Car audio enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to upgrade their car’s sound system. A subwoofer is an essential component that can significantly enhance the audio experience. However, not everyone has enough space in their car to install a traditional subwoofer. This is where 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofers come in.
As the name suggests, shallow-mount subwoofers are designed to be mounted in tight spaces, such as under a seat or in a small enclosure. They are perfect for those who want to add more bass to their car’s audio system without sacrificing too much space. Additionally, shallow-mount subwoofers are often more lightweight and easier to install than traditional subwoofers.
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When it comes to purchasing an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the power handling capability. Make sure to choose a subwoofer that can handle the power output of your car’s amplifier. Additionally, pay attention to the subwoofer’s sensitivity rating, which determines how efficiently it converts power into sound.
We spent hours researching and testing various 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofers to identify the ones that provide the best sound quality and value for your money. In the following sections, we’ll detail our findings and help you choose the perfect subwoofer for your car.
Best 8-Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Looking for a subwoofer that can fit in tight spaces? We’ve got you covered. After hours of research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofers on the market.
These subwoofers are designed to deliver powerful bass without taking up too much space in your vehicle. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply want to enhance your driving experience, our top picks have got you covered. Check out our list below to find the perfect subwoofer for your needs.
MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers big bass without taking up too much space, the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is worth considering.
Pros
- With less than 3 inches mounting depth, this car subwoofer is ideal in sealed enclosure applications and makes for one of the most versatile subwoofers for cars in areas with limited space.
- Front and rear venting allows cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap which helps the sub make deep bass and extend the life of the component.
- Heavy gauge powder-coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts and delivers big bass in a small space that does not consume your cargo space.
Cons
- This subwoofer is not as loud as some of the larger models on the market.
- The mounting holes may not line up perfectly with your existing setup.
- Some users have reported that the subwoofer can be difficult to install.
We were impressed with the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer’s ability to deliver deep, rich bass in a compact package. Whether you’re looking to upgrade the sound system in your car or just want to add some extra oomph to your music, this subwoofer is worth considering.
One of the biggest advantages of this subwoofer is its compact size. With a mounting depth of less than 3 inches, it can be installed in even the tightest spaces without taking up too much room.
Despite its small size, the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is still able to deliver impressive bass thanks to its front and rear venting system.
Another thing we liked about this subwoofer is its heavy gauge powder-coated stamped steel basket. This provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts, which helps to deliver big bass in a small space without taking up too much cargo space.
While there are some downsides to this subwoofer, such as the fact that it may not be as loud as some of the larger models on the market, we still think it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers big sound.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer to anyone looking to upgrade their car’s sound system.
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Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer
If you’re looking for an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer that delivers deep bass and is built to last, the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With less than 3 inches of mounting depth, this car subwoofer is ideal in sealed enclosure applications and makes for one of the most versatile subwoofers for cars in areas with limited space.
- Front and rear venting allows cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap which helps the sub make deep bass and extend the life of the component and your subwoofer car audio.
- Heavy gauge powder-coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts and delivers big bass in a small space that does not consume your cargo space.
Cons
- The subwoofer may require some modifications for installation in certain vehicles.
- The sound quality may not be as good as more expensive subwoofers.
- Some users have reported issues with broken posts.
We were impressed with the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer’s ability to deliver deep bass in a compact size. The front and rear venting system keeps the subwoofer cool and helps extend its life.
The heavy gauge powder-coated steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts, ensuring that the subwoofer delivers big bass without taking up too much space.
Installation may require some modifications, but overall, the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a great option for those looking for a versatile and durable subwoofer that can fit in tight spaces.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers good sound quality, this subwoofer is worth considering.
Rockville W8T4-S2 8″ Shallow Mount 1000w Car Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a powerful and compact subwoofer that doesn’t take up too much space, then the Rockville W8T4-S2 is worth considering.
Pros
- The Rockville W8T4-S2 is a shallow-mount subwoofer, which means it’s perfect for installations where space is limited.
- With a peak power of 1000 watts and RMS of 250 watts, this subwoofer delivers a serious low-frequency response and excellent sound quality.
- The subwoofer features a high-power strontium magnet with an ultra-saturated, high BL motor gap, which ensures that it delivers clear and powerful bass.
