CpsChase
Junior Member
Square Subwoofers vs. Round Subwoofers
The shape of a subwoofer on the surface might appear to just be based on pure looks, but different shapes add unique beauty to audio sounds including hexagons, oval, and square. There is a ton more than just the look on the outside of the subwoofer than just the shape. Many audible factors change by the variable of the shape you want.
Volume and Surface Area
Subwoofer volume is calculated by the sound pressure created by the speaker. Cones with a bigger surface area will be able to push more air to move thus causing more powerful vibrations produced. When you compare a 10 inch round subwoofer to a 10 inch square subwoofer, the square will sound louder even though they are classified as 10 inches. This is all due to square designs having 4 corners to the cone's surface area. With the increase of surface area this translates to a larger volume of air and also more addition vibration. However on the downside, with the extra corners on a square subwoofer there's a chance of sound wave distortion. For round subwoofers, having no corners generates better sound quality with a faster response to the sound being played.
Power Efficiency
As mentioned previously, we've established that air displacement determines how loud your sub can actually get. For example, a round subwoofer will have more excursion than a square subwoofer at this same rate of time to produce the same amount of bass. So in conclusion square speakers are more power efficient than round speakers since they don't have to move as much of a distance, which will save more power.
Frequencies
Scientifically speaking, larger subwoofers can produce lower frequencies much more accurately. But as the size goes up it it harder to replicate the higher frequencies, decreasing the sound quality significantly. All of this means if you match a 12 inch square subwoofer with a 12 inch round subwoofer, round subwoofers will be able to replicate the higher frequencies due to the smaller surface area of the cone.
Cost Comparison
Without any doubt we know that round subwoofers are the most popular choice for most car owners. In addition to being cheaper than a lot of square subwoofers, they produce a higher quality sound. Another bonus is that they are more readily available, there is a larger selection of round subwoofers.
Looks and Space
It's hard to believe but a few people choose their subwoofers absolutely based on looks. Though it really isn't a very shrewd decision to go with looks alone, you can ultimately decide on any shape you want. But before you purchase! A big factor to consider is available space for your subwoofer enclosure. If you are purchasing dual subs into one single enclosure, round subs will take up more space. The circular round design technically waste space since there aren't any corners to align.
Decision Time
With all of these factors about shape our list continues with response, house, materials used, and size. All shapes have their own pros and cons, but in the end it simply comes down to what you want from your car's subwoofer. If you have the extra cash available, and you have a little less space available, then a square subwoofer is your go to. On the other hand if you are wanting to add another dimension to your sound system with a smaller budget limit you'll be best to go with a round subwoofer.
Thanks for reading! Article from Mobile Audio Shop Car Audio Shop - Mobile Audio Shop Premium Car Audio Store
The shape of a subwoofer on the surface might appear to just be based on pure looks, but different shapes add unique beauty to audio sounds including hexagons, oval, and square. There is a ton more than just the look on the outside of the subwoofer than just the shape. Many audible factors change by the variable of the shape you want.
Volume and Surface Area
Subwoofer volume is calculated by the sound pressure created by the speaker. Cones with a bigger surface area will be able to push more air to move thus causing more powerful vibrations produced. When you compare a 10 inch round subwoofer to a 10 inch square subwoofer, the square will sound louder even though they are classified as 10 inches. This is all due to square designs having 4 corners to the cone's surface area. With the increase of surface area this translates to a larger volume of air and also more addition vibration. However on the downside, with the extra corners on a square subwoofer there's a chance of sound wave distortion. For round subwoofers, having no corners generates better sound quality with a faster response to the sound being played.
Power Efficiency
As mentioned previously, we've established that air displacement determines how loud your sub can actually get. For example, a round subwoofer will have more excursion than a square subwoofer at this same rate of time to produce the same amount of bass. So in conclusion square speakers are more power efficient than round speakers since they don't have to move as much of a distance, which will save more power.
Frequencies
Scientifically speaking, larger subwoofers can produce lower frequencies much more accurately. But as the size goes up it it harder to replicate the higher frequencies, decreasing the sound quality significantly. All of this means if you match a 12 inch square subwoofer with a 12 inch round subwoofer, round subwoofers will be able to replicate the higher frequencies due to the smaller surface area of the cone.
Cost Comparison
Without any doubt we know that round subwoofers are the most popular choice for most car owners. In addition to being cheaper than a lot of square subwoofers, they produce a higher quality sound. Another bonus is that they are more readily available, there is a larger selection of round subwoofers.
Looks and Space
It's hard to believe but a few people choose their subwoofers absolutely based on looks. Though it really isn't a very shrewd decision to go with looks alone, you can ultimately decide on any shape you want. But before you purchase! A big factor to consider is available space for your subwoofer enclosure. If you are purchasing dual subs into one single enclosure, round subs will take up more space. The circular round design technically waste space since there aren't any corners to align.
Decision Time
With all of these factors about shape our list continues with response, house, materials used, and size. All shapes have their own pros and cons, but in the end it simply comes down to what you want from your car's subwoofer. If you have the extra cash available, and you have a little less space available, then a square subwoofer is your go to. On the other hand if you are wanting to add another dimension to your sound system with a smaller budget limit you'll be best to go with a round subwoofer.
Thanks for reading! Article from Mobile Audio Shop Car Audio Shop - Mobile Audio Shop Premium Car Audio Store
