Complete Guide to the Best 8-Inch Subwoofer

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best 8-inch subwoofer is, then I’d recommend the HEDD BASS08 8″ Powered Studio Subwoofer as the best one.

Investing in an excellent sound system is worth the buck. You don’t have to be passionate about acoustics and audio to benefit from great sound experiences. You might have the essential tools you need but feel like something is still amiss. Or perhaps you want to upgrade your system. If you’re either one of these, an 8-inch subwoofer might be what you’re looking for.

Here are the Best 8-Inch Subwoofers we will be reviewing:

• HEDD BASS08 8″ Powered Studio Subwoofer
• Kanto SUB8 Matte Black 8-inch Powered Subwoofer
• SVS 3000 Dual 8-inch Drivers Micro Subwoofer
• Polk Audio PSW111 8″ Powered Subwoofer
• Skar Audio Triple 8″ Complete Subwoofer Bass Package

What is the Best 8-inch Subwoofer?

What are 8-inch subwoofers?

An 8-inch subwoofer is the smallest size among all subwoofers. A subwoofer is a speaker that produces low-frequency or bass sounds. 8-inch subwoofers fit compact spaces and are an affordable way to elevate your sound system.

Subwoofers vs. Speakers

A speaker is an umbrella term for sound reproduction. They receive electronic signals and convert them into vibrations and audible mechanical sound. They cover mid to high-range frequencies. Speakers are a vital component of any sound or music system. On the other hand, subwoofers are a part of such a system. Their primary function is to handle the lowest parts of the audio spectrum. Thus, they are perfect for producing crisp bass sounds.

What is the difference between subwoofer sizes?

Subwoofers come in different sizes. The idea is that more giant boxes make for greater bass extension. The 8-inch subwoofer is the most compact and most convenient to install. This subwoofer size is perfect for standard vehicles and typical entry-level upgraded sound systems. Common 8-inch subwoofers have a frequency range of 25-200HZ. It produces excellent sound for soulful jazz, classical music, and punk tunes.

10-inch subwoofers make you feel the power of country music, rock songs, and metal tunes. It is known as the smallest “true subwoofer” in the market. With its greater size, it delivers louder sounds and handles more power.

12-inch subwoofers offer versatility. If you’re unsure what you want and need, a 12-inch subwoofer is your best choice. It can do everything that a 10-inch sub can do with an even better sound. Note that 12-inch subs might be too large for typical spaces. Its size might result in customizing installation that might cost you more.

Types of Subwoofers

Powered

Powered 8-inch subwoofers have built-in amplifiers inside their enclosure. This characteristic allows for ease in setting them up in smaller spaces. Although they still have satisfactory bass frequencies, they cannot produce mega-powerful and deep bass tones that hit hard.

Component

If you’re one to customize your sound system, a component subwoofer is an excellent choice. The component subwoofer comes in separate parts. This feature would mean that you have the liberty to select your amplifier, enclosure, and other items you prefer. Of course, this freedom of assembling the perfect subwoofer for you entails technical familiarity.

Enclosed

Enclosed subwoofers are contained and pre-mounted in an enclosure. They do not come with amplifiers, so you will need to buy one separately. The enclosed subwoofers are excellent upgrades to your sound system.

Vehicle-specific

Vehicle-specific subwoofers are used in a variety of cars. They are positioned in places like your door or under the seats. The standard vehicle-specific subwoofer is already pre-mounted in an enclosure.

Where to Use the Best 8-inch Subwoofer?

The best 8-inch subwoofer can technically be used and placed anywhere. But there are variations when it comes to room spaces and purpose.

8-inch subwoofers are famous car installations. For its compressed size, it’s a perfect device for getting that bass sound in your vehicle. The best 8-inch subwoofer is also an excellent choice for your home, business, and educational theater systems.

Why Choose the Best 8-inch Subwoofer?

For a cleaner and deeper sound

A stellar sound experience entails precise and deep audio. With the best 8-inch subwoofer, you won’t have to worry about broken and muffled sound quality. Imagine listening to hard metal and rock music, with a kind of accuracy you won’t get with ordinary speakers.

To amplify bass sound quality

Other speakers are not capable of delivering all sound frequencies. Subwoofers reach low-frequency signals that make for the three-dimensional effect you usually get in theaters. Subwoofers produce rich and deep bass sounds.

For the perfect blend of sound and power

Subwoofers are capable of producing sound at high volumes without distortion. The result is a sound experience that feels crisp, clean, and full.

More compact

One of the best features of an 8-inch subwoofer is its size. It can fit in tight and narrow spaces. You won’t have to spend much on placement customizations.

