If you want to improve your car’s audio system, you need a subwoofer to get that deep, powerful bass that can change the way you feel while driving.
And when it comes to the build quality and sound quality of under-seat subwoofers, Rockville is a name that stands out.
In this review, we’ll look at the Rockville RW8CA, the Rockville SS8P, and the Rockville RWS12CA, which are three of the best under-seat subwoofers on the market.
We picked these subwoofers as our top picks because they have great features, work well, and aren’t too expensive.
These Rockville under-seat subwoofers will give you the deep, rich bass you want, whether you’re a car audio expert or just want to listen to music better while driving.
So let’s get into the best Rockville Underseat Subwoofer Review.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Rockville RW8CA 8″ Underseat Active Powered Car Subwoofer
| Price |
 | Rockville SS8P 8″ Slim Under-Seat Active Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer
| Price |
 | Rockville RWS12CA Slim 12″ 1200 Watt Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer
| Price |
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Top 3 Rockville Underseat Subwoofer Review
Here is a comparison table for the three Rockville under-seat subwoofers mentioned:
| Feature | RW8CA | SS8P | RWS12CA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subwoofer Size | 8 inches | 8 inches | 12 inches |
| Power Handling | 150 watts RMS | 150 watts RMS | 300 watts RMS |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 150Hz | 20Hz – 150Hz | 20Hz – 150Hz |
| Impedance | 2 ohms | 2 ohms | 2 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100dB | 90dB | 95dB |
| Peak Power | 600 watts | 400 watts | 1200 watts |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.4″ x 13.4″ x 2.7″ | 14″ x 11″ x 2.8″ | 24″ x 15″ x 4.37″ |
| Remote Control | Included | Included | Included |
| Price | Affordable | Affordable | Higher-end |
The table shows that the RW8CA and SS8P are both the same size and can handle the same amount of power, but the RW8CA is more sensitive and has more peak power.
The RWS12CA is bigger and can handle more power. It is also more sensitive and has a higher peak power.
Compared to the other two types, the RWS12CA is also more expensive. Both the resistance and the frequency response of all three subwoofers are the same.
Also, a portable control comes with all three subwoofers.
Rockville RW8CA 8″ Underseat Active Powered Car Subwoofer
The Rockville RW8CA 8″ Underseat Active subwoofer is a popular choice for car audio fans who want a subwoofer that can fit under the seat and is both small and strong.
In this part, we’ll take a closer look at the RW8CA’s specs, sound quality, build quality, and user feedback.
1- Overview Of The Rockville Rw8ca Specifications:
The RW8CA has 600 watts of peak power and 150 watts of RMS power.
It has a PWM MOSFET power source, low-level RCA inputs, and high-level inputs that turn themselves on automatically.
The subwoofer is easy to fine-tune because the input intensity can be changed and the remote turn-on has a soft delay.
The RW8CA also has a circuit for heat protection, a circuit for short protection, and a circuit for overload protection.
The phase switch can be set to 0° or 180°, and the low pass filter has a range of 50Hz to 150Hz.
The bass boost control can add up to an 18dB boost at 45Hz, and the included remote control can be used to change the subwoofer level. A 29Hz subsonic filter is also built into the RW8CA.
2-Analysis of the Quality of Sound:
The RW8CA has clear and strong bass that can make a car’s sound system much better.
It’s easy to connect to other speakers and adjust to your own tastes because the input strength and low-pass filter can be changed.
The bass boost setting is nice for people who want to give their music more depth and power.
But at loud settings or with some kinds of music, the subwoofer may shake or get distorted.
3- Build Quality Analysis:
The RW8CA is made well and is small enough to fit under most seats.
It has a protected case to make sure it works well and lasts a long time.
The remote handle that comes with it is also well-made and makes things easier for the user.
4- User Feedback And Reviews:
Many people have said good things about the RW8CA. They like how small it is and how well it works.
People also like that the settings can be changed and that a remote control is included.
But some people have said that it rattles or distorts at high settings or with some kinds of music.
Pros
- The compact size makes it easy to install under most seats
- Adjustable input sensitivity and low-pass filter for customizable performance
- Bass boost control for added depth and power
- Well-built with a sealed enclosure
- Convenient remote control included
Cons
- May rattle or distort at high volumes or with certain types of music
- Built-in subsonic filters may not be sufficient for those who want to eliminate all low-frequency noise.
Rockville RW8CA 8″ Underseat Active Powered Car Subwoofer
The RW8CA is well-built and designed to be compact enough to fit under most seats. It features a sealed enclosure to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Rockville SS8P 8″ Slim Under-Seat Active Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer
1- Overview Of The Rockville Ss8p Specifications:
The Rockville SS8P is a small and powerful active subwoofer that fits under the seat. It can handle 400 Watts of peak power and 100 Watts of RMS power.
