As a music enthusiast, you might want to set up a subwoofer. 15 inch and 2 12 inch subwoofers are the best options out there for you. But, getting confused between the two systems is common.
So, you might be wondering which is better between 1 15 inch subwoofer or 2 12?
The coverage area of a 1 15 inch subwoofer is less than 2 12 inches. The bass of 2 12 inches is deeper than 1 15 inches. However, 2 12 inches need 1400 watts. Whereas 1 15 inch needs 1250 watts. 1 15 inch subwoofers can produce 92 dB(A) sound. But 2 12 inch subwoofers can produce up to 98 dB(A).
All the mentioned basic features aren’t enough to buy the perfect subwoofer. So, we analyzed everything in-depth for you guys!
Let’s start!
Quick Review
It’s very common to get confused between one 15 or two 12. Surprisingly, people don’t know whether to keep the subwoofer low-pass filter switched on/off.
To choose the best overall subwoofer, we need to see some features. So, let’s see a quick review of the subwoofers.
| Differentiating Factors | 15-inch subwoofer | 2 12-inch subwoofer |
| Bass | Lighter | Deeper |
| Power Required | 1250 Watts | 1400 Watts |
| Voice Coils | Dual 4 Ohm | Dual 2 Ohm |
| Driver Size | 15” | Dual 12” |
| SPL range | 0-92 dB(A) | 0-98dB(A) |
| Audio Latency | 30ms | 25ms |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz-250Hz | 35 Hz-200Hz |
| Coverage Area | Less Area | More Area |
The features can be compared easily just by seeing them. But, how does each feature make each subwoofer unique? Well, to answer those we need in-depth analysis.
Let’s jump into the in-depth analysis.
In-Depth Analysis
A single 15-inch subwoofer is better for clarity. However, 2 12 inch woofers can produce a louder sound.
Source: wdtn.com
There are different opinions on 1 15 inch subwoofers or 2 12 inches for cars. People tend to get confused about full-range vs mid-range speakers.
As a music enthusiast, you need to think about other things too. For that reason let’s see the in-depth analysis for the subwoofers.
Bass
Probably the main reason why you want to install subwoofers is bass. Subwoofer bass is the heart of the sound system.
Theoretically, a 15-inch subwoofer should produce deeper bass than a 12-inch right? Well, for most the cases that is true. But, when you use 2 12 inches, it produces deeper bass than a single 15-inch.
Summary: 2 12 inch subwoofers produce deeper bass than 1 15-inch.
Check out some of the best 2 12 inch subwoofers that we recommend:
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Skar Audio Single 12" 1200W Loaded Sdr Series Vented Subwoofer Enclosure | Check Current Price |
  | Rockville W12K9D2 12" 4000w Peak Car Audio Subwoofer | Check Current Price |
  | MTX Audio TNP212D2 Terminator Power Pack Subwoofer System | Check Current Price |
These 2 12 subwoofers are currently the best in the market. And they provide deeper bass and top-sound quality. Do try them out!
Powered Required
Another thing to notice is the power required for subwoofers. The power of a subwoofer will affect the amount of electricity consumed.
1 15 inch subwoofer requires 1250 watts. On the other hand, 2 12 inch subwoofers require 1400 watts.
Make sure that you’re using the appropriate subwoofer cables for your subwoofer.
Summary: 1 15 inch subwoofer requires less power than 2 12 inch subwoofers.
Voice Coils
Another key component of any subwoofer is the voice coil. A lower resistive subwoofer delivers a louder sound than one with higher resistance. But, the sound quality of a low voice coil can affect the sound quality negatively.
The 1 15 inch subwoofer has dual 4-ohm voice coils. Nevertheless, 2 12 inch subwoofers have dual 2-ohm voice coils. So, the 2 12 inch subwoofers will be louder. But, the sound quality on a 1 15 inch subwoofer may sound better.
Summary: 2 12 inch subwoofers will sound louder but 1 15-inch subwoofer may sound better.
Driver Size
The main feature of any subwoofer is driver size. Because driver size makes a difference in the frequency range, SPL output as well as bass level.
With that said, the 15-inch subwoofer has a 15-inch driver. On the other hand, 2 12 inch subwoofers have dual 12-inch drivers. Now, we have discussed before that 2 12 inch subwoofers produce deeper bass. It all happens because of the dual drivers.
