Nowadays it is very easy to get that hard-hitting bass in your car without having to worry about your subwoofer taking up too much space. Shallow mount subwoofers eliminate that worry but create a great bass response with their compact design.
To narrow down the search and make it easier for you, we have picked out our top 5 choices for the best shallow mount speakers. Each model has its pros and cons and looking into its review will give you a better idea about each model.
There is no need to bombard yourself with hundreds of options as this will help you make an easy and quick decision. Make sure to not skip over a few things you should consider before buying a shallow mount subwoofer as these factors will only help you make this decision.
Top 5 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Pioneer TS-SW2502S4
Easy to install with a small, compact design to save space, the Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 will provide you with rich and powerful bass. You will surely hear the difference this product makes despite its compact design.
The reason it works so well is because of the amount of air it displaces. The amount of air being displaced is equivalent to how rich and deep a bass a shallow mount subwoofer can produce.
The product includes features such as an oversized cone that is created with MICA injected resin and a single voice coil of 4ohms. These help the subwoofer displace more air, thus giving off a hard-hitting bass.
It also saves a lot of space, easily fitting into spaces less than 4 inches tall. Its small dimensions and powerful bass make up for its frequency range. It has a frequency range of 25Hz to 125 Hz. This may not be as impressive as other models but it is still above average. It also comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual.
Pros
- 300-watt power
- 1200-watt peak power
- 4ohm single voice coil
- Resin oversized cone injected with MICA
- Mounting depth of 3 ⅛ ”
- Displaces large amounts of air
Cons
- 25-125Hz low range frequency only
- Does not come with an enclosure
Verdict
If you want a slim shallow mount subwoofer that gives you a deep bass then this product is for you. Being enclosed properly, it will hit all the notes and give you that powerful bass. With a peak power of 1200 Hz, you cannot go wrong with this subwoofer when it comes to expecting a boosting bass and easy installation in tight spaces.
Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F
The Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F may not be the most powerful shallow mount subwoofer out there but it gives the other models some serious competition. What makes this model so popular is its 1400 watts peak power, 700 watts RMS rating, shallow mounting depth, and solid housing.
The cone of the product is made using carbon glass fiber that is woven into an intricate honeycomb pattern. This helps the subwoofer provide you with more response without damaging it. It also makes the product more durable as it helps with an effective heat-transferring system.
It has a rubber surround that prevents distortions and reduces the resonance to its minimum level. It has an enclosure made of aluminum which prevents overheating by allowing a proper distribution of heat.
It has silver-plated terminals that make it easy to use. They provide a signal transfer that delivers and hits all the right notes and keeps the system cool. These features make the product durable and lightweight with a high-quality sound.
It has a 91dB high sensitivity rate. Thus it requires less power to produce higher volumes. As it requires less power, this removes the need for an amplifier to go along with it and you can also increase the volume, thanks to its high sensitivity.
Pros
- High sensitivity
- Highly durable
- High-quality materials used for construction
- Heat transfer system
- High power rating
- It has a shallow mount
Cons
- Bigger in size
- Does not have a dual voice coil
Verdict
Coming from a reputed brand, the Kenwood Excelon KFCXW1200F is a reliable product that comes with great features. It has a deeper mount but given the sensitivity and peak power rating, it gives you a good bass feel.
Alpine SWR-T10
This product is nothing short of powerful when it comes to giving you what you want. With a small footprint, it gives an impressive bass response. It has been designed with the latest innovative technologies and is only 3 ¼ inches deep.
Easy to install in any small space, its performance is equivalent to that of a much bigger subwoofer. It has a peak power of 1200 watts and an RMS rating of 600 watts. It has a frequency range of 28Hz to 200 Hz.
It has an oversized voice coil of 100mm, a molded cone, and a spider design which is yet patent-pending. This design allows for easy movement of air which produces a rich and deep bass.
It has other features such as a radial vented VC heat sink. This promotes an easy airflow and prevents the system from overheating. This also increases the lifespan of the subwoofer.