It has a low pass filter that works from 50Hz to 150Hz, a bass boost that can be changed from 0 to 12dB at 45Hz, and a subsonic filter that works at 20Hz.
The case is made of cast aluminium, which is always meant to stay cool.
The subwoofer comes with a remote control for the subwoofer, a single 15A fuse, and heavy-duty feet for placement.
2- Sound Quality Analysis:
The Rockville SS8P has a frequency response of 20Hz–150Hz and a sensitivity of 90dB @ 1w/1m, which make it a very good speaker.
The low pass filter and the subsonic filter make sure that the subwoofer always makes bass that is clean and free of distortion, no matter how loud it is.
With the bass boost, you can change how much bass there is to suit your taste.
The subwoofer is small, but it doesn’t lose sound quality because of it. This makes it a great choice for small cars and other tight areas.
3- Build Quality Analysis:
The Rockville SS8P is made with high-quality materials that make it last a long time and stay in good shape.
The housing is made of cast aluminium, which not only keeps the subwoofer cool but also makes it strong and rigid.
The subwoofer has a vented core magnet motor structure and a high-power strontium magnet with an ultra-saturated high BL motor structure. This gives it a powerful and effective bass sound.
The heavy-duty mounting feet make the placement safe and stable.
4- User Feedback And Reviews:
Users have also liked the remote control for the subwoofer level, which lets them change the bass level to their liking.
But some users have said there are problems with the wiring, and others have said that the subwoofer can have trouble making bass at very high settings.
Pros
- Compact and sturdy cast aluminum enclosure
- Powerful and efficient bass response
- Adjustable bass boost and built-in subsonic filter
- Comes with a subwoofer-level remote control
- Easy to install with heavy-duty mounting feet
Cons
- Wiring issues reported by some users
- May struggle to produce bass at extremely high volumes
Rockville SS8P 8″ Slim Under-Seat Active Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer
Rockville RWS12CA Slim 12″ 1200 Watt Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer
1- Overview Of The Rockville Rws12ca Specifications:
The machine can put out a maximum of 1200 watts of power and an average of 300 watts.
The subwoofer has a composite pulp cone with Kevlar support, a 3D-molded acrylic dust cap, and high-density laminated foam around it.
The speaker is powered by a high-power strontium magnet with an ultra-saturated high BL motor structure and an open core magnet motor structure.
It has an 8mm nut and yoke plate and a 2″ high-temperature aluminium voice coil.
The case is made of super-thin MDF and has a black carpet made for use in aeroplanes and a black synthetic leather piece on the front.
2- Sound Quality Analysis:
The Rockville RWS12CA has great sound quality, with clear mids and highs and a deep, strong bass.
The composite pulp cone and high-density laminated foam surround give the speaker a lot of rigidity and durability, which means that the bass sound is accurate.
The ultra-saturated high BL motor structure and vented core magnet motor structure handle power well and keep distortion to a minimum at high levels.
The 2″ high-temperature aluminium voice coil makes sure that the subwoofer can handle high power levels without getting too hot, and the 13.6mm peak-to-peak x-max allows for deep, powerful bass sound.
3- Build Quality Analysis:
The Rockville RWS12CA is made of high-quality materials that make it strong and last for a long time.
The super-thin MDF case is made to fit in tight areas and is finished with aviation-grade black carpet for a sleek look.
The black texture fake leather on the subwoofer’s front panel gives it a high-end look and an extra layer of protection.
The composite pulp cone and high-density layered foam around it are very strong and can handle the stress of high volume levels without warping or breaking.
4- User Feedback And Reviews:
Users have said that the Rockville RWS12CA is easy to set up and fits perfectly in small areas.
The sound quality is great, with clear, strong mids and highs and deep, powerful bass.
The built-in amplifier gives the subwoofer plenty of power, and the remote control for the subwoofer level makes it easy to change the bass levels.
Users have also liked how well the speaker is made. Many have said that it feels solid and well-made.
Pros
- 1200 watts peak power output and 300 watts RMS power for deep, powerful bass
- Ultra-slim design for easy installation in tight spaces
- Durable composite pulp cone and high-density laminated foam surround
- High-power strontium magnet with ultra-saturated high BL motor structure
- Built-in amplifier and subwoofer level remote control for easy adjustments to bass levels
Cons
- The subwoofer is only available in a 4-ohm impedance, which may limit compatibility with some car audio systems
- The subwoofer may not be powerful enough for users who want an extremely loud and aggressive bass response.
What To Look For In An Underseat Subwoofer
There are a few important things to think about when picking an under-seat subwoofer to make sure you get the best sound quality and accuracy.
Size, power handling, frequency response, and resistance are some of these things.
Here’s a closer look at each of these factors and how they affect how the subwoofer sounds and works as a whole.
1- Size
When picking an under-seat subwoofer, the size of the subwoofer is an important thing to think about.
