If you are reading this, then you are probably looking for a clean sound for your speakers. Best 18 inch subwoofer are grossly overlooked when it comes to setting up a good audio system.
Just because it is a "sub"-woofer does not mean it is not important. It is, in fact, a very crucial component of your audio system. Usually, a basic sound system needs low-frequencies between a 20-200Hz speaker.
Subwoofers produce low-frequency sounds and your single-speaker setup will not deliver an adequate sound quality. Where is the fun in car rides if you cannot blast your favorite songs? 12-inch Subwoofers provide volume, but they fall short when it comes to low-frequency sounds.
Moreover, connect an 18-inch subwoofer with the best 10-inch speaker together to assemble a full-range sound system. Not only can you use these in your car, but you can also reap their benefits if you are a professional musician, DJ, or any other sound production, expert. Apart from adding depth to the sound, 18-inch subwoofers also add a surround-sound quality when watching movies or listening to music.
Choosing the correct subwoofer is important and if you're an amateur, this decision can be intimidating. Hence, I'm here to compile a list of some of the best 18 inch subwoofer in the market.
BEST 18 INCH SUBWOOFER REVIEW
1. SKAR AUDIO EVL-18 D4 - BEST 18 INCH SUBWOOFER FOR HOME THEATER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Skar EVL-18 D4 is an impressive 4-ohm 18" subwoofer, combining quality sound reproduction and a reasonable price-tag. It features a heavy-duty motor structure with a 3-inches high-temperature coil along with a unique cooling design. With these features backing the system up, this bad boy can play at the highest levels of output with ease for hours on end. Besides, a power handling capacity of 2500 Watts at a price under $300 is a big deal.
I mean, what is the point of a speaker that has a weak power capacity? Alongside, you will find that it comes with a premium grade paper cone and a high roll foam around the inner walls. The paper cone is fairly rigid and seeks to increase the quality of the sound.
The EVL-18 has a two-layer suspension with a frequency response of 20-30 Hz and a sound sensitivity of 87.0 dB. This allows you to crank up the volume and listen to some heart-thumping bass lines without overheating the system. However, this might not be the best 18 inch subwoofer if you intend to replace your home theatre speakers.
It is not built for handling high power systems, so don't expect to use this in your home theatre system. But if you want a good set of car speakers, then this is what you are probably looking for. It will surely add joy to your car rides. So go ahead, jam to your favorite future bass or EDM music and feel the bass in your veins!
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2. HARMONY AUDIO HA-ML182 - BEST 18 INCH SUBWOOFER FOR DJ
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Harmony Audio HA-ML182 is one of the best 18 inch subwoofer because of its interwoven tinsel leads. This tinsel lead will connect to a voice coil to the input terminal in a way that the cone slaps into leads, resulting in a powerful, punchy bass.
You will find that the sound output of most car subwoofers deteriorates over time due to heat. This heat needs to dissipate quickly for optimal performance and the Harmony Audio Monolith ensures that. The subwoofers feature large vents under the spider suspension, allowing cool air to reach the components. Now, overheating issues won't be a problem anymore!
You will usually find manufacturers cutting down on budget by excluding certain features. This is usually done to reduce manufacturing costs. The wire terminal is one of the most crucial features of a subwoofer as it handles most of the power transfer. However, most manufacturers tend to skimp out on this component. Most commonly, you will find other brands using cheap spade terminals, which takes longer to set up.
However, Harmony Audio uses a spring-loaded terminal to accept a direct speaker connection. Great, isn't it? It is a sweet deal for the price and you won't regret making the purchase.
Obviously, it cannot compete with the premium brands, but on its own, it is a unique product that delivers excellent performance. Hence, if you are looking for a good subwoofer for your speaker system then this is the product for you. So go ahead and check it out!
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3. PEAVEY LO MAX - BEST 18 INCH ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Peavey Lo Max subwoofer features a nominal power handling capacity of around 2400 Watt. It incorporates high power capacity, high efficiency, low distortion and good frequency response all in one unit. The Lo Max consists of a strong Kevlar cone and a dust cap.
The cone is strong and utilizes an asymmetrical-M surround for smooth motion control and enhanced excursion. The high-quality gold on brass spring terminals and the large gauge wire is connected to the high current tinsel leads with silver solder to withstand high temperatures and currents.
Overheating is one of the biggest enemies of audio systems. Imagine that you bought a new set of speakers and they die on you one fine day and then you have to replace the entire unit. Hectic right? Well, with the Peavey Lo Max, you don't have to worry about overheating as the specially designed vent plates enhance voice coil cooling.
