4 8s vs 2 12s – Find Out The Right Subwoofer

Choosing an appropriate subwoofer size is important to get the desired frequency from the sound system. Among several subwoofer settings, 4 8s and 2 12s are popular. But which one is better, between 4 8s vs 2 12s?

The ideal subwoofer size depends on the frequency you prefer. In this case, you must know the characteristics and advantages of 8s and 12s.

In this guide, we will compare between 4 8-inch subwoofers and 2 12-inch subwoofers. Also, you will know which is better for your car audio system. Let’s move forward to explore the comparison.

What Makes Differences Between 4 8s vs 2 12s

There is some core consideration when choosing 4 8s and 2 12s subwoofers. Here are the considerations.

Subwoofer Size

Let’s compare both subwoofers based on their size, flexibility and audio quality. Also, you will know this Subwoofer’s power handling, installation location, and Subwoofer size

Setting up 4 8-inch subs requires around 201 square inches of area. By contrast, 2 12-inch subs require around 226 square inches of area. If your car has tight installation space, 4 8-inch is a better choice. Many often get confused to choose one between 2 10-inch vs 2 12-inch subwoofer. But choosing a subwoofer depends on multiple factors including user preference and conveniences.

Subwoofer Cone Area

A larger cone area means more air movement inside the woofer, giving more bass and louder sounds. 2 12-inch subwoofers come with more cone area than 4 8-inch subwoofers. In this case, it is essential to know what size amp for 2 12-inch subwoofer. Keep note that the best amp for 2 12s should have 800 RMS power wattage.

Complexity

Installing four individual subwoofers inside the car is a relatively complex process. Besides, the users should have enough expertise to maintain and set up 4 8-inch subs. On the contrary, 2 12s are easy to install, set up and maintain. Even there is no complexity to manage a 2-12 inches subwoofer.

Power Handling

Do 4 8s hit harder than 2 10s? No, 4 8s doesn’t hit harder than 2 10s. Good to know that 4 8 inches only handles a little power because these work combinedly. So, the lifespan of these subs will automatically increase. But you can’t bring your audio to a higher level of output.

On the other hand, 2 12-inch sub is powerful enough to operate the entire car audio. Due to handling too much power, the lifespan of 12 inches may be reduced soon.

Price Limits

The price of 2 12 must be less than 4 8 inches Subwoofer. So, if you are looking for something, go with a 2 12 inches subwoofer.

The Most Convenient Installation Places for 8″ Subwoofer

There are several installation options for four 8s. Both subwoofer installation has its advantages and disadvantages.

At the Cabin Corners

Setting up four 8-inch sub at the four corners will give you natural surrounding sound. As a result, the audio feels like as live. In this case, your car should have four individual installation corners.

Beneath the Rear Seat

Maximizing the underneath space to set up subs is convenient without making a hamper in sitting. But the passenger in the rear seat will feel the vibration from the bass.

In the Trunk

Sub-setting in the trunk cabin will give an excellent EQ that prevents vehicle metal reflection and improves audio quality. But you can’t store anything in the cabin.

Under the Front Seat

You will get more depth and focused bass frequency. Due to the closest setting of your ride, you will enjoy more clarity. Sound imbalance is common in this case because the subs are very close to the ears.

The Most Convenient Installation Places for 12″ Subwoofer

There are several installation options for 12s. Both subwoofer installation has its advantages and disadvantages.

Under the Rear Seat

Have you decided to install 2 12 subs? Then, the best installation place is at the rear seat. Installing an amp at the back wall is important to get the preferred hearing experience from this 2 12s setting.

Trunk Space

If you can’t get enough space to install at the rear seat, place the subs on the trunk or the third seat area. If alternative installation locations seem tricky, consult a professional installer and decide.

Operating 2 12s with RMS and volume cranking will give a unique pleasure from the audio system. So, you can also install 2 12-inch subs in 3 inches for shallow setup.

4 8s vs 2 12s: Which Subwoofer Is the Best for Car Audio?

We already discussed in the above section the features and installation of these subwoofers. The above discussion will help you to prefer one specific Subwoofer, 4 8s and 2 12s. 4 8s is the easiest way to get an excellent driving audio experience. 4 8s can distribute the bass evenly and improve the music quality dramatically.

On the other hand, using 2 12s also can provide desired audio if you set them up correctly. Ultimately, both setups are good as per the user’s preference. What you should choose depends on the car audio system, car size and the music output you prefer.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an 8 Inches Subwoofer?

Each 8-inch subwoofer has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore these differences.

The advantages of 8-inch Subwoofer

• An 8-inch subwoofer is compatible with small cars, small bedrooms and apartments. Using an 8″ Subwoofer is great if you want good bass without distortion in a small place.
• It is good enough for an average of 340 square feet of home theater. Neither an 8-inch subwoofer loses audio quality nor produces distortion in 340 square feet.
• An 8-inch subwoofer provides high-quality bass for a smaller car audio system.
• This Subwoofer relatively budget-friendly than a 12″ subwoofer.

The disadvantages of 8-inch Subwoofer

• It can produce distortion in larger rooms when you increase the volume. So, it is not compatible with larger rooms, home theater or car.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a 12 Inches Subwoofer?

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages can help you to make decisions when choosing a subwoofer. Let’s explore these differences

The advantages of a 12″ subwoofer

• A 12″ Subwoofer for more air movement. So, it can give more deeper bass frequency response. It works great when powerful and deeper bass is required.
• It can produce a louder sound than a smaller 8″ subwoofer. So, it is the perfect choice for heavy bass genres like hip-hop and R&B.

The disadvantages of a 12″ subwoofer

• You will need a larger space to install a 12″ subwoofer.
• It may produce some distortion in extremely high volume.
• A 12″ Subwoofer is relatively more expensive than an 8″ subwoofer.

What Is the Best 8″ and 12″ Subwoofer?

There are many alternatives for 8″ and 12″ subwoofers. But we have tested and figured out some impressive individual subwoofers. So, here is the review of one 8″ and one 12″ subwoofer.

1. PIONEER TS 8″ Compact Subwoofer

Pioneer Ts is a compacted and active subwoofer that improves your listening experience in smaller cars.

Features

• It is designed with a closed enclosure system to make installation easier.
• Comes with Built-in 170 W Max (50 W RMS power) and a Class D amplifier.
• Pioneer Ts is a complete audio improvement package with a signal input wire harness, power and ground harness.
• It has a digital bass control wired with a 16.25′ cable.

2. MTX TNP212DV 12 Inch Dual Loaded Subwoofer

MTX TNP212DV is one of the best 12″ subwoofers to get excellent bass frequency.

Features

• MTX TNP212DV 12 Inch is designed with 2000 watts maximum power and 1000 watts RMS power to beat with a powerful audio system
• Its dust caps are made from Polypropylene, which is lightweight but durable and uses less power.
• It has an n Special bass control knob that allows you to customize the system for the best audio experience.

Final Words

We hope you understand 4 8s vs 2 12s, which is most suitable for your vehicle. Compare the size, power handling, flexibility and cost of these two subwoofers. Then you can make a decision about which one is best.