How Important is the Subwoofer Box or Sub Enclosure to your Sound System?

Many overlook the importance that the subwoofer box plays in the overall performance of any subwoofer. When you consider the subwoofer contributes the most to any car's audio system, you begin to appreciate the importance of installing the sub in the proper enclosure. To maximize the performance and sound quality of your subwoofer it is always wise to go with a well made factory made custom subwoofer box.

Its not uncommon for car audio enthusiasts to spend several hundred dollars on their subwoofer and amplifier. It unfortunately isn't uncommon for the same shoppers to purchase the least expensive sub box as possible. Through the years, as a car audio retailer, I've seen this many times. Their budget seems to run out before the subwoofer box is purchased. This is really unfortunate since their investment in the subwoofer will never prove its real worth as far as sound quality without a good quality subwoofer enclosure. Many audio enthusiasts have come to me after that original purchase thinking their subwoofer is malfunctioning. In reality, it usually was associated with buying an incorrect type or size of sub enclosure.

Subwoofer enclosures are available as sealed, ported, vented and bandpass configurations. Generally speaking, sealed enclosures take up the least amount of space due to the fact most subwoofers require the least amount of air space when used in a sealed box. Where applicable, when ports or vents are added to the setup, the subwoofer requires substantially more air space for proper performance. Finally, the largest style box is usually the bandpass enclosure due to its unique construction. Custom subwoofer enclosures can be made of fiberglass, MDF (wood) or various composite materials. Each style subwoofer enclosure offers certain benefits but the selection should be made based upon the specifics of your subwoofer.

Most custom fit subwoofer enclosures are molded in fiberglass or composites and are sealed boxes. These custom subwoofer enclosures offer a nice tight sounding bass for best sound quality. Since they are made for a custom-fit, they will fit in out of the way places such as under or behind seats. They can be recommended for good sound quality in just about any type of music.

If you enjoy extra loud, booming bass, you should go with a vented or bandpass subwoofer box. Due to the construction and volume of air movement, these boxes are notably louder then sealed enclosures. Generally speaking these will be made of MDF and be considerably larger in size then sealed enclosures also.

Of course the determining factor in selecting the correct box for your subwoofer is carefully considering the manufacturer's specifics for the sub. While some subwoofers are capable of varied applications, you'll find others are designed specifically for one type enclosure or another. So the best advice is to do your homework first and buy the correct subwoofer enclosure the first time.