2 10 Inch Subs Vs 1 12 Inch Sub: Which Gives Better Bass?

It’s really each to get confused in the world of speakers and subs. There are thousands of them and combinations to work with. 

So, which one is better, 2 10 inch subs vs 1 12?

Two 10-inch subs can produce more punchy bass. Where a single 12-inch sub will produce distorted sounds. However, two 10-inch speakers will draw more power and require more space. But you do get more accurate bass with two 10-inch speakers.

There is more to learn about each set of speakers. Below we have given full details about each factor of both subs. 

2-10 Vs 1-12 Subwoofer: Short Comparison

All the frequencies of sounds are really important while listening to any music. In general, there are 3 types of frequencies. And the sub or subwoofer is responsible for the lower-end frequencies. There are different ways to hook up speakers as well. 

The lower-end frequencies or sound signal is also known as the bass. That is why some people refer to the woofer as a boom box. A speaker’s amplifier transmits an electromagnetic signal to the sub driver. Only then does sound come out of the speaker.

Source: https://www.varagesale.com/

There are a lot of sizes and shapes of sub-drivers. So which one is the best? Dual 10-inch sub or a single 12-inch. Below we have put the two options against the same factors. This way you can compare both equally. 

Factors	Two 10 Inch Subs	One 12 Inch Sub
Accuracy	More Accurate	Slightly Less Accurate
Bass Quality	Greater Bass Output	Less Bass Output
Performance	Less loudness	Really loud
Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Distortion	Less Distortion	More Distortion
Tonality	Better Mids	Better Low
Frequency Response	Narrow	lower
Size and Power	Bigger and Consumer More Power	Smaller and Consumer Less Power
Bass Effect	Punchy x 2	Boomy

These are all the key differences between the drivers. But for better understanding, we have given detailed information about each factor. Going through all the details can help you with your purchase decision. So what are you waiting for!

Extended Comparison

To be very honest, this comparison is quite alike to our comparison between 2 12 and 1 15 inch subwoofer.

Now, before we jump in here’s a table comparing the technical details of the two settings-

Differentiating Factors	2 10-inch Subwoofers	1 12-inch Subwoofer
Bass	Higher Bass output	Lower Bass Output
Power Required	700 Watt	700 Watts
Voice Coils	Dual 4 Ohm	2 Ohm
Driver Size	Dual 10’’	12”
SPL Range	148 dB	0-49 dB (A)
Frequency Range	76Hz – 360Hz	35Hz-200Hz

Now that you are here, let’s get started. Below you will find all the factors of a driver listed. And below each of them, we have given a detailed description. So help yourself and learn about the drivers. 

Accuracy

A speaker works when the electromagnetic signal gets transmitted from the amplifier. Now, how accurately can a driver output the sound?

Two 10-inch subs can perform better in this scenario. The sound it produces is much better than using one 12-inch subwoofer. A 12-inch subwoofer is much harder to work with for an amplifier. 

So two 10-inch subs are the winner here. All though, it is a different scenario if it’s 2 8 inch subs vs 1 10. 

Bass Quality 

The quality of the bass is really important. Not all drivers can output great deep bass. The bassy sound should not hurt your ear. Moreover, you should feel tumbling in your belly. 

In this scenario, a single 10-inch sub would have lost against a 12-inch sub. But when there are two 10-inch subs, there is much greater punchy bass. In comparison, a 12-inch sub will be great, but not as punchy. 

So, two 10-inch subs are winners here again. But in a comparison between, 3 8 inch subs vs 2 10 inch subs, three 8-inch subs win. 

Performance 

The word performance can mean a lot of things. But in this context, we are talking about how load can the sub get.

If you have put two 10-inch subs against one 12-inch sub, the 12-inch still wins. The two 10-inch subs can give you more punchy bass. But a single 12-inch sub can produce more power. 

That is why in 2 10 inch subs vs 1 15 home theater a 12-inch sub wins. 

So in this case, the 12-inch sub is the winner. But if you are asking, 2 subs vs 1 sub can? 2 subs are better than one. 

Quality 

Loudness isn’t everything when it comes to speakers. The quality is sound is more important. But it’s really hard to compare between low-end frequency drivers. 

All the subs are meant to output bass. The two 10-inch and a single 12-inch subwoofer’s quality of sound are similar. There are some minor differences between the two. But, it’s hard to distinguish on the basis of quality. 

Using speaker enclosures can greatly enhance the performance of your speaker. So here are some of our recommended enclosures for 10’’ speakers:

These enclosures help to amplify the sound of your subwoofer, greatly enhancing the sound experience. Try them out!

