Ever dreamed of a car stereo that truly makes your music come alive, with bass you can feel? But maybe your car doesn’t have a lot of extra space for a giant subwoofer. That’s where the magic of shallow mount 8-inch subwoofers comes in! Choosing the right one, however, can feel like navigating a maze. You want that deep, rich sound, but you don’t want to sacrifice precious cargo room or deal with complicated installations.
Many people struggle to find a shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer that delivers powerful bass without taking up too much space. You might be worried about getting weak sound or a subwoofer that’s too difficult to fit into your car’s existing setup. But what if we told you there are fantastic options out there that can give you that incredible sound experience without any of the hassle?
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about shallow mount 8-inch subwoofers. We’ll help you understand what makes them special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to pick the perfect one for your car. Get ready to transform your driving soundtrack, because by the end of this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying booming bass wherever you go!
Our Top 5 Shallow Mount 8 Inch Subwoofer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shallow Mount 8 Inch Subwoofer Detailed Reviews
1. Pioneer A-Series TS-A2000LD2 8” Subwoofer – 700W Max
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking to boost your car’s sound system without taking up too much room? The Pioneer A-Series TS-A2000LD2 8” Subwoofer is a fantastic option. It’s designed to deliver powerful, deep bass, even in smaller cars or trucks. This subwoofer is a great upgrade for anyone who wants to feel the music.
What We Like:
- It delivers powerful bass that you can really feel.
- The shallow-mount design fits easily in tight spaces.
- It works well with other Pioneer A-series speakers.
- You can connect it to an amplifier to get the exact sound you want.
- The setup is pretty straightforward.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be paired with an external amplifier for best results.
- The recommended enclosure size is specific, so you might need to build or buy one.
This subwoofer is a solid choice for adding some serious low-end punch to your car audio. If you have limited space but crave impactful bass, the Pioneer TS-A2000LD2 is definitely worth considering.
2. CT Sounds Hydro 8” Dual 4-Ohm 600-Watt Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
Rating: 8.9/10
The CT Sounds Hydro 8” Dual 4-Ohm 600-Watt Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer packs a serious punch in a small package. This 8-inch subwoofer is designed for car audio enthusiasts who want big bass without taking up too much space. Its shallow mount design means it fits in more vehicles. You get 300 watts of RMS power, and it can handle up to 600 watts of max power, so it’s built for loud, clear sound.
What We Like:
- Compact Size: The shallow mount design (only 3.27 inches deep) makes installation easy in many cars.
- Versatile Sound: It sounds great in both ported and sealed speaker boxes.
- Good Power Handling: With 300 watts RMS and 600 watts max, it can get loud.
- Dual 4-Ohm Voice Coils: This offers flexibility when wiring it up with your amplifier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Lower Bass Extension: The FS of 46.20 Hz suggests it might not hit the very lowest bass notes as powerfully as larger subs.
- Requires Specific Enclosure Tuning: While versatile, getting the best sound will depend on proper enclosure design and tuning.
Overall, the CT Sounds Hydro 8” is a strong contender for anyone needing a compact yet powerful subwoofer. It delivers impressive bass for its size and offers great installation flexibility.
3. MB Quart 400 Watt Max 200 Watt RMS Shallow Subwoofer
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to boost your car or powersports audio with the MB Quart Discus Shallow Subwoofer. This 8-inch speaker packs a punch with 400 watts of maximum power and 200 watts of RMS power. Its slim design makes it ideal for tight spaces, especially in ATVs, motorcycles, or smaller cars.
What We Like:
- It delivers powerful sound that makes your music come alive.
- The shallow design fits easily into many vehicles, even powersports models.
- It’s built tough with strong materials like a poly cone and rubber surround, so it lasts a long time.
- Installation is straightforward in different types of speaker boxes.
- MB Quart is known for making great-sounding audio equipment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mounting depth is very shallow, which might limit its use in some custom setups.
