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Are you looking for the best speakers? It’s no small project and is often full of questions and moments of inner doubt. You’re probably weary of scouring lists of the best subwoofers, tweeters, etc. But take heart because you won’t regret your hard work once you’re all set up. Right now, we’ll help you focus on the bass as we compare 8 vs 10 subwoofers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Remember, when selecting a bass, you mustn’t forsake impedance ratings. For info on this, check out our article comparing 8-Ohm vs 4-Ohm subwoofers.
Insider Tip
Many subwoofer size charts are available online to estimate what size speaker you need.
Aside from two inches, what are the biggest differences between an 8-inch bass box and a 10-inch? As the axiom goes: size matters. However, bigger may not always be better.
Whether choosing a device for your car, home theatre, or professional sound setup, you must understand how size affects frequency response. In addition, selecting a speaker that blends with your entire sound system is crucial because you don’t want the subwoofer to overpower the other speakers. Overall, it’s these decisions that help form an improved sound quality.
If you finish this and want to learn more about subwoofer driver size, we have another article comparing 10-inch vs 12-inch subwoofers.
When it comes to subwoofers, larger is louder. Bigger speakers provide more air displacement, meaning they move more air, increasing volume and overall bass output.
However, more volume isn’t always necessary. For example, if you want to watch or listen to content that isn’t dependent on bass response, like dialogue-driven entertainment, you may not need a full ten inches. Therefore, a 10-inch subwoofer may be too much if you’re in a smaller room. So always consider the space you’re in when selecting a speaker.
Louder doesn’t always mean better sound quality. In this case, either speaker size could take this category because sound depends more on component quality, impedance levels, and integration with the entire speaker system. Remember, there’s a lot that goes into sound quality outside of size. We offer further reading on topics like coaxial vs component speakers.
Warning
Always check your amplifier power before choosing a speaker. Selecting a speaker with an incompatible Ohm rating often leads to damage.
Those low on space should consider a compact subwoofer. An 8-inch model will have a lighter and smaller enclosure size, allowing greater placement flexibility. Conversely, a 10-inch subwoofer will need more space, limiting placement options. Also, if you want a smaller sound system, consider reading our article explaining what a passive radiator subwoofer is.
The bigger the speaker, the more you can expect to pay for it. Subwoofers cost anywhere from $20 dollars to up into the thousands. Of course, neither eight or ten-inch subwoofers will cost you that much. You’ll find decent units for both sizes available in the $50-$200 price range.
STAT: Subwoofers typically come in four standard sizes: 8, 10, 12, and 15. (source)
