Top 7 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer (REVEALED)

Are you the type that loves music and wanted to get lost in the sound of it all?

Slim subwoofer speakers are a great way to listen to music powerfully.

Some car speakers are called Hardest Hitting Shallow Subwoofer. We mostly see these speakers in concerts, parties, cars, and even in homes, but have you ever wondered how hard they hit?

If you are, then let’s find out who makes the best shallow mount subwoofer that hits the hardest!

7 Of The Hardest Hitting Shallow Mount Subwoofer Reviews

1. Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-10 Punch P3S 10: Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer:

The Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-10 Punch P3S 10″ 4-Ohm DVC Shallow Subwoofer delivers big bass sound in a shallow enclosure, and it’s simple to use.

The P3SD4-10 has a custom stamped-basket design, which Rockford claims results in a smoother, tighter bass response, and a stamped-basket design is also lighter than a cast basket design, so the P3DD4-10 weighs less than many other 10-inch subwoofers on the market.

The P3SD4-10 has Rockford Fosgate’s famous build quality and a long warranty. The P3SD4-10 produces deep, punchy bass, and in our tests it exceeded our other top picks in both bass depth and resonance at 90 Hz, which is excellent.

The P3SD4-10 is also compact and it’s easy to mount. Overall, the P3SD4-10 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a 10-inch subwoofer that is easy to mount and delivers great bass. You also get a compact enclosure and an aggressive, textured grille that will dramatically improve the look of your car.

Features We Like:

The Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-10 Punch P3S 10 gets my vote for the best shallow mount subwoofer for best value in 2023.

It was designed with the perfect blend of power and features and it’s priced to fit most budgets. The Punch P3S is also one of the highest density, best shallow mount subwoofers on the market.

Its sleek design and mounting depth makes it ideal for hidden locations.

Read My Full Review Here: JL Audio 10TW3-D4 Review

2. Rockville W12K6D2 V2 12″ 2400w Peak Car Audio Subwoofer Dual: Hardest Hitting Shallow Subwoofer

Rockville W12K6D2 V2 12′′ 2400W Peak Car Audio Subwoofer Dual has tons of power and swagger, but the controls aren’t as easy to use as its looks imply.

It pumps out vast amounts of bass with impressive precision and clarity, and its built-in controls (and presets) make it easy to get just the right sound.

The dual 4Ω voice coils and dual 2Ω stable sensitivity configuration also mean that this subwoofer can be hooked up with other speakers that are wired in series.

But this subwoofer is larger than many car subwoofer cabinets, and its dual 2Ω voice coils ensure it will outperform all but the most powerful 2-ohm subwoofers on 2Ω receivers.

Features We Like:

• The T12 6D2 v2 is a C-sized 12-inch car subwoofer with an 8-inch down-firing aluminum front-firing ventilated voice coil. The 900 Watt power rating ensures that you get adequate bass, even when there is a high load on the amp.
• The 4-ohm impedance rating results in a lower power requirement for the amp, allowing more channels of amplification. This 12-inch subwoofer is ideal for use in amplifiers rated at 500 – 1500 watts RMS.
• The subwoofer benefits from a 1-inch aluminum dome compression driver. When installed, the sub sits 0.50-inches above the mounting surface.
• The subwoofer comes with a grill and aluminum trim ring, which increases the stiffness of the front panel. This lowers the resonance frequency and increases output.

How We Pick & Test?

Size matters:

A 12-inch sub can be heavy, so we looked for models under 5 pounds.
Portability:

Subwoofers also need space to breathe, so we looked for models with 2.5-inch or 3-inch ports.

Portability:

Subwoofers also need space to breathe, so we looked for models with 2.5-inch or 3-inch ports.

Subwoofer Design:

Subwoofers need to deliver bass loudly without distortion, so we looked for models with 8-inch or 10-inch exit ports.

Subwoofer Sound:

We listened to each sub’s output at 100 percent volume, and we noted whether we could distinguish bass frequencies.

Subwoofer Power:

We measured each sub’s peak and RMS power,

3. Dayton Audio RSS390HO-4: Hardest Hitting Shallow Mount Subs:

If you are looking for maximum bass output, the Dayton Audio RSS390HO-4 is a great choice.

