Dual Subs vs 1 Sub in Car (2 vs 1)

Is It Better to Have 1 or 2 Subwoofers?

The answer to this question depends on your listening preferences and the type of music you prefer. If you like loud, deep bass and want a greater sound pressure level (SPL), then two subwoofers are generally better than one. The total output is increased by 3dB with two subs, resulting in a more powerful sound.

However, if you don’t need that kind of output and are more concerned with accuracy and detail in the low-frequency range, then one subwoofer may be more suitable. As said above, you should install two subwoofers if you are a bass lover. However, you should also know some technical points to handle dual car subwoofers.

Let’s dive into our main topic!

Pros and Cons of Installing 2 Subwoofers in a Car:

Let’s start by knowing the dual setup fact:

Pros:

Improved Bass Quality:

Dual subwoofers can produce more intense and improved bass output than using only a single sub in a car audio system. You’ll get two times more power by installing dual subwoofers rather than one. Additionally, when you position two subwoofers in different locations in the vehicle, they can create a broader and more even soundstage. This makes the bass even louder and more evenly distributed around the vehicle’s interior.

Increased Bass Output:

As mentioned above, adding a second subwoofer to your car audio system can significantly increase bass output if you already use one. A dual sub setup allows greater sound pressure levels, increased power, and more accurate bass response. Furthermore, when two subwoofers are used together, they produce even more sound than one subwoofer would. In simple words, dual subs can make more profound, precise bass notes that sound more transparent and cleaner.

Enhanced Power Handling:

Believe me, two subs can drastically improve the power handling capability of your car stereo. Pairing two subs together in a dual-sub configuration helps increase the overall sound pressure level (SPL) ⁽¹⁾ and enhance the bass output. By combining two subwoofers, each can handle half the input power instead of just one sub handling all the power, allowing for more excellent dynamic range and improved sound quality.

Additionally, dual subs can provide a higher SPL level than single subs because they have more surface area to disperse sound waves throughout the listening space. With increased sound pressure, your music will sound more powerful and dynamic.

Better Low-Frequency Performance:

Whenever I put a second subwoofer in the car, I’ve always been amazed by how dual subwoofers produce low-frequency so efficiently. In many cases, two subwoofers can outperform a single one in terms of overall output, power handling, and low-end response.

Dual subs can run simultaneously at different frequencies, allowing them to reproduce the full range of low-frequency audio more accurately. The main advantage of dual subwoofers is their ability to produce better sound at lower frequencies.

More Flexibility:

Having dual subs in a car audio system provides more flexibility than using one. With two subs, you can get more control over the sound and have better separation of the bass frequencies. You also can tailor the sound to your preferences by adjusting each sub’s output levels separately. If one subwoofer produces too much bass or not enough, you can easily adjust it without affecting the other subwoofer. Also, dual subs allow for better sound dispersion in your car as they can cover a larger area than just one sub.

Great Soundstage:

In the end, the dual subwoofer setup offers several distinct advantages over one system for getting a great soundstage in a car. With two subs providing low-frequency output, music lovers can better control how much of the bass is directed to their ears.

By creating a “baffle” between the two subs, sound waves can bounce off the walls of the car and create a more natural, three-dimensional soundstage. Additionally, it will help you improve the stereo imaging if one of the two subs is placed further away from you.

Cons:

Cons do not mean you should avoid installing two subs if you’re a hardcore bass lover. However, you need to understand them as well.

More Cost:

The cost of dual subwoofers is much higher than that of a single subwoofer. Because each separate subwoofer requires its dedicated amplifier, power cables, and mounting hardware. Moreover, to get the desired sound from two subs, you must purchase an active crossover unit to ensure both are working correctly.

All this increases the cost significantly compared to a single setup, which is why dual subs are most commonly used by serious audio enthusiasts who want the utmost sound quality in their cars.

Limited Space:

Dual subs can cause limited space in a car as they require twice as much space as a single subwoofer. While dual subs provide an increased sound depth and clarity, they also take up additional room due to the need for two enclosures. However, you can fit two subwoofers in a single enclosure, but you will have to arrange a larger box. Adding two subwoofers can be incredibly challenging in smaller vehicles with little available space.

Additionally, dual subs can be difficult or impossible to install in certain types of cars due to their size and weight. For example, some vehicles may not have enough space to fit two subwoofers plus an amplifier, making it necessary to compromise on sound quality.

More Power Required:

My friend! If you want to install dual subwoofers, you must ensure your car stereo has more power than a single sub. This is because two subs can produce twice the sound pressure level (SPL) as one, meaning they need more energy to create that same SPL than a single subwoofer. Dual subs also require more amplifier power and higher-quality speakers to produce the desired low-frequency bass sounds.

