Powered Subwoofers at Crutchfield (2024)

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Powered subwoofers provide musical bass fill without taking up all of your cargo space like large boxes loaded with large speakers wired to extra-powerful amplifiers do. In a powered subwoofer, the amplifier is built into the enclosure and prewired to the woofer. This makes for a smaller package and simpler installation. Compact powered subs fit in a lot of different places any in almost any vehicle.

Even little speaker cones can produce large bass sound waves, which are generally between 12 and 30 feet long. Such large sound waves will be unaffected by something as small as a car seat. They won't get reflected or absorbed and will be heard everywhere in your vehicle. The large size of bass waves also makes it almost impossible for our ears to locate their source precisely, so mounting positions for your compact powered subwoofer can vary with minimal adverse effects.

If you're handy with tools, you shouldn't have any problems. You'll need to run a power wire from your vehicle's battery to your powered sub's location, and then a ground wire from there to the chassis. You'll also need RCA cables to carry signal from your aftermarket stereo, or factory stereo interface device, to your new powered subwoofer. Don't worry — when you buy your gear from Crutchfield, our Tech Support people can help you if any issues come up.

You can install two powered subs in your vehicle if you have the space and your vehicle's electrical system can support them both. We recommend running the power wire for each sub from a power distribution block, which would get wired directly to the battery with a wiring kit built to handle the total amount of power of both subs. Give us a call, so an Advisor can help you get all the right installation gear you need to install your powered subwoofer.

The amount of power your powered sub needs depends on how loud you want your bass to sound and how much auxiliary power your vehicle can support. If you drive an all-electric or hybrid-electric vehicle, we recommend limiting the size to no more than about 300 watts RMS, so it won’t interfere with the electric vehicle's normal operation. Otherwise, 150 watts RMS will provide ample bass fill with a factory stereo, and up to 500 watts RMS delivers powerful bass for any stereo.

• Car subwoofer buying guide Our subwoofer shopping guide will help you determine which kind of subwoofer and bass system you need to get the sound you want. by Crutchfield's Bob B.
• How to install a powered subwoofer Powered subs include all the elements of a subwoofer system: a subwoofer, amplifier, and enclosure. In this video, we'll show you how to install a typical powered sub and also share some expert tips to get the job done. by Crutchfield's Matt F.
• Subwoofers FAQ Which subwoofer will sound the loudest? Or the deepest? Which hits harder: one 12" sub or two 10" subs? How much power do I need? These answers and more in our FAQ. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
• Subwoofer wiring diagrams There are many ways to connect subwoofers to an amplifier. Our wiring diagrams will help you find the best way to wire your subs and amps so you'll get the most powerful performance out of your gear. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• All about subwoofers All the information and links you'll need to plan, install, tune, and enjoy a subwoofer system in your car or truck. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Subwoofer Installation Guide This article describes the steps involved in installing a subwoofer in your vehicle. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
• Undercover subwoofers Three of us here at Crutchfield installed subs that added punch and presence to our music without losing cargo space in our cars. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Subwoofers Glossary Learn about the features and technical specifications included among today's car stereo subwoofers. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
• Amplifier wiring diagrams These wiring diagrams illustrate how amplifiers connect to your audio system, which will make it easier to shop for the gear you need for the system of your dreams. by Crutchfield's Buck P.

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