Protect factory speakers

Having that clear bass sound comes at a cost for your factory speakers. Loud bass sounds can destroy factory speakers because they cannot handle high vibration levels. With plastic or cardboard designs, factory speakers tend to crack and rip. The best 8-inch subwoofer, on the other hand, can tolerate significant vibration levels.

Power a five-channel amplifier

More powerful subwoofers usually need a specialized monoblock amplifier. Others require a separate amplifier for the speakers. But 8-inch subwoofers are capable of working with five-channel amplifiers.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best 8-inch Subwoofer

Size

Subwoofers come in different sizes, as we discussed earlier in this article. An 8-inch subwoofer is better than factory speakers, elevating your sound experience. The compactness in size is a huge plus and convenience for many.

Power

Like any other electronic device, an 8-inch subwoofer has wattage. This power wattage indicates the amount of power a particular device can handle. Standard wattage specifies a device’s peak performance (peak power). Remember that if you use your 8-inch subwoofer for longer hours, it will overheat in due time. 

The power rating you need to watch out for, too, is the RMS rating. Such a rating shows the amount of power a subwoofer can continuously handle. It is noteworthy to match your subwoofer’s RMS rating to your amplifier’s RMS rating. That is, your amplifier must be able to produce 75 to150% of your subwoofer’s power rating.

Sensitivity rating

The sensitivity rating of a subwoofer is a crucial factor in its performance. A subwoofer’s sensitivity rating pertains to how loud it will get given an amount of power. A higher sensitivity rating means the louder your subwoofer will be. Standard subwoofers have an average sensitivity rating of 88 dB. 92dB and above is an excellent sensitivity measure for better sound quality.

Type of voice coils

Single

Single voice coils are a straightforward way to improve your sound system. At an affordable cost, you still get quality bass sound.

Dual

Dual voice coils allow for customization of your sound system. It is because, with a dual voice coil, you can add extra sound output. Dual coil subwoofers are the choice of audiophiles.

Enclosure type

The type of enclosure affects the subwoofer’s sound and performance. There are two types of enclosures:

Sealed

Sealed 8-inch subwoofers are the simplest type. They produce the richest bass sound and are compact. You will also find that sealed 8-inch subwoofers are affordable.

Ported

Ported 8-inch subwoofers are the most common type of subwoofer. They result in a much higher volume level.

Dual opposed

Dual-opposed subwoofers are not a common type of subwoofer. However, they are a fantastic blend of compactness and high performance. The design behind dual-opposed subwoofers results in vibration-free sound. It produces higher output but entails a large amount of power.

Passive radiator

Subwoofers with a passive radiator enclosure are similar to ported subwoofers. The difference is in the price. Passive radiators are more expensive. But the upside is that they are resistant to distortion.

Frequency response

Frequency response pertains to how well a subwoofer reproduces audible frequencies. It is measured by Hz. The basic principle in understanding frequency response is the lower the Hz, the more bass sound it will produce. The standard frequency response range in 8-inch subwoofers is 20-200Hz. For excellent deep bass sound, choose subwoofers in the field of 20 to 120 Hz.

Installation

The best 8-inch subwoofer offers easy set-up and installation. Whether you’ll use it at home or in your car, it’s good to have minimal hassles and adjustments when it comes to positioning your 8-inch subwoofer.

Budget

Upgrading your sound system does not have to break your budget. The best 8-inch subwoofer is an affordable way to raise your audio experiences in a cost-friendly manner.

HEDD BASS08 8″ Powered Studio Subwoofer

HEDD is a company from Berlin. With a physicist and a musicologist as its founders, you can expect nothing less than cutting-edge products. HEDD designed the Bass 08 as its entry-level product for high-end subwoofers. One of its remarkable features is its Satellite OFFSET control that compensates for monitor/subwoofer positioning issues. It means you don’t have to be a sound genius with profound knowledge of treating your room for sound efficiency. 

HEDD BASS08 8″ Powered Studio Subwoofer also used its Lineariser technology that delivers transparent and integrated sound quality. Another unique feature is the user’s option to choose between a bass-port and closed-cabinet design, with optimum results for both. Sound engineers and audio enthusiasts will enjoy a seamless, accurate, and cohesive sound experience brought about by HEDD’s Bass 08.

Pros:

• The BASS 08 utilizes a lacquered finish for high durability and great aesthetics
• Removable plugs for the bass reflex tubes
• Introduces the Linear Phase satellite-subwoofer system
• Features an onboard Lineariser
• Sturdy unibody casing

Cons:

• Others prefer an 8-inch subwoofer with a plain Analog connection

Kanto SUB8 Matte Black 8-inch Powered Subwoofer

Kanto is a brand that supports its customers’ digital lifestyle through quality products. The Sub8 has a sealed box design that delivers an exact bass response with a balanced tone. You’ll find that the Sub8 easily integrates with your sound system with its functional and precise controls. Its MDF enclosure creates reverberation and resonance reduction even at high volumes. 