Hard to Install:

For beginners, installing dual subwoofers in the car is a bit complex. This is because you have to deal with the crossover, making them balanced, adjusting their power, positioning them right, and the wiring setup. Moreover, if you want to achieve the best performance from dual subs, they need to be placed in an ideal location that ensures optimal airflow and resonant frequency. This process is time-consuming and requires experience and expertise to get right. In some cases installing dual subs may require a custom enclosure, which adds to the installation cost.

Sound Quality:

Having two subs in your car audio system can be great for creating a deep, powerful bass experience. However, dual subs can produce worse sound than a single sub without proper calibration and setup. This is because of how the two subs interact – if one is receiving more power or producing more bass than the other, it can cause them to create an uneven sound. Additionally, when you place two subwoofers in a car’s system too close, they can make a distorted noise called “phase cancellation” that muddies up the bass.

Low Efficiency:

It may be tempting to think that having two subs will provide twice the power and double bass response, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case. While one sub often produces more power than the second one, it can sometimes provide lower efficiency. The most common reason for this is due to the way that car stereo systems are designed. Car audio systems generally have limited space, so finding two more giant subs that will fit in the same room as a larger subwoofer may be challenging.

Our Recommendation For Dual Subwoofers Setup:

Loved By Worldwide

MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D:

MTX Terminator Series TNE212D is designed to elevate your audio journey with its phenomenal bass performance. Say goodbye to ordinary sound quality and embrace a new level of sonic immersion.

Key Features:

• Dual 12-inch subwoofers
• Each subwoofer handles an RMS power of 200 watts (400 watts combined)
• Impedance: 2 ohms
• Includes a dual-vented enclosure for optimal sound projection

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Pros and Cons of Installing 1 Sub in a Car:

Now that you know the pros and cons of dual setup, you should look at the one subwoofer setup in a car.

Pros:

Cost-Effective:

A single sub is more cost-effective than installing two subwoofers in a car. Firstly, there are the upfront costs of purchasing multiple speakers. One subwoofer will generally require less power than two subs, so you can get away with buying a smaller and less expensive amplifier. The installation costs will also be lower if you only install one subwoofer. The wiring required to add one subwoofer is simpler, meaning less time and money spent on installation.

Efficiency:

Regarding sound reproduction, one subwoofer is often more efficient than two subs in a car. The critical factor that makes one subwoofer more efficient is its larger surface area, which allows for greater bass output than two smaller subwoofers. Additionally, since the entire system is contained within one unit, there’s less need for additional wiring, which can lead to a cleaner overall sound.

Easy To Install:

Installing a single sub in your car is much easier than installing two. This is because when you install two subs, you need to consider several things, such as the size of the enclosure and the placement of each subwoofer within the vehicle. With a single subwoofer, all you need to consider is the size of the enclosure and the subwoofer’s placement within the car.

Additionally, wiring a single sub requires fewer wires, which makes installation much easier. Furthermore, if you are using an amplifier to power your subwoofer, it will only require one output connection rather than two with two subs. This makes installation even simpler and more efficient. Overall, a single sub is far easier to install than two subs in a car.

Easy to Place (Require less space):

A single sub is much easier to place in a car than two subs. The main reason is that it takes up less space, giving you more options when deciding the best location for your subwoofer in a car trunk. Moreover, going with one subwoofer will be a great option if you like to place other things in the car trunk.

Less Power Requirement:

A single subwoofer requires less power than dual subwoofers. With a single subwoofer installed in your car, you won’t need a large amplifier to power as you were supposed to require for dual subwoofers. Another reason why a single sub requires less power than dual subs is that it offers better sound dispersion. When two separate subwoofers are used, they often create a narrower soundstage that isn’t as wide as with a single sub.

Sound Quality (Unlike dual subwoofers, you need to balance them):

One subwoofer can provide outstanding sound quality for your car. The main benefit of a single subwoofer is that it does not require balancing as two subs would. You will achieve an even sound distribution throughout your vehicle with just one, producing a complete and robust bass response.

Also, with just one subwoofer in the car, there is less risk of damage from too much power, as the speaker will be well-rested. Therefore, a single sub is an excellent option if you’re a beginner and don’t know how to balance dual subwoofers.

Easy to Use:

Using only one subwoofer in the car offers convenience and simplifies setup for the user. Single subwoofers are typically designed to provide optimal performance at a specific frequency range, so you won’t need to worry about setting up two separate units. This saves time and energy when it comes to installation. Additionally, single subwoofers often offer an increased level of performance compared to dual-car subwoofers while requiring less power.