Most under-seat subwoofers are smaller than traditional subwoofers, so it’s important to choose a size that will fit easily under your seat.
But the size of the speaker also affects how much power it puts out and what frequencies it can play.
Most of the time, a bigger subwoofer will have more bass and a lower frequency response than a smaller one. A bigger speaker, on the other hand, might not fit as well under your seat.
2- Power Handling
Power handling means how much power the subwoofer can take without getting damaged or distorting.
watts RMS (Root Mean Square) are generally used to measure this. A subwoofer that can handle more power and make music that is louder and clearer can handle more power.
But the power handling should also be the same as the power output of your speaker or head unit to keep either from getting damaged.
3- Frequency Response
The range of sounds that the subwoofer can make is called its frequency response.
With a wider frequency response, the subwoofer can make a wider range of bass sounds, which makes the sound more powerful and dramatic.
Hertz (Hz) are usually used to measure the frequency response. A subwoofer that responds to lower frequencies can make bass that is louder than one that responds to higher frequencies.
4- Impedance
Impedance is a term for the subwoofer’s resistance to electricity.
It is measured in Ohms and tells you how much power your amplifier or head unit can send to the subwoofer.
If your subwoofer’s impedance is low, it will draw more power from your amplifier or head unit, making the sound louder and better.
But the subwoofer’s voltage should be the same as the output of your amplifier or head unit.
Examples of how these factors impact sound quality and performance:
- A larger subwoofer will generally produce more bass and have a lower frequency response than a smaller subwoofer, resulting in a more powerful sound. However, it may not fit as comfortably under your seat.
- A subwoofer with a higher power handling capability can handle more power and produce louder and clearer bass, resulting in a more dynamic and powerful sound.
- A wider frequency response means that the subwoofer can produce a broader range of bass frequencies, resulting in a more dynamic and powerful sound.
- A subwoofer with a lower impedance will draw more power from your amplifier or head unit, resulting in a louder and clearer sound. However, the impedance of the subwoofer should also match the output of your amplifier or head unit.
FAQs
Are Underseat Subwoofers Worth It?
Yes, under-seat subwoofers are worth it if you want to add bass to your car audio system without taking up too much room.
Under-seat subwoofers are small and can fit in tight areas, which makes them perfect for small cars or cars with a small trunk.
They are also simple to set up and don’t need a lot of technology know-how.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Under Seat Subwoofers?
One of the biggest problems with under-seat subwoofers is that they don’t have as much power or bass as bigger subwoofers.
They may also have a limited range of frequencies and not be able to play bass notes as well.
Another problem is that they might not fit in all car types, and installing them might mean making changes to the car’s interior.
Which Is Better, Bass Tube Or the Underseat Subwoofer?
It depends on what you want and how much room you have in your car.
Bass tubes are bigger and can make louder bass, but they also take up more room and might not work with all car models.
Under-seat subwoofers are small and easy to set up, but they might not have as much power or noise as a bass tube.
Do Shallow Subs Hit Harder?
Shallow subs are made to be small and fit in tight areas. They may not hit as hard as deeper subs, though.
Several things affect how well a subwoofer works, such as the size of the housing, the quality of the subwoofer driver, and the amount of power the amplifier can handle.
Even though shallow subs can still make good bass, they may not be as strong as ones that are deeper.
Do Subs Hit Harder Facing Up Or Down?
The performance and power of the subwoofer are not affected by how it is placed.
Subwoofers are made to send sound in all directions, so the way you place it won’t change how much bass it sends out.
But where the subwoofer is placed in the car can change the way it sounds and how well it works, so you should try out different positions to find the best one for your subwoofer.
Should I Put Foam Under the Subwoofer?
By putting foam under your subwoofer, you can reduce movements and improve the sound quality as a whole.
The foam acts like a cushion and soaks up the vibrations that would otherwise be sent to the objects around it.
This can help cut down on distortion and make the bass notes clearer.
But it’s important to use high-quality foam that’s made especially for audio applications, since cheaper foam might not work as well.
Conclusion:
After doing a thorough review of the Rockville RW8CA, Rockville SS8P, and Rockville RWS12CA under-seat subwoofers, we can say with confidence that these three models are some of the best choices for upgrading your car’s sound system.
Each subwoofer has its own set of features that suit different tastes and types of vehicles. However, all three of them work well and are a good value for the money.
The Rockville RW8CA is a great choice for smaller cars because it has a high power output and clear sound.
The Rockville SS8P is a great choice because it is small and has strong bass. The Rockville RWS12CA stands out because it has deep, booming bass and can handle a lot of power.
All three subwoofers are made to be easy to place under seats and come with a variety of settings that can be changed to fit your needs.
The Rockville RW8CA, the Rockville SS8P, and the Rockville RWS12CA are all great choices if you like music, are a fan, or just want a great sound system on the go.
So, if you want to improve the sound system in your car, you should check out these three top picks from Rockville.
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