Best 10 Inch Subwoofer: Top Picks and Buying Guide

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out the best 10 inch subwoofer, then I’d recommend the Neumann KH 750 DSP 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer as the best one.

Are you looking to upgrade your car audio system or your home theater system with the best 10-inch subwoofer? Are you needing some information to make sure you get the bang for your buck? It can be overwhelming since there are so many options in the market. Let us help you out by diving into details about what you need to know before buying yourself one.  

Here are the Best 10-Inch Subwoofers we will be reviewing:

• Neumann KH 750 DSP 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer
• ADAM Audio Sub10 Mk2 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer
• Kicker 44L7S102 L7S Solo-Baric 10-Inch 4-Pack Subwoofer
• Rockford Fosgate P1S2-12 Punch 10-Inch 4-Pack Subwoofer
• KRK S10.4 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer

What is the Best 10 Inch Subwoofer?

There is no exact right answer on what the best 10-inch subwoofer is. It’s always going to depend on your taste in music. How low, punchy, or tight do you want your bass to be? Also, your budget and the available space where you’re going to place it will come into play. 

It will make an enormous difference to your stereo system if you have a high-quality 10-inch subwoofer system. But that doesn’t automatically mean that its size makes it different. More than just size and booming bass, the best 10-inch subwoofer can deliver power, clarity, and crispness for low-frequency audio.

Different Types of 10-Inch subwoofers

Let’s take a look at some of the types of 10-inch subwoofers and how they differ from each other.

Component

These subwoofers have no amplifier or enclosure, only the speaker itself. They come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from 8 to 15 inches. If you are someone who likes to highly-customize your sound system with your preferred amplifiers, speakers, and enclosures, this is perfect for you. 

Powered

These subwoofers are within a small, compact casing, and amplifiers power them. They are the type that delivers impressive bass and excellent overall audio quality. The only downside is that their tight enclosure keeps them from producing the power needed for the booming and punchy low-frequencies that can shake the walls or your auto. But if you are looking for a subwoofer that’s a space saver, compact in size, and only requires a straightforward installation, this one is for you. 

Enclosed

Enclosed subwoofers come in subwoofer boxes or housing that are either sealed or ported. If you choose to have a passive one, you will have to buy an external amplifier. There are also lesser selections to choose from for this type. But if you want a convenient and straightforward setup, this might work for you. 

Vehicle-Specific

The design of the vehicle-specific subs is in a style that is space-saving, suitable, and convenient in many trucks, cars, and SUVs. Their colors are also commonly matched with the interior of the vehicle. They come in subwoofer housing designed to deliver optimum sound quality and fit your ride. If you search for something space-efficient, convenient, and offer an OEM design and finish, this one is ideal for you. 

Where to Use a 10-Inch Subwoofer?

You can use the best 10-inch subwoofer for your home theater system, studio, gaming sound system, or vehicle audio setup. It’s one of the essential components of a robust sound system. Borrowing the words from the famous song of Meghan Trainor, it’s all about the bass when it comes to this gear. It allows you not only to hear the sound but also to feel it. The sub takes your movie, music, and game audio experience to a whole new level. 

Why Choose the Best 10-Inch Subwoofer?

The best 10-inch subwoofer comes with its advantages. Let’s see how you can benefit if you’re going to get one:

Boost your bass

These subwoofers can reproduce low frequencies, sometimes even below 80Hz. This means they can produce thick and heavy bass that makes your music come alive. 

Improve higher frequency performance

Regular stereo speakers usually handle both the high and low frequencies. But because subwoofers commonly receive power from an independent amplifier, they’re able to let the tweeters and the woofers maximize the high and midrange frequencies. Only the higher notes are sent to the woofer and tweeter, and the low base ones are sent to the sub. 

Smooth sound without distortion

The best 10-inch subwoofer delivers vibrant, lively, and clear-cut audio performance for all frequencies. You can enjoy smooth-sounding music even at a high volume level without experiencing distortion. 

Versatile installation options

The 10-inch subwoofer provides a space that is big enough for the bass notes to richly resonate, but at the same time, it’s compact enough to fit through your car door. And because it produces a non-directional sound, it can be installed under a seat or your vehicle’s trunk, depending on your preference. 

What to Consider When Buying the Best 10-Inch Subwoofer

If you’re ready to buy the best 10-inch subwoofer, here are the things you need to note:

Sound Quality

A lot of factors affect a subwoofer’s sound quality. It includes power rate, enclosures, and materials used. If you’re using a passive sub with an external amp, the placement of your subwoofer will also have an impact on the sound. Different components can make a difference to the overall audio quality of the sub. Finding the best ones that have brand-specific features can improve upon it more. 

