Pioneer TS WX130DA Review

Written By

Mike Hutcherson

October 5, 2023

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People often ask me about different underseat subwoofers to install in their cars. One of the most common subwoofers I usually recommend is Pioneer TS WX130DA.

However, I got mixed feedback from the customers regarding the subwoofer. Some people rate this model 5 out of 5, or some consider it average, depending on their personal taste.

But if you are asking about my personal experience, I have my own suggestion (written below). I would just say that it is an ideal audio enhancement solution for those with limited car space but unwilling to compromise on sound quality.

Let’s find out if it fits your vehicle well!

Unboxing the Pioneer TS WX130DA:

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I have personally used this subwoofer for a long time! Therefore, I am recommending it here. However, if you are looking for something groundbreaking bass, this Pioneer TS WX130DA is not for you. This option is ideal for sophisticated audiophiles who want to enjoy some kind of premium music experience in their car or truck audio system.

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What’s in the Box?

Here are the things that I have found upon opening the box:

• Remote Bass Control: The first thing I took out was a wired digital bass control that will allow you to change the different settings on your subwoofer with the ease of your driving seat without approaching the unit repeatedly.
• Mounting Brackets and Hardware: Then I took out the small installation package from the box. Usually, the package contains small brackets and screws to keep your subwoofer in the same spot while delivering deep bass.
• User Manual & Warranty Card: Then, after removing the packaging material, I took out the user manual guide & warranty card. The guide will give you the comprehensive installation process, features, and best practices for using the Pioneer TS WX130DA.
• Wiring Harness: We will also have a complete set of wires required for installation, including power, ground, and input cables.
• Subwoofer Unit: Obviously, you will get to see the small subwoofer unit in the box.

First Impressions:

When I first looked at the subwoofer (from a person’s perspective who wants to save space in his car), the TS WX130DA immediately impressed any observer with its sleek, compact, sealed enclosure and sophisticated design.

It felt so lightweight, and you could also say that the unit is a testament to Pioneer’s technological innovation. If I talk about the design, the subwoofer gives a matte black finishing touch and can easily blend with most car interiors.

Also, the robust build quality, void of any visible seams or gaps, adds to its polished aesthetics. From the front view, you will see the woofer is covered in a metal mesh speaker grill to protect it from other harmful materials.

If we look at the metal bottom, in the top left corner, you will see a wiring harness connection input, while in the top right corner and the bottom left corner, you will see spots for mounting brackets that will hold the sub in the exact location.

Pioneer TS WX130DA Subwoofer Specifications:

• Subwoofer Type: Powered
• Frequency Range: 40Hz to 160Hz @ Dynamic, 20Hz to 200Hz @ Deep
• Built-in Amplifier: Class D 160W Max Output
• RMS Rating: 50 Watts
• Peak Power Handling: 160W
• Woofer Size: 8″ x 5.25″
• Sensitivity: 95dB @ Deep, 100db @ Dynamic (controlled through digital bass control)
• Driver Cone Material: Aluminum Cone
• Shape: Oval
• Cone Material: Cellulose Fiber
• Voice Coil Type: Single (SVC)
• Weight: Almost 17.3 Oz

Key Features:

Here are some of the key features that I have found very user-friendly:

1. Power and Performance:

Although I have mentioned things in the specs section, I will go more in detail here. You will get an integrated class D amplifier with a peak power rating of 160 watts, which is exact to the subwoofer itself (no more, no less).

This is a plus point for Pioneer as they reduced the building cost here. But usually, I recommend an internal amplifier to have a little bit more peak power handling than a subwoofer for some protective measures.

Honestly, the frequency range is good in this price range. The subwoofer can even provide you with deep bass sound, or you can also use the woofer with more vibrant mids.

In the end, I found 95dB sensitivity more effective in terms of getting impressively loud sound and maximizing efficiency.

2. Compact Design:

The compact design of the Pioneer TS WX130DA is one of its most significant features.

Having the actual dimensions of 7.785 inches x 11.0 inches x 2.75 inches (length x width x height), its slim profile can easily be installed under most car seats, in the trunk without taking up too much space, or even tucked behind the rear seats of smaller cars.

This clever design ensures you don’t sacrifice valuable space in your vehicle to enjoy high-quality bass.

3. Customizable Sound Settings:

The active subwoofer comes with a remote bass control, which provides a gain knob (mix – max), frequency knob (25Hz to 125Hz), phase switch, and bass button.

I won’t label these customizations as advanced, but yup, these options make it easy to tune for typical audiophiles.

