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Expensive vs inexpensive subwoofer?
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Red Ryder
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 9:40 am    Post subject: Expensive vs inexpensive subwoofer? Reply with quote

I just installed an unbranded, powered 8” sub under the passenger seat. Aluminum case and wiring block look identical to more expensive models. Came with RCA cables, remote, and all needed install wiring for about $55. Sounds fine to me and adds just enough low-end bass to fill in our 4-speaker system. I suppose the difference between this one and a name brand model could be internal (better amp, speaker, solders, etc.), but for now I am satisfied. I know, I know — buy once, cry once. We will see…
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Franklinstower
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:34 pm    Post subject: Re: Expensive vs inexpensive subwoofer? Reply with quote

which Sub?
Link?
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Red Ryder
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 5:13 pm    Post subject: Re: Expensive vs inexpensive subwoofer? Reply with quote

Multiple offerings on eBay in $50-70 range.
One example: https://ebay.us/m/5fquXv
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“Most everyone’s mad here. You may have noticed I am not quite all there myself.” — Cheshire Cat, Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

“Scarlett” — 1990 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Edition (Tornado Red)
“Nigel” — 1999 Jaguar XK8 convertible (Alpine Green Metallic)


Last edited by Red Ryder on Sat Jun 21, 2025 6:45 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Glenn Premium Member
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 5:25 pm    Post subject: Re: Expensive vs inexpensive subwoofer? Reply with quote

Sometimes a brand subcontracts the manufacturing of a product. So the same product can be sold as the brand name and as you have an un-branded version.

Years ago I purchased a timing light made by OTC, weeks later I was at my friend's shop and saw is MAC timing light... they were identical, the only difference was his was over twice as much and came with a plastic case.

I did a quick internet search and found that OTC is the OEM for MAC electronics.
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khughes
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 5:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Expensive vs inexpensive subwoofer? Reply with quote

Red Ryder wrote:
I just installed an unbranded, powered 8” sub under the passenger seat. Aluminum case and wiring block look identical to more expensive models. Came with RCA cables, remote, and all needed install wiring for about $55. Sounds fine to me and adds just enough low-end bass to fill in our 4-speaker system. I suppose the difference between this one and a name brand model could be internal (better amp, speaker, solders, etc.), but for now I am satisfied. I know, I know — buy once, cry once. We will see…


Well, if it sounds fine to you then the only worry is longevity. *Cheap* speakers tend to have less robust cone material, cheap foam surrounds that can rot in the heat. Also tend to have more poorly made voice coils and smaller magnets, and the amplifier electronics speak for themselves.

But you have it installed, it does the trick for you, so enjoy it and worry about all that stuff if/when it dies. No one's opinion about the sound quality matters except yours (possibly she who must be pleased..). It's a vanagon, the likelihood that a high dollar sub would make you gasp at the difference is remote unless you build your own (i.e. not a self-powered box) with large drivers, crossovers, high power.

Just my opinion, others will undoubtedly disagree...
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