Size

Sound experts recommend buying a larger subwoofer. In theory, the bigger the subs, the louder the bass they generate.  However, size is not the only component contributing to your overall bass experience. The enclosure type, power handling, and sensitivity rating also have an incredible impact on its output. The best 10-inch subwoofer can deliver more remarkable performance and audio quality than a bigger sub if it’s placed correctly and sufficiently powered. 

Material

There’s a bunch to cover when it comes to materials. Let’s dive in and see the important things to highlight:

Basket

The basket functions as the support sound system for the cone and is significantly the entire base of the subwoofer. If you’ve heard of the stamped basket, its design allows it to handle more power and is more sturdy. However, it doesn’t bend or twist, so the vibration is lighter. On the other hand, the cast basket is more flexible and has better heat diffusion. It only means that this produces better bass and has longer hours of playing. Some subwoofers have a hybrid of baskets, perfect if you find it challenging to pick between them. 

Surround

The surrounding component protects the delicate and fragile cone in the middle. It’s best if you find one that is smooth and long-lasting. This kind is usually made of foam or rubber, and both give impressive durability and comfort. On the other hand, flexible or elastic surroundings can handle higher heat, have outstanding adaptability, and are durable. 

Cone

The cone is the component that is in charge of the total sound. There are various choices for the material of cones, but we’ll only touch on the most effective picks. 

Polypropylene is the most common material that most cones are made of. It is because of its durability and offers a super solid amount of maximum support. This classification will contain secondary or auxiliary materials such as mineral-filled or mica-injected polypropylene cones. 

There are paper cones that are very lightweight and offer more flexibility. They will supply sufficient give for a more extensive frequency response for precise bass. There are also Kevlar cones which are also popular. They are hefty and yet lightweight at the same time. The carbon fiber cones are also sturdy and durable, but they’re more prone to tears. 

Finally, you have the Anodized Aluminum cones, which are great for heat diffusion. Many people recommend this one, and it works excellent for speaker cabinets and restaurants. 

Spider Venting

You can find this unique audio part component under the cone. Its primary role is to hold the cone firmly in place. The spider comes in various materials ranging from cotton to paper. Its coat is usually made of resin. 

Power Rating

Another very essential part of the best 10-inch subwoofer is the power rating. The noted 2 different power rates that the sub holds are the maximum or highest power and the RMS rating. The more vital one to remember here is the RMS rating because it signifies how loud your subwoofer performs for an extended time. 

The peak is sometimes twice that of the RMS power. It indicates how loud the sub can go or play for a short period without blowing out or failing. For example, for a subwoofer with a 500 RMS rating, the peak is possible 1000 watts or higher. 

Even if you can go up to 200 to 1000 watts, sound experts still advise playing at only 75% of that to prevent your speakers from blowing out.  

Sensitivity

If you’re someone who likes loud bass, sensitivity is another factor you would have to consider. This element or component of the sub is measured in decibels or dB. It refers to the subwoofer’s efficiency to convert power to sound. A high number means high sensitivity, which means your sub needs less energy to produce an impressive, clean-cut sound. 

Sound experts recommend looking for a rating of around 90dB for the best audio. Slightly lower than that, starting at 82dB is still considered decent-sounding, but it’s the 90dB and up that’s considered ideal. The power rating and sensitivity should work together to achieve the optimum powerful sound. 

Impedance

The impedance rating of a 10-inch subwoofer pertains to its resistance against the electrical current. Note that in this component, the lower the number, the better. The usual ohm impedance ratings are two, four, six, and eight. The most excellent subs would have 2, but those with 4 are also common and work excellently. 

Voice Coils

There are usually two voice coil options for a 10-inch subwoofer: a single or a dual. They are often called SVC or DVC, and their advantage boils down to their configuration. Dual voice coils can give you more compatibility than single voice coils for different setups.

For SVCs, you’ve got to ensure that your subwoofer is wired at the correct ohm. As for DVCs, you can wire them at two different ohms. For example, you can have two-ohm and six-ohm voice coils in a DVC. 

Voice coils come in various materials, but sound experts recommend the aluminum design for optimum sound production. 

Enclosure

As the name implies, the enclosure is the one that houses the subwoofer. It also has an impact on the sound of the bass. A sealed type will have a more remarkable bass sound if you’re a fan of deep tones and has more accuracy. However, the audio produced would sound a bit muffled. On the other hand, a vented or ported enclosure allows better airflow since this type is not entirely sealed. The bass also sounds louder overall, without any difficulty. However, the audio is nowhere near what the sealed enclosure produces regarding accuracy. 

Subwoofer Type

Similar to speakers, subwoofers also have two types: passive and active. In a gist, the passive doesn’t have a built-in amp, while the active type does. 