Cons:

Now, let’s have a look at the cons:

Reduced Bass Output:

It’s always recommended for hardcore bass lovers to use two subs in a car rather than one for optimal bass output. That’s because two subwoofers can spread out low-end frequencies evenly throughout the car’s interior, creating a fuller, richer sound. When you have only one subwoofer, most of the bass remains concentrated in the area directly around the speaker, resulting in reduced bass output.

Reduced Power Handling:

Regarding car audio, power handling is an essential factor to consider. Power handling affects how much sound your subwoofer can produce and how long it will last. When you have only one subwoofer in a car, the power it can handle is less than if you had two or more. This is because each subwoofer has to handle the power output. With two or more subwoofers, the power is divided between them, and each subwoofer can take less energy.

As a result, a single subwoofer will struggle to produce as much sound as multiple subs would in the same system. Therefore, using more than one subwoofer is best if you want the best sound and longevity for your car’s audio system. This will ensure that each subwoofer is not overtaxed and can provide optimal power handling.

Less Bass Distribution:

Having one subwoofer in your car can provide you with great bass. But having two subs provides more bass throughout the vehicle. This is because a single woofer cannot disperse sound across the entire cabin, especially if it’s mounted in the trunk.

The lower-frequency sounds that make up bass need a lot of power to travel, and a single woofer can’t provide enough. As discussed above, when you use a dual setup, each can take over a portion of the sound spectrum and cover more areas in the car.

Our Recommendation For Single Subwoofer Setup:

Car Shaker

Skar Audio Single 12″

This is one of my favorite subwoofers that can really shake your car with its deep bass. This is a whole subwoofer setup, means you don’t have to look for a right amplifier and waste your time.

Key Features:

• 12-inch subwoofer
• RMS Power: 600 Watts
• Works well with Class D 800 Watt Monoblock Amplifier
• Includes a vented enclosure for optimal sound projection

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Things to Consider Before Installing Two Subs:

If you have made up your mind to install dual subwoofers in your car audio system, please consider the following things:

Space:

Keep in mind the size of both subwoofers and the space available. Make sure you measure the space in your car to determine how large each subwoofer can be. If you have a small vehicle, look for smaller models that will take up less space and still give you good performance. Consider where you want to install the subwoofers, as well. The ideal location is usually in the trunk or the back of the car. Avoid mounting them near a window since this may cause vibrations and rattling noises.

Power:

Power is an essential factor to consider when installing two subwoofers in the car. If you have a factory-installed audio system, it may not be able to handle the extra power and wattage that come with dual subs. When choosing speakers for your car, ensure they match your amplifier’s power output or consider upgrading if necessary.

Wiring:

When installing two subs in a car, it is essential to consider the wiring needed. The most common type of wiring used for connecting subwoofers to an amplifier is called parallel wiring. This involves running two sets of wires from the amplifier to each subwoofer, allowing them to draw equal amounts of power from the amplifier. This helps to ensure that both subwoofers are receiving the same signal, allowing for more balanced sound throughout the car.

In addition to parallel wiring, it is essential to consider the gauge of wire used when wiring two subwoofers in the car. The gauge of the wire determines how much electrical current can be transmitted. Generally, thicker wires with a higher gauge number can transmit more electrical current and are better for powering two subwoofers. It is essential to ensure that the wiring is of a high enough gauge to correctly power both subwoofers without creating any problems in the electrical system.

Placement:

Placement is an essential factor to consider when installing two subwoofers in a car. If your goal is a powerful, deep bass sound, installing them near large objects like the rear deck or the back seat is best. This way, you will help the subwoofer to amplify the sound and create a fuller bass range.

It’s also important to remember that subwoofers require airspace to perform correctly, so be sure to mount your subs away from other objects or walls that could interfere with their sound. Additionally, suppose you plan on installing two subs in your vehicle. In that case, placing them in opposite corners of the car is best to ensure a balanced sound and prevent one corner from becoming overly loud.

Crossover:

The crossover is an essential component when it comes to installing two subwoofers in a car. It sends lower frequencies to the woofer and higher frequencies to the tweeters. Crossovers are available in many types, including low pass, high pass, bandpass, and multi-way crossovers.

Budget:

In the end, budget is essential when installing two subwoofers in your car. The price of the components and installation fees can add up quickly if you don’t plan. Therefore, it is a good idea to sit down and calculate the total cost before starting the project.