How to Choose a Passive or Powered Car Subwoofer

Improve the sound and feeling of your audio experience by installing a subwoofer in your car. Choose between passive or powered systems to enhance your car's speaker system. Powered systems are generally preferred since they come pre-packaged and ready to install. Passive systems are perfect for audio enthusiasts who want to customize every part of their audio system.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Get the whole package with a powered subwoofer. Powered or active subwoofers are sold with a built-in amplifier and the wiring needed to install the subwoofer in your car.

2. Keep the car stereo compact and choose a powered subwoofer. Powered subwoofers are available in movable, compact packages perfect for a car. Unhook your subwoofer and take it with you to create a new audio system in a new car.

3. Pump up the power to pump up the sound. Active or powered subwoofers have a designated power source. This frees up power for your existing system to perform. Passive systems draw their power from the existing car audio system.

4. Select a passive car subwoofer for the customization options it provides. Hand pick the amplifier, order a custom-ported box or create your own passive system.

5. Listen to subwoofer systems before making a final decision. Listen for distortions and feel the music. Spend time sampling subwoofers to choose the system or combination of components that suits your needs.