Difference Between Powered and Non-Powered Subs? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

stuckinabox99 · 08-01-2006, 05:21 PM

Looking for subwoofers i see some are listed as non-powered while others aren't. Simply Whats the difference?

Steve · 08-01-2006, 05:26 PM

Is this for home?
Powered has an independant power source for an independant amp therefore has less draw from the receiver/amp of your stereo. the other uses power from the receiver/amp to drive it.
typically a powered sub is better

stuckinabox99 · 08-01-2006, 05:27 PM

no its for my celica...is one better than the other?

Im completly new to this stuff

chilltownnj · 08-01-2006, 09:17 PM

Looking at the question i woulda thought the same as steve in thinking it's for home audio. I've never seen a powered subwoofer for the car. But if their is either way you'll have to hook it to the battery to get power to it. And then all that would mean is that the amp for the sub is already supplied either in the case or outside on the case. I would go with a non powered sub/ enclosure and amp that matches for better sound and bass.

mazdaverx7 · 08-02-2006, 09:04 AM

powered subs have an amplifier built onto them and are one contained unit, box sub amp. kenwood makes one as does infinity with their bass link system. powered subs are for the car.

TheSummoner101 · 08-10-2006, 05:19 AM

^^ what he said, and also besides the basslink and kenwood junk, there's also a new alpine one and the bazooka tube comes amplified.

but if you want bass, get an external amplifier, custom built box, and decent subs. if you just want some bass, with a simple install, with not a lot of wires, and save some room in the trunk, get a powered sub.

powered subs are usually small in size and feature one small sub (or multiple hella small subs like alpine) but they are only to save space, reduce weight...