Memphis Car Audio Subwoofers: What to Know Before You Buy
What a Memphis Car Audio Subwoofer Is
A Memphis Car Audio subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency bass in a vehicle. It works alongside the smaller door or dash speakers, which handle midrange and high frequencies. Memphis sells subwoofers in several product lines, with differences in power handling, cone material, and intended enclosure type. The right choice depends on how much space you can give up, what amplifier you have or plan to buy, and how much low-end output you want.
Common Sizes and the 12-Inch Option
Subwoofer size refers to the diameter of the cone. Memphis offers several sizes, including 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and larger models. A 12-inch subwoofer is a common middle-ground choice because it can move more air than smaller sizes, which tends to produce deeper and louder bass, while still fitting in many trunks, cargo areas, or under-seat enclosures in trucks and SUVs. A 12-inch model is not automatically better for every vehicle. Smaller cabins may reach satisfying output with a 10-inch sub, and very tight spaces may require a shallow-mount 12-inch design or a smaller cone.
Enclosure Type Matters
The box the subwoofer mounts in changes its sound and power handling. Sealed enclosures are smaller and tend to give tighter, more accurate bass. Ported or vented enclosures are larger and usually play louder at certain low frequencies, but they are more sensitive to tuning. Some Memphis subwoofers are designed for sealed boxes, some for ported boxes, and some work in either. Check the specific model because using the wrong enclosure can reduce output or damage the subwoofer.
Amplifier Matching and Power Ratings
A subwoofer needs an external amplifier; the factory radio or a typical aftermarket head unit does not provide enough clean power for most Memphis subwoofers. Two ratings matter. RMS power is the continuous power the subwoofer can handle safely over time. Peak power is a less useful marketing figure. Match the amplifier's RMS output at the subwoofer's impedance, measured in ohms, to the subwoofer's RMS rating. Underpowering a subwoofer is usually safer than overpowering it, but a severely underpowered amplifier driven into clipping can still damage the voice coil.
Installation and Vehicle Fit
Before buying, measure the area where the enclosure will sit. A tall or deep box can interfere with spare tire access, folding seats, or cargo covers. Trucks often need shallow-mount subwoofers or purpose-built enclosures that fit behind or under seats. Wiring also matters. A subwoofer install typically requires a fused power wire from the battery, a ground wire to bare chassis metal, RCA signal cables from the head unit or a line output converter, and a remote turn-on lead. If the factory radio lacks RCA outputs, plan for a line output converter or an amplifier with high-level inputs.
Ownership Trade-Offs
A subwoofer adds weight and takes up space. It can also draw enough current to affect the vehicle's electrical system, especially in smaller cars or when paired with a large amplifier. Upgrading the battery or alternator may be necessary in some cases, though this varies by vehicle and total system power. Bass output is also affected by cabin acoustics, so a subwoofer that sounds strong in one vehicle may need different tuning in another.
What to Verify Before Buying
Exact power ratings, enclosure volume recommendations, mounting depth, and impedance options are model-specific. Those details should be confirmed on the manufacturer's specification sheet for the exact Memphis subwoofer you are considering. Prices and availability change by retailer and region, so check current listings rather than relying on older figures. If you cannot find the specification you need, treat that as an unresolved gap and ask the seller or installer before completing the purchase.