Cons
- The subwoofer’s sensitivity is 90dB @ 1w/1m, which means it’s not the most efficient subwoofer out there.
- The subwoofer’s frequency response is 39 Hz to 500 Hz, which means it may not be suitable for those looking for extremely low bass.
- The subwoofer’s voice coil is a 1.5” high-power voice coil, which is not the largest in the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Rockville W8T4-S2 for anyone looking for a powerful and compact subwoofer that delivers excellent sound quality. It’s perfect for installations where space is limited, and it delivers clear and powerful bass that will enhance your listening experience.
Skar Audio VD-8 D4 8″ 600W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
If you’re looking for an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer, the Skar Audio VD-8 D4 is a solid choice.
Pros
- The shallow mount design makes it easy to install in tight spaces.
- The high-performance pressed paper cone stitched to premium foam surround delivers great sound quality.
- With a peak power of 600 watts and RMS power of 400 watts, this subwoofer packs a punch.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the instructions do not mention breaking in the coils for a week at low power.
- While the sound quality is good, some users have reported that they have heard better sound from other subwoofers.
- It may not fit in all car models, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing.
We were impressed with the Skar Audio VD-8 D4. The shallow mount design made installation a breeze, and the sound quality was impressive.
The high-performance pressed paper cone stitched to premium foam surround delivered a clear and powerful sound. With a peak power of 600 watts and RMS power of 400 watts, this subwoofer is capable of delivering plenty of bass.
However, some users have reported that the instructions do not mention breaking in the coils for a week at low power, so be sure to keep that in mind when setting up your audio system. Additionally, while the sound quality is good, some users have reported that they have heard better sound from other subwoofers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer, the Skar Audio VD-8 D4 is worth considering. Just be sure to check the specifications to ensure that it will fit in your car model.
Rockville W8T4-S4 8″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer
If you’re in the market for an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer, the Rockville W8T4-S4 is a great option.
Pros
- The ultra-stiff paper composite cone provides a great sound quality.
- The shallow mount design makes it easy to install in tight spaces.
- The high-density laminated butyl rubber surround ensures durability.
Cons
- The voice coil may overheat if used at high volumes for extended periods.
- The vented core magnet motor structure can be a bit noisy.
- The frequency response isn’t as wide as some other subwoofers on the market.
We recently installed the Rockville W8T4-S4 in our car and have been impressed with its performance. The ultra-stiff paper composite cone delivers great sound quality, and the high-density laminated butyl rubber surround ensures durability.
The shallow mount design made it easy to install in our tight space, and the dual nickel-plated spring-loaded push terminals made wiring a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the voice coil may overheat if used at high volumes for extended periods. Additionally, the vented core magnet motor structure can be a bit noisy, which may be a concern for some users.
Finally, the frequency response isn’t as wide as some other subwoofers on the market, so you may not get the same level of bass as you would with a more expensive option.
Overall, we would recommend the Rockville W8T4-S4 8″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable subwoofer for their car.
Skar Audio VD-8 D2 8″ 600W Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers, Pair of 2
If you’re looking for an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer that can handle ample amounts of power while maintaining a shallow footprint, then the Skar Audio VD-8 D2 is worth considering.
Pros
- The dual 2-ohm voice coil and high-temperature 2-inch voice coil allow for great sound quality and performance.
- With a peak power of 600 watts and RMS power of 400 watts, these subwoofers can handle a lot of power.
- The shallow mount design makes these subwoofers versatile and great for use in applications where mounting depth is limited.
Cons
- These subwoofers lack the punch of larger subwoofers.
- The sound quality may not be as good as some higher-end subwoofers.
- The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Skar Audio VD-8 D2 subwoofers and were impressed with their performance. The dual 2-ohm voice coil and high-temperature 2-inch voice coil allowed for great sound quality and performance.
These subwoofers can handle a lot of power with a peak power of 600 watts and an RMS power of 400 watts.
The shallow mount design of these subwoofers makes them very versatile and great for use in applications where mounting depth is limited. They make for a great under-seat subwoofer and can be used in a variety of different applications.
While the sound quality of these subwoofers is good, they do lack the punch of larger subwoofers. Additionally, the price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
However, overall we were impressed with the Skar Audio VD-8 D2 subwoofers and would recommend them to anyone looking for a high-quality 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer.
Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a shallow-mount subwoofer that can deliver deep bass and fits in tight spaces, the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus is a great option.
Pros
- With less than 3 inches mounting depth, this car subwoofer is ideal in sealed enclosure applications and makes for one of the most versatile subwoofers for cars in areas with limited space.
- The front and rear venting allows cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap which helps the sub make deep bass and extend the life of the component and your subwoofer car audio.
- The heavy gauge powder-coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts and delivers big bass in a small space that does not consume your cargo space.
Cons
- The subwoofer may not deliver the same level of bass as larger subwoofers, but it still delivers great sound for its size.
- Some minor modifications may be required during installation.
- The subwoofer may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
We were impressed with the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer. Despite its small size, it delivers deep bass and is perfect for tight spaces. The front and rear venting allows for cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap, which helps the subwoofer make deep bass and extend the life of the component and your subwoofer car audio.
The heavy gauge powder-coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts and delivers big bass in a small space that does not consume your cargo space.
During installation, some minor modifications may be required, but the subwoofer is still easy to install. While it may not deliver the same level of bass as larger subwoofers, it still delivers great sound for its size. However, it may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a shallow-mount subwoofer that can deliver deep bass and fits in tight spaces, the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus is a great choice.
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Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:
Power Handling
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer is its power handling capacity. This refers to the amount of power that the subwoofer can handle without getting damaged.
It is typically measured in watts and is represented by two numbers: RMS and peak power. RMS power is the continuous power that the subwoofer can handle, while peak power is the maximum power that it can handle for short periods. Make sure to choose a subwoofer that can handle the power output of your amplifier.
Impedance
Impedance is another important factor to consider when choosing an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer. It refers to the amount of electrical resistance that the subwoofer presents to the amplifier. Subwoofers typically come in two impedance ratings: 2 ohms and 4 ohms.
A lower impedance rating means that the subwoofer will draw more power from the amplifier, but it will also produce more bass. Make sure to choose a subwoofer with an impedance rating that is compatible with your amplifier.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a subwoofer refers to the range of frequencies that it can reproduce. The ideal frequency response for a subwoofer is between 20Hz and 200Hz, as this is the range of frequencies that are most important for producing deep, powerful bass. Make sure to choose a subwoofer that has a frequency response that is compatible with the type of music that you listen to.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to the amount of sound that a subwoofer can produce from a given amount of power. A subwoofer with a higher sensitivity rating will produce more sound than one with a lower sensitivity rating, even if they are both powered by the same amplifier. Make sure to choose a subwoofer with a sensitivity rating that is compatible with the power output of your amplifier.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer for your needs and enjoy powerful, high-quality bass in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a shallow-mount subwoofer in a car audio system?
Shallow-mount subwoofers are designed to fit in tight spaces, making them an excellent choice for smaller vehicles or installations where space is limited. They can provide powerful bass without taking up too much room in your car, giving you the best of both worlds.
How does the performance of an 8-inch shallow mount subwoofer compare to larger subwoofers?
While larger subwoofers can produce more bass, 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofers can still provide a satisfying low-end response. They are ideal for those who want a balanced sound without sacrificing too much space.
Can shallow-mount subwoofers provide a satisfying bass experience in a vehicle?
Yes, shallow-mount subwoofers can provide a satisfying bass experience in a vehicle. They are designed to produce powerful bass without taking up too much space, making them an excellent choice for those who want a balanced sound.
What should I look for when choosing a shallow-mount subwoofer for my vehicle?
When choosing a shallow-mount subwoofer, you should consider factors such as power handling, sensitivity, and frequency response. It’s also important to choose a subwoofer that is compatible with your car’s audio system and can fit in the available space.
Are dual 2-ohm voice coil subwoofers better for certain applications?
Dual 2-ohm voice coil subwoofers can offer more flexibility when it comes to wiring options, making them a good choice for certain applications. However, single-voice coil subwoofers can still provide excellent performance and maybe a better choice for some installations.
How do Rockford Fosgate and Sundown 8-inch shallow mount subwoofers differ?
Rockford Fosgate and Sundown both offer high-quality 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofers, but they differ in terms of power handling, sensitivity, and other features. It’s important to compare the specifications of each subwoofer to determine which one is best for your needs.
