Best 15-inch subwoofer | Best Collection
Subwoofers happen to be one of the best upgrades you could include in your audio system, right? Well as much as there are a lot of 15-inch subwoofers on the market today, getting the best 15-inch subwoofer is no walk in the park.
There's a lot to be taken into consideration when looking for the best starting from the build quality and down to the little details such as the impedance and the sensitivity. Considering the amount of trouble that you could go through when looking for an outstanding subwoofer, we’ve got an in-depth buying guide of how to get the best sub that you should probably take a look at.
Before we get started, you should probably know that if you want a high-quality bass, you should be ready to go bigger which of course, means that you’ll need to spend more. As much as size and quality go hand in hand you should spend just enough for the qualities that you need- neither too much nor too little.
Let’s get started with a comparison chart of the top 10 right away, shall we?
Comparison chart- here’s a list of 3 of our recommended choices.
Contents
- 1 Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12" 2500 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer
- 2 Skar Audio SDR-15 D2 15" 1200 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer
- 3 Rockville 600 Watt Raw Replacement DJ PA Subwoofer 8 Ohm Sub Woofer, 12" (RVP12W8),Black
- 4 1. Kicker 12" 800 Watt CompVR 4 Ohm DVC Sub Woofer Car Power Subwoofer | 43CVR124
- 5 Rockville 600 Watt Raw Replacement DJ PA Subwoofer 8 Ohm Sub Woofer, 12" (RVP12W8),Black
- 5.0.1 Skar Audio DDX-15 D4 Dual 4 Ω 1,500W Max Power Car Subwoofer
- 5.0.2 Rockford Fosgate P1S4-15 Punch P1 SVC 4 Ohm 15-Inch 250 Watts RMS 500 Watts Peak Subwoofer
- 5.0.3 Lanzar 15-in Car Subwoofer Speaker MAX15D
- 5.0.4 Skar Audio EVL-15
- 5.0.5 Lanzar Car Subwoofer DCT15D
- 5.0.6 Skar Audio VVX-15
- 5.0.7 Final verdict.
- 5.0.8 Share this:
- 5.0.9 Like this:
- 5.0.10 Related
Before we delve into our review, how about we take a look at the best of the best? Below are our top 3 recommended picks.
Product Image | Key Features |
---|---|
Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12" 2500 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer | |
Skar Audio SDR-15 D2 15" 1200 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer | |
Rockville 600 Watt Raw Replacement DJ PA Subwoofer 8 Ohm Sub Woofer, 12" (RVP12W8),Black |
Best 15 Inch Subwoofer 2021- Quality Construction & Performance
1. Kicker 12" 800 Watt CompVR 4 Ohm DVC Sub Woofer Car Power Subwoofer | 43CVR124
User-friendly = 70/100
Durability = 80/100
Build quality = 80/100
With an outstanding thermal management, an outstanding build quality, a high temp voice coil and a stamped steel basket, it’s both durable and has the best performance
Being one of the brands that have been around for the longest time, kicker just so happens to be one of the companies you can rely on not to disappoint you as far as quality audio components are concerned.
Product Dimensions | 4.92 x 4.92 x 11.42 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 14.45 pounds |
ASIN | B01BCNZCUG |
Item model number | 43CVR124 |
Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #28,530 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #139 in Car Component Subwoofers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Other display features | Wireless |
Colour | Black |
Included Components | KICKER 12"SUB 400W |
Department | Womens |
Manufacturer | KICKER 12"SUB 400W |
PROS
- 1An injection-molded polypropylene cone for endurance and a smooth bass
- 2Perimeter venting for thermal heat management
- 31200 watts peak power for a hard-hitting bass.
CONS
Planet Audio AC15D 2100 Watt
Construction = 80/100
Durability = 80/100
Performance = 70/100
With the low-frequency response, a durable foam and surround construction coupled up with a 2-inch dual aluminum coil and 89dB sensitivity, it’s absolutely worth checking out.
Planet audio is yet another brand that you should consider taking a look at if you’re all about getting a kick for your buck. Here is all that it’s got in store for you…
89dB for the sensitivity
When it comes to the sensitivity, the rule of thumb here is that the higher it is, the better of the sound quality you'll be having.
with the sensitivity being as high as 89dB, the bass will be loud and clear and considering the amount of power that this sub can handle, you’ll definitely be working with one of the best.
