Are you thinking of upgrading the entire stereo system of your car? Using double subs can incredibly reduce the distortion and make car audio quality dynamic. But a 2 10s vs 2 12s, which is better set up for car stereo?
The answer is controversial because the ideal subwoofer size depends on some important factors. After considering frequency range, sound output, and sound quality, you can decide a 10 inch or 12 inch subwoofer set is best for you.
In this guide, we will talk on Details Comparison Between 10s and 12s. If you are interested to know the difference between a 12- and 10-inches subwoofer, then let’s start to read next!
Contents
A Detailed Comparison Between 2 10s vs 2 12s
The size always means something other than the quality and performance of a subwoofer. Here, it would help if you compare multiple things to get the right subwoofer for the audio system.
Frequency Range
A pair of 10″ subs will provide huge bass with deeper and lower frequencies. You will get enough power from the subwoofer to feel the music. Conversely, a 12 inch subwoofer offers deeper and lower frequencies than 2 10 inch subs. As a result, more enjoyable feelings will come from 2 to 12 subs. However, it is crucial to use ideal-sized amplifiers for 2 12s to get great sound from the 12-inch subwoofer.
We know that the Limit of audibility of humans is around 20Hz to 20 kHz. Now, a 10″ subwoofer can give you 40 Hz to 35 Hz sound. It is a great level to hear music and feel from the heart. If you use 2 12 inch subs, the bass sound would be 30-35Hz, too sober to hear and realize.
Bass Response
The 10-inch subwoofer offers more powerful bass and torque from low frequencies sound. On the contrary, 12″ subs offer deeper and more powerful bass. So, consider what type of bass response you would like to get.
Sound Output
A 12s and 10s subwoofer provides different sound output.Sound output depends on the speaker sensitivity. Since, 12” subwoofer is more sensitive speaker so, it will convert energy into more sound. And this energy will produce a louder sound. So, you will get the best sound output from 2 12″ subs than 2 10″ subs.
Audio Compatibility
12″ subs are good for rap music and heavy music. It can give you a louder sound for rap and race music without distortion. But, 10” subs are good to hear rock, metal, and country music without distortion.
Price
If you are in a tight budget then it would be good to go with an affordable sub. Good to know that a 10″ small subwoofer is affordable than the 12″. So, the 10-inch would be a better choice for you.
Sound Quality
The equalizer profile of 10″ subs is more powerful than the 12″. So, the sound quality is not only depending on the sub’s size.Also, it depends on the equipment used in subwoofers.
But there is some difference between two different-sized speakers from similar models. Note that 2 10 subs provide more quality sounds in higher bass. On the other hand, 2 12 s speakers provide more harmonic sound.
Installation
Subwoofer size affects the installation process. So, the size of a 10- and 12-inch subwoofer matters a lot. For instance, a 12-inch Rockford Fosgate sub needs a 1.79 cubic feet vented box for each sub’s placement. But a 10-inch Rockford Fosgate sub needs only a 1.4 cubic feet box for each sub.
Besides, 12-inch subs are deeper than 10-inch subs. So, 12-inch subs will require six inches of depth to mount it. But a 10-inch sub requires only 5-5 ½-inch depth for mounting.
If you choose 2 10″ subs for installing in a compacted space, then be sure it provides low-end power over 2 12″ subs.
What Sounds Better 10s or 12s?
You have already read about the core differences between 2 10 and 2 12 subs. Which would be best for your system?
Summarizing, we can see that each subwoofer is unique in its characteristics. So, we can’t make anyone win between 2 10″ and 2 12 inches because which will win depending on user preference.
We recommend considering your needs. For example, consider the bass response you love to get, the types of music you love to hear, the sound quality you prefer, and the price you can bear.
After considering your preferred features, compare those with 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers. We hope you can get a perfect one. Likewise, 2 12 s would be the winner when you consider a subwoofer between 4 8s and 2 12s.