The unit is durable, thanks to the tough cast aluminum frame which is strong enough to hold the huge magnet and cone into perfect alignment. Moreover, the tinsel terminals are coated to improve longevity. The coil is insulated and bonded onto a heat-resistant material. The bass is impressive, with pleasing deep lows to add depth to the music. It is supposed to put out.
However, it is not powerful enough to emit chest-thumping beats. Honestly, the Peavey Lo Max is a good, if not the best 18 inch subwoofer, which would satisfy your needs if you are an amateur music enthusiast.
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4. ROCKVILLE RVW1800P4 - BEST BUDGET 18 INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Rockville RVW1800P4 is an 18-inch subwoofer with a good reputation. Its affordability and excellent performance make it a great choice for those who want a quality product. However, it's not the best 18 inch subwoofer just for its price tag. What sets it apart from other budget-friendly subwoofers is its durable construction. You will usually find such construction materials in higher-end models.
It is easy to assemble, thanks to the nickel-plated banana plug terminals, so if you are new to the market of car or truck sound systems, you will love this subwoofer. This best truck subwoofer for deep bass is user-friendly and simple enough to assemble. Moreover, since it is lightweight, you can use it as a great alternative for home speakers. After all, who doesn't want to watch their favorite movies with great sound?
The sound is impressive since you will rarely find a bass sound that is this punchy in a low-budget subwoofer. Moreover, it has a stiff paper composite cone to ensure better and enhanced sound. The best part about this subwoofer is that its sound remains intact and crystal clear even when the volume is cranked up to ten.
Did I mention that you can use them for PA systems? It's perfect for making announcements at parties and meetings, thanks to its booming sound. The only downside is that it has a very low maximum power handling capacity, so do not expect a glass-shattering bass. However, as long as you are not chasing after brand names, it is a great deal for its price.
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5. EMB PROFESSIONAL SB-18 - BEST POWERED 18 INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Subwoofer replacements can be expensive and sometimes, spending that much money on your car speakers might not be reasonable for you. Besides, how much time do you spend inside your car anyway?
Hence, it is understandable if you do not want to buy an expensive audio system for your car just because of the subwoofer, or maybe you just want to do a quick upgrade for your subwoofers.
Then the EMB Professional SB-18 is the perfect fit for your needs! You don't need to. It claims to be compatible with a wide range of brands, including JBL, Pyle-pro, Mr DJ, Gemini, Cerwin Vega, Peavey, and many more! It has a good frequency response and a decent peak power capacity.
Now, don't expect blasting heart-pounding bass music and getting a premium grade sound. That's something reserved for a higher-end subwoofer. Obviously, it's nothing and neither is this the best 18 inch subwoofer out there, but for a meager price tag, this is a bang for the buck.
The bass quality is nothing out of the ordinary either. It is weak, but it is enough to add slight depth and dimension to your listening experience. If this meets your requirements, then go have a look!
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6. DAYTON AUDIO DCS450-4 - BEST SUBS FOR THE MONEY
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Dayton Audio DCS450-4 is an excellent replacement speaker for loudspeaker system design. It is a great option for those who love glass-shattering bass sounds. The subwoofer is capable of maintaining high output with no noise or distortions.
It is made of good quality materials, which is surprising since most of the low-end subwoofers skimp out on the construction. The extended bass response makes this one of the best 18-inch subwoofer out there.
Moreover, you can use it with both ported and sealed speaker enclosures. The paper cone is sturdy and offers rigidity for enhanced performance. The voice coil and vented pole help to increase power without compression.
The sound that it delivers is clean and precise so it can play low bass sounds without disrupting the higher bass frequency. The longevity of your subwoofer is ensured with the help of cloth dust cap, extended bump plate and a rubber surround. One of the best 18inch subwoofers!
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7. X-18 V.2 D2 SUNDOWN AUDIO 18 INCH CAR SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The X-18 V.2 is one of the first drivers in the Sundown subwoofer series. They offer advanced frame designs and ultra-high excursions. It is compatible with sealed boxes, but you can use it in ported enclosures as well. X V.2 stands out from the rest of the units in the Sundown series due to its advanced linear suspension.
They are designed to deliver the lowest level of bass extension while maintaining low levels of distortion. What does this do for you? Well, since it has a very low level of suspension, the typical "punchy" upper-bass in the 40-60Hz range does not occur.
This Sundown 18 inch sub has a frequency response that does not change much over time and therefore provides a consistent response at any volume. The downside is that it is heavy and requires a large enclosure. Otherwise, it is indeed one of the best 18 inch subwoofer that you can get at this price.