Speaker drivers are a great tool to use in making your own These are great for DIY speakers. But there will be always some difference between DIY and store-bought speakers. 

Source: axleaddict.com

But, in this case, it’s a draw between the two. 

Distortion 

No one wants distorted sound. The sound can get distorted if you put in too much volume. And the bass distortions can be really irritating. 

Although, if you use two 10-inch subs, there will be less distortion. Using a 12-inch sub can output more bass. But that means the sound will get more distorted rather than being punchy. 

So, the two 10-inch subs are the winner. In the case of 1 12 inch sub vs 2, two 12-inch subs will be heavily distorted. 

Tonality 

There are different sets of drivers for different frequencies of sound output. Subs are responsible for outputting the lower spectrum of frequencies. 

The two 10-inch subs can produce some mid-range frequencies as well. But the 12-inch sub can only produce low-end frequencies. In this case, 2 small subs vs 1 large car is a perfect comparison. 2 small subs are perfect to equally distribute the bass in a car. 

So two 10-inch subs are the winner again. 

Size and Power 

The size and power matter a lot when it comes to speakers. Even if the speaker is not portable, the size matters. 

Two 10-inch subs will consume more power and more space. Whereas a 12-inch sub will consume less power and require less space. 

So, to identify how many watts for 2 10-inch subs, I’ve to say it’s 700 watts. That’s the exact amount of wattage a 12-inch subwoofer requires. So, in terms of power requirements, they don’t have any distinguishable differences.

Now, there remains a question – how big of an amp for 2 10-inch subs?

For 2 10-inch subs, you’ll need an amp that can hold 200×4 RMS power. If you buy a comp that runs as 250 RMS, you’ll need an amp with more than 300 Watts. It’s really big as you’re using double the power here. So, make sure you are choosing the amp wisely for 2 10-inch subs. 

Built a subwoofer box today for the 2 10 inch subs that were in Luke's car. Hopefully they still work along with the amp. pic.twitter.com/HHKRywcBhv

— Patrick🇺🇦 (@KV_2Comrade) February 28, 2021

So, it’s a win for the 12-inch sub. If you ask 10 vs 12 subwoofer home theater, 12 inches is the one. Since 12 inches can give you the feel of a big boom. Although 15 inches is better if the comparison is between, 2 12-inch subs vs 1 15 home theater

Bass Effect

As Meghan Trainor said, it’s all about the bass. With subs, it is all about the bass. We all expect great punchy bass from a good subwoofer.

Two 10-inch subs can give you better punchy bass than a single 12-inch can. But a 12-inch sub’s bass is a bit different. Rather than being punchy. The 12-inch bass produces boomy bass. 

That is why a 12-inch subwoofer driver will be perfect for a DIY subwoofer for outdoor use. 

But, if you have to pick a winner, it will be the two 10-inch subs. 

Cost

Now, let’s talk about the cost. What do you think? How much does it cost to install 2 10-inch subs?

It will cost you around $100-$300 to install 2 10-inch subwoofers. If you go for an affordable option, you’ll have to spend $155 only. A mid-range setup is about $325. If you opt for a premium setup, you’ll have to pay $1000 for installation. And make sure you keep aside $100-$500 for labor costs.

Long story short, it’s always cheaper to install one sub than two subs. So, the single 12-inch sub is the winner here.

So Which One is the Best?

End of the day, it comes to this. The short answer is two 10-inch subs is better than one 12-inch sub.

But that doesn’t mean you should always get the two 10-inch subs. In certain scenarios, a single 12-inch sub is better. 

Based on the current market scenario, here are some of the top options for 12-inch subwoofers –

From the above discussion, if a 12-inch sub is fulfilling all your criteria, you should get that one. Two 10-inch subs will take more space and more power. Also, 12-inch subs are really boomy. So pick the right speaker wisely. 

FAQs

Can I attach Two 10-inch Subs in My Car?

Yes, you can attach two 10-inch subwoofers to your car. Although, remember two 10-inch subwoofers will draw a lot more power than a 12-inch. So make sure your car can back that up. 

What is the General Wattage Rating for Two 10-inch Subs?

10-inch subs usually come in 800 to 1000 watts and 4 or 8 Ohm. Do remember, bigger speakers require bigger amplifiers. 

Can I Use More than Two Subwoofers?

If there are multiple ports for subwoofers behind your amplifier, you can. Attaching multiple woofers is really common. But do remember not to use one port for multiple subwoofers. Subwoofers are extremely powerful. 

Endnote

That’s everything you need to know, 2 10 inch subs vs 1 12.

Do remember to use compatible amplifiers with powerful subwoofers. The final decision rests upon you. So choose wisely!

Have fun at the party!