- While it offers good power for its size, serious bass enthusiasts might want a larger or more powerful subwoofer.
This MB Quart subwoofer is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle’s sound system without taking up too much space. It offers a great balance of power, durability, and easy installation for an enhanced listening experience.
4. Skar Audio VD-8 D2 8″ 600W Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
Rating: 9.1/10
If you’re looking for a powerful bass upgrade for your car without taking up too much space, the Skar Audio VD-8 D2 8″ shallow mount subwoofer is a fantastic option. This compact powerhouse delivers impressive sound with its 600 watts of peak power and 400 watts of RMS power. Its shallow mount design means it fits easily into smaller enclosures, making it ideal for vehicles with limited trunk space.
What We Like:
- The shallow mount design is a huge plus, making installation much easier in tight spots.
- It packs a serious punch for its size, providing deep and clear bass.
- The high-performance pressed paper cone and stitched foam surround ensure durability and good sound quality.
- The dual 2-ohm voice coils offer flexibility for wiring your amplifier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sensitivity of 83.2 dB means it might need a bit more power from your amplifier to really shine compared to more sensitive subs.
- While it’s a great value, some audiophiles might prefer a wider frequency response for extremely nuanced sound.
This Skar Audio subwoofer is a solid choice for anyone wanting to boost their car’s audio system. It offers a great blend of power, size, and affordability.
5. KICKER 48CWRT82 CompRT 8″ Subwoofer
Rating: 8.6/10
The KICKER 48CWRT82 CompRT 8″ Subwoofer is a powerful little speaker that fits into tight spots. It’s designed to give you big sound without taking up much room. This subwoofer is a great upgrade for any car audio system.
What We Like:
- It’s thin but still delivers awesome bass.
- It stays cooler than other subs, so it lasts longer.
- You can connect it in different ways because it has two voice coils.
- The solid pole piece helps it handle heat really well.
- It’s an improved version that gives you true subwoofer sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s thin, it still needs a bit of space for its enclosure.
- For some, the 2-ohm impedance might require specific amplifier pairings.
This KICKER CompRT subwoofer packs a serious punch for its size. It’s a fantastic option if you want great bass without sacrificing space.
Your Guide to Shallow Mount 8-Inch Subwoofers
Are you looking to add some serious bass to your car audio system without taking up too much space? A shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer might be just what you need. These compact powerhouses are designed to fit into smaller enclosures, making them perfect for vehicles with limited trunk or cabin space. Let’s dive into what makes a great shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing your shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer, keep these important features in mind:
- Mounting Depth: This is the most crucial factor for shallow mount subs. Measure the space where you plan to install it. The subwoofer’s mounting depth must be less than this measurement.
- RMS Power Handling: This tells you how much continuous power the subwoofer can handle. More RMS power generally means louder and cleaner bass.
- Peak Power Handling: This is the maximum power the subwoofer can handle for short bursts. It’s less important than RMS but still good to know.
- Sensitivity: This is measured in decibels (dB) and shows how efficiently the subwoofer converts power into sound. A higher sensitivity means the subwoofer will play louder with the same amount of power.
- Frequency Response: This indicates the range of bass frequencies the subwoofer can reproduce. A wider range means you’ll hear more of the deep bass notes.
- Voice Coil Configuration: Subwoofers often come with single or dual voice coils. Dual voice coil (DVC) subs offer more wiring flexibility and can sometimes provide better performance.
- Impedance: This is measured in ohms (Ω) and affects how the subwoofer interacts with your amplifier. Make sure the impedance matches your amplifier’s capabilities.
Important Materials
The materials used in a subwoofer’s construction significantly impact its sound quality and durability.
- Cone Material:
- Polypropylene: This is a common and affordable material. It’s durable and offers a good balance of stiffness and weight.
- Paper/Pulp: Often used in high-end subs, paper cones can be very light and stiff, leading to excellent sound reproduction.