Passive

A passive subwoofer needs an independent amplifier and would take a lot of your effort to ensure it’s compatible. You have to be sure that the impedance matches up to prevent damaging your setup. On a positive note, the passive sub gives you more convenience if you want to upgrade your rig in the future. You will have more options to mix and match without needing to replace your entire setup. 

Active

Aside from its convenience, an active subwoofer is also space-efficient because the amp is built-in. Just note that the additional gear also adds up to the weight of your 10-inch sub. One great thing about this type is that it delivers the best audio relays since the amplifier is already compatible with the subwoofer. However, it won’t be as easy and convenient if you plan to upgrade in the future. They also tend to be more expensive than the passive type because of the extra amp. 

Installation

If the installation of your gear is lengthy and complicated, it somehow lessens the satisfaction of having the best 10-inch subwoofer. Sound experts recommend getting those with a plug-and-play feature. This way, you can straight away enjoy the booming bass sound as soon as you hook it up. You can pick straightforward models that don’t need an entire overhaul of your existing setup. It’s best to go for the one that calls for minimal effort so you can enjoy your music in minutes. 

Ensure that you also know what the warranty covers during installation. Components of your sub can get damaged over extended periods of use. It’s good to be protected for as long as possible – at least a year. 

If you want to trim down your choices to the best ones in the market, here are the best five on our list that might help you decide:

Neumann KH 750 DSP 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer

Neumann KH 750 DSP 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer is perfect for smaller spaces or rooms and compact studio monitors. In a nutshell, it’s a little box with a big sound. It has a flexible and one-of-a-kind 2.0/0.1 Bass Manager that allows the subwoofer to be used in various system configurations. Analog and digital inputs and outputs are available on the back panel. It also has four routing modes and adjustable audio controls to allow flawless system integration. 

The Neumann Control software provides access to many extra and additional operations inside the subwoofer. The KH 750 DSP works excellent for mixing, mastering, and tracking for post-production studios, broadcast, and music. The 10-inch long-throw driver has a new design and a big magnet, linear motor style with a rigid pressed steel basket. Because subwoofers are commonly placed on the floor, it has a robust grille protecting its driver from accidental damage. 

This well-braced cabinet is of the sealed enclosure type, delivering the fastest possible transmitted response. The two-analog XLR inputs are balanced with the two analog XLR outputs. The 192 kHz/24-bit digital input can allow or obtain AES3 and S/P-DIF signals. A standby operation is bypassable, and the switch-off time can be adjusted and managed through Neumann Control. 

This subwoofer also has a Neumann Control iPad app that offers various features to allow the freedom to set up, align, and operate your sub. The system requirements for this to work is iPad with iOS 10 or higher. 

Pros:

• Easily installed compact cabinet with a very deep bass response
• DSP engine optimizes output to achieve reference class sound
• Accurate and flexible alignment of the subwoofer in the room and within systems
• 8 x full parametric equalizer
• It uses the Neumann system and software that works great for calibration 

Cons:

• This subwoofer is quite pricey

ADAM Audio Sub10 Mk2 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer

The Sub10 Mk2 10-Inch Powered Studio Subwoofer by ADAM Audio is a great and powerful subwoofer that has a design that extends the low-frequency capabilities of nearby midfield studio monitors. It features a 200W Ice Power amplifier that drives a robust, 50mm voice coil. Because this amp and the power supply sections use PWM technology, it stays cool and produces more than 90% total efficiency. 

It can handle its optimum power without the risk and danger to the driver or the electronics. The 10-inch woofer housed in this unit can have a frequency response ranging from 25Hz to 150Hz. The Sub10 Mk2 operates with a new down-firing bass reflex tube. Because of its shape and size, it can avoid unnecessary ventilation noise. You can string as many ADAM subs as needed in spacious rooms or higher levels. 

This ADAM Audio sub also features an unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR input and output connectors. It has various controls that adapt to a different room or space’s acoustics and requirements. This sub has a level control ranging from -60dB to +6dB, a variable upper barrier frequency of 50Hz to 150 Hz, a phase +/- 180-degree switch, and a switchable 85Hz high-pass filter for the satellite output. 

On top of that, it has a button for “signal on/continuous” that gives you the option of automatic power up whenever the sub receives a signal. It also automatically powers off if it doesn’t receive any alert after 15 minutes. 

Pros:

• It has a clear-cut bass sound. 
• The control you can have over low frequencies using the Sub10 is remarkable.
• It adds intensity to the low end without overpowering. 
• It works great when you are mixing your own music. 
• Lets you know when you have too much bass. 

Cons:

• It doesn’t work well with 808 files. 