What Are The Ways to Make Bass Sound Best?
Getting the best bass is the main reason to choose a double sub. So, size is not a big deal; everybody wants to ensure bass quality. Here are some considering things that help to increase the car bass quality.
Choose Music
Set your favorite music with more bass than average. Doing it before setting up subwoofers can help you to test the bass improvement.
Using High Pass Filter
Although using a high pass filter is controversial, it makes the bass sound better. If you increase the bass by 20-30 Hz, then it will increase the volume and power of the audio system. At the same time, boost a bit your chosen cut-off destination. It gives you a fundamental frequency that is clean and high in volume.
Set up The Preferred Volume
Start to play the music on your car’s audio system. Gradually increase the volume from the main stereo system until you get distortion in the low end. When your subs don’t handle low-frequency sound, it waves with sound output. Now, record the level where you got the distortion. Remember, the lower level of distortion is your maximum sound quality.
Using A Sine Sub
A sine sub can help to make your low-frequency sound smoother. Similarly, you can layer the bass to get a better sound. Generally, bass focused on low or mil frequencies. But adding a sine sub is good for smoother, low-frequency sound from primary bass.
Gain Setting
Gain adjustment on an ideal level is an important condition to get better bass. An automatic distortion may be produced when your gain setting is higher. So, keep the gain setting lower first. After that, turn the gain button up to the sign 70%. Remember that the gain setting should always be lower than the maximum volume.
So, hold the gain button until you hear a distorted sound. Turn over the gain button and bring it lower at the distorted point. And record the setting where you heard distortion.
Programming The Bass System
Applying some programming can help to get you more dynamic sound from the bass. Several basses can change the sound based on the velocity. So, make some changes in velocity when the bassline progresses. Besides, adding legato on the point where notes are slides one and other can give a more dynamic sound.
Compression
Compression is an excellent way to add punch and make your car audio bass smoother. Besides, setting up a threshold will provide you more even bass track. Note that the compression settings depend on the type of bass sound system. However, it is recommended to maintain a 4: or 5:1 punch ratio.
What Is The Best 10″ And 12″ Subwoofer?
There are many alternatives of 10” and 12” subwoofers in the market. However, we have researched and found out two excellent models of 10s and 12s. Let’s know about these.
1. Rockford Fosgate P2D2-10″ Punch Subwoofer
It comes with more Accommodating and power-handling features.
Features
- Featured on the dual voice coil, custom 10-AWG terminals, and fiber-reinforced paper cone
- Maximum power handling is 300 Watts RMS / 600 Watts
- It comes with a year warranty from the manufacturer and a Flex fit basket for well-mounting adjustment
- Kevlar reinforced cone makes it lightweight and bass-responsive
- It has come with Spider Plateau Venting and maximum motor performance
Although we have mentioned the top-notch best 10″ subwoofer features, you can use different alternatives instead of 10″ subwoofers. For example, Klipsch R-12SW, Polk Audio PSW10, Sony SACS9, and Personius Eris Sub 8 Compact are considered as the best alternatives to Rockford Fosgate P2D2-10.
2. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 inches has become a popular model from the series 3 subwoofers.
Features
- It is considered the best-performing punch 12″ subwoofer due to its reference quality bass production.
- Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 has a maximum 1200 power wattage and 600 RMS power.
- It is featured on the aluminum trim ring, temp voice coil, Nomex insulating reinforcement collar, and Stamp Cast basket.
Monoprice SW-12 12″ 400 Watt, MTX Audio TNP212DV Terminator, and Kicker 44CWCS124 are great alternatives for the Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 subwoofer.
Final Words
We hope you have comprehensively compared two different-sized subwoofers for car stereo 2 10s vs 2 12s. Your size depends on your music preference, car stereo system, and preferred volume. The output of 2 10 subs and 2 12 subs is precise and different. Overall, 10-inch subs are good for tighter and pluckier sounds. And the 12-inch subs set is good for more oomph and buzzing.
