Last Updated on: October 6, 2022
The best bass tubes for car combine a subwoofer and an amp to amplify low-frequency sound waves. It is compact but massive in terms of the sound that it generates, delivering a one-of-a-kind music-listening experience in your car.
To complete your car stereo set-up, a bass tube is a must-have. The best thing about these tubes is that they are compact, making them space-efficient.
If there is one that wins this review, it would be the MTX Audio RT8PT Universal Powered Subwoofer Enclosure. It stands out as the best bass tube because it has a subwoofer and amplifier built-in on a compact body to produce top-notch sound at a price you cannot resist.
Our Top Picks For The Best Bass Tube For Car
1. MTX Audio RT8PT Universal Powered Subwoofer Enclosure – Best Overall
Level up your on-road audio experience with the MTX Audio RT8PT Bass Tube. It combines an amp, sub, and enclosure in a compact but powerful unit.
It is praised in many bass tube reviews because of its ease of installation. Even as a novice, the assembly is an easy DIY task. It includes tie-down straps so you can easily secure the tube in place. The connections are also effortless, whether you are linking them to high or low-level inputs.
With its stiff polypropylene cone construction, it delivers deep bass with minimal distortion. Such a material is also known for not absorbing moisture.
This powered bass tube is excellent because of its numerous controls. This way, you can enjoy different ways to customize the sound output. For instance, it has gain control, which will let you match the amp’s input sensitivity.
Meanwhile, with the external bass control, you can make the necessary bass adjustments to fine-tune the audio output.
Based on the technical specs, it has max power ratings of 360 watts and RMS power of 120 watts. Nonetheless, some users report that the actual performance seems lower than what the manufacturer states.
Pros
- Easy to install even for novices
- High-quality cone construction for deep bass with minimal distortion
- Has a selectable output to match the requirements of an amplifier
- Allows users to adjust audio through external bass control
Cons
- Power is less than the advertised specs
Takeaway
Overall, the MTX Audio RT8PT is the best bass tube because of its exceptional construction, different options for customizability, and ease of installation.
2. Bazooka BT1024DVCBT Series 10-inch Bass Tube – Best Passive Bass Tube
One of the first things that you will notice in the Bazooka BT1024DVCBT Series 10-inch Bass Tube is the plastic grill. It is not only decorative but also protective. This will prevent the infernal components from getting dirty and easily damaged.
More so, it has a lightweight and high-excursion foam roll. It makes the bass tube more efficient while also enhancing its audio output.
Its acoustic damping fiber is also worth noting. It lowers resonance while increasing air space, which is contributory to making the tube a worthy addition to your car’s sound system.
Your purchase of this product comes with mounting straps and brackets. With the latter, you can customize its placement in your car, depending on what will yield the best audio quality.
However, before buying this bass tube, take note that it is passive. You will need a separate amplifier. The manufacturer recommends that the latter should have a minimum power output of 100 watts.
Pros
- Comes with a plastic grill to prevent damage to internal components
- Enjoy better efficiency and output with its foam roll
- Includes mounting brackets and straps for secure placement
Cons
- Does not come with a built-in amplifier
Takeaway
In sum, the Bazooka BT1024DVCBT Series 10-inch Bass Tube is praised even in other bass tubes reviews because of its protective grill, foam roll, and acoustic damping fiber.
3. Rockville RTB12A Bass Tube – Best Active Bass Tube
For car owners who are looking for an all-in-one solution, it is hard to go wrong with Rockville RTB12A Bass Tube. As an active or powered bass tube, it features a built-in 500-watt amplifier and a 12-inch woofer. This will deliver a powerful bass response for a more immersive sonic experience.
To deliver excellent sound quality, it also has a built-in bass equalizer. The latter will let you input the bass boost that you prefer through the control knob at a maximum of 18dB at 45 Hz.
The overall construction is also notable. It has a rear aero vent system that delivers a frequency response of 30 to 200 Hz and a vented tubular enclosure. These features are effective in ensuring proper thermal management.
