Factory speakers often fail to deliver the powerful sound experience desired by music enthusiasts. An aftermarket Skar Audio subwoofer can remedy this by bringing bass-heavy tunes to life and enhancing the overall listening experience.
Skar Audio has been a leading producer of premium car audio equipment since 2012. Known for offering a balance of affordability and quality sound, a Skar Audio subwoofer is a must-have for those serious about improving their car audio system. (1)
In this guide, we will take a deep dive into the best Skar Audio subwoofers currently available on the market. Get your head around Skar Audio’s varied selection of subs – here are the best of the best.
Top Skar Audio Subwoofers in 2023
1. Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 – Best Dual Sub Setup
The Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 subwoofers are the perfect choice for those seeking serious bass without a complicated installation. The 12-inch size provides a balance between powerful sound and a reasonable size. Additionally, the vented enclosure is designed to deliver accurate and deep bass.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 x 8 x 7 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Frequency Response | 32 – 200 Hz |
| Peak Power | 2,400 Watts |
| RMS Power | 1,200 Watts |
The Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 subwoofer boasts 2,400 watts of peak power and 1,200 watts of RMS power. Its frequency response ranges from 32 Hz to 200 Hz, delivering hard-hitting bass even though it may not reach as low as other subwoofers.
The Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 is easy to install thanks to its pre-wired dual 4-ohm voice coils and 1-ohm final impedance at the terminals. The subwoofer also features a durable 5/8ths MDF outer and a sleek finish. Additionally, the copper voice coil and High Roll Surround prevent distortion, providing clear low-frequency audio.
Measuring 37.875 inches wide and 14.25 inches tall, the Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4 subwoofer is not designed to fit under seats and may take up space in a vehicle’s trunk.
2. Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 – Best For Deep Bass
The Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 subwoofer boasts an exceptional frequency range for deep bass. Its low impedance allows for maximum power transfer to your system. This subwoofer is designed for serious bass enthusiasts.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 14.5 x 11.5 inches |
| Sensitivity | 85.1 dB |
| Frequency Response | 25 Hz – 250 Hz |
| Peak Power | 2,500 Watts |
| RMS Power | 1,250 Watts |
The Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 subwoofer packs 1,250 watts of RMS power into one unit. Its 2-ohm impedance provides a smooth transition of power into sound. The upgraded 3″ copper voice coil can withstand high temperatures and has a long lifespan due to copper’s high heat dissipation. The pressed paper cone is also competition grade. The frequency response reaches down to 25 Hz, providing deep bass at the threshold of human hearing.
This subwoofer requires an amplifier and a custom enclosure for installation. While this may require more effort, it allows for customization of sound and the ability to save space with a smaller enclosure.
3. Skar Audio SDR-1X10D2 – Best On A Budget
The Skar Audio SDR-1X10D2 is a 10-inch subwoofer that comes loaded into a custom vented enclosure designed for easy installation. It’s exceptionally affordable for the unit, and you can match it with a cheaper amp and still achieve great sound quality.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.5 x 17.25 x 14.65 inches |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Frequency Response | 30 – 300 Hz |
| Peak Power | 1,200 Watts |
| RMS Power | 600 Watts |
The Skar Audio SDR-1X10D2 is a 10-inch subwoofer that packs a punch despite its smaller size. With 600 watts of RMS power and a smooth 2-ohm impedance, this subwoofer provides plenty of bang for your buck. It reproduces long, deep bass notes well, but may struggle to deliver faster bass with the same impact.
The SDR-1X10D2’s enclosure is built from durable 5/8ths-inch MDF and finished with carpet for a luxurious look. Its countersunk sub design is stylish and matches its sound quality. The outputs are conveniently located together on one side, and the custom internal wiring allows for an easy installation with a final impedance of 1 ohm at the terminals. This subwoofer is great for both newbies to the car audio upgrade world and anyone looking for budget-friendly bass.
4. Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 – Best For A Wide Frequency Range
The Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 boasts a powerful 12-inch subwoofer with premium materials and a wide frequency range. This ensures it can produce not only deep lows but also quality midtones.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 15 inches |
| Sensitivity | 83.7 dB |
| Frequency Response | 30-400 Hz |
| Peak Power | 3,000 Watts |
| RMS Power | 1,500 Watts |
The Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 is a powerful subwoofer with a max power of 3,000 watts and RMS of 1,500 watts. Its dual 2-ohm configuration allows for efficient power transfer to the voice coil and offers options for wiring with amplifiers.
