What's the Best Budget Car Audio System?
Audio Intensity What's the Best Budget Car Audio System? Maximum performance per dolla...
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World-Class Sound Quality | Dual 4Ω Voice Coils
Lightweight Neodymium Motor | Optimized for Small Sealed Enclosures | Previous Display - Never Seen Power
Premium Sound Quality Subwoofer | Patented Cast Aluminum Frame | 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
The Sundown Audio SD-4 Series v.4 10" Neo Subwoofer truly represents a world-class sound quality woofer with low mounting depth, small box requirements, yet extraordinarily high power handling. It's the ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, low-mounting-depth subwoofer that performs like a hammer in small enclosures. With 600 watts RMS power handling, dual 4-ohm voice coils, and lightweight Neodymium motor, the SD-4 delivers enhanced mechanical durability and superb sound quality—the perfect marriage of form and function. Featuring a 2-inch 8-layer copper voice coil, computer-optimized foam "W" surround, and patented high-strength cast aluminum frame, the SD-4 Series v.4 represents Sundown Audio's commitment to engineering excellence and sonic performance.
| Parameter | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fs (Resonant Frequency) | 27.12 Hz | Exceptionally low Fs enables deep bass extension—ideal for sealed enclosure designs with extended low-frequency response |
| Qts (Total Q) | 0.5554 | Optimal for sealed enclosures—delivers tight, accurate bass with excellent transient response and minimal overhang |
| Qms (Mechanical Q) | 4.6994 | Well-damped suspension system—provides linear compliance throughout excursion range |
| Qes (Electrical Q) | 0.6299 | Motor provides strong electrical damping—results in tight, controlled bass reproduction |
| Vas (Equivalent Volume) | 39.97 Liters | Moderate compliance allows compact sealed enclosures (0.5-0.75 cu.ft.) while maintaining excellent performance |
| Xmax (Linear Excursion) | 14.5mm | Excellent excursion capability for sound quality subwoofer—enables high output with low distortion |
| Mms (Moving Mass) | 164.03 grams | Well-balanced moving mass—delivers strong transient response without sacrificing output capability |
| BL (Force Factor) | 18.05 T·m | Very strong motor force—provides exceptional control and damping for accurate bass reproduction |
| Cms (Suspension Compliance) | 209.95 µm/N | Moderate compliance—suspension engineered specifically for small sealed enclosure optimization |
| Le (Voice Coil Inductance) | 9.12 mH @ 1kHz | Moderate inductance—Faraday ring minimizes inductance modulation for smooth high-frequency roll-off |
| Sensitivity (1W/1m) | 82.77 dB | Moderate sensitivity—optimized for sealed enclosure sound quality rather than maximum efficiency |
The SD-4 Series v.4's lightweight Neodymium motor represents a significant engineering advantage over traditional ferrite magnet designs. Neodymium magnets deliver exceptional magnetic field strength in a compact, lightweight package—reducing overall subwoofer weight by approximately 40-50% compared to equivalent ferrite motors. This weight reduction simplifies installation (especially in applications with weight constraints), reduces shipping costs, and makes the SD-4 ideal for motorcycle, marine, and powersports applications where every pound matters. Despite the reduced weight, the Neodymium motor maintains extraordinary magnetic flux density for strong motor control and low distortion.
The 2-inch diameter, 8-layer copper voice coil is central to the SD-4's 600W RMS power handling capability. The large 51mm diameter provides increased surface area for heat dissipation, while the 8-layer configuration distributes current across multiple windings to reduce thermal stress on individual conductors. Copper's superior electrical conductivity compared to aluminum delivers lower DC resistance and enhanced power transfer efficiency. Combined with high-temperature voice coil wire construction, the SD-4's coil maintains integrity even under sustained high-power operation—critical for sound quality applications where thermal compression must be minimized.
Sundown Audio engineered the SD-4's foam "W" surround using computer optimization to maximize linear excursion capability while maintaining consistent compliance throughout the travel range. The "W" profile (visible in the surround's cross-section) provides controlled restoring force that remains linear even at high excursion levels—preventing surround collapse and maintaining accurate bass reproduction. Foam material offers excellent damping characteristics compared to rubber or cloth surrounds, terminating unwanted resonances that would otherwise color the acoustic output. The result is a surround that enables the SD-4's 14.5mm Xmax with minimal distortion and exceptional linearity.
The SD-4 Series v.4 is optimized specifically for small, sealed enclosures—ported designs are NOT recommended by Sundown Audio. The subwoofer's Thiele-Small parameters (Qts 0.5554, Fs 27.12Hz) are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in sealed boxes ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 cubic feet.
