Best Free Car Air Subwoofer for A Great Road Trip 2021
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Bass lovers find it necessary to have a subwoofer present in their room at all times. This is because they know this device can produce mind-thumping bass that is quite addictive. If you are a bass lover, it is only natural that you want to fit a subwoofer in your car for those road trips with your friends and family. This is where a free air subwoofer takes the stage and is specifically designed for dishing out bass-filled music in cars.
A free air sub is a subwoofer that doesn’t accompany a sub box. It works like a passive speaker that needs to be connected to an external amplifier to be powered. Moreover, these subwoofers are favorite gadgets to pump up the bass in your car without wasting space on an enclosure. Besides, these are lighter in weight as well.
Free air subwoofers are usually mounted in a box and use the air trapped inside as a baffle. It controls the rear-moving air waves allowing the speaker to push the bass forward. These devices need more power than regular subwoofers but have a good bass response and survive being played on the highest volume without any damage.
The key to finding the best subwoofer for a free air system is scouting for subwoofers that have a high level of power handling, durable construction along with an excellent range of frequency.
Here are a few best free air subwoofers that can blast bass-filled music on your road trip.
Best Free Air Subwoofers – Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Infinity Kappa 1200W [amazon fields=”B072N44N3L” value=”thumb”] |
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| 2. JBL CS1214 [amazon fields=”B00IIRWF0U” value=”thumb”] |
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| 3. Kicker 43CVR102 CompVR [amazon fields=”B01BDCB98A” value=”thumb”] |
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| 4. Pyle PLPW8D [amazon fields=”B07J2TFXZR” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B07J2TFXZR” value=”button”] |
| 5. Infinity Reference REF1200S [amazon fields=”B00VT9ZZD8″ value=”thumb”] |
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| 6. CT Sounds Tropo D2 [amazon fields=”B00TRK2AAC” value=”thumb”] |
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Best Free Air Subwoofers – Our Reviews and Comparisons
1. Infinity Kappa 1200W
[amazon fields=”B072N44N3L” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
The Infinity Kappa hails from the Kappa Series of subwoofers. The Kappa series of subwoofers are known for SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance). Also, they are known for an impedance selector switch that lets you choose between 2 and 4 ohm impedance. The Infinity Kappa is fitted with an aero-cooling design to keep the voice coil cool while optimizing power handling.
Features
- The sub features a glass-fiber cone that helps the device produce clean tunes while ensuring seamless audio.
- It has a power RMS of 250 Watts and the power handling capacity peaks at 1000 Watts.
- It features switchable impedance allowing you to shift between 2 and 4 Ohms at the flip of a switch.
- The Infinity Kappa highlights a proprietary aero-cooling design that keeps the voice coil cool. Along with the presence of an acoustically damped glass-fiber cone, this device can produce loud music.
- The machine has a frequency response of 25 – 175 Hz and the sensitivity level is at 91 dB.
What We Like About Infinity Kappa 1200W
The package includes a free mounting gasket.
What We Don’t Like About Infinity Kappa 1200W
It is 12 inches in size and therefore might be a hassle to fit it in a small car.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impedance selector switch
Loud |
Too big for smaller cars |
2. JBL CS1214
[amazon fields=”B00IIRWF0U” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
JBL has been a star in the music industry for a long time. Its musical accessories are known for producing booming bass and loud music. The JBL CS1214 follows suit by possessing a unique sound quality that can greatly enhance the sound system of your car.
Features
- The package includes two free air subwoofers and therefore can produce much more movement of sound.
- Each subwoofer is 12 inches with a mounting depth of 14.4 inches.
- Each subwoofer has a power of 1000W which means that both units combine to give a power output of 2000W.
- The units offer 250 Watts RMS that is capable of producing clean and deep bass.
What We Like About JBL CS1214
The JBL CS1214 gives good value for money.
What We Don’t Like About JBL CS1214
You would need the right amp to get the full potential of these units.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean bass
Loud music |
Bulky |
3. Kicker 43CVR102 CompVR
[amazon fields=”B01BDCB98A” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
The Kicker 43CVR102 CompVR is a durable machine because the motor structure is a heavy-duty build. It is made of a rip-resistant and large-diameter spider coupled with high-strength SpiraleadT tinsel. This helps facilitate a better signal transfer.
Features
- The unit has an RMS of 350 W and a peak power handling capacity of 700 W. This will be a great sound system for smaller cars.
- It has a 2-ohm dual voice coil that can step up the bass levels of your present sound system.
- The CompVR is fitted with perimeter venting. These contribute to the efficiency in keeping the woofer cool which in the long run increases the longevity even under high load.
- The device has a sensitivity of 83.6 dB and a frequency response of 30 – 500 Hz.
What We Like About Kicker KMF124
This is a great choice if you are picking a free air subwoofer for the first time.