The frequency range of the Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 is impressive, reaching as low as 30 Hz and as high as 400 Hz. This provides not only powerful deep bass but also quality sound in higher frequencies. Additionally, it excels in SPL, or sound pressure levels, making it capable of producing very loud sound.
The Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 is built with premium materials, including a competition-grade pressed paper cone and an advanced air flow cooling system. This is essential for keeping the subwoofer cool during extended use at high volumes.
Please note that the Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 comes at a premium price and a powerful amplifier and custom box should also be factored into your budget to fully experience the subwoofer’s capabilities.
5. Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 – Best For Maximum Power
The Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 is a competition-grade subwoofer. It boasts extraordinary power and is made with premium materials. This subwoofer is sure to make your car audio system stand out among the best.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 8.5 inches |
| Sensitivity | 87.1 dB |
| Frequency Response | 22 Hz -300 Hz |
| Peak Power | 3,000 Watts |
| RMS Power | 1,500 Watts |
The Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 subwoofer boasts impressive specs with a maximum power of 3000 watts, RMS of 1,500, and a sensitivity of 87.1 dB. This powerful sub can handle high volumes without distortion.
At the core of the VXF-12 D2 is a 300 oz ferrite motor that ensures accurate and responsive bass. The 3” voice coil can handle high temperatures and the competition-grade pressed paper cone, with stitched high roll foam surround, adds to its performance.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 subwoofer is priced affordably. Turn it up and it’ll shake, rattle, and wake up your neighbors, but it won’t break the bank.
6. Skar Audio SDR-1X8D2 – Best For Smaller Spaces
The Skar Audio SDR-1X8D2 is an 8-inch, 700-watt loaded subwoofer that packs huge specs into a minuscule enclosure. Despite its small size, it can’t be overlooked as a great option for a deep bass upgrade.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17 x 16.5 x 13.5 inches |
| Frequency Response | 30 – 350 Hz |
| Peak Power | 700 Watts |
| RMS Power | 350 Watts |
The Skar Audio SDR-1X8D2 is an 8-inch subwoofer with an enclosure that has one cubic foot of air. It boasts 700 watts of maximum power and 350 watts RMS, making it a decent option for those looking to upgrade their factory sound system. The solid frequency response of 30 Hz to 350 Hz ensures that the lows in your music are given a new lease of life, and the custom vented enclosure optimizes tight and accurate bass.
The voice coil of the Skar Audio SDR-1X8D2 is a 2” temperature-resistant feature that is smaller than those found on the company’s 12-inch subs but more than adequate for handling the heat and power of a smaller subwoofer. The enclosure is double front baffle and countersunk subwoofer mounting are finished in all-black carpeting, giving it style points as well as big sound.
Unleash the Power of Sound: A Skar Audio Subwoofer Buying Guide
Since they emerged in 2012, Skar Audio have grown their range of subwoofers significantly. Here’s what you need to know to tell your VFX from your EVL.
Is Skar Audio Any Good?
Skar Audio has quickly established itself as a reputable car audio brand due to its focus on high-quality design and personalized customer service. Despite not being at the top-end of the market, the company provides affordable and durable subwoofers with great sound quality.
Bringing the Bass: Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Skar Audio Subwoofer
Before purchasing your next Skar Audio subwoofer system, take a look at these essential factors that will ensure you get the most out of your sound system – from size and power to aesthetics and budget.
Subwoofer Power
Skar Audio understands the importance of power when it comes to aftermarket subwoofers. They offer impressively powered subs in various size ranges.
Power is measured in two ways: peak power and RMS power. Peak power measures how much your sub can handle in short bursts, but RMS power is a more important indicator of a sub’s capabilities. It measures the continuous power a subwoofer can handle. Skar Audio’s best subwoofers range from 350 watts to 1,500 watts.
Active vs Passive Subwoofers
When shopping for a subwoofer, it’s important to know the difference between active and passive subwoofers. Active subwoofers, also known as powered subs, come with an in-built amp. They are easy to install but lack customization options and take up more space.
On the other hand, passive subwoofers, like those from Skar Audio, require a separate aftermarket amplifier to power them. To ensure optimal performance, the amplifier should be power-matched to the RMS power of the subwoofer.
Subwoofer Enclosure
All subwoofers require an enclosure for optimized performance. This determines how the subwoofer moves air to create bass response. Enclosures come in different designs: sealed, ported and bandpass.
