Are 15-Inch Subwoofers Good? [Pros, Cons & Great Brands]
If you don’t have a booming sound system, you’re late to the party. Today, literally everyone fusses over installing a high-quality sound system at home, for cars, UTVs, and marine vehicle audio applications.
So, are 15-inch subwoofers hype-worthy?
Here, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 15-inch subwoofers. In addition, we will take a look at the most popular brands and how long they last.
Why Choose a 15-Inch Subwoofer?
15-inch subwoofers give more immersive sound. Moreover, they are not your ordinary speaker since you can play loud music without worrying about distortion.
Moreover, 15-inch subwoofers have a booming bass that makes most genres sound better than usual. The large surface area also allows more air to be pushed. That means that larger and louder sounds come from 15-inch subwoofers.
These speakers are a dream come true for your home theatre and vehicle audio system. They are neither too big nor too small, meaning it is easier to incorporate them into your house or vehicle. That is compared to 18-inch or bigger subwoofers.
Here are some advantages of getting 15-inch subs:
1. Impeccable Sound
With 15-inch speakers, you can enjoy sounds that most ordinary speakers cannot produce. In fact, 15-inch subwoofers go 20 hertz and lower. Therefore, you won’t miss any beats. In addition, you get the best immersive sound.
2. Ability to Play Loud Music Without Distortion
Most stock car speakers experience trouble, especially with the tweeters and mid drivers. You will experience this mostly while playing loud music.
On the other hand, 15-inch subwoofers play low notes without much effort.
Moreover, you can play music as loud as you want, and you will still get near-perfect sound production with zero distortion.
3. Good Speed and Transient Response
Most genres of music tend to start and stop unexpectedly. This phenomenon is difficult to handle with smaller subwoofers. These smaller subs cannot handle the sudden shift, resulting in undefined acoustics.
However, 15-inch subwoofers have the perfect speed and response for bass production. In addition, all music notes have an impact and sound realistic.
The Cons of 15-Inch Subwoofers
Like most other subwoofers, 15-inch subs have a few downfalls. Some of these cons are easy to correct, while others need you to choose a replacement (if they’re hard to overlook).
1. Heavier Than Other Subwoofers
15-inch subwoofers are not as heavy as 18 or 20-inch speakers. Still, they are heavier than six-inch or eight-inch subs. Most 15-inch subwoofers weigh around 12 to 40lbs. That is much heavier than ordinary subwoofers.
2. Have Less Bass
If you are a sucker for deep bass, 15-inch subwoofers might not be the best option. Unlike other subwoofers, like 18-inch speakers, these subs have a lighter bass.
Because of this, most people prefer 15-inch speakers for use at home. Nonetheless, most people still install 15-inch subwoofers in their vehicles.
3. They Cannot Fit in Tight Spaces
The installation space has a lot to do with the type of subwoofer you select.
15-inch subwoofers, in particular, cannot fit on doors or tight spaces. Therefore, you have to consider the amount of space you have to install a speaker before buying it.
How Durable Are 15-Inch Subwoofers?
Fortunately, most companies are going with the trend, ensuring their audio products are top-notch and meet the customers’ standards.
As a result, most subwoofers are durable, have great designs, and need close to zero maintenance. In addition, 15-inch subwoofers are not complicated, meaning they don’t have as many wires to figure out.
Additionally, choosing the right speaker needs you to look deeper than the design. First, consider how and where you will use the subwoofer. Most 15-inch subwoofers are versatile. So, you can incorporate them into different audio setups.
Prolonging the lifespan of any subwoofer means keeping it away from dust, water, and damage.
How Long Do 15-Inch Subwoofers Last, Typically?
A subwoofer lasts as long as you use it properly.
Using the speaker properly means switching it off regularly and not playing loud music on the speakers for extended periods. Yes, subwoofers are manufactured to play loud and fun music, but some time off cannot hurt.
Moreover, a subwoofer can last ten years with you and less or more with someone else. Of course, all this depends on the type and frequency of use.
If you look after your subwoofer, it will last ten years or more. Also, buying from a credible brand will save you the hassle of finding spare parts and needing frequent maintenance. Although most speakers have the best features, it is not impossible to need one or two spare parts.
The good news is that most speakers are of good quality. So, you won’t need to keep a technician’s number close.
What Are the Most Popular 15-Inch Brands?
Choosing the best brand is paramount. It ensures you have a good subwoofer to work with. The following are the best brands available:
Kicker
The Kicker brand was formed in 1973.
Their main focus is on cars and trucks, ensuring the audio quality remains high. Actually, some people equate Kicker subwoofers to concert-like speakers.
The Kicker S15L7 is a great example of these 15-inch subs. It has a reinforced cone, rubber surround, and up to 1000W peak power. Moreover, you can dial up the 18-100Hz frequency response if it does not meet your standards.
Rockford Fosgate
Officially founded in 1980 by Jim Fosgate, this audio company is among the best audio product manufacturers in the industry.
You can choose subwoofers for your vehicle, boat, UTV, and motorcycle. That makes it very exciting as their speakers are custom-made for each application.
The 15-inch Rockford Fosgate P3d2 is an excellent option in the P3 series. It is the best-performing speaker with a dual voice coil. Moreover, it has a dust cap and aluminum cones to increase durability.
The 600RMS also allows you to hook up the speaker to a high-powered amp.
Rockville
Rockville Audio is a renowned American company. If you prefer more high-end products, these are perfect.
Besides, Rockville manufactures car stereos, professional and marine audio, and home theatre. An example is their Rockville W15K6D4. This dual 4-Ohm subwoofer has a high-quality magnet, foam surround, and a peak power handling of 1000W.
The sub can handle low, midrange, and upper bass frequencies, making it good for listening to all music genres.
How Is the Warranty on These Subwoofers?
Suppose you have spotted the subwoofer brand you want to buy. Unfortunately, the company does not have any warranty information on its website. What do you do?
Firstly, all reputable companies display the warranty conditions for all to see. After all, it is no secret that products need to be covered after purchase. Most brands listed above provide one year warranty, although others in the market go up to two years.
The manufacturer needs the warranty card filled with all details of the product. That is the only way to make a complaint within the warranty period.
Should I Buy a 15-Inch Subwoofer?
15-inch subwoofers are among the best in the industry. They are not too big, and their wider surface area allows for better sound production.
If you want a versatile, high-quality subwoofer, get a 15-inch sub. Suitable options for car, marine, and home theatre systems are available. However, consider other options if you are more into a deeper bass.
Final Thoughts
The diversity of audio products in the market is exciting. After all, you can get a subwoofer that fits your specifications.
People often underestimate the power of 15-inch subwoofers. However, these speakers have enough power to produce sound in different setups.
Therefore, look at a subwoofer’s features before dismissing it, as 15-inch subwoofers are among the best today.
Resources
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