What We Don’t Like About Kicker KMF124
The 350W RMS power rating might not be able to handle very high volume levels as it might blow the voice coil.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent bass output
Perimeter venting to keep the woofer cool |
Durability issues |
4. Pyle PLPW8D
[amazon fields=”B07J2TFXZR” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
The Pyle PLPW8D is housed in stamped steel basket for durability and also to provide enhanced sound output. There is a wide and non-fatiguing rubber suspension to make sure these units stay in place. Moreover, these are also fitted with a specially designed rubber magnet boot and a specially treated foam surround.
Features
- The Pyle PLPW8D has got a mounting depth of 3.7 inches and is 8 inches in size which should be easy to install in most vehicles.
- It is fitted with a 1.5 inch 4-layer coil that contributes to high-temperature handling.
- It highlights a heavy-duty magnet and therefore has a decent bass output.
- With as much as 400 watts for the RMS and a power output of 800W, this free air subwoofer is a budget-friendly gadget.
- The sensitivity of the device is 89dB.
What We Like About Pyle PLPW8D
The unit features quality material construction for longevity and performance.
What We Don’t Like About Pyle PLPW8D
Since the RMS power rating is just 400 W you might blow up the coil in case you boost the volume too much.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup and installation
Durable |
Power output could be improved |
5. Infinity Reference REF1200S
[amazon fields=”B00VT9ZZD8″ value=”button”]
Product Highlights
The Infinity Reference REF1200S is given a low profile design that allows you to fit them perfectly into even the shallowest enclosures. This 12-inch device is rather slick requiring a mounting depth of only 3.5 inches for a proper setup and therefore, is great for today’s compact cars.
Features
- The sub is furnished with a rigid polypropylene cone that produces a clean and balanced sound.
- With a power RMS of 250 W and a maximum output of 1000 W, this gadget is capable of producing heart-thumping music.
- The sub has a sensitivity level of 92dB. The frequency response range is noted to be between 27 Hz and 175 HZ.
- It features switchable impedance allowing you to shift between 2 and 4 Ohms.
What We Like About Infinity Reference REF1200S
It produces clean, clear, and well-balanced sound.
What We Don’t Like About Infinity Reference REF1200S
It requires the right amplifier for creating optimal sound.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Switchable impedance
Balanced sound output |
RMS power of 250 W only |
6. CT Sounds Tropo D2
[amazon fields=”B00TRK2AAC” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
CT Sounds is an innovative brand that focuses on car audio accessories. The Tropo series presented to you by CT sound follows its passion for creating a car audio revolution. The Tropo D2 is designed to emit low-pitched audio bass frequency in order to give you an audio, unlike any other subwoofer.
Moreover, this 8-inch subwoofer is built to fit in most vehicles and give you high-quality sound at the same time.
Features
- It is equipped with 250-watt RMS and 500-watt peak power. This contributes to a decent sound output in a compact car.
- It is fitted with a 2-ohm coil with a dual configuration.
- CT Sounds Tropo D2 highlights a y35 ferrite magnet that contributes to high-quality audio production.
- The magnet is safely placed within the magnet casing, which is then attached to the subwoofers basket.
- The build of the device ensures durability.
- The sensitivity level was found at 82.3 dB.
What We Like About CT Sounds Tropo D2
It has a dual 2-ohm voice coil for high power utilization.
What We Don’t Like About CT Sounds Tropo D2
The power output could be improved.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable
Good audio quality |
Bass could be improved |
Final Verdict
We chose the Infinity Kappa as the best free air subwoofer. It has a power output of 2000W and can play loud music in clean bass. The highs, mids, and lows emitted by the system are pronounced and this is a great pick for your car. With the right amplifier, the machine can drop a powerful punch in terms of sound.
The benefit of free air subwoofers is that they are quite easy to install. Besides, they are ideal for sedans where a tight bass approach isn’t necessary. Compared to real subwoofer’s these free air systems is lower grade because supreme bass can only be produced by a real subwoofer.
Buyer’s Guide:
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Free air subwoofers vs sealed subwoofers
Even though sealed subwoofers can give a better sound output, free air subwoofers are preferred for cars as they are space-saving. Plus, subwoofer enclosures use heavy MDF panels which offer the best dampening but are very heavy. Therefore, sealed subwoofers are not ideal for cars.
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Power
A major factor to consider while buying a free air subwoofer is the power. A device with high power will give better quality sound. At the same, it must also maintain the same level of quality as the volume increases. Moreover, the power of the subwoofer must match the power output of the amplifier that you plan to connect it to. The RMS ratings should be your priority as these are more realistic.
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Frequency range
The frequency range will give you an idea of the depth of a low-pitched sound the subwoofer can produce.
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Type of Enclosure
The enclosure type the subwoofer is mounted on greatly influences the sound it produces. Sealed boxes give the deepest and the most accurate sound while ported and bandpass boxes produce a higher volume. Besides, sealed boxes are better for bass lovers.
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Number of Voice Coils
The best free air subwoofers have dual voice coils to grant the user more flexibility in the wiring of car woofer systems. The subwoofers that employ dual coils come with separate connections and are mounted on the same cylinder.
We hope our list of the best free air subwoofers was helpful and you could choose from any one of them.
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