A polypropylene cone & foam surround
For the build quality and construction, you’ll be having a polypropylene cone and around it is a foam surround. The cone, being polypropylene is both lightweight and rigid for the production of quality bass.
As for the foam surround, you'll be having a large enough surface area for continuous production of quality bass. Foam is also credited with being able to maintain its original form for the longest time.
A 2-inch dual aluminum voice coil
Aluminum voice coils are renowned for having high-temperature tolerance which is what you'll also be enjoying on the AC15D. in addition to this, it’s a dual voice coil that will offer optimal efficiency as compared to a single voice coil.
25Hz for the resonating frequency
The rule of thumb when it comes to the resonating frequency is that the lower it is for a subwoofer, the better the bass you’ll be getting. With this being 25Hz on the AC15D, you will, undoubtedly be enjoying audiophile-grade sound quality.
PROS
- 1A lightweight and rigid polypropylene cone for a high-quality bass.
- 2A 4-ohm impedance for maximum power utilization
- 3The 89dB sensitivity ensures that you get a loud and clear bass
CONS
Rockford Fosgate P2D2-15 Punch P2 DVC 2 Ohm 15-Inch 400 Watts RMS 800 Watts Peak Subwoofer
The fit = 80/100
Build quality = 80/100
Performance = 80/100
With the power rating and the impedance, the performance is definitely above average. The flex fit basket makes it easy to set up and the cone and surround altogether are well performing and durable.
Take it from an expert, Rockford Fosgate is definitely one of the best brands in the market as far as the best subwoofers are concerned. Comin up 3rd on our best 15 inch subwoofer review, we’ve got the P2D4 and it is definitely worth every penny; here’s why…
A high temp voice coil
Starting with the voice coil, which is also one of the most critical components on a subwoofer, you’ll be getting a high temp voice coil on the P2D4.
It’s got an anodized aluminum voice coil which just so happens to be quite outstanding when it comes to optimal heat dissipation. In a nutshell, it acts like a heatsink that prevents build-up of too much heat in the voice coil during high SPL conditions
Flex fit basket design
Besides just having one of the best coils, it’s also got a flex fit basket design. What this does it that it utilizes slots where applicable instead of using single screw sized holes. This then allows for tight speaker adjustment when mounted hence keeping it in place at all times.
Quality cone construction
For the build quality and construction, you’ll be getting a Kevlar fiber reinforced paper cone. This is both lightweight and rigid as is expected for any cone that is guaranteed to produce a high-quality bass.
Besides just having a quality cone, there is also a high-density poly foam surround all around it that’s flexible hence ensuring the delivery of a loud and high-quality bass.It also incorporates the Vertical Attachment Surround Technique which increases the effectiveness by as much as 25%.
Power handling.
Yet another thing to pay close attention to if you want an outstanding bass is the power handling. Taking this into account, the P2D4 comes with an outstanding 400 watts for the RMS power and 800 watts for the peak.
With the impedance being 2 ohms, you’ll definitely be utilizing most of this power to get a bass unlike any other- you definitely deserve the best
PROS
- 1Flex fit basket design for a perfect fit
- 2The VAST surround increases the radiating cone area for a better sound quality
- 3A high temp voice coil for optimal dissipation of heat
CONS
Rockville 600 Watt Raw Replacement DJ PA Subwoofer 8 Ohm Sub Woofer, 12" (RVP12W8),Black
Build quality = 80/100
Performance = 80/100
User-friendly = 80/100
From the 51 oz magnet to the voice coil and the power rating, it surely is better than most in its class. It’s got both quality construction and performance all in one
This amp might just be the missing piece of the puzzle for experiencing the best audio. Coming up 4th, we’ve got the Rockville RVP15W4. Let’s get started by taking a look at the power handling it’s got, shall we?
500-watt RMS and 1000-watt peak power.
