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Sealed v. Ported Subwoofer Enclosure: Which One Will Give Me the Bass I’m Looking For?


Include a Subwoofer In Your Car Stereo System Installation


Installing new car audio accessories can turn any ordinary drive into a whole new experience behind the wheel. And with so many ways to customize your system, it can be difficult to know which products will create your desired sound.


A subwoofer brings out the bass and clarity of your stereo, making it an essential part of car stereo system installation. But like other aftermarket accessories, there are different types of subwoofer enclosures to choose from. Installing a sealed or ported subwoofer will give you an entirely different bass.


When it comes to your car audio system, you shouldn’t have to rely on guesswork. At Stereo Depot, we’ve got you covered. Car audio is our forte, and we’re dedicated to helping every driver build a personalized sound system that’s all their own.


So, how are sealed and ported subwoofer enclosures different? Learning more about each one can help you decide which one is best for your car stereo system.


What Is a Subwoofer?

A car subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce the low frequencies of your sound. Although full-range speakers cover a large portion of the frequency range, only an aftermarket subwoofer can accurately reproduce low, hard-to-reach bass.


There are several benefits of including a new car subwoofer in your installation. Once installed, you’ll notice instant improvements to the performance of your sound system. You’ll also get to enjoy a deeper bass that aligns with your unique preferences.


What Does a Subwoofer Enclosure Do?

An enclosure is the piece that houses your subwoofer, and is an integral part of your car stereo system installation. Not only does it improve bass response, but it also protects your subwoofer from being overworked.


Enclosures also ensure your subwoofer is performing at its best. They prevent the sound coming from the rear of the cone from canceling out the sound coming from the front, and control cone motion to reduce distortion.


Two of the most common types of enclosures are sealed and ported. The design of each one reproduces a different kind of bass.


Sealed Sub v. Ported Sub: Deciding Which One to Install

Your subwoofer enclosure makes a huge difference to your sound, so you’ll want to be intentional about the one you install. There is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on your personal listening style.


Consider your preferred music genre, what kind of bass you’re looking for, and how much space is available in your vehicle before browsing our inventory in San Diego.


A sealed subwoofer will provide you with a tighter, more accurate bass. Like its name suggests, these enclosures are completely sealed and use a shock-absorbing design to control the bass.


They aren’t quite as loud as ported subs, but they elevate your sound with more defined low frequency passages. If you’re wanting to feel the bass in your chest and throughout the cabin, a sealed sub is the perfect addition to your car audio installation.


Ported, or vented, subwoofers are known for the loud, booming bass they reproduce. These enclosures create that rattling noise that is often associated with subwoofers and send a vibration through your car’s body panels. A ported enclosure is best for reproducing the low frequencies typically found in rap and hip-hop music.


In a ported enclosure, the port resonates like a pipe organ and works with the woofer to generate a deep bass. These enclosures are usually larger than their sealed counterparts, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough space before selecting it for your installation. Our team at Stereo Depot can take a look at your vehicle and confirm whether this enclosure will fit in your ride.


Boost Your Bass With a Subwoofer Enclosure in San Diego and El Cajon

No matter what type of bass you desire, we’ve got a subwoofer enclosure to fit your every need at Stereo Depot. Our inventory is stocked with subwoofers from top audio brands, including both sealed and ported subs.


You won’t have to break your budget to install a high-quality subwoofer. We have subwoofers from JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Kenwood, and more for a price you won’t find anywhere else. You can even try before you buy at one of our two locations!


When you’re ready to upgrade your ride with a new car subwoofer, check out our online inventory. Then, visit us in San Diego or El Cajon to meet with one of our audio experts and find an enclosure that gives you the bass you’re yearning for.


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