- Composite Materials: These can include materials like carbon fiber or Kevlar, offering superior strength and lightness for precise bass response.
- Surround Material:
- Butyl Rubber: This is a popular choice because it’s very durable and resistant to UV rays and extreme temperatures, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Foam: Foam surrounds are lighter than rubber, which can improve the subwoofer’s responsiveness, but they can degrade over time.
- Basket Material:
- Steel: Steel baskets are strong and common, providing a sturdy foundation for the subwoofer.
- Cast Aluminum: These are lighter and more rigid than steel, which can help reduce unwanted vibrations and improve sound clarity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can make a shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer perform better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built subwoofer with solid materials and tight tolerances will sound better and last longer. Look for brands known for their quality.
- Enclosure Design: The box a subwoofer is in is just as important as the subwoofer itself. A properly designed enclosure, whether sealed or ported, will bring out the best in your subwoofer. Shallow mount subs often require specific, smaller enclosure designs.
- Amplifier Match: Using an amplifier that is properly matched to the subwoofer’s power handling and impedance is crucial. An underpowered amp can distort, and an overpowered amp can damage the subwoofer.
- Installation: A secure and well-sealed installation prevents air leaks, which can significantly reduce bass output and sound quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Shallow mount 8-inch subwoofers are fantastic for many situations.
- Compact Cars and Trucks: Their small size makes them ideal for vehicles where space is at a premium. You can often fit them under seats or in custom enclosures that don’t take up much trunk space.
- Factory Upgrade: Many people use them to upgrade the bass in their factory car stereo system without needing major modifications.
- Clean Sound: When paired with a good amplifier and enclosure, these subs deliver tight, accurate bass that complements your music without overwhelming it.
- Home Audio (Limited Space): While primarily for cars, some users find them suitable for small home entertainment systems or dorm rooms where space is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a shallow mount subwoofer?
A: The main advantage is their compact size, allowing them to fit in tight spaces where traditional subwoofers won’t. This is great for cars with limited room.
Q: Do shallow mount subwoofers sound as good as regular subwoofers?
A: They can sound very good! While traditional subs might offer deeper bass or higher power handling, shallow mount subs are designed to provide excellent sound quality in a smaller package. The quality of the specific subwoofer and its enclosure matters most.
Q: What kind of enclosure does a shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer need?
A: They typically require smaller, specifically designed enclosures. The manufacturer’s recommendations for enclosure size and type (sealed or ported) are very important for optimal performance.
Q: Can I power a shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer with my car’s factory stereo?
A: Usually, no. Factory stereos don’t provide enough clean power. You’ll typically need an aftermarket amplifier to get the best sound and avoid damaging the subwoofer.
Q: What does “mounting depth” mean?
A: Mounting depth is the vertical distance from the mounting surface (where the subwoofer sits) to the bottom of the subwoofer. You need to make sure this measurement is less than the space you have available.
Q: How do I know if a subwoofer will fit in my car?
A: You need to measure the space where you want to install it. Pay attention to mounting depth, but also consider the overall diameter and any clearance needed for wiring or the enclosure.
Q: What is the difference between single voice coil (SVC) and dual voice coil (DVC)?
A: SVC subs have one set of wires. DVC subs have two sets, offering more flexibility when connecting to an amplifier, which can sometimes allow for better power delivery or impedance matching.
Q: Is a higher sensitivity rating always better?
A: A higher sensitivity means the subwoofer plays louder with less power. So, if you have a less powerful amplifier, a higher sensitivity subwoofer can be beneficial.
Q: What should I look for in a shallow mount subwoofer if I want really deep bass?
A: For deeper bass, look for subwoofers with a wider frequency response that goes lower, and consider a ported enclosure design, which often enhances low-frequency output.
Q: Can I use a shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer to replace my car’s stock door speakers?
A: It’s unlikely. Door speakers are typically designed differently and have different mounting requirements. Shallow mount subs are usually installed in custom enclosures or under seats.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.