Being one of the key things that determine whether or not you'll be getting an outstanding bass, the RMS power on this sub is 500 watts whereas the peak is 1000 watts. With the two of these working hand in hand and the impedance being 4 ohms, you'll definitely pump out a bass like no other.
Fiber reinforced ultra-stiff paper composite cone
For the build quality, the cone is made out of a fiber reinforced ultra-stiff paper composite cone. Whereas most subs will have a paper cone alone for the cone, the fiber-cone composite on this one observes both rigidity and lightweight which are the two key features on any cone that’s ideal for a good bass
Still, at the cone, it is worth pointing out that it's got a dust cap added to it which simply adds on to the durability of the subwoofer.
An accordion cloth surround.
Besides just having a good cone, the surround is also quite commendable. Though it’s not the best, the accordion cloth surround should be able to deliver a reasonable level of flexibility and in the long run pump out a good bass
High-temperature voice coil
Since the power rating on this sub is quite high, the Rockville RVP15W4 has got a 2.5"high-temperature CCAW High SPL voice coil. This basically ensures that the high temperatures generated as a result of high levels of power input do not damage the subwoofer's voice coil.
Also…
You’ll be getting a 51 oz magnet, dual nickel-plated banana plug terminals as well as an expanded and rolled steel basket.
PROS
- 1100dB for the sensitivity for a clear bass at a high volume
- 2It’s got a high-temp voice coil that decreases the odds of it getting damaged by high temperature
- 325 Hz- 1.5kHz for both a low and mid-frequency bass
CONS
Skar Audio DDX-15 D4 Dual 4 Ω 1,500W Max Power Car Subwoofer
Performance = 90/100
Build quality = 70/100
Durability = 80/100
It’s got a high temp dual 4-ohm voice coil, 90.9 decibels the sensitivity is an average cone construction all of which deem thissubwoofer worth every penny
From a 15 inch subwoofer, one thing you’ll be sure of getting is a bass that is above average and one of the features in the Skar Audio DDX-15 that makes it possible for you to have this is the power handling. With an RMS of as much as 1000 watts and a peak of 1500 watts, the bass will definitely be loud and clear.
Besides just the power rating, there are other features that make it worthy of our best 15 inch subwoofer review.
A dual 4-ohm voice coil
Power handling goes hand in hand with the impedance which is why with the 4-ohm voice coil on this, your subwoofer will be able to channel quite a large amount of power.
Upon doing so, you will, in turn, get to enjoy a loud and clear bass. Speaking of high volume and clarity, let’s take a look at the sensitivity next. The fact that this is a dual 4-ohm voice coil renders this subwoofer ideal as far as wiring it up and power utilization is concerned.
90.9dB for the sensitivity.
90.9 decibels for the sensitivity is basically above average and with this being present, the subwoofer will be utilizing less power but at the same time produce a high-quality bass and at a high volume. You won’t have to worry about any distortions, lags or using too much power
2.5"high-temperature voice coil.
Yet another thing that’s worth pointing out about this subwoofer is that it comes with a 2.5"high-temperature voice coil.
Considering the much power that this subwoofer takes in, the Skar Audio DDX-15will not be at the risk of having the voice coil blow up due to too much power. This is yet another reason you should really consider purchasing it
A competition-grade pressed paper cone
Though the cone is not exactly the best of the best in the market, it’s definitely going to do what it’s meant to. The pressed paper cone will definitely be lightweight enough and have just the right amount of rigidity to ensure the bass you have is above average.
Also…
Yet another thing you should know about this subwoofer is that it's quite capable of producing low-end sound frequencies quite effectively which of course means you’ll have an outstanding bass.
PROS
- 11000W max power and 1500 watts for the peak pumps out quite an outstanding bass.
- 2A high temp voice coil is included for the sake of durability.
- 3A dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration for optimal power utilization.
CONS
QUESTION ANSWER FAQ
Q: I want to run 2 12s, will the 4 ohms be enough?
A: yes, they should be enough
Q: will this be able to fit in a sub q bomb ported enclosure?
A:yes it will
Q: why are the 4 ohms better?