Pros
- It uses new and innovative technology
- Easy installation
- Compact design
- Durable construction
- Great airflow management system
- Amazing bass response
- Performance equivalent to a full-sized subwoofer
Cons
- Expensive than most other models
Verdict
Giving you a power-packed performance in a compact design, the Alpine SWR-T10 does not disappoint. With all the features it provides, it may be a little pricey but it is worth every penny spent on it. With all the new technologies it has put into its development, the cost is a small price to pay if you value quality and performance over everything.
Kicker CVT124
Making your seat vibrate with the bass it produces, the Kicker CVT124 is wider than most shallow mount subwoofers. It makes up for the lack of deep bass from your car system and properly installing this product can make a huge difference.
It has a depth of 4 ⅜ inches and can be mounted in your trunk, your rear dashboard, or even in a door panel. It has a 400 watt RMS power rating and a single voice coil of 4ohms. It has a frequency of 25 Hz to 350Hz. It’s cone is made up of a SoloKon injected mold and is enclosed in a sturdy steel basket.
It has a peak power of 800 watts and has a four-layer high-temperature voice coil. The build of this product makes it durable and long-lasting, hitting those high and low notes.
Pros
- Rich, deep bass
- Durable materials used for the build
- Wider frequency range
- 400 watt RMS rating with an 800-watt peak power
Cons
- Too deep to fit into tight spaces
Verdict
For its compact size, the product gives an impressive bass response. It is powerful and provides a high-quality sound. It will not fit in tight spaces but is easy to install and delivers amazing performance.
Rockford Fosgate PS3D2
Rockford Fosgate has known to live up to its customers’ expectations and has done it yet again with the Rockford Fosgate PS3D2 shallow mount subwoofer. It provides you with deep and defined bass tones while saving space at the same time.
It has a depth of 2.66 inches which can fit into really tight spaces. It is easy to install and can be fitted into any vehicle of your choice. It is fitted into a flex fit basket which also helps in its easy installation.
It has an RMS rating of 300 watts with an 82dB sensitivity rating. This lets the subwoofer provide you high-quality sound and deep bass using lesser power. It provides a perfect balance, syncing all the other devices in your system in harmony.
It has an anodized aluminum cone, a low impedance rating, and a surround made of Santoprene rubber. These features make the product durable and long-lasting, without you having to spend extra money or repairing or replacing it.
Pros
- Shallow mounting depth
- Durable materials used for the build
- Good bass response
- 150-watt power with a 300 watts peak
Cons
- Not as good as larger subwoofers
- Grille not included
Verdict
A durable speaker that gives you a good bass response, the Rockford Fosgate PS3D2 is a powerful shallow mount subwoofer that helps balance your system and can fit in easily in any space as per your preference.
Things To Consider Before You Buy A Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Size is an important factor to look into before you buy a shallow mount subwoofer. There are different models of 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches and each of these models provides you with different features and advantages.
A few other factors to keep in mind are the power rating, the sensitivity, the impedance, and the number of voice coils. Check the RMS power rating and ensure that the power the subwoofer is taking in does not exceed its peak capacity.
A subwoofer with high sensitivity is preferred as they require less power but give you a louder sound. The subwoofer you choose should also have a lower impedance. Impedance is a measure of how resistant a subwoofer is to electrical current. Lower impedance also means fewer distortions and disturbances.
Shallow mount subwoofers have either a single or dual voice coil. A dual voice coil is preferred over a single voice coil as it can take up more power and extra equipment such as an extra subwoofer is not required.
The materials that are used for the construction of a shallow mount subwoofer make a difference as well. Looking at the model, make sure you follow up on the materials they use. Using high-quality materials can make your subwoofer last longer, durable, and less susceptible to damage or overheating.
Once you have bought your desired subwoofer, positioning it will make a huge difference to the bass production as well. Depending on its size, the best place to mount your shallow subwoofer is either under your seat or in the trunk.
Conclusion
Easy to install and fits in almost all spaces, you need not worry about any space-related issues with these shallow mount subwoofers. They provide you with a rich, deep sounding bass and take up little to no space in your vehicle.
Looking into our top picks of shallow mount subwoofers, you can choose the best that best suits your needs and provides you with the features you are looking for. Make sure to keep the few things mentioned above in mind while buying a shallow mount subwoofer and enjoy your bass like never before!