It delivers the most bass of any of our shallow mount subwoofers, and it can check all the boxes you want in a sub: For maximum output, it can reach down to 28 Hz; for bass extension, it can deliver down to 14 Hz; and for tight, controlled bass, it can hit down to only 7 Hz.

It also has nearly flat response up to 400Hz. Sound quality isn’t quite as good as the best 13 and 15-inch subs we tested, but it’s still very good.

We like what we heard from the Dayton Audio RSS390HO-4, and we consider it a great choice for home theater systems—especially when paired with a 10-inch or smaller powered subwoofer for even more bass output.

The Dayton Audio RSS390HO-4 is a 6.5-inch subwoofer that offers impressive bass output. The subwoofer is part of Dayton Audio’s new 4″ series, which is the smallest in the lineup and consists of three or four 4″ subwoofers.

The RSS390HO-4 provides exceptional bass output and quality. It produces powerful low end bass that is great for home theater systems, computer speakers, and more.

The subwoofer features a large voice coil, 13 mm tall, that provides for exceptional power and control. You’ll be able to hear more details with music, movies and video games.

The RSS390HO-4 also features a responsive lowpass filter, 8 ohms. The subwoofer has a frequency response of 23Hz to 500Hz and is capable of delivering a maximum of 600 watts RMS power.

4. Rockford Fosgate R2D2-10 – Hardest Hitting Shallow Mount Subs:

A powerful yet affordable 8-inch shallow sub that has a dual voice coil to deliver a real punch. It can produce excellent bass.

It is made up of durable anodized aluminum and has since improved its wiring for better reliability.

Also, it offers a dust cap to protect from daily wear and tear and can be installed in almost all passenger cars.

Rockford Fosgate’s R-Series subwoofers deliver unprecedented performance for bass-hungry audiophiles, outdoorsmen, and enthusiasts. The R-Series’ lightweight, durable polypropylene cone provides incredible power and deep, tight bass.

The Rockford Fosgate R2D2-10 10-inch shallow-mount subwoofer has enough power to satisfy all but the most finicky bass-lovers.

We encourage shoppers to consider two more important features when they buy this subwoofer: its size and its installation depth.

First, its small size makes it only a little louder than the 8-inch R2D2-8. Second, the R2D2-10 requires a deeper installation than the R2D2-8, so think twice before buying if your home has limited space under your vehicle’s seats.

Read My Full Review Here: Rockford Fosgate R2D2-10 Review

5. Pioneer TS-SW2502S4: Hardest Hitting Shallow Mount Subwoofer:

If you have the space, we recommend the Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 as the deepest, most comprehensive-sounding option in the shallow mount subwoofer category.

The TS-SW2502S4 features internal circuitry and a single 8-inch driver to make it compatible with both Pioneer’s Pro Audio and Elite Audio systems.

The included Trac Link (a proprietary, two-way communications protocol) means this sub can shift seamlessly from deep, powerful bass to soft, midrange-focused tones depending on what’s playing.

This subwoofer is from the makers of well-known audio systems worldwide.

It offers a 12-inch shallow subwoofer that can deliver a big bass performance like a large size option. It has an oversized cone that produces crisp and accurate bass, and the cone is made of durable resin.

With its quality,  it offers a fair and affordable price point.

How We Pick & Test?

Size matters:

A shallow-mount sub has a shorter cabinet so it fits better below a back seat.

Low frequency output:

Subwoofers with 1.200 watts of power can play from 25 to 650 Hz, but the best subs can play from 25 to 500 Hz.

Portability:

The sub should be small enough to fit inside a car, but powerful enough to give pleasure to the driver and passengers.

Read My Full Review Here: Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 Review

6. Kicker CVT124: Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer:

The Kicker CVT124 subwoofer is a 12-inch speaker system that is most suitable for cars, trucks, and any passenger vehicles.

It has 4Ohm and four-layer voice coils and can deliver extreme and powerful deep bass.

The subwoofer has a ventless design, and the cone is made of polypropylene which is known to be strong and durable.

The Kicker CVT124 is the best shallow-mount subwoofer for most people. It is superbly built, with a sturdy cabinet made of 1-inch MDF and a durable, attractive finish.