A: you can wire it up to 2 ohms or 8 ohms based on your wiring system
Rockford Fosgate P1S4-15 Punch P1 SVC 4 Ohm 15-Inch 250 Watts RMS 500 Watts Peak Subwoofer
Build quality = 80/100
User-friendly = 80/100
Performance = 70/100
The power rating is reasonably high and with the high temp 4-ohm voice coil, the bass will be outstanding. It’s also got a flex fit basket design for easy installation.
When it comes to choosing a subwoofer based on the brand, then Rockford Fosgate will most probably be among your top 3. Since it's been around for quite some time now, it's obvious that what Rockford will be giving you is definitely worth every penny. Let's take a look at why this might be the best 15 inch subwoofer
250-watt RMS and 500 watts peak power voltage
Starting with what is probably the most important thing in a subwoofer, the P1S4-15 comes with an RMS power of an outstanding 250 watts and double this for the peak.
Working with such a power handling capability, you can definitely be sure that the bass your system will be pumping out is above average and hardly like any other. Backing up the RMS and peak power is a dual 4-ohm voice coil which we’ll be taking a look at next.
Has got a 4-ohm voice coil
Though it’s not a dual 4-ohm voice coil, the voice coil on this subwoofer should be enough to utilize as much power as possible. After all, the rule of thumb when it comes to impedance ratings on any speaker or subwoofer is that the lower it is, the better the performance
There’s a high-temp voice coil
Since the voice coil has got a 4-ohm impedance, it will definitely be heating up pretty much. In order to ensure that it does not get damaged due to overheating, it’s the high-temp type. This simply makes it difficult for it to be damaged by high temperature no matter how loud you want to play your bass.
Quality cone and surround construction
The cone is a Kevlar fiber reinforced paper cone whereas the surround is a made out of high-density poly-foam. With the lightweight and rigidity of the cone coupled up with the flexibility of the surround, the bass will, without doubt, be outstanding.
A flex fit basked design for a perfect fit
It won’t be any good to you if it won’t be able to fit perfectly, don’t you agree? In order to ensure that you’ll be having a perfect fit, this sub comes in a flex fit design that renders it quite easy to have in place
PROS
- 1Quality cone and surround construction for a high bass quality.
- 2A flex fit design gives you a perfect fit.
- 3With the high temp voice coil, it will beable to take in quite a lot of power
CONS
QUESTION ANSWER FAQ
Q: will there be any movement once you screw it in?
A: no, no movement at all
Q:what is the vented airspace on this sub
A: this allows for optimal airflow to reduce the heat
Q: will a Kenwood 1000-watt amp power two of these?
A: yes, it will
Lanzar 15-in Car Subwoofer Speaker MAX15D
Installation = 80/100
Durability = 80/100
Performance = 80/100
With the wide rubber suspension, a Kapton voice coil and a 7.68” mounting depth working altogether, this subwoofer will definitely give you the best experience.
Yet another outstanding 15-inch subwoofer that’s bound to give you a bang for your buck is the MAX15D. From the build quality and construction to the performance, it surely has everything you need to get an outstanding bass quality.
A black non-pressed paper cone
You may probably be thinking that a non-pressed paper cone will not be enough to give out a good bass, right? Well, this subwoofer will definitely prove you wrong.
The cone you’ll be having on this subwoofer enhances the car stereo by producing a powerful audio. Besides just keeping the bass at its best, it also functions to keep the subwoofer safe at all times.
It comes with a Kapton voice coil
Just below the cone is the voice coil. Being possibly the most critical component of a subwoofer that is easily susceptible to damage, the voice coil should be at it’s best.
the coin on this sub is a 2.5”dual layer high-temperature Kapton voice coil. It obviously will be able to handle a high-power rating and in addition to this, it’s quite capable of resisting corrosion
Easy installation
For the installation, I’d say that the 7.68” mounting depth for a subwoofer in it’s class is pretty outstanding. The magnet is a 70 + 70 double stacked hence it does not compromise on the performance and at the same time will be easy to set up
A wide rubber suspension for safety
When it comes to durability and safety, this sub has got a non-fatiguing rubber suspension that keeps all the internal components safe. It is also designed with a bumped and vented motor structure that is durable and at the same time offers easy installation.
PROS
- 1KAPTON VOICE COIL for high-temperature sensitivity.
