A Guide: What to Consider When Buying a Marine Subwoofer

Do you want to boost the bass tones produced by your boat's audio system? If this is the case, a high-quality marine subwoofer is just what you need to deliver the deep bass you desire. Not only that, but the addition of the correct subwoofer may improve the sound quality of your speakers as well.

Whether you're new to marine audio or wondering which aftermarket marine subwoofer is best for your boat, this article will help you get the answers you're looking for.

Adding a Subwoofer to Your Marine Audio Setup

Subwoofers are typically used in conjunction with other audio speakers for a two-way system. A set of full-range speakers are typically designed for the high frequencies, while one or more subwoofers are designed for the low-frequency bass sounds.

To make the bass sound quality even better, you can add more subwoofers to your setup. Just keep in mind that the more subs you add, the better your audio system will be able to handle high-bass demands.

Whether your boat's setup includes a single subwoofer or multiple subs, there are a few essential factors that will impact the bass sound quality you're able to deliver.

What to Look For When Buying a Marine Subwoofer

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best aftermarket subwoofer for your marine audio system. These are some examples:

1. RMS Power Rating

RMS is an abbreviation for "root mean square," which is measured in watts and reflects the power level that a subwoofer can maintain for extended periods. It may be thought of as the unit's average output. It's essential to remember, though, that each manufacturer calculates RMS power somewhat differently, so if you're comparing subwoofers from different manufacturers, you might not be comparing apples to apples when looking at this rating.

2. Peak Power Rating

Peak power, measured in watts, reflects the maximum output that a subwoofer can deliver within a very short amount of time. Usually, this information can be found in the product specifications of each speaker.

3. Frequency Response

Frequency response, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to the range of low-frequency sounds that a subwoofer can deliver. It's measured at the lowest frequency sound it can produce and the highest frequency sound it can deliver.

4. Mounting and Installation

It's important to know whether a subwoofer is designed for above- or below-deck use before you make a purchase. Also, if you plan on mounting the subwoofer to the boat's interior cabin, be sure the model can fit your space.

5. Sensitivity

Sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), is how loud you can expect your subwoofer to be. In other words, higher sensitivity ratings will be better for boosting the overall sound quality of your speakers.

6. Ability to Withstand the Marine Elements

If you're looking for the best marine subwoofer for your boat, you'll want to make sure that it's able to tolerate the marine environment. This means that it should have a water-resistant enclosure, as well as an impact-resistant woofer cone. Some subwoofers even come with a marine certification, which is an added bonus.

Conclusion

From adding new colours and sounds to your boat to keeping the party going even after the sun has set, marine subwoofers can make all the difference in your overall boating experience. Whether you're new to the world of aftermarket boat audio or looking for a new marine subwoofer to pair with your existing speakers, this guide will help you find the answers you need.

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