Are 18-Inch Subwoofers Good? [Pros, Cons & Great Brands]
So, let’s say you just got a new truck and want the best sound system around. You have so many subwoofer options to choose from. However, what sticks is that it has to be high-quality. With that said, 18-inch subwoofers are getting a lot of attention from car, home, and marine vehicle owners.
The question is, are 18-inch subwoofers worth a try?
This article will look at the advantages and disadvantages and the most popular brands available in the market today.
Why Buy 18-Inch Speaker?
There are so many options to buy except for 18-inch speakers. However, there is nothing more fulfilling than getting an 18-inch sub to enhance the sound quality in your truck.
In addition, 18-inch subwoofers produce impeccable bass. You will feel every beat of music since these subwoofers have perfect audio output. With an 18-inch sub, you get the best quality of low bass output.
18-inch subwoofers are among bigger-sized subs. Their sound production is the best since the speakers have enough surface area for sound projection. While smaller subwoofers are available in the market, 18-inch subwoofers are here to stay.
They are perfect for larger cars, marine vehicles, and large rooms because there is enough space to fit the speaker. However, some scenarios allow different setups.
You can also fit it in the trunk of a smaller car, or in a smaller room although you’ll have to dedicate the entire section to the subwoofer.
18-inch subwoofers have the following perks:
1. Tonally Accurate
Big subwoofers such as the 18-inch sub have a big driver, allowing you to hear all the musical tones accurately. What makes this possible is the lack of phase shifts around the XO point in the speaker.
Therefore, you can enjoy all music as the quality is fantastic.
2. A Higher Sensitivity
An 18” subwoofer has a higher sensitivity than smaller subwoofers.
Moreover, multi-driver subwoofers also have lower sensitivity compared to the 18-inch sub. Higher sensitivity is a plus because the higher the sensitivity rating, the louder the speaker.
A speaker with more than a 90 dB sensitivity rating is ranked as excellent.
3. A Great Bass Kick
18-inch subwoofers do not play with regard to bass delivery.
When playing music on these subwoofers, expect a bass like never before. You will be forced to listen to the music because the speaker does not hold back the booming bass.
So, if you drive a monster truck, have a marine vehicle, or love music at home, 18-inch subs are excellent.
The Cons of 18-Inch Subwoofers
Like everything else, there are some disadvantages to choosing 18-inch subs. They include:
1. They Are Heavy
As expected, 18-inch subwoofers are much heavier than other smaller subwoofers like the six-inch and ten-inch subwoofers.
An 18-inch subwoofer can weigh up to 200 pounds. That’s no surprise, though. Bigger subs have bigger drivers, meaning they weigh much more.
2. A Lack of Balance
18-inch subwoofers (and other larger subwoofers) tend to lack balance and sound definition. Nonetheless, depends on the brand of subwoofer you choose.
You can also correct this lack of balance by incorporating other speakers into the sound setup.
How Durable Are 18” Subwoofers?
Durability is key when buying any subwoofer.
However, the lifespan of a subwoofer depends on your use. Luckily, many manufacturers today ensure their products are long-lasting and high-quality.
Since 18-inch subwoofers are heavy, manufacturers advise that you avoid constantly moving the speakers. (Since you could easily damage or drop them).
Subwoofers are designed to withstand movement, so the rubber material around the speakers protects against external damage.
When choosing the best subwoofer, think about how you want to use it and where you’ll install it. This will help determine the right size, make, and brand of the subwoofer to buy.
Ensuring your subwoofer lasts long means you have to keep it away from moisture, dust, and any internal or external damage. In addition, the wiring should remain intact so that you enjoy the subwoofer for as long as possible.
How Long Do 18” Subwoofers Typically Last?
Remember, subwoofers last as long as you want them to. What I mean is, if you play music on your speakers 24/7, your subs won’t last as long as someone else that plays them on weekends.
18-inch subwoofers can last more than ten years if well taken care of.
Thus, it is crucial to buy from a reputable brand. This way, you’ll be certain to get spare parts whenever needed. Your 18” sub might not need it, but it’s important to know the rand has your back if anything happens.
The best news is that most subwoofer brands are high-quality. So, you won’t need to worry about replacing parts.
What Are the Most Popular Subwoofer Brands?
When you are ready to shop for an 18” subwoofer, choose a brand with good options.
The following are the most reputable in the subwoofer market:
Skar Audio
This brand is one of those with humble beginnings and very successful stories. Founded in 2010 in a university dorm by Kevin Schlenker, Skar Audio makes high-end speakers and amplifiers.
The company deals in the boat and car audio products and sells subwoofers directly to customers online. Moreover, there are reputable dealers in different parts of America.
Among the list of products is the Skar Audio 18-inch Loaded SDR. The subwoofer is large and might need help loading into your vehicle. However, you only need 600 watts to power it. In addition, the setup is very simple, and you don’t need complicated wiring to get the speakers booming.
Better still, it is not expensive, and affordability makes it an excellent 18-inch subwoofer.
Sundown Audio
The best subwoofer companies started in a garage somewhere, and Sundown is no different. Formed in 2006, Sundown now has 80 subwoofer models.
The audio products under this brand are high-quality and durable. Besides, most people refer to them as beasts. For example, the Sundown Audio X-18 v3 D2 sub is as powerful as they come. The speaker will shake everyone and everything around you (that’s what most people want).
This Sundown subwoofer also has a 2000W RMS. This feature is often underrated, but the speaker can handle more than expected and gets unbelievably loud.
Rockville
Rockville is a USA-based company. Since its inception, the company has been in production, making the best car stereo, professional, home theatre, and marine audio products.
The company does not compromise on quality despite the money it costs. On the contrary, the aim is to ensure the manufacture of top-quality speakers.
Therefore, you cannot go wrong with the Rockville RVW1800P4 Raw DJ Subwoofer. This speaker is the best because it is more lightweight than most 18-inch subs. The subwoofer is popular among DJs.
Moreover, Rockville subwoofers are long-lasting, considering how often you use them. With this speaker, you enjoy mind-blowing low bass and more value for your money.
How Is the Warranty on These Popular Subwoofer Brands?
Every reputable must have a good warranty for its products.
Every customer must see the details and guidelines on the official website without hassle. Before taking home any subwoofer, ensure you know all the details and warranty conditions.
Afterward, fill in the details in the warranty card so that it can go back to the manufacturer.
Most subwoofer brands mentioned above offer one year warranty for their products. However, you might find up to two years warranty in some cases.
What Is the Difference Between 18-Inch Subs and Other Subwoofers?
Before anything else, 18-inch speakers are larger, thus packing more power.
If you want a subwoofer that will turn heads, 18-inch is the way to go. Of course, other subwoofer sizes also do the job, but larger subwoofers are for fearless music lovers who are not afraid of a healthy dose of low bass.
18-inch subwoofers are perfect for truck and marine vehicle owners, homeowners, and anyone who does not mind rattling organs. (The sound production is that intense).
Final Thoughts
18-inch subwoofers are popular and for the right reasons.
Unless you have limited space in your car or cannot accommodate a heavy subwoofer, these speakers are excellent.
The power, high-quality sound production, and perfect low-bass frequencies are enough proof that 18-inch subwoofers are among the best in the market.