- 2A wide rubber suspension to keep the equipment safe.
- 3Has for a 7.68” mounting depth for easy installation.
CONS
QUESTION ANSWER FAQ
Q: how many speakers do I get?
A: you should be getting only one speaker
Q: what is the RMS on these?
A: it comes with a 400 watt RMS
Q: how good is the bass on these?
A: for the price they thump quite well.
Skar Audio EVL-15
Durability = 70/100
Performance = 90/100
Build quality = 80/100
it’s got a high temp voice coil and it’s also designed to last. The foam surround, the impedance and the power handling altogether make it worth every penny
We are almost done with our review of the best 15 inch subwoofer and we’re doing good so far. We’ve got yet another outstanding subwoofer from Skar Audio. Besides just boasting to be from one of the best brands there are on the market, it's got plenty more under the hood; let's take a closer look at it, shall we?
1250-watt RMS rating
When it comes to the amount of power that a subwoofer can handle without blowing it or any sound lags and distortions, you’ll need to pay close attention to the RMS rating.
With as much as 1250 watts for the continuous power, this sub is guaranteed to pump out a bass that’s definitely above average. Skar did not just stop at the RMS but they go a step further to add onto this subwoofer a 2500-watt peak power handling.
Though it might be tempting to play at the highest power possible, you should maintain the RMS to avoid blowing the voice coil. Speaking of the voice coil, let’s have a look at what you’ll be getting on this sub.
3” 4-layer black aluminum CCAW voice coil
The voice coil on this subwoofer is a 3-inch high temperature, 4-layer, black aluminum CCAW voice coil. This makes extreme power handling possible for extended periods of time.
Besides just the voice coil being able to handle high temperatures quite effectively, the design of the motor structure is in such a way that there is continuous air flow.
With the high temp voice coil and an advanced airflow cooling design included on the subwoofer, it definitely is meant for anyone who’s looking for an above-average performance.
Dual 2-ohm configuration
Other than the voice coil being quite ideal in handling high temperatures, it's worth pointing out that it comes in a dual 2-ohm configuration.
This allows for it to utilize a lot of power regarding how much you supply it. In addition to this, you can wire it up differently depending on how your audio system is wired up
Comes with a high roll foam surround
Yet another striking feature of this sub is the high roll foam surround it comes with. This has got a large surface area for optimal bass production and at the same time, being made out of foam, it will maintain it's physical structure for quite a long time hence giving you quite a good musical experience at all times.
PROS
- 1Comes in a dual 2-ohm configuration for the best power utilization
- 2Advanced cooling air flow design to keep the internal components cool.
- 330-300 Hz frequency response for a high-quality bass
CONS
QUESTION ANSWER FAQ
Q: can it be run on a receiver directly?
A: no, you will need a box and an amp to get it going
Q: does the smell it comes with go away?
A: yes, once the glue burns off the voice coils
Q: does this sub come with a warranty?
A: yes, you should be able to see the warranty information on their website
Lanzar Car Subwoofer DCT15D
Durability = 80/100
Performance = 90/100
Installation = 70/100
The coil is a high-temperature coil and it's got a foam surround and a paper cone. With the RMS being 1000 watts and the diameter being 10.77 inches, it surely is the best 15 inch subwoofer.
Now here’s another one from Lanzar and I’ve got to say, as far as the best 15 inch subwoofers are concerned, this one’s got quite a lot to offer you than most in its class. From the design and build quality down to the tiniest detail of the performance, it surely will be worth every penny.
Here’s why it just might be the best for you…
1000-watt RMS and 2000-watt peak power
The power handling is just but one among many other striking features on this 15-inch subwoofer. Considering you’ll be getting as much as 1000 Watts for the RMS and 2000 watts for the peak. It will definitely be pumping out quite a loud bass.
As much as the power handling capacity is outstanding, the rule of thumb in this sub, just as it goes for any other subwoofer, is that you should strive to maintain the RMS range. This way, you’ll not risk blowing the voice coil or any sound lags or distortions.
Big foam surround
The power rating is not all that determines which the best 15 inch subwoofer really is, don’t you agree? Well in order to get the bass going well, there’s a huge foam surround included on this sub. Being made entirely out of foam, it surely is not short-handed on the durability.
