Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer in 2024 - Guide & Reviews

Enclosure

This subwoofer has a sealed enclosure made of 5/8”MDF and wrapped in black carpet. There’s internal bracing to ensure that the subwoofer can withstand the typical bumps and bruises.

Many reviewers on Amazon.com point out that the enclosure is compact so it should work well in numerous applications. They also like that it is well built and fits nicely under the rear seat of most pickups.

10” Woofer

The enclosure is loaded with a 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer. It is reinforced by a Injection Molded Polyproylene composite cone. The consensus among Amazon.com reviewers is that the woofer has a very strong kick.

Mounting

This shallow mount subwoofer has a patent-pending angled push terminal, unlike other traditional enclosures that utilize horizontally and vertically mounted terminals. This can help save space aside from resulting into easy and hassle-free installation.

Drawbacks

However, there are some complaints about the design of the box. Some reviewers say that its design doesn’t give enough space for the composite cone to extend. Some had to put extra spacers under the feet of the box to prevent the cone from hitting the floor of their cars. Not a few comments on Amazon.com also suggest that the sound it makes is very hollow.

. With this material, the cone can last long for many years. It should also be able to churn out superior quality for many years ahead.

Size

This subwoofer has a 10-inch diameter so you can count on it to have good bass but not to the point that it will disturb your neighbors.

Mounting

With an ultra shallow depth of 3.4 inches, this subwoofer won’t present any problems for you at all when it comes to mounting it.

In terms of sound, many reviewers say that this subwoofer is very loud despite just being 10 inches in diameter. They say that the sub sounds very good for its class. However, some reviews indicate that its bass isn’t the most powerful and won’t satisfy audiophiles.

Advanced engineering

This 12 inch sub will impress you right off the bat with its construction. Many reviewers on Amazon.com are impressed with the use of advanced materials in this sub. Give credit to Rockford for using anodized aluminum cone as well as a dust cup.

This makes this sub a lot light and thus easier to drive. But durability is not compromised as the material is rigid enough to maintain its form even when you decide to turn up the volume.

Low profile frame

This sub also has a low profile frame. The frame has enough venting to avoid overheating and thermal breakdown. The sub itself is around 3 inches deep so you shouldn’t have a lot of problems finding a place for this sub.

Sensitivity

This sub has a sensitivity of 85 decibels. It can provide solid performance without needing a lot of power, or compromising overall performance.

According to most reviews on Amazon.com, this sub is very responsive. Many reviewers point out that it has very clear bass notes. You’d have to pair it with an appropriate amplifier, though, to get the best sounds. 

There are some complaints, though, that it struggles with deep bass although that is a common issue with most slim subs.But if you do, you’ll get one of the best shallow subs on the market.

Oversized cone surface

One of the best features of this sub is its oversized cone surface. It facilitates more cone and gasket surface without compromising the standard external dimension. In simpler terms, this allows the sub to produce deeper bass as there’s more air being circulated.

Speaking of the cone, it is made of MICA-injected molded resin. It is thus rigid and durable and can produce deep and accurate bass.

Angled Push Terminals

Most subwoofer terminals are mounted either vertically or horizontally. The problem with this type of mounting is that the wires can be bent to fit. If you use low gauge high performance wires, then it might be difficult to bend them to fit the type of mounting.

But this sub is different from others as it makes use of Pioneer’s angled push terminals. Thus it is a lot easier to connect the speaker wires to the sub and the straighter connection results to faster, easier installation. Space is also saved in this arrangement.

Enclosure

With its innovative enclosure design, this Pioneer sub can be installed freely in the luggage or cabin area. This should make it a lot easier for you to choose an area to mount the subwoofer. Its enclosure is also fully carpeted, non-slip, and scratch-resistant.

In terms of sounds, many reviewers on Amazon.com give positive feedback on this sub. They say it can give clean, articulate, and deep bass. Many are also happy with its reasonable price.

Build quality

This shallow mount is impressively built, to say the least. The cone is made from tough polypropylene thus it is impossible to flex even under high power. There’s also a large, durable rubber surround allowing the cone to move large amounts of air.