Kicker 44L7S102 L7S Solo-Baric 10-Inch 4-Pack Subwoofer

Switch up your car audio with the sound strength of the Kicker L7S Solo-Baric 10-Inch Square Subwoofer. The build of this powerful sub is one-of-a-kind and renders more cone space, overall volume, and air displacement. It also features RMS power of 600 watts, a sensitivity of 86.8 dB, a frequency response of 24 100Hz, and a dual 2-ohm voice coil. 

The material of the cone is an injection-molded polypropylene, has a 360-degree SoloKon back bracing, and patented corner ribs to reduce distortion. The mounting depth of this square sub is 6.25 inches, and its mounting cutout dimension is 9.32 inches. All that’s needed is an enclosure or casing to complete your fantastic sound experience. 

This 44L7S102 L7S Solo-Baric also has a  1200 watts peak power. It can handle tons of energy and has unique thermal management systems.  You get a lot of bass with this sub without compromising audio quality and distortion. For optimum sound experience, use a sealed or ported enclosure for this sub. 

Pros:

• Square design means more cone area, air displacement, and volume
• 1200 watts peak power; 600 watts RMS power
• 2 ohm, dual voice coil
• Injection-molded polypropylene cone
• Patented corner ribs minimize distortion

Cons: 

• It doesn’t come with an enclosure or housing 

Rockford Fosgate P1S2-12 Punch 10-Inch 4-Pack Subwoofer

The P1S2 Punch 10-Inch Power Audio is the premier subwoofer of the family of the famous “Punch” subs. This is a four-pack P1S2 10, and it features a 250 watts RMS power rating (maximum of 500 watts) and a 2-ohm voice coil. It also has room for a grille insert using the included soft-touch ABS trim ring. For upgraded performance and reliability, it has linear spider venting with 16 AWG tinsel leads embedded to lessen possible shorting and fatigue. 

This sub also has a responsive paper cone supported by the same Kevlar fibers used in bulletproof vests. Hence, you get the optimum sound experience – a remarkably hard-hitting rich bass.

This subwoofer also features a high temp voice coil with a spunlaced Nomex reinforcement collar. It stays cool because of the StampCast basket with bump-vented backplate, extended pole piece, and joined spider venting. It’s an excellent feature that allows the sub to hit the deeper lows without distortion. For optimum sound experience, use a sealed or ported enclosure for this sub. 

Pros:

• Increased reliability and performance
• High-temp voice coil with spun laced Nomex reinforcement collar
• Includes 4 New Rockford Fosgate Punch P1S2 Sub with 2 Ohm impedance
• 500 watts MAX / 250 watts RMS Power handling
• Keeps cool using the StampCast basket with integrated spider venting

Cons:

• It needs a break-in because this subwoofer tends to be stiff. 
• It’s not as sturdy, and the voice coil tends to fry quickly. 

KRK S10.4 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer

The S10.4 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer delivers KRK’s sonic performance and accuracy legacy. It can produce a precise and defined bass sound for an excellent listening experience. Its highly-efficient Class D power amplifier effectively increases the transmitted response, punch, and control. It also offers multiple connectivity options that give you the freedom of hooking up anything without worrying about an adapter. This sub also has 4-position crossover frequency options that make it easy for you to adjust its setting to match and maximize your existing monitors. 

Some of the refinements of this KRK subwoofer involve the upgraded low-frequency extension. It also includes improved porting that allows reduced port noise and better low-frequency response. Other refinements are optional removable grilles and a more sturdy inverted dust cap. KRK also designed the cabinets with less depth and lower height build for more flexibility on placement and a more aesthetic look. 

Pros:

• This unit works great with music, DVD Concerts, and home theater stereo systems.
• It’s very focused on the bass with no artificial boom. 
• The driver of this sub has a fast response and is quick to dampen. 
• It works great for studio work for mixing and recording.
• It produces an intense, rich, and beautiful bass sound. 

Cons: 

• It doesn’t come with a protective cover or grille. 
• The volume tends to go up and down randomly. 
• The backplate tends to be always cold. 

Conclusion

We hope this has been informative for you and has helped you decide what best 10-inch subwoofer to get as a great addition to your sound system.

These are all fantastic selections, but if we pick just one, we’d recommend Neumann KH 750 DSP 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer. One of the primary reasons is that it already has a built-in amplifier. It saves you time and effort in finding a compatible amp for your sub. Another reason is that the entire system works and blends well together, with no sound separation between the amplifier and the subwoofer. It produces full clean audio. 

Its build is also robust and sturdy that you won’t have to worry about accidental damage. Finally, it has the Neumann Control software works great for various uses such as mixing, mastering, and tracking for post-production studios, broadcast, and music. You get your money’s worth with all the features it offers plus the elegant and sturdy design.