Are Audiobahn Subwoofers Good? (Buy or Avoid)
Nothing beats having good speakers in your car when you want to listen to music. Among the most sought-after and beloved types of subwoofers is Audiobahn.
So, Are Audiobahn Subwoofers Good Really?
Audiobahn subwoofers are of good quality and affordable. They have been around since 1987 when Audiobahn International Group was set up. The manufacturer is famous for its signature flame design on all subwoofers. These speakers are popular among car owners.
Unfortunately, it’s getting harder to find Audiobahn subwoofers after the company was indicted in 2019. Still, the few subwoofers left in the market are well-priced and still a good option for vehicle owners. The notable quality and flashy design are among the top reasons the brand is popular.
Are Audiobahn Subwoofers Good?
Audiobahn subwoofers are good and reliable. Many car owners prefer buying these subwoofers because of the good quality. While other brands of the same caliber tend to be expensive, Audiobahn prides itself on having an affordable range of subwoofers.
These subwoofers are among the most popular across the country. They’re instantly recognizable, thanks to the side flame design on each one. This has become the identifying factor when anyone wants to buy Audiobahn subwoofers.
The brand carries good subwoofers that meet the needs of many car owners. But, it’s worth noting that these aren’t the competition-grade quality you may need. The subwoofers suit everyday use. However, these are top-of-the-line quality.
It’s good to opt for these subwoofers if you want an upgrade to factory speakers. The sound is good because of good bass control and a powerful amp. This subwoofer is a good addition to your car when you want to enjoy music or podcasts while driving.
The sound quality on Audiobahn subwoofers has good reproduction and bass performance. The manufacturer used a high-strength pressed paper cone and foam surround to make this possible. There’s less distortion, and you can use them longer because of a better heat dissipation design.
It’s possible to enjoy lots of use with Audiobahn subwoofers since these are durable. They can withstand extensive abuse like thumping music and loud volume. Any car owner looking to play loud music with loads of bass can enjoy them.
Are Audiobahn Subwoofers Expensive?
In terms of price, Audiobahn is known for its inexpensive subwoofers. Many people find these subwoofers ideal because they’re well-priced for the quality that they get. Among the different subwoofer brands in the market, Audiobahn prevails thanks to its affordability.
The cost might range anywhere from $75 to $120 for a single Audiobahn subwoofer for your car. However, prices can vary depending on the type that you purchase. All Audiobahn subwoofers are recognizable because of the signature flame design.
Other designs tend to have a higher price tag of up to $500 for a single speaker, but Audiobahn caps their prices at $150. It’s possible to find deals and purchase a single Audiobahn speaker for about $50.
Where are Audiobahn Subwoofers Made?
Before going out of business, Audiobahn International Group was based in Los Angeles, California. The subwoofer manufacturer was renowned in the 90s for producing some of the best speakers. These subwoofers were the industry standard, stylish, and affordable.
Apart from subwoofers, Audiobahn also made amplifiers, external capacitors, tweeters, and full and mid-range speakers. The company’s signature was the blue and silver flame design that’s on all Audiobahn subwoofers.
Why Did Audiobahn Go Out of Business?
A quick search online will reveal that the supply of Audiobahn subwoofers is dwindling. Sellers are out of stock since the manufacturer no longer makes the subwoofers. In 2019, the parent company was forced to close its doors permanently.
There was a bust that led to the closure of the company. A top executive in Audiobahn was indicted for smuggling drugs inside audio shipping containers after a huge consignment of drugs was discovered on a ship heading to Australia.
The ship was docked at the main Los Angeles port and had a record-breaking amount of meth (methamphetamine). The ship carried 1.7 tons of illegal drugs valued at $1.3 billion. Six people were arrested after the huge bust.
Instead of shipping subwoofers, the drugs were hidden in boxes with Audiobahn and Alphasonik labels. Among those arrested were 2 accounting officers from the two companies. They were living in Australia and frequently traveled to the US at the time.
The bust also led to the arrest of Nasser Abo Abdo, president of Audiobahn International Group. The 52-year-old was the company’s founder that opened its doors in 1997. Later, in 2017, Audiobahn International Group filed for bankruptcy for failing to meet its tax requirements.
What Are Some Disadvantages of Audiobahn Subwoofers?
A lot of good can be said about Audiobahn subwoofers. But these aren’t 100% good. Nothing is. Audiobahn subwoofers do have cons worth noting before you place an order. Among the top issues that many folks face is poor stereo quality.
While Audiobahn subwoofers are reasonably priced, they’re still expensive considering the audio equipment. It’s possible to find better subwoofers offering the same stereo quality for less the amount Audiobahn charges.
Also, another fault is the fact that these subwoofers use up lots of energy. They tend to draw plenty of power. While this might not be a big issue for many car owners, it’s still worth noting.
Those with low-capacity cars need to know more about the energy requirements of Audiobahn car subwoofers. Ensure you can meet the high demand for this audio equipment.
3 Things to Check before Buying New Car Subwoofers
Before you order some Audiobahn subwoofers, there are a few things that you must consider.
The loudness of the Speaker
Check for information about the sensitivity of a specific speaker before ordering it for your car. The audio sensitivity of these subwoofers is measured in decibels (dB). Many manufacturers add this information to the subwoofer specifications.
Always go for a higher subwoofer sensitivity if you want a louder speaker. Usually, average subwoofers have a sensitivity of 87-88 dB.
Resistance
The resistance or impedance of the subwoofers is another important consideration. The resistance is measured in OHMS. Usually, high resistance means less flow of sound from the speaker. Low resistance means more flow of sound from the subwoofers.
While there are low resistance and high resistance subwoofers in the market, it’s better to order none. Always go for a subwoofer that’s in the middle. This means it doesn’t have a low impedance or a high impedance.
Usually, low resistance tends to add more load to your amplifier because more current is necessary. Most amplifiers will struggle to do so, leading to overheating. Also, a high resistance affects the amplifier negatively because of a low energy flow.
Subwoofer’s Frequency Range
The frequency range or the frequency response of subwoofers is measured in Hertz (Hz). This is what you need to check to know the subwoofer’s capacity. It tells you how low or high a specific subwoofer can go once installed.
Conclusion
Audiobahn subwoofers are a good quality brand that you can add to your vehicle. These instantly recognizable subwoofers have the brand’s signature flame design. Apart from looking good, they also have a good sound quality when considering the low purchase cost.
Unfortunately, Audiobahn International Group, the makers of these subwoofers, went out of business. This was after the company was indicted due to a huge drug bust in 2019. Before that, the company had been one of the top sellers of subwoofers in the 90s.