ACTIVE SUBWOOFER • BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER • CAR AUDIO
Powered car subwoofer
bass without a separate amplifier
Discover our powered car subwoofers:
active subwoofers with built-in amplifiers, compact models,
under-seat, spare-wheel, Bass Reflex, and high-power subwoofers
to effectively enhance the bass in your car audio system.
POWERED CAR SUBWOOFER
The subwoofer and amplifier combined in a single solution
A powered subwoofer, also known as an
active subwoofer, has its own
amplifier built in. Therefore, there is no need to add a
separate mono amplifier to power the subwoofer.
It is a practical solution for adding bass to a car
while simplifying the choice and integration of the equipment.
Active
Built-in amplifier
Compact
Discreet installation
Under-seat
Low profile
Trunk
More bass impact
WHY CHOOSE AN ACTIVE SUBWOOFER?
A complete and easy-to-integrate car audio solution
The main advantage of an active subwoofer is that the manufacturer
already pairs the subwoofer with its amplifier. However, it is still
necessary to properly set up the power supply,
ground, and audio signal connection.
Built-in amplifier
The amplification is built directly into the subwoofer.
This means you do not have to install a separate
subwoofer amplifier in the vehicle.
More compact installation
Combining the subwoofer and amplifier in a single unit
generally makes installation simpler
and reduces the number of components to integrate.
Designed pairing
The subwoofer and amplifier are designed to work
together, so you do not have to separately search
for an amplifier compatible with the speaker.
Several sizes
From small under-seat subwoofers to Bass Reflex models installed
in the trunk, there are active subwoofers suited
for different vehicles and desired bass levels.
POWERED UNDER-SEAT SUBWOOFER
Add bass without losing trunk space
The low-profile powered subwoofer is particularly appealing
when available space is limited. Depending on its dimensions
and those of the vehicle, it can be installed under a seat
or in another small area of the interior.
It is a suitable solution when you want more
bass without installing a large subwoofer in the trunk.
SUBWOOFER DIAMETER
Powered subwoofers: 16, 20, 25 & 30 cm
Our range includes several sizes of active subwoofers.
Diameter is an important factor for integration,
but it should not be used on its own to compare
the performance of two subwoofers.
16 cm
6.5 INCHES
20 cm
8 INCHES
25 cm
10 INCHES
30 cm
12 INCHES
Active 20 cm / 8" subwoofer
The 20 cm size is particularly appealing for compact solutions.
It is notably found in various low-profile subwoofers
and models designed to minimize space requirements.
Active 25 cm / 10" subwoofer
The 25 cm size offers an appealing compromise between size
and bass presence. It is very common in active
subwoofers designed for standard vehicles.
Active 30 cm / 12" subwoofer
The 30 cm size is generally used when you accept
more space requirements in order to achieve more
generous bass reproduction.
Active compact subwoofer
Some models prioritize ease of integration
with a flat chassis or small dimensions,
ideal when the trunk needs to remain available.
POWERED SPARE-WHEEL SUBWOOFER
Utilize the space under the trunk floor
Spare-wheel active subwoofers are designed to
utilize an area of the trunk that is usually little used.
Musway, ESX, and Hifonics models are notably
included in our selection. Always check the diameter,
height, and the actual space available in your vehicle.
TRUNK & BASS REFLEX
More impact with a powered trunk subwoofer
If space requirements are less important, an active subwoofer
installed in the trunk allows you to use a larger volume
and larger-diameter subwoofers.
Active Bass Reflex subwoofer
Bass Reflex uses a port tuned to the volume
of the subwoofer enclosure. This design notably allows you to increase
performance around the tuning zone.
Active high-power subwoofer
Some active subwoofers are designed to provide more
output. The power supply and wiring must
then be sized according to the actual power
consumption of the system.
FACTORY CAR AUDIO
Can you add a powered subwoofer to a factory system?
Yes, in many vehicles. Some active subwoofers
feature high-level inputs that allow you to retrieve
a speaker signal directly. In other cases,
a high-level to RCA converter or a specific
interface may be necessary.
The method depends on the subwoofer chosen and the audio system
installed in the vehicle from the factory.
Powered subwoofer does not mean installation without wiring.
Even though the amplifier is built in, the subwoofer must always
receive a suitable power supply, a proper ground,
and an audio signal. Depending on the model, a remote or an
automatic turn-on function may also be used.
BUYER'S GUIDE
How to choose your powered subwoofer?
The best model depends above all on the available space
and the desired result. An under-seat subwoofer meets
a different need than a 30 cm active subwoofer installed
in the trunk.
✓ Dimensions — measure the available space
✓ Installation — trunk, seat, or spare wheel
✓ Diameter — 16, 20, 25, or 30 cm
✓ RMS — compare the continuous power
✓ Inputs — RCA or high-level depending on the model
✓ Objective — discreet, musical, or more powerful
Do not choose solely based on the number of Watts.
RMS power is useful for comparing products,
but the result also depends on the subwoofer, its efficiency,
the volume and design of the enclosure, the location
in the vehicle, and the settings. A well-chosen compact subwoofer
can perfectly suit a user simply looking
for more bass in their factory system.
WIDE SELECTION OF BRANDS
Active subwoofers for all types of installation
At Sound Auto Concept, find a wide selection
of powered subwoofers from brands specializing
in car audio, from small compact models to more powerful
trunk installations.
CAR AUDIO BRANDS
Ground Zero, ESX, MTX, Musway, DD Audio & more
Our selection notably includes powered subwoofers from
Ground Zero Audio, ESX, MTX Audio, Musway, DD Audio,
Hifonics, Rockford Fosgate, Deaf Bonce, JBL, Focal,
Audison, and other specialized brands.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ – Powered car subwoofer
What is a powered subwoofer?
It is an enclosure containing a subwoofer and its own
amplifier. It is also called an active subwoofer
or active sub.
Do you need an amplifier with an active subwoofer?
No. The amplifier intended for the subwoofer is already built
into the enclosure. However, you must plan its power supply
and audio signal.
Can you install a powered subwoofer under a seat?
Yes, when a compact model has dimensions compatible
with the available space under the vehicle seat.
Measure before purchasing.
Which powered subwoofer to choose to keep the whole trunk?
A flat under-seat subwoofer or a spare-wheel
model generally makes a good choice
when the main goal is to preserve the trunk.
Can you connect an active subwoofer to a factory car stereo?
Yes, in many cases. Depending on the equipment, you can
use a high-level input or you will need to add
a compatible converter or interface.
What is the difference between an active and passive subwoofer?
The active subwoofer has its amplifier built in.
The passive subwoofer requires an external amplifier
compatible with its impedance and power.
20, 25, or 30 cm for a powered subwoofer?
It depends on the available space and the desired bass level.
A smaller diameter generally makes integration easier,
while a larger model offers more
radiating surface area.
Does an active subwoofer need a power cable?
Yes. The built-in amplifier must be powered from
the vehicle's electrical system with wiring
and protection suitable for the product.
What is the best powered subwoofer for a car?
There is no single ideal model for all vehicles.
The choice depends on the available space, the desired sound level,
the existing audio system, connection options
and the budget.