Moreover, you will find two selectable bass modes (selectable listening modes) that are mentioned below:

• Deep Mode: I found this mode ideal for genres like jazz, classical, or any music that emphasizes richer and deeper bass notes. It provides a more resonant and profound bass response.
• Dynamic Mode: One of these bass modes is perfect for more energetic genres like rock, pop, or electronic. This mode emphasizes punchy bass that complements the beat and rhythm of the tracks.

Let’s Talk About the Sound Quality (Bass Output):

I don’t know what kind of bass lover you are. Therefore, I have explained this section in different categories.

However, this underseat subwoofer really hit hard for its size. But some advanced audiophiles who like to listen to dual big-sized subwoofers won’t find it any beneficial for their music taste.

1. Depth and Resonance:

If I honestly talk about the depth and resonance, the Pioneer TS WX130DA doesn’t merely produce low frequencies but also resonates & creates a soundscape that feels immersive.

I noted it more prominent when playing tracks with a deep bass line, such as specific electronic music genres or classical compositions with a strong cello or bass section.

2. Punchiness:

Despite having the depth in bass, you will also notice there is no lag or delay coming from the subwoofer bass.

While listening to genres like rock, hip-hop, or fast-paced pop tracks, I also found that the subwoofer adds a vibrancy that enhances the overall listening experience—again, saying!

If you are a hardcore bass lover who wants to annoy the neighbors with his bass output, this subwoofer won’t work for you. However, you will enjoy the sound production in the car.

3. No Distortion:

At first, when I tried the subwoofer without mounting it properly under the passenger seat of the Honda Accord, it made a distorted sound.

However, the distortion was not made from the subwoofer itself but from the mounting screws loosened at that time.

After adequately fitting, there was minimal to no distortion, even driving the subwoofer at its limit.

Even at high volumes, the bass feels smooth and has no scratchy or crackling sound that can sometimes plague lesser-quality subwoofers.

Installation and Setup:

If you have decided to go with the Pioneer TS WX130DA subwoofer, please don’t forget to follow my installation setup:

1. Positioning the Subwoofer: This active subwoofer falls in an underseat category. So, I would suggest you place it under the passenger seat close to you. However, you can also use the trunk area if you are okay with it. But make sure you don’t choose a spot where obstruction is present. 
2. Running the Power Cable: Now, you need to run one end of the red power wire from the subwoofer location to the car’s battery (positive terminal). This subwoofer requires less power, so that you can use 8AWG or 10AWG. However, I have also tried it with a 20-gauge wire.
3. Grounding the Subwoofer: You will need to connect the black ground wire to the subwoofer wiring power harness (that comes with the package). After connection, ensure you find a suitable grounding unit close to the subwoofer location, preferably a metal bolt or screw. 
4. Connection to the Audio: Connect the active subwoofer to your car’s stereo using RCA cables (RCA input harness). Use the high-level input connectors on the subwoofer if your stereo doesn’t have RCA outputs.
5. Remote Control Connection: Now, connect the wired remote control to the designated location of the subwoofer wiring harness. Run the wire to the front of the car and place the remote in a convenient location.
6. Securing the Subwoofer: Once you make yourself satisfied with the sub-positioning and sound, you should use the included mounting brackets and hardware to secure the active subwoofer in place to avoid making it slide away.

Does Pioneer TS WX130DA Provide Value for Money?

After going through different experiments, I must say that the Pioneer TS WX130DA delivers excellent value for money, considering its rich feature set and stellar performance.

Its compact design ensures versatile placement options within your vehicle, creating an immersive audio experience without compromising space. The brand’s reputation for quality further underscores its value.

Therefore, when considering the price against its features and performance, the Pioneer TS WX130DA is a cost-effective choice for those seeking to enhance their car audio experience significantly.

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However, If you have made up your mind to get this subwoofer, please ensure to follow the correct installation process. You can even message me here if you want any kind of help. Happy listening!

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Areas of Improvement:

Although the TS WX130DA subwoofer is a good-to-go option, I will suggest the brand work on the following areas:

• Power Output: I have found this active subwoofer very budget-friendly. However, some of my clients were looking for a ground-shaking, powerful bass experience. A bit more power could enhance its appeal to bass enthusiasts.
• Remote Durability: One thing I would really love to see is a good-quality remote bass control. Though handy, it feels less durable compared to the main unit. Improving its build quality would ensure consistency across all components.
• Frequency Response on the Lower End: While the subwoofer captures a reasonable range, I believe the low-end frequencies could be more pronounced.

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