- Sealed: – Sealed enclosures separate the front and rear of the cone, preventing air from escaping the rear. This requires more power but results in a tight and accurate bass response.
- Ported: Ported enclosures feature vents that allow air to escape from the rear of the box. They are more efficient and can produce a louder sound with the same power.
- Bandpass: Bandpass enclosures are a hybrid design that features a dual chamber that is half sealed and half vented. They are power-efficient, loud, and produce an excellent bass response. However, they are difficult to build and carry a higher price tag.
Skar Audio produces loaded subwoofer enclosures in 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch versions. They have chosen to make all of these enclosures vented for their efficiency and explosive sound.
If you’re purchasing a Skar Audio subwoofer without an enclosure, there are plenty of great subwoofer boxes on the market that produce deep bass.
Frequency Response
Bass refers to the lowest frequencies, typically between 60 and 250 Hz. Human hearing can reach down to 20 Hz, but anything lower will only be felt.
A subwoofer’s frequency response indicates its ability to produce low frequencies. The majority of bass in music falls around 90 Hz, but for deep bass, look for a frequency response that goes down to 20-25 Hz.
Impedance
Impedance, measured in ohms, tells you how much resistance a subwoofer puts up to the power provided by an amp. Skar Audio subs have either 2-ohms or 4-ohms, such as the Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4.
A lower resistance means more power reaches your speakers. However, Skar Audio advises not to focus too much on ohms. The impedance is mainly a guide for choosing an amp and wiring your subs.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a subwoofer is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud it will be at a given power. A higher sensitivity means more volume and vice versa. The range of sensitivity is typically from the low 80s dB to the mid-90s dB. A higher sensitivity also means you don’t have to turn the volume up as high, which can improve the overall sound quality.
Installation
If you’re new to upgrading your car audio, you may be wondering how to install a Skar Audio subwoofer. Keep in mind that you’ll need an amplifier and an enclosure to go with your subwoofer.
But don’t worry. Skar Audio offers wiring kits to help you connect your subwoofer and amplifier. Plus, their loaded subwoofers come pre-installed in custom vented boxes. Skar is also known for their excellent customer support, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Subwoofer Sizes
8” Subwoofers: The Skar Audio Single 8″ 700W is a great option for complementing factory speakers or as part of a complete car audio overhaul. These smaller subs are easily installed in a vehicle and produce tight and accurate bass.
10” Subwoofers: 10-inch subwoofers offer more power than their 8-inch counterparts. They can handle punchy rap and club music, reproducing tight bass and allowing for a higher volume.
12” Subwoofers: Skar Audio’s 12-inch subwoofers are a great all-around option. They produce loud and deep bass without dominating a vehicle’s interior.
15” Subwoofers: Skar Audio offers high-quality 15-inch subwoofers, but they are not included on this list. They have excessive power and ear-wrecking bass, but take up a significant amount of trunk space.
What Are The Other Top Rated Car Subwoofer Brands?
There are a lot of great car subwoofer manufacturers out there, but some are known for quality, durability and sound more than others. While a brand name can add a few bucks to the price tag, it can also give you peace of mind about quality build.
We know a thing or two about subwoofers, and we never recommend a sub that doesn’t live up to the hype. But there are some brands that just keep on producing the goods.
- KICKER: – KICKER offers high-quality speakers and subwoofers that deliver concert-arena sound for cars. Despite their premium build, they also have affordable options for first-time buyers.
- Rockford Fosgate: Rockford Fosgate is dedicated to building high-quality products. Since ceasing production of head units in 2011, they have focused on producing powerful subwoofers that always sound huge.
- Rockville: Rockville is another brand of car subwoofers that is worth checking out. They have easy-to-install options that are perfect for first-time audio upgraders.
- MTX Audio: MTX Audio prioritizes sound quality in their subwoofers, resulting in tight and accurate bass. While they may not always be the loudest in terms of SPL, they offer affordable and high-quality sound.
Conclusion
Skar Audio offers premium quality products at affordable prices by selling directly to consumers online. The company’s customer support network provides instant access to their deep subwoofer knowledge, similar to traditional car audio stores.
Skar Audio subwoofers are ideal for those who want to customize their system. Fully loaded subwoofers come with a custom enclosure, while unenclosed subs offer the choice of sealed, ported, or bandpass. They offer a variety of sizes, from 8-inches to 15-inches. Turning these subwoofers up to the max will leave you Skarred for life!
