How to Choose Port or Passive Radiator Subwoofers

Passive radiator subwoofers use a flat diaphragm or "drone cone" as a replacement for the mass of air in a ported subwoofer. A ported system is an enclosed box with a vent or port to allow air, which adds volume and results in a wider range of bass frequencies.

Instructions

1. Use a passive radiator subwoofer to expand your car audio system's ability to broadcast low frequency sounds. When the diaphragm is weighted, available frequencies increase but the size of the subwoofer stays the same. Choose a passive radiator subwoofer to bring deep bass sounds alive in cars or other tight spaces.

2. Explore the latest designs in passive radiator subwoofers at your local car audio retailer. Find compact subwoofers that not only increase the volume of your music but pump up the volume with less distortion.

3. Get the volume but not the space with a ported subwoofer system. The systems can be tuned to your specifications and deliver low frequencies with minimal distortion. The ported box acts as an amplifier. It increases the volume and depth of the bass frequencies. Choose a ported subwoofer system if space is not a problem.

4. Select a ported subwoofer system for flexibility if you intend to install multiple subwoofers. Keep the ported box sealed or unsealed depending on your car audio needs.

5. Listen to your favorite music while using a passive radiator and then a ported system. Choose the subwoofer system that delivers the music you want to hear.