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8. B&C 18TBW100 - BEST 18 INCH PA SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The B&C 18TBW100 is an underrated and overshadowed subwoofer. It might not be the best 18 inch subwoofer, but it can deliver optimal performance nonetheless. The subwoofer has a pretty high power capacity of 3000 watts.
The power transfer is consistent, thanks to its split winding copper coil. It has a frequency response of 30-1000Hz, 57mm of excursion and a sensitivity of 96.0 dB. The sound has low distortion and you will find yourself jamming to some clean and pleasing low bass music. This is a great addition to your collection if you are a music enthusiast or simply want a good replacement.
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What features to consider while buying the best 18-inch subwoofers?
Either you are looking forward to investing in the best 18 inch subs for the first time, or you have an existing high-end audio system installed in your home or car and looking to upgrade it, you need to check out this buying guide.
The 18-inch subwoofer listed in this article is some of the largest and the most potent subwoofers you can find out in the market. That said, you must know what features to consider before investing in the 18-inch subwoofer.
Peak power:
Peak power is one of the crucial factors to consider because it tells you how much power the subwoofer can handle or operate. So by checking out the peak power, you can easily get an idea about the maximum performance it can deliver.
Peak power rating will be given in watts. With that said, the peak power of your 18in subwoofer includes ratings like 1000 watts, 1500 watts, 2000 watts, and 3000 watts or may higher rating. It mostly depends on your subwoofer model. If you are looking for a very loud sound and high performance, then we suggest you go with 3000 watts peak power rating.
Frequency response
Even if you succeed in getting a loud, powerful, and high-performance subwoofer, you won't be able to get most of it out if you have not paired it with your speakers for better audio quality and detail. So frequency response of the speaker is important so that you get to know whether the subwoofer offers proper detail.
The higher the frequency response, the larger it will produce a large number of frequencies. You can find frequency response ranges like 20 Hz to 500 Hz, 40 Hz to 250 Hz, 18 Hz to 300 Hz. And here we suggest going for 20Hz to 500 Hz for the best experience.
Form factor
The next feature to check is the form factor. Though the form factor doesn't affect the subwoofer performance directly, it might cause trouble while installing it. You can find subwoofers with enclosure boxes in the market. Though they come ready-made and are pretty easy to install, they may not fit into tricky areas. Meanwhile, if your subwoofer lacks an enclosure, the subwoofer would cost less and can be installed in any type of enclosure based on your preference.
Woofer size
Though we have listed only 18-inch subwoofers, it is crucial to check the woofer size or the woofer driver size so that the form factor and woofer unit size are not affected.
Power requirements
You need the power to make your subwoofer work, be it an entry-level one or a powerful subwoofer. If the subwoofers are passive, then you need to offer external power to them through an amp. If you don't have an amp, then consider buying it if you want high-performance 18-inch subwoofers.
Warranty
You need to check the warranty of the 18-inch subwoofer because they are a bit expensive. If you are investing in a beginner-friendly product, then you can check the build quality. Whereas if you are investing in high-quality ones, then check whether the manufacturer offers a minimum 1-year warranty.
FAQ
1. Are 18-inch subwoofers worth it?
Though the 18-inch subwoofers are relatively on the pricer side, they are extremely powerful and can produce loud music which can be heard clearly from a distance. Since the subwoofers are large in size, they are considered for delivering powerful sound.
2. Does a bigger subwoofer mean more bass?
Yes, most of the big subwoofers have better bass output when compared to the small subwoofers in small boxes. If you are looking for loud and deeper bass, then 18-inch subwoofers which are the biggest subwoofer on the market are mostly preferred.
3. Are 15 or 18-inch subs better?
This is quite subjective, and so the answer depends on one's personal favorite. 18in subwoofers are larger in size than the 15 inches, so if you want your subwoofer to sound very loud, then go for the 18-inch subs.
CONCLUSION
The subwoofer is the backbone of your audio system. It can capture the lowest audible frequencies to produce the deep bass sounds you usually hear in music. It is okay to be intimidated if you are new to this. Just keep in mind a few things while buying a subwoofer.
The subwoofer should have good RMS power handling capacity, higher quality magnets, thicker voice coils for reducing distortion. Look out for the low-frequency extension. Subs that can handle lower frequencies have lesser distortions. Additionally, consider its weight, size and finally, the price. That is all. Now go ahead and get ready to jam to some EDM music!
Hello readers, welcome to my blog! I’m Stefan. I’m in hard love with the music and used to collect all kinds of musical instruments at my garage. While looking for the best instruments, initially, I’ve struggled a lot. Like me, some of you might be struggling to choose the best musical equipment. So, keep reading my articles and get the best musical instrument that is worth your pay.