 500W RMS is good. For very loud systems, look for 800W RMS or higher.
Q: Are Skar subwoofers hard to install?
A: Installing the subwoofer itself is easy, but you must properly match it with an amplifier and build the correct enclosure. Wiring diagrams are usually provided to help you.
Q: Do I need a special box for my Skar sub?
A: Yes, absolutely. Skar provides recommended box designs (sealed or ported) for each model. Using the wrong box hurts the sound quality greatly.
Q: What is the difference between SVC and DVC?
A: SVC (Single Voice Coil) has one set of terminals, making wiring simple. DVC (Dual Voice Coil) has two sets, allowing you to wire for different impedances (like 2 ohms or 4 ohms) to better match your amplifier.
Q: Will a bigger subwoofer always be louder?
A: Not always. A well-powered 12-inch subwoofer can often outperform a poorly powered 15-inch subwoofer. Power and enclosure tuning are just as important as size.
Q: Can I run a Skar subwoofer off my car’s factory stereo?
A: You should not. Factory stereos do not provide enough clean power. You need a dedicated external amplifier to power your Skar subwoofer correctly and keep it safe.
Q: What does “High Excursion” mean?
A: High excursion means the subwoofer cone can move a long distance forward and backward. This movement creates very deep, powerful bass notes.
Q: How long do Skar subwoofers usually last?
A: If you use the correct amount of power (not too much or too little) and keep it in the right enclosure, a Skar subwoofer can last many years.
Q: Should I choose a sealed or ported box?
A: Sealed boxes provide tighter, punchier bass, great for many music types. Ported boxes are louder and hit lower notes more easily, often preferred for Hip-Hop or EDM.
Q: Where is the best place to mount the subwoofer?
A: For the best results in a car, the subwoofer is usually mounted in the trunk or rear hatch area, firing toward the rear or sometimes upward, depending on the vehicle design.