Its only real flaws are that its looks and loudness depend on its position, and that it’s louder than most shallow subs; if you’re willing to place it in a compact space, it’s terrific.

But if you want to place it in a large room or one with low ceilings, you should probably spend a little more for a deeper-mount model, or a smaller, louder sub, such as the Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12.

7. PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 1200 Watt 10″” Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer:

Of all subwoofers we tested, we found the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4’s bass was the most impressive.

It produces more bass than almost every other small subwoofer we tested, and it sounded excellent when playing a variety of music. Its size and shape are convenient, too.

However, the Pioneer is not as durable as the Polk, and it can’t play as loud.

However, the Pioneer’s price has dropped significantly in recent months, and it is worth considering for a home theater system or stereo.

Features:

Purpose:

The subwoofers have often been perceived as items that can best generate bass frequencies. Bass frequencies are deep sounds that are limited to the low frequencies, and these frequencies aren’t present at all in regular sound inputs. Therefore, the subwoofers are designed for this purpose.

Inaudible:

Even though most subwoofers don’t produce noticeable sound, you can still hear their presence.

Ease of use:

A subwoofer is as simple as possible. You just plug it, and you’re done.

Power generation:

With most subwoofers, they generate power from 400 watts to over 1000 watts. The amount of power they generate dictates how powerful the subwoofer would be.

Inertia:

Most subwoofers have a fair amount of inertia. Similar to a ballast, the inertia performs several functions. It limits the movement of the subwoofer, which is essential for reducing internal vibrations.

Design:

Most subwoofers won’t take too much of your time to install. You just bolt them in place, and you’re done.

Budget:

Subwoofers aren’t expensive, and different models have different price points. You’ll find the budget

How To Choose The Best Slim Subwoofer Speaker?

Subwoofer Top-Mounting Depth

The very important factor to consider when buying a top of the range shallow speaker is the size of the subwoofer.

As mentioned, the subwoofers are available in varied sizes ranging from 8” to 12”, so it is necessary that you choose the right subwoofer size for your Truck or car.

Each size comes with its own unique characteristics and has both pros and cons.

The car subwoofers of 8” and 10” are considered being most punchy and responsive options, and they offer great sounding for enjoying rock music and fast-paced electronic music.

It brings balanced sound quality and provides good bass. But, the 12 Subwoofer would offer you the best of both the worlds as it provides deep bass and highly responsive that can manage the fast-paced music.

Top Peak Power

The second important consideration is the peak power which you need to look for.

This refers to the amount of power a subwoofer can handle without damaging sound. You can also refer to this post regarding shallow mount subwoofer vs regular.

To check the peak power, you need to look for the metric, which will let you know the power handling of the subwoofer.

Sensitivity

Another important feature to consider when buying a shallow mount sub is sensitivity.

The sensitivity of the woofer is mainly gauged by how loud bass the woofer produces, with one watt of power.

If no amplifier is being attached to the design of the subwoofer, then more volume and power is produced by the high sensitivity speaker.

But if you’re looking for a good car audio system for your money, then ensure to use the low sensitivity subwoofers for better sounding.

The Best Frequency Range

This is an important consideration when buying a slim subwoofer.

The frequency range refers to the diverse frequencies reproduced by the speaker. The ideal Shallow Mount 12 Subwoofer box can produce versatile sound.

The frequency range of the speakers is measured in hertz, and the subwoofers usually come with a frequency range of 20-200Hz.

But the Best 6.5 Car Audio Speakers for Bass come with a frequency range, which is above 100Hz.

Impedance Power Handling

The impedance is the measure of the speaker’s resistance to the electric current.

It is measured in ohms, and it is used to determine how it can translate the signal from the amp or head unit into sound.

The low profile Subwoofer usually comes with a lower impedance rate, and it produces the best quality sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 10-inch subwoofer?

Brand reputation, higher rating, positive user experiences; are some of the things that helped other users to answer the question – what is the best 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer.

Fortunately, all the products you’ll find in this buying guide ticks all the boxes for these factors mentioned above.

What is the best 12-inch subwoofer?