This option for the best bazooka tube is effortless to install. It is already inclusive of two canvas straps and four steel brackets for secure mounting. No need to wire it in an amplifier since the latter already forms part of the tube.
Nonetheless, with 600 watts peak and 300 watts RMS, it does not hit as hard as the other more advanced options in the market.
Pros
- The built-in 500-watt amp greatly improves sound quality
- Set the bass boost that you want through the built-in equalizer
- Installation is a breeze
Cons
- Not as heavy-hitting as its more powerful counterparts
Takeaway
From its complete set-up to having options for customizing bass output, the Rockville RTB12A Bass Tube is a great choice to enjoy high-quality music in your car.
4. Alpine SWT-S10 Bass Tube – Best Peak Power Handling
With a peak power handling of 1,200 watts, RMS power of 250 watts, and a frequency range of 35 to 200 Hz, the Alpine SWT-S10 Bass Tube is one of the highest-performing bass tubes in this review.
Looking at its features, one thing that stands out is its solid build quality. It has a black carpet sealed enclosure that protects its internal components.
To add, it comes with protective gear on the side of the tube. This will prevent anything in contact with the tube from causing damage.
However, since it is a passive subwoofer, you will need an amplifier. Some might not like how this is an added cost or can make the assembly a bit more complicated.
Pros
- High power output to ensure top-notch performance
- Sealed construction to minimize wear
- The protective grill prevents damage to the subwoofer
Cons
- Requires an external amplifier
Takeaway
If you are on the lookout for the best bass tube car audio, Alpine SWT-S10 Bass Tube is worth considering. It has an exceptional construction but will require an amplifier.
5. Skar Audio SK8TBV Bass Tube – Best For People On A Budget
Take your car audio system to the next level without punching holes in your wallet. The Skar Audio SK8TBV Bass Tube stands out because it is affordable without compromising performance.
Despite being economical, it promises the best performance. Among others, such is possible because of its vented tube enclosure. It brings richer bass tones for more immersive music.
This small but powerful bass tube has a dual 2-ohm voice coil that is connected to a final impedance load of 1 ohm. It delivers a peak power of 400 watts and RMS of 200 watts. Meanwhile, the frequency range is from 35 to 250 Hz.
With its small body, it will fit in almost any space in your car. The best thing is that despite the compact size, it will produce punchy bass that will change the way you listen to music on the road.
While it has great overall value and performance, a common complaint about the product is the wiring kit. They can easily loosen, and it may be frustrating to constantly need to put them in place.
Pros
- Affordable while still being high-performing
- The vented enclosure helps improve audio quality
- Has deep and punchy bass despite being small
Cons
- Poor construction of the wiring kit
Takeaway
Small and affordable, the Skar Audio SK8TBV Bass Tube is a high-performing product that will deliver punchy bass to elevate your car audio system.
6. Bazooka BTA6100 Amplified Tube Subwoofer – Best For Corner Loading
A corner-loading bass tube makes it easy for low-end frequencies to stand out, which is exactly what you can expect in a Bazooka BTA6100 Amplified Tube Subwoofer.
While it has plenty of features that will satisfy even the most discerning music enthusiasts, one of the most notable is its subsonic filter. It works like a crossover, but the major difference is that it will eliminate certain frequencies for a clearer audio signal while improving bass flow.
You can enjoy effortless installation with this bass tube. It is already packaged as a 6-inch subwoofer and 100-watt amplifier.
While it is optional, you will benefit from installing a remote bass control module to make it a more valuable addition to your car audio system. With the latter, you can adjust different settings for the best listening experience.
It comes with a cloth mounting strap. However, many users complain that it has a weak construction, which might not keep the bass tube in place.
Pros
- Has a corner-loading design to optimize audio quality
- The subsonic filter ensures a cleaner audio output
- Compatible with a remote bass control module
Cons
- Weak cloth strap mount
Takeaway
The Bazooka BTA6100 is an ideal candidate for the best bass tube for car. It features a corner-loading design, subsonic filter, and remote module compatibility.
7. Kicker 46CWTB104 Enclosed Tube Subwoofer – Best Premium Option
If you are one of those who are willing to spend money for the best tube subwoofer, the Kicker 46CWTB104 is an excellent pick. It is expensive, but the cost is justifiable.