Is a 15 inch subwoofer too big?
Not really. However, the sound clarity, resonance, mid, and vocal will sound much better in the 15-inch driver.
Summary: 15-inch subwoofers have a bigger driver size compared to 2 12 inch subwoofers.
SPL Range
Now comes the SPL range. The sound pressure level is crucial to know how much sound your subwoofer can produce.
We know a 15-inch subwoofer can produce more sound than a 12-inch subwoofer. A single 12-inch subwoofer produces 90 dB(A) of maximum SPL. However, 2 12 inch subwoofers can produce 98 dB(A) of maximum SPL.
On the other hand, 1 15 inch subwoofer produces 92 dB(A) of maximum SPL. Such a difference is created because 2 12 inch subwoofers can move more air.
Source: axleaddict.com
Summary: 2 12 inch subwoofers produce more SPL than 1 15 inch subwoofer.
Audio Latency
For any subwoofer, audio latency is an important factor. The short delay between an audio signal entering the subwoofer and exiting is audio latency. It is measured in milliseconds.
The audio latency of the 1 15 inch subwoofer is 30ms. However, 2 12 inch subwoofers audio latency is 25ms.
Summary: 2 12 inch subwoofer has 5 seconds less audio latency than 1 15 inches.
Frequency Range
The audio frequency range is vital when using a subwoofer to change the soundscape. You can customize the frequency range to your desire.
The frequency range of the 1 15 inch subwoofer is 20-250hz. On the other hand, 2 12 inch subwoofers’ audio frequency range is 35-200hz. So, a single 15-inch subwoofer can offer more range of frequency. You can also compare two 10 and one 12 inches subwoofer for a better decision.
Summary: 1 15 inch subwoofer has a more diverse frequency range than 2 12 inch subwoofers.
Coverage Area
A lot of people wonders if a subwoofer is too much for a single room. Which brings us to the discussion of it’s coverage area. Coverage area primarily depends on the ability to push air.
A 1 15 inch subwoofer is good when it comes to covering a closed medium area. However, if you want subwoofers for open-air then 2 12 inch subwoofers are better. Because they can move air more than 1 15inch subwoofer.
Summary: 2 12 inch speakers cover more area than 1 15 inch speaker.
Cost
Lastly, another thing to consider is the cost. Whatever subwoofer you buy should be good at quality over price ratio.
Typically, 1 15 inch subwoofers price range is 70$-500$. On the other hand, 2 12 inch subwoofers can cost around 100$-750$. Because you need to buy 2 same subwoofers so the cost gets multiplied.
However, an expensive subwoofer won’t necessarily have better audio than a cheaper one.
Summary: 1 15 inch subwoofer will cost less than 2 12 inch subwoofers.
That’s all about the in-depth comparison of the subwoofers. Do remember that loud sounds can cause health hazards like hypertension.
Source: axleaddict.com
So, Should you Go for 1 15 Inch Subwoofer or 2 12 Inch Subwoofers?
So, you have gone through the whole in-depth comparison. Yet you are still confused to choose the best subwoofer. Well here is our thought.
For more coverage, deeper bass, and louder sound then go for 2 12 inch subwoofers. The 2 12 inch subwoofers allow better amp configuration for bass guitar. Nevertheless, for better clarity and a budget-friendly option, go for 1 15 inch subwoofer.
However, we advise you to trust your ears. Each person has a different taste. So, before buying a subwoofer, do test the audio quality.
FAQs
Is it Possible to Use 2 Different Subwoofers?
Yes, it is possible to use 2 different subwoofers. You can use different sizes and even different brands of subwoofer too. However, the main downside is you won’t get the optimal audio output.
Is it Better to Install the Subwoofer Device Facing the Wall?
No, it is not a good idea to install a subwoofer facing the wall. The subwoofer should be installed with its face towards the room.
Is it Possible to Equalize a Subwoofer?
It is possible to equalize a subwoofer. Companies provide guidelines on how to equalize a subwoofer. For cars, you can use your smart car system to do so. For a home theater, you can use a laptop or TV to equalize your subwoofer.
Conclusion
That’s all regarding 1 15 inch subwoofer vs 2 12.
Here’s a piece of advice, you can underpower your subwoofer for lower energy consumption. However, your audio output will be lowered too.
Take care and rock on!