Some potential buyers often start their search with terms like ‘top subwoofer brands’. For these people, brand reputation comes first as a top priority.

Closely related to that is the intentional search for specific brands and models of subwoofer enclosures just like the PIONEER TS-SW3002S4 12″ subwoofer.

On the other hand, many other potential buyers do their search with questions like what is the best-selling 12-inch subwoofer.

These are the major two approaches people follow to find what is best for their specific needs. Refer to the subwoofer reviews in this post and you’ll find lots of affordable options.

How do I get more bass out of my flat subwoofer?

According to some experts, without neat and clear bass, music is practically nothing. And this could be true from many varying perspectives.

Here is one reason why many people are actively making efforts to get more bass out of subwoofers of their choice. Let’s look at some things you can do in that regard.

Proper Wiring Connections: This is one of the key factors that will influence the bass you experience out of your shallow mount subwoofer.

Without any doubt, improper wiring installation will always give you a sub-optimal experience.

The best step is to test every wiring connection where possible before you make it firm.

While connecting speakers, please check for the proper labeling of positive and negative terminals.

Endeavour To Tune Everything Correctly: The way your tuning is done will also contribute to how the bass will be experienced.

From equalizer to volume, phase, and crossover, all adjustments should be done after adjusting your subwoofer. In addition to this, you should ensure that the frequency range is set correctly.

Perfectly Matched Subwoofer Enclosure: If there is a mismatch or slight spaces between the subwoofer and its enclosure, the sound is likely to be different from what you want.

If you are buying both the subwoofer and subwoofer enclosure from the same source, make sure that the sizing can fit perfectly without any hitches.

How can I make my subwoofer sound better?

What good will it be if you bought a shallow sub but in the end, the sound quality seems to be the exact opposite of what you want?

Most times, the subwoofer isn’t the problem but other things. Here are the two most important factors you need to take care of.

Power Requirements: The obvious thing is that insufficient power supply to your subwoofer will make it perform below its capacity.

Your first task in this regard is to check the power design requirements for each subwoofer that appeals to you. Because of the variation among these products, the power requirement is usually within the range of 100 – 600W RMS.

Now regarding how to get better sound out of your subwoofer, your task is to provide sufficient power.

Tune To The Correct Frequency: In this specific context, endeavor to have your low-pass filters set between the range of 70 – 80Hz. Unlike speakers, most subwoofers are not meant to perform at high frequencies.

What you have to do here is to make sure that the low-pass crossover has the right settings.

These are the specific things you can do to start making your subwoofer sound betters.

Why Use A Shallow Mount Sub?

If you want quality sound and the convenience of saving space, then you should go after a shallow mount sub. It is considered light and portable.

It can easily be mounted in your vehicle, and it is lighter compared to any low-profile subwoofer meaning it is not going to weigh down your car.

Also, you can install and remove it whenever you like, as it can easily be carried to be moved or transported.

The most often place to put your shallow mount subs where it hits hard will depend on what kind of sound you want to hear from it.

It will depend on the size of your room and how much bass you want to from it. If it’s in your trunk, you’ll be able to hear it from a long way and can get the loudest sound and fantastic quality.

If it’s in the rear speaker deck, you will be getting an excellent bass sound inside your car.

Pros:

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If you want to know if it is okay for you to get a shallow subwoofer, here are the advantages that you can get when you have one.

• It is light and portable
• Can easily be mounted in your vehicle
• It won’t weigh down your car
• Can install and re-install whenever you like
• Can easily be moved and transported

Cons:

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If there are advantages to subwoofers, there are also disadvantages if you get a shallow subwoofer.

• It doesn’t have the same quality compared to the large type.
• It isn’t that durable compared to the larger ones.
• It can be dislodged, fall out, or suffer other damages since it is more exposed.

After finding out a lot about shallow mount subwoofers, we will go through the top shallow mount subs that hit hard down below!

FAQs:

Conclusion

There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing the right shallow mount subwoofer for you.

Every thin subwoofer that I discussed in this article are all excellent choice and will give you a head bangin’ experience if you purchase one of these.

You will get to experience the type of music that you would want to listen to, especially if you are cruising away in your car.