A subwoofer is arguably one of the best ways to enrich your car stereo in a way you can really feel. Understanding that it can be difficult to sort through the various makes and models when shopping for the right subwoofer, we've opted to save you some time and share with you some of our favourite 15-inch subwoofers on the market right now.
A subwoofer is arguably one of the best ways to enrich your car stereo in a way you can really feel. Whether you want to simply round out your music experience and beautifully capture the full spectrum of sound, or you want to rattle your windows (and potentially annoy your neighbors), a big, powerful subwoofer can deliver, and a 15" subwoofer is up there in terms of size and booming bass.
When deciding on which make of 15-inch subwoofer is best suited to your car stereo setup, you want to look for big power, deep frequencies, and durable construction. A subwoofer of this size needs to manage a lot of vibration and movement in use, and along with a car's environment potentially getting quite hot, will definitely need to be able to be durable enough to manage both these factors.
As such, high quality subwoofers typically use innovative designs and materials that dissipate heat, as well as materials that are tough and well-constructed to manage the ongoing vibrations. This ensures that the unit not only produces high quality low notes, but also survives a music pounding for years to come.
Understanding that it can be difficult to sort through the various makes and models when shopping for the right subwoofer, we've opted to save you some time and share with you some of our favourite 15-inch subwoofers on the market right now.
Comparison Table
Kicker S15L7
Kicker is a name synonymous with subwoofers, and their L7 series of subwoofers push the bounds of design and innovation. If you want a quality subwoofer with incredible power, look no further than Kicker's S15L7. The eye catching square design results in a larger overall cone area, and also manages to deliver an impressive 1000 Watts RMS (2000W Peak Power), with a sensitivity of 88.6dB.
This design is part of Kicker's solo-baric subwoofers range, which use some of the company's most innovative technologies for a state-of-the-art bass response. The sub's steel basket is ultra-rigid, and the patented SoloKon one piece cone design arguably moves more air than equivalent speakers of its size. The vented design and aluminium basket dissipate heat and improve durability, as well as aim to minimize distortion and cone flex.
All in all, with the S15L7, Kicker have utilized both premium components and smart engineering, and combined durable construction with excellent power, to deliver a subwoofer that can move air on demand with precision and ease.
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Rockford Fosgate Punch P3D4
Next on the list, we dive into the Rockford Punch series of subwoofers and their flagship subwoofer, the P3D2-15. This 15-inch subwoofer is constructed with a large surround and motor assembly, and with it's innovative parabolic cone design, manages to produce a loud, deep, powerful bass.
In terms of power handing, the P3D2-15 produces 600 Watts RMS and 1200W peak power. In order to compensate for this lower power handing, Fosgate's subwoofer implements what it calls a Vertical Attach Surround Technique to increases the subwoofers radiating cone area for up to 25% more effective cone radiation by area. Designed with anodized aluminum cones, dust caps, and voice coil formers which provide superior heat dissipation to reduce thermal buildup and make these speakers more durable. Stitched tinsel leads also improve the reliability and performance of this subwoofer.
This P3D2-15 is available with either dual 2 or dual 4-ohm impedance variations, and has a 2.5” voice coil, 102 oz magnet, and 86dB SPL for plenty of clarity and power. Paired with Rockford Fosgate's own Prime 1,200-Watt Class-D 1-Channel Amplifier, the resulting bass is sure to please fans of a variety of musical genres.Technical Details
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Power Acoustik BAMF-15
The Power Acoustik BAMF range of subwoofers are built to last, and while the Power Acoustik BAMF-154 is on the lower end of the market price wise, it still utilizes the quality materials and workmanship found across the series.
The subwoofers motor structure provides increased strength to the magnet, while the 12mm vented T-yoke improves low-frequency dynamics while reducing heat buildup. Furthermore, the no transfer spruce pulp cone and polyether foam surround are treated to be UV and chemical resistant for durability, while stitched voice-coil leads also prevent damage and provide extra resiliency.
The real standout feature of this subwoofer though is the power handing, with a whopping 1900 Watts RMS (3800W Peak), which manages to give some of the more expensive subwoofers a run for their money. The BAMF-154 is rounded off with a 86.4dB sensitivity, and dual 4 Ohm impedance, and succeeds at delivering a powerful bass with great loudness, at an affordable price.
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Final Thoughts
Adding a subwoofers to your audio setup is a great way to enhance the overall quality of your sound system. Whether you want to pair a powerful 15” subwoofer with an amplifier and turn your car into a music machine, or want to get a smaller, simpler subwoofer that takes up less space and is easier to install, remember that you really do need a subwoofer to have the fullest authentic musical experience in your car. Even very good car speakers cannot deliver the full range of frequencies and bass notes without the assistance of a subwoofer.
Keep in mind the above subwoofers will also require the addition of an amplifier to your car audio setup. If you don't want to invest in, fiddle around with installing, or lack space for an amplifier, then you may want to look at powered subwoofers, which can be easier to install and don't require an amp. However, many powered subwoofers are typically smaller and not designed to move as much air and as such, deliver as much sheer bass power as a component subwoofer.
Choose the right one for your needs, and enjoy the best possible audio quality in your car, to hear your music as it was intended.For a rundown of our choice of best subwoofers in other ranges, see:
