5 Facts About Inverted Subwoofers [Pros, Cons & Great Brands]
Getting the perfect subwoofer for your car will definitely take you some time. However, once you land the suitable one, you are faced with how to install it. Today, everyone wants crisp sounds and music while driving. As a result, you have to get the best sub and install it correctly.
So, what does an inverted subwoofer add to your sound system?
Let me take you through the pros and cons of inverted subwoofers and everything you need to know about the best brands available:
Why Settle for an Inverted Subwoofer?
Firstly, it’s good to go against the norm. Everyone installs subwoofers the traditional way. However, inverting the subwoofer means that the magnet is outside the box. Normally, the magnet stays inside the speaker box.
The best thing about inverting a subwoofer is improved appearance. Moreover, some subs are larger in their boxes. Therefore, inverting them helps them fit in tighter spaces.
Not everyone is a fan of inverted subwoofers, but most prefer them to other subs. Therefore, it is safe to say that inverted subwoofers are here to stay.
After all, inverting two subwoofers cancels the noise, and you can enjoy brilliant sounds. The concept of inverting subwoofers is still new to some people, but all in all, they are a good way to improve the outlook of standard subwoofers.
Inverted subwoofers have the following advantages:
1. Better Cooling
We use subwoofers often. Moreover, they are at high volume most of the time. This causes heat production. If you have a proper cooling system in your car, you do not need to worry.
However, if you lack a suitable way to cool down, the heat will damage your subwoofers. With inverted subs, the magnet and voice coil face upwards and outwards. Thus, the heat goes up into the air keeping the subwoofer cool.
If you have issues with an overheating subwoofer, inverting it is certainly the way to go.
2. Occupies Less Space
Here, we’ll talk about the mounting depth. With inverted subwoofers, only the cone is inside the enclosure. Therefore, you can install deeper subs in areas with less mounting depth.
The only limitation is that the subwoofer protrudes outwards, reducing the cargo space in your car. However, that’s a sacrifice you should be willing to make.
3. Increased Enclosure Volume
Most subwoofers have huge enclosures and baskets. As a result, they can easily displace sound frequencies (however little).
Installing the subwoofer using the inverted method reduces enclosure size, thus leaving extra airspace. The extra airspace allows lower frequencies or deep bass to increase. Now, don’t expect it to be a dramatic change. Still, there is nothing bad about a little more bass from your subwoofer.
The Cons of Inverting a Subwoofer
After looking at the advantages, we also have to check out the negatives. Of course, the subwoofers cannot be 100% perfect:
1. High Risk of Damage
Since most of the subwoofer is exposed, the wiring and magnet are on the outside. This is not a good thing because anything can damage them. Cargo and other objects can destroy your sub’s wiring.
Inverted subwoofers are not the best for daily drivers. The constant movements and exposure to different environments are not good for an inverted subwoofer. However, if you are sure you’ll be extra careful, maybe you can make an exception.
However, most experts recommend using inverted subwoofers on demo vehicles or show cars. If there’s a consistent effort to keep the subwoofer safe, you can install it this way.
2. Might Look Untidy
Keeping the wiring, voice coil, and connections tidy will cause you to sweat a bit. Nobody cares how tidy the wiring looks inside the enclosure. However, it will be all they see once you invert the subwoofer.
You have to work to ensure the wiring is safe and looks good. Avoid anything that will short the terminals.
3. Slight Change in Efficiency
How the subwoofer performs does not change. That’s a fact. Nonetheless, the cone area reduces, meaning the voice coil does not contribute to moving air.
Although that is the case in many subwoofers, the effect depends on the sub’s design. For example. subwoofers with vented pole pieces experience minor changes.
4. Possibility of Unwanted Noise
Airflow around the voice coil and through the vents can cause huffing and chuff while playing music at high levels. Moreover, the tinsel leads make a lot of noise when coming into contact with the cone.
Still, subwoofers perform differently, and you might be lucky not to experience this.
Get your installer to test the sub before making permanent connections with an inverted subwoofer.
Listen to the sound production without the enclosure. This helps to identify any unwanted noises coming from the subwoofer.
How Long Can Inverted Subwoofers Last?
An inverted subwoofer is just an ordinary subwoofer upside down. Therefore, the brand and quality of the subwoofer do not change because you have changed the installation.
The same parts on a conventionally installed sub are present in this inverted one. The magnet, wiring, coil, and cone are all similar.
However, extra care should be taken while handling the parts of an inverted subwoofer. Since most parts are exposed, they are susceptible to damage by different things.
Usually, subwoofers last up to 20 years if well used and maintained. In this case, avoiding any damage to the inverted subwoofer prolongs its life.
You can dust it, keep it away from water and safeguard the wiring. That way, you are assured of prolonged use.
What are the Most Popular Inverted Subwoofers?
Before listing some popular subwoofer brands, it is important to note that you can invert most brands in the market. Choose a reliable brand, with the best features.
The following two brands are the best for an inverted setup:
1. JL Audio 12W6v3-D4 Subwoofer
This subwoofer is efficient and precise. The manufacturers developed a motor structure fit to deliver powerful, reliable bass. The subwoofer can handle up to 600 watts.
In addition, the advanced cooling system and cone-bonding assembly make the subwoofer reliable and long-lasting.
Other features include:
- 1200 Watts peak power
- 85.4 dB sensitivity
- 20-200Hz frequency response
- Removable plastic trim ring
- Dual 4-ohm voice coils 12-inch sub
- One-year warranty
2. Clarion PXW1051
This subwoofer packs a great bass. You will experience all the low frequencies from your favorite music using this stylish subwoofer. Moreover, the sub is affordable, allowing you to get a second sub or better amplifier.
The PXW1051 allows for flexible installation. Additional features include:
- Paper or Kevlar composite cone
- Die-cast aluminium basket
- 20-1500Hz frequency response
- 84.4 dB sensitivity
- One-year warranty
- 1000 watts peak power
What Is the Warranty on These Subwoofers?
Companies have different warranty programs. However, most offer up to two years warranty. This is because the products are high-quality.
All reputable companies have warranty information available on their site. Never buy a subwoofer without a warranty. Anything could happen, leaving you with a spoilt sub, yet it was a manufacturer’s mistake. Once you get the subwoofer, fill in the warranty card and keep all the purchase information.
Final Thoughts
Inverting a subwoofer is a personal choice.
Some people believe inverted subwoofers sound better, but that’s far from the case. Sound delivery remains the same.
With an inverted subwoofer, you’ll have a cool subwoofer set up in your car that’s fun to look at. Also, the music will sound good as long as the sub-brand is high-quality.
So, if you feel like an inverted subwoofer is best for you, give it a try!
Resources
Stereoed: What are Inverted Subwoofers
Benefits and Drawbacks of Inverting Your Car Audio Subwoofers