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10 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KICKER 48TRTP122 12" Thin Down-Firing Subwoofer w/Passive Radiator Enclosure, 2-Ohm

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,405
Power Handling (RMS)
Mounting Depth

Most important from
372 reviews

Power Handling (RMS)
Handles power well when paired with appropriate amplifiers, delivering impressive performance without blowing out.
Mounting Depth
Compact size makes it a great fit for vehicles with limited space, like SUVs or work trucks.

The Kicker 48TRTP122 is a 12-inch shallow-mount subwoofer designed for those looking to enhance their car audio experience without sacrificing too much space. One of its key strengths is its compact design, which allows it to fit in tight areas such as a car's cargo space, making it ideal for users who have limited room for traditional subwoofers. The inclusion of a downward-firing passive radiator intensifies the bass output, providing a rich sound experience that many audiophiles will appreciate, especially considering it can handle up to 1000 watts of power. Additionally, the forced-air cooling feature helps to keep the subwoofer running cooler, promoting durability and reliability during extended use.

Potential buyers should consider their specific bass preferences and installation requirements. This subwoofer is best suited for car enthusiasts looking for a powerful audio solution that fits into smaller spaces, making it a suitable choice for those who want quality sound without the bulk of a traditional subwoofer.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,405
Power Handling (RMS)
Mounting Depth

Most important from
372 reviews

Power Handling (RMS)
Handles power well when paired with appropriate amplifiers, delivering impressive performance without blowing out.
Mounting Depth
Compact size makes it a great fit for vehicles with limited space, like SUVs or work trucks.
#2

KICKER 2 46L7T124 Car Audio L7T Shallow Mount 12" 1200W Sub Square L7 Subwoofers

The KICKER 2 46L7T124 Shallow Mount 12" Subwoofers are designed for those who need powerful bass in tight spaces, such as cars with limited mounting depth. It handles a maximum power of 1200 watts, meaning it can produce strong and punchy bass.

The shallow mount design is ideal for fitting into smaller spaces without sacrificing sound quality, which is a major strength of this product. The square design is unique and helps in distributing sound more evenly.

It is a wired subwoofer, meaning installation might require some effort for those who are not familiar with car audio setups. Additionally, while it can be connected to various devices, its primary use is for cars, and it might not be the best fit for indoor use despite being listed under indoor/outdoor usage. The included components and the limited warranty provide some assurance of its quality and durability.

#3

KICKER 49L7TDF122 Down-Firing 12" L7T 2-Ohm Subwoofer Enclosure, 600 Watts RMS

Rating
7.9
Mounting Depth

Most important from
164 reviews

Mounting Depth
It fits perfectly in an '04 Nissan 350z and sounds good even before being fully broken in.

The Kicker 49L7TDF122 is a solid choice for those looking for a shallow-mount subwoofer that doesn't compromise on sound quality. With a power handling capacity of 600 Watts RMS, it delivers strong, impressive bass that can enhance your truck audio system significantly. Its down-firing design allows it to fit neatly under seats or in tight cargo spaces, which is a major plus for users with limited room. The tough enclosure is built to withstand the challenges of being stacked with cargo while protecting the subwoofer from scratches.

One of the strengths of this subwoofer is its efficiency. The Forced-Air Cooling feature helps maintain performance without overheating, ensuring reliability during long listening sessions. Its frequency response starts at 100 Hz, which is decent for deep bass, making it suitable for a variety of music genres, especially those that require a good low-end punch.

The 2-ohm impedance is great for ensuring that you get the most out of your amplifier, so pairing it with a compatible amp is essential for optimal performance. On the downside, its weight of 34.8 pounds may make installation a bit cumbersome for some.

Rating
7.9
Mounting Depth

Most important from
164 reviews

Mounting Depth
It fits perfectly in an '04 Nissan 350z and sounds good even before being fully broken in.

Buying Guide for the Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers

Choosing the right shallow-mount subwoofer can significantly enhance your audio experience, especially if you have limited space in your vehicle. Shallow-mount subwoofers are designed to fit in tight spaces without compromising on sound quality. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting a shallow-mount subwoofer.
Power HandlingPower handling refers to the amount of power a subwoofer can handle without getting damaged. It is usually measured in watts and is divided into two values: RMS (continuous power) and peak power. RMS is the amount of power the subwoofer can handle continuously, while peak power is the maximum power it can handle in short bursts. If you enjoy loud, powerful bass, look for a subwoofer with higher RMS power. For moderate listening levels, a lower RMS rating will suffice.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how efficiently a subwoofer converts power into sound. It is expressed in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the subwoofer will be at a given power level. Higher sensitivity means the subwoofer will produce more sound with less power. If you have a low-powered amplifier, choose a subwoofer with higher sensitivity (above 90 dB). For high-powered systems, sensitivity is less critical, but a higher value can still improve overall efficiency.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response indicates the range of frequencies a subwoofer can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz). A wider frequency range means the subwoofer can produce both deep bass and higher bass notes. For deep, rich bass, look for a subwoofer with a lower minimum frequency (around 20-30 Hz). If you prefer a balanced sound that includes mid-bass, consider a subwoofer with a broader frequency range.
ImpedanceImpedance is the electrical resistance of the subwoofer, measured in ohms. Common values are 2 ohms, 4 ohms, and 8 ohms. The impedance affects how much power the subwoofer will draw from the amplifier. Ensure that the subwoofer's impedance matches your amplifier's specifications for optimal performance. If you plan to run multiple subwoofers, consider how their combined impedance will affect the overall load on the amplifier.
Mounting DepthMounting depth is the distance from the mounting surface to the deepest part of the subwoofer. This spec is crucial for shallow-mount subwoofers as they are designed to fit in tight spaces. Measure the available space in your vehicle to ensure the subwoofer will fit. Shallow-mount subwoofers typically have a mounting depth of 3-5 inches, making them suitable for under seats or in slim enclosures.
Voice Coil ConfigurationVoice coil configuration refers to the number of voice coils in the subwoofer and their impedance. Subwoofers can have single voice coils (SVC) or dual voice coils (DVC). DVC subwoofers offer more wiring flexibility, allowing you to achieve different impedance levels to match your amplifier. If you need more flexibility in your setup, consider a DVC subwoofer. For simpler installations, an SVC subwoofer may be sufficient.

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