You should use a SMALLER SUBWOOFER! 5 Reasons WHY!

Key product/review topic

This video is not reviewing a single subwoofer model. Instead, it argues why smaller subwoofers are often better than larger ones for many custom car audio installs, including tradeoffs around:

• Fitment and physical constraints
• Enclosure air volume
• Power requirements
• Weight
• Sound quality
• Cost

The only specific product mentioned is a compact amplifier used to drive a smaller-sub setup: AudioControl ACM 1-300.

---

Main points: using smaller subwoofers

1. Physical fit / more installation options

• Smaller subwoofers can fit in spaces where larger ones can’t.
• This increases where you can mount a subwoofer in the vehicle.

2. You can get more output with multiple smaller subs

• If you can’t fit one large sub, you can often use several smaller ones.
• Example trunk constraints:
  • 13” height limit
  • 32” width
  • 15”/18” subs aren’t viable for certain orientations due to height.
  • Even if 13” height suggests 12” subs, you may not fit three 12-inch subs in the 32” width.
  • But you can fit three 10-inch subs—often making better use of available space and improving diffuser area.

3. Enclosure air volume matters more than you think

Subwoofer performance depends on having the proper air volume for the enclosure and the driver.

• Example in the same enclosure:
  • 15-inch (yellow):
    • Loses power around 70 Hz
    • 3 dB roll-off ~43 Hz
    • Even with a box tuned to 30 Hz, the air volume is too small for the large driver.
  • 10-inch (blue):
    • Decays around 50 Hz
    • Flatter slope
    • 3 dB roll-off ~30 Hz

Key message: If you’re limited on enclosure volume, smaller subs often perform better.

4. Easier installation and weight savings

• Example weight comparison:
  • 10-inch: ~7.5 lb
  • 15-inch: over 15 lb (roughly double)
• Weight also increases because larger subs often require larger/denser cabinets to be acoustically inert.
• A smaller enclosure/sub setup is also generally easier to mount securely.
• Extra weight can matter for fuel economy.

5. Potentially cleaner bass (design-dependent)

• The speaker claims larger subwoofers can be more prone to hum and distortion by design.
• Caveat: it depends on the specific subwoofer design—there are larger subs that mitigate these issues.

6. Often more affordable

• Smaller subs are often around half the price of larger models.
• Using multiple smaller subs can sometimes reduce total cost compared to buying one large sub.

7. System benefits with multiple smaller subs

• More diffuser area
• Ability to apply higher total system power
• This can increase output—especially when driven effectively.

---

Sponsored/related gear mentioned (amplifier)

AudioControl ACM 1-300

• A compact amplifier with high-level and line inputs (can serve as a line output converter from factory head units).
• Includes AccuBASS technology:
  • Addresses head units that reduce bass as volume increases to protect stock speakers.
  • Helps bass stay more consistent as volume rises.
• Mentioned availability of 2-channel and 4-channel versions.
• Positioned as a “perfect” fit for a compact system using smaller subs.

---

Pros vs cons (as implied)

Pros of smaller subwoofers

• Better fitment and more installation flexibility
• Better performance when enclosure air volume is limited
• Easier mounting and weight savings
• Potentially cleaner bass (but not guaranteed; depends on design)
• Often lower cost, especially when using multiple units
• More diffuser area and potential for higher power handling/output

Cons / limitations (indirect)

• The video’s main downside is essentially: going larger only works if fitment and enclosure air volume are handled correctly.
• “Cleaner bass” is not guaranteed—it depends on the subwoofer’s design.

---

Comparisons made

Single large sub vs multiple smaller subs

• The tradeoff focuses on fitment, available width/height, and diffuser area.

15-inch vs 10-inch in the same enclosure

• 15-inch: 3 dB roll-off ~43 Hz
• 10-inch: 3 dB roll-off ~30 Hz

---

Overall recommendation / verdict

Recommendation: For custom car audio, don’t default to the largest subwoofer. Choose sub size based primarily on:

1. Available physical space
2. Enclosure air volume (especially)
3. Consideration of multiple smaller subs for fit, weight, cost, and potentially cleaner bass

Core takeaway: Space + system purpose first, then sub size.

---

Speakers/views

• Mark (host): Presents the main arguments, examples, and comparisons.
• AudioControl (sponsor mention): Supports the recommended compact amp (ACM 1-300) and explains AccuBASS and input flexibility; no separate non-promotional opinion beyond the sponsored segment.