The frame is made of heavy duty cast alloy. It stands just a shade over 3 inches tall but gives a stable home for the sub

Power Range

This subwoofer has a power range of 100 to 400 watts. This means that the sub is capable of projecting clear and accurate bass. This makes the sub a definite car shaker.

Price

However, be forewarned that this is one of the most expensive subs in this list. If you are working with a tight budget, then you might have to scratch it off your list. Another common complaint is that it doesn’t fit in a 10 inch hole, thus you may have to do some sawing.

Superb build quality

This sub has a heavy duty cone made of polypropylene. It is reinforced by a tough rubber surround with a Square Array pattern reinforcing it. This ensures that the cone won’t warp during bass production.

It also has a dual ventilation system that ensures the inner part of the sub stays cool by pulling heated air out of the motor structure.

Enclosure

The manufacturer recommends putting this sub in a sealed enclosure to provide maximum control over the subwoofer. It can also enable the sub to handle a lot of power. It should also be able to deliver accurate sonic reproduction and make the sub suitable to almost all types of music.

Sound quality

A majority of the reviewers on Amazon.com are happy with this subwoofer. They say that it produces deep, accurate bass. They add that the sub hits the notes clean, and is very much distortion-free.

Although there are some reviewers who say that this subwoofer doesn’t hit that hard, they also feel that it may be due to the type of ported box that they mated with this subwoofer. This only goes to show the importance of finding the right enclosure for a sub.

Build Quality

Most reviewers on Amazon.com are quite satisfied with this shallow mount. They say this box is well made, constructed from a ¾ inch MDF board. According to them, it is a good enclosure where you can put your subs in. it also has no wood shaving or loose carpet, which suggest how well-built this enclosure is.

Speaker wire connections

The connection for the speaker wires are both tight inside and out. It doesn’t have wires that are pre-attached, though, which can be a bit of a letdown especially for novice subwoofer owners or buyers.

Drawbacks

However, you’ll have to deal with the strong carpeting smell from this subwoofer enclosure. According to most reviewers, though, that smell will be gone after a few days.

Sound Quality

Suffice to say, most comments on Amazon.com suggest that owners of this sub are pretty happy with their purchase. The consensus is that subwoofer can hold up to all types of music and levels.

Wiring

However, there’s one thing about this subwoofer which has caused a lot of confusion among those who have bought it. The wiring of the sub can be a bit confusing, especially for car owners who have little experience in wiring a sub. With eight terminals to wire in a series parallel, the sub’s wiring can be very challenging.

Other reviewers also expressed disappointment that Pyle decided that an Allen wrench is to be used in tightening the wires to the sub, instead of the more common Phillips head screwdriver.

Sound Quality

You can be assured of accurate and deep bass with this subwoofer. It is equipped with a cone made of rigid polypropylene. It has a rubber surround that can last through many years of abuse.

And it has a specially designed back and top plate which provides superior bass compared to other skinny subs.

Sensitivity

With a 87.2 dB sensitivity, this sub is very efficient in transferring power into sound. It won’t require lots of power just to reproduce superior sound. Many reviewers also describe the bass as not being overpowering.

Aside from being able to produce clean and accurate bass, this Kicker subwoofer is also getting a lot of rave reviews for being very affordable.

Sound Quality

According to those who have used or owned this subwoofer, it delivers clean, deep, and accurate bass. They describe the sound as not overpowering. Others say the sound produced is very sharp. Some reviewers, though, say that with a maximum 300 watts power, this isn’t the most powerful sub you can get.

Superior Technologies

Rockford also incorporated a lot of technologies in this subwoofer. One is the use of stitched tinsel leads that reduces fatigue, improves reliability, and enhances the performance of the subwoofer.

The company also employed a Vertical Attach Surround technique that basically improves the radiating cone area up to 25 percent.

The subwoofer may be small and compact but you’ll know that it is of good quality just by looking at its construction. And with good reviews coming from satisfied Amazon.com reviewers, this subwoofer definitely is a top choice for a shallow mount subwoofer.