Also, since this is a non-fatiguing foam suspension, it will keep the equipment safe as well. The overall diameter is 10.77 inches which will definitely be easy to set up.
A large 15” paper cone
In order to produce a superior audio quality, you’ll be working with a 15-inch non-pressed paper cone. Though the paper is not entirely the best for a subwoofer, this one will function just as it's meant to as far as ideal bass production is concerned
A durable aluminum voice coil
It's important that the voice coil be as good as possible, right? Being a dual 2.5" high-temperature aluminum voice coil, you'll not have to worry about it being damaged by high temperatures.
Taking into account the power handling configuration coming with this subwoofer, the aluminum voice coil will come in handy, don’t you agree?
26 – 1.5kHz for the frequency response
Besides just the power rating and the build quality, it’s important to know how well a bass your subwoofer can actually produce and there’s no other better way to do this other than the frequency response.
The trick is normally to pay attention to the lower end of the scale in which case we’ll be having 26 Hz on the DCT15D which means the bass will be deep and clear. With the high end being a maximum of 15kHz, the midbass frequency will also be outstanding.
PROS
- 15.47” mounting depth for easy installation
- 2A big foam surround for quality bass production
- 3It’s got a high temp aluminum voice coil that will resist corrosion as well
CONS
QUESTION ANSWER FAQ
Q: can I use it on a stereo?
A:yes but only if there’s a separate subwoofer jack or an external speaker
Q: how much airspace in a ported box will it need?
A: 16”deep should be enough
Q: how many subwoofers do I get?
A: you’ll be getting only one
Skar Audio VVX-15
Build quality = 70/100
User-friendly = 80/100
Performance = 80/100
The power rating and the impedance are outstanding, it's got the push terminals on one side for easy installation and it does have high-quality cone and surround construction
We’re finally at the end of our review and we’ve got the Skar Audio VVX-15 which will definitely not disappoint you. Let’s get started by taking a look at how good the power rating is.
600-watt RMS and 1200 watts peak power
With the continuous power being 600 watts and the peak power being 1200 watts, the music experience that comes with this subwoofer will blow your mind.
As much as the peak is quite high, you should observe the RMS range to avoid blowing it up. The low-end bass production will be both responsive and accurate.
Competition grade paper cone & foam surround
For the material construction, you’ll be getting a paper cone and a foam surround. The paper cone is lightweight and rigid enough for the production of a quality bass. As for the surround, the fact that its foam means that you'll not only have a large surface area for utmost bass dissipation but it is also renowned for maintaining its original form for a long time.
With both the cone and the surround working hand in hand, you’ll simply get the best.
The dual 4-ohm coil configuration
The lower the impedance rating on a subwoofer, the better of the performance is. Being a dual 4-ohm coil, you can wire it up to end up with either 8 ohms or 2 ohms based on your connection and preference.
It will also be able to utilize the power optimally to get the bass loud and low just the way you like it.
Easy installation
Even with the best features, a subwoofer won’t be any good if you can’t have it in place without much of a fuss. With the presence of four push terminals all of which are located on one side of the woofer, it will be easy to set it up in place easily
PROS
- 1A 2.5” high temp copper voice coil for
- 2600-watt RMS should be enough for quality bass production
- 3Comes with 4 push terminals on one side for easy installation
CONS
QUESTION ANSWER FAQ
Q: is it a pair?
A: no, it isn’t
Q: will a sealed enclosure be okay to use?
A: this depends on how many watts you’re feeding it
Q: what is the mounting depth?
A: 9 ½ inches should be fine.
Final verdict.
So, here’s a rundown of the best 15 inch subwoofers you can purchase at the moment. It’s all about getting what you really need but not about the price. Whereas you may be forced to spend a lot of cash on some, you will only spend half as much on others.
The brand name is also something worth taking a closer look at. Some of the best brands such as kicker and Rockford will definitely come at a slightly steeper price. In a nutshell, there’s so much you will have to look into in order to end up with the best and there’s a lot more to consider than just the price and the brand. Simply take your time and you won’t be disappointed.