Such design produces clean and crisp audio. Kanto’s Sub8 is only 11.9 inches in height, fitting wherever you want it. It can even fit narrow bookshelves. It also has an auto-off feature which saves on power. The Sub8 is suitable for a modest surround-sound home theater system. It’s an excellent choice for leveling up your audio game with rich and life-like sounds.

Pros:

• Class D amplifier, 250W Peak Power
• Front-firing 8” paper cone driver provides true bass reproduction
• Acoustic grade MDF cabinet sealed construction, rubber isolation feet
• 100 mV Input Sensitivity, < 0.3% Total Harmonic Distortion
• 40 Hz – 120 Hz Low-Pass Filter

Cons:

• Limited frequency range compared to other subwoofers 
• A crackling sound may be produced, especially when it powers off

SVS 3000 Dual 8-inch Drivers Micro Subwoofer

With a passion for creating world-class speakers, SVS delivers big with its 3000 Micro Subwoofer. The design and micro-sized enclosure make it blend seamlessly in any space. But even with a compact size, performance is not compromised. It boasts rich and immersive bass with detailed audio transients. 

For true ease of control, it comes with a DSP smartphone app so that you can navigate it with just a click of a finger. The 3000 Micro Subwoofer has two fully functional 8-inch woofers mounted on each end of the cabinet. This feature is a pioneer SVS design that allows for superb low-frequency output. You get the best of larger subwoofers but in a convenient size. 

The 3000 Micro Subwoofer is proof that you don’t have to bend your budget to get top-notch sound upgrades.

Pros:

• Precisely tuned overhung motor configuration for unerring woofer control
• Proprietary injection-molded NBR surrounds built for extreme excursion and longevity
• High-current 4-layer copper voice coil winding minimizes distortion and power compression
• A formidable proprietary ferrite motor system generates high-flux-density magnetic fields
• Dual 8-inch baskets with FEA optimized powder-coated frames for maximum rigidity

Cons:

• Distortion can be relatively higher
• The glossy finish is susceptible to fingerprints and other markings

Polk Audio PSW111 8″ Powered Subwoofer

Polk Audio is a brand that emerged from a group of engineers and music lovers who want affordable but quality speakers. The PSW 118 brings weight and depth to sound. Whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or playing video games, this subwoofer will elevate your audio experience. 

This 8-inch subwoofer has a great power output and can handle all types of music and audio. Its smart compression circuitry design eliminates distortion. You can fit the PSW 118 in your sound system without much fuss. The bass control of the PSW subwoofer is perfect if you’re upgrading your sound system. 

Pros:

• Ultra-compact powered subwoofer for extra punchy bass
• Louder, clearer sound even at extreme volume levels
• High-efficiency loudspeaker
• Perfectly blends with your existing system
• Sleek, detachable grille

Cons:

• It falls short on booming and punchy bass
• Narrow frequency response

Skar Audio Triple 8″ Complete Subwoofer Bass Package

Skar Audio has a mission of producing products that will make you want to listen to music and audio every day. The package produces excellent and tight bass sounds. With several input options, it’s easy to manage and control. The average listener won’t have to go through the fuss of buying additional cables and adapters. You can hook it to any audio source in your system. Its steel frame and rubber speaker provide resonance immunity and precise low end. 

The Skar Audio SDR-3X8D2 Bass package comes with three of the legendary SDR-8 subwoofers pre-wired and installed in a custom-designed enclosure for optimal bass reproduction.

Pros:

• Loaded enclosure
• Monoblock amplifier
• Comes with 4 gauge OFC wiring kit
• Three SDR-8 D2 subwoofers pre-installed and pre-wired
• RMS Power: 1,050 Watts and Peak Power: 2,100 Watts

Cons:

• An alternative alternator is needed
• Frequency response doesn’t reach the lowest frequency signals

Conclusion

The best 8-inch subwoofer is a fantastic way to advance your audio experience without the fuss of bulkiness and cost. Many people have theater systems but feel like something is amiss in the liveliness of sound.  The best 8-inch subwoofer might just address this concern. 

If you’re looking at full three-dimensional, life-like sounds, 8-inch subwoofers are a perfect choice. They offer deep and detailed sound quality in a neat and compact size. This type of subs blends effortlessly into your audio system. With the rich and immersive low frequency and bass sounds, you can get a theater-like sound experience in the comfort of your home.

The best 8-inch subwoofer I’d recommend is HEDD BASS08 8″ Powered Studio Subwoofer. With multiple adjustment options, it is easy to control. Superior engineering and finish allow for durability and exemplary performance. It offers heavy, detailed, transparent bass sound for a stellar audio experience.