Ok, so you finally decided that you have a gap in your car’s sound system—you need more bass. So now you take on the daunting task of deciding which type of subwoofer to get. Among the options will be an array of brands, sizes, and types. Let’s keep in mind that subwoofers serve the purpose of providing low frequencies which will provide a depth to your music, regardless if you listen to the classics or the newest hip-hop track.

Size: Is bigger really better? This is a question that is repeatedly asked and is one that makes for an interesting post later down the line. When considering which size of subwoofer to purchase, various factors need to be considered. How much space do you have? What’s your enclosure type? How much power do you have? All these questions will help you narrow down your options. However, if you want loud-kick-ass system, got the bucks, power, and space—go for the biggest you can find!

Power: When shopping for sub you will definitely be faced with a multitude of power ratings, from RMS to peak power. What you will want to pay attention to is the RMS power rating, which measures continuous power handling. Also keep in mind that you want to purchase a subwoofer based on your amplifier, or visa versa.

I hope this helps get you started in the right direction. I will be adding to this guide in Subwoofers Buying Guide: Part II