Among others, one thing that makes it worth every dollar is its heavy-duty design. Even after years of use, you can be confident that the quality remains top-notch. It is made of durable ABS to withstand wear.
The bass tube is also impressive because of its Santoprene rubber surround and polypropylene cone. Such materials help the product to maintain its shape even after years of use.
Looking at its technical details, the bass tube has a power handling of 800 watts peak and 400 watts RMS. The frequency response, on the other hand, is 25 to 500 Hz.
It is not only space-efficient, but it is also versatile. You can mount it horizontally or vertically as you wish. Regardless, you can expect the best performance.
The bass tube has an advanced heat management system. This way, it will stay cool even when playing your favorite music for an extended period.
Pros
- Comes with a durable housing
- Effective heat management system to keep the bass tube cool
- Has a wide frequency response for the best output
Cons
- Not for people on a budget
Takeaway
From the cone construction to the frequency response, the Kicker 46CWTB104 packs plenty of features that make it a worthy option for the best bass tube for car.
Essential Considerations When Choosing The Best Bass Tubes for Cars
To help you decide what to buy, below are some of the most important factors to consider:
a. Type Of Bass Tube
If you are looking for a complete set, then you should go for powered or active bass tubes. They have an all-in-one build, which means that it is already inclusive of an amplifier and a subwoofer. It is both affordable and versatile. Plus, it will also simplify installation.
On the other hand, a passive or unpowered bass tube means that there is no amplifier. You will need to connect one externally, which can be an added cost. It also requires additional effort for installation. The beauty of this, however, is that you are free to choose the amplifier to connect depending on the performance that you want.
b. Frequency
Going through the technical specifications is a must when choosing the best tube subwoofer. Among others, one thing that you should understand is the frequency. Most will have a frequency of up to 300 Hz. The frequency must be compatible with the other parts of your car’s sound system to ensure optimum performance.
c. Power
As you scour the market for the perfect choice, one of the most important technical specifications to understand is the power rating. Expressed as wattage, it will determine the overall performance of the bass tube.
There are two numbers to look at. The first is the peak power, which is the highest wattage that the bass tube can reach without getting blown or burnt. On the other hand, RMS or root mean square watts refers to the continuous power that the device can handle.
d. Build Quality
Consider as well how durable the bass tube is. Find one made using top-notch materials for long-term functionality. From the cone to the grill, look at its overall construction and choose products made using high-quality materials. It will also be good if it has effective heat management to minimize wear.
e. Ease of Installation
Some bass tubes will require professional installation. The best ones, however, should be simple, so you can assemble the unit in your car even by yourself. You can save money by not paying a pro. It should also come with the accessories that you will need such as mounting brackets.
f. Audio Quality
If there is only one thing you must look at, it would be the quality of the audio that the bass tube can produce. It will be a result of various factors, including power, frequency response, and construction.
Pro Auto Thought: If you’re unsure about bass tubes, then maybe you might want to try our other choice picks — Best Under Seat Subwoofer.
Watch This!
Need help using bass tubes at home? Watch and learn from the short video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bass tube better than a box?
Yes, in a way. A bass tube is a better option if you are on a budget and if you have limited space to spare in your car. On the other hand, a bass box has the advantage of having higher power, especially because it comes with a separate amp. It is more expensive though but has a higher sound quality compared to a bass tube.
Can I use bass tubes at home?
Yes, you can use bass tubes at home. They are compact, so space won’t be an issue. Best of all, they are also easy to install. You will need a regulated power supply that meets the technical requirements of the tube. Speaker and line-level inputs are also necessary, depending on the type of bass tube you are using.
Conclusion
Looking for the best bass tube for a car? The MTX Audio RT8PT Universal Powered Subwoofer Enclosure wins this review. It is a subwoofer and amplifier rolled in a compact product delivering punchy music despite its compact body. It allows external bass control, so you can fine-tune the music as you want to.
Are there other bass tubes that you would like to add to this list? Feel free to leave a comment below.