| Specification | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Volume | 0.5 - 0.75 cu.ft. | Net internal volume after subwoofer displacement (0.09 cu.ft.) |
| Optimal Volume | 0.625 cu.ft. | Middle of recommended range—balances extension with transient response |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5 cu.ft. | Tightest, most accurate bass—ideal for applications prioritizing transient response over maximum output |
| Maximum Volume | 0.75 cu.ft. | Enhanced low-frequency extension—slight sacrifice in transient response for deeper bass |
| Ported Enclosure | NOT RECOMMENDED | SD-4 Series v.4 is engineered specifically for sealed applications—ported designs will compromise performance |
| Dimension | Specification | Installation Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting Depth | 4.43 inches (112.5mm) | Shallow mounting depth perfect for under-seat installations, slim enclosures, space-constrained applications |
| Outside Diameter | 10.86 inches (275.8mm) | Overall basket diameter—verify enclosure opening accommodates full frame with adequate clearance |
| Cutout Diameter | 9.20 inches (233.7mm) | Mounting hole diameter for flush installation—use router or jigsaw for precision cutting |
| Displacement Volume | 0.09 cu.ft. (2.55 liters) | Subwoofer displaces this volume—must be added to desired net volume when building enclosure |
| Configuration | Final Impedance | Amplifier Output | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series Wiring | 8Ω | Lower power output | NOT RECOMMENDED—most monoblock amplifiers deliver minimal power @ 8Ω |
| Parallel Wiring | 2Ω | Moderate-high power | RECOMMENDED for 2Ω-stable amplifiers—delivers 400-500W RMS from quality monoblocks |
| Parallel Wiring | 1Ω | Maximum power | RECOMMENDED for 1Ω-stable amplifiers—delivers full 600-800W RMS for maximum performance |
The SD-4's 82.77 dB sensitivity (1W/1m) is moderate for a sound quality subwoofer optimized for sealed enclosures. This sensitivity level indicates the subwoofer produces 82.77 dB SPL when driven with 1 watt at 1 meter distance. While lower than high-efficiency designs (90+ dB), this moderate sensitivity is intentional for sound quality applications—the SD-4 prioritizes accuracy, low distortion, and transient response over maximum efficiency. The trade-off means the SD-4 requires adequate amplifier power to achieve high output levels, but rewards proper amplification with exceptional sonic performance. In practical terms, pair the SD-4 with a 600W RMS monoblock to realize its full potential.
The 27.12Hz resonant frequency (Fs) is exceptionally low for a 10-inch subwoofer—and represents one of the SD-4's most significant performance advantages. Combined with the 0.5554 Qts (optimized for sealed enclosures), this low Fs enables extended low-frequency response down to approximately 30-35Hz (-3dB) in properly designed sealed boxes. This deep bass extension is remarkable for a compact 10-inch driver in small enclosures (0.5-0.75 cu.ft.), delivering infrasonic capability typically reserved for larger 12" or 15" subwoofers. The SD-4's ability to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music (kick drums, bass synths, orchestral bass) with authority demonstrates Sundown Audio's engineering excellence.
| Feature | Sundown SD-4 10" | Typical 10" SQ Subwoofers | SD-4 Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Handling | 600W RMS | 300-400W RMS (typical) | 50-100% more power handling—exceptional for sealed SQ subwoofer |
| Motor Design | Lightweight Neodymium | Ferrite Magnet (typical) | 40-50% weight reduction without performance compromise |
| Mounting Depth | 4.43 inches | 5.5-6.5 inches (typical) | 1-2 inches shallower—ideal for under-seat and tight-space installations |
| Resonant Frequency (Fs) | 27.12Hz | 30-35Hz (typical) | 3-8Hz lower Fs enables deeper bass extension in sealed enclosures |
| Voice Coil Diameter | 2-inch (51mm) | 1.5-1.75" (typical) | Larger coil diameter improves power handling and heat dissipation |
| Enclosure Requirements | 0.5-0.75 cu.ft. | 1.0-1.5 cu.ft. (typical) | 50% smaller enclosure requirements—perfect for space-constrained applications |
| Frame Construction | Patented Cast Aluminum | Stamped Steel (typical) | Superior strength-to-weight ratio, enhanced rigidity, reduced resonance |
The SD-4's patented high-strength cast aluminum frame provides exceptional rigidity while reducing weight compared to traditional stamped steel baskets. The cast aluminum construction resists flexing under high excursion, maintaining precise alignment of the voice coil within the magnetic gap. This rigidity is critical for minimizing distortion—any basket flex translates into voice coil misalignment and increased harmonic distortion. The aluminum material also provides excellent heat dissipation, conducting heat away from the motor assembly to maintain lower operating temperatures under sustained high-power conditions.
The Sundown Audio SD-4 Series v.4 10" Neo Subwoofer truly represents world-class sound quality engineering in a compact, high-power package. The lightweight Neodymium motor reduces weight by 40-50% while maintaining exceptional magnetic field strength. The 600W RMS power handling is extraordinary for a sound quality subwoofer optimized for sealed enclosures. The 27.12Hz resonant frequency enables deep bass extension down to 30-35Hz in properly designed sealed boxes—remarkable for a compact 10-inch driver. The 4.43" shallow mounting depth fits under-seat and tight-space applications where larger subs cannot. Combined with 2-inch 8-layer copper voice coil, computer-optimized foam "W" surround, patented cast aluminum frame, and low distortion motor construction, the SD-4 delivers exceptional performance that justifies the $318.99 investment. For enthusiasts seeking world-class SQ in small sealed enclosures, the Sundown SD-4 is a compelling flagship choice.
| Product Name | Sundown Audio SD-4 Series v.4 10" Neo Subwoofer - Dual 4Ω |
| Sale Price | $318.99 |
| Manufacturer | Sundown Audio (United States) |
| Product Category | World-Class Sound Quality Subwoofer |
| Woofer Diameter | 10" (254mm) |
| Motor Design | Lightweight Neodymium (40-50% weight reduction) |
| Voice Coil | 2-inch (51mm) 8-Layer Copper |
| Power Handling | 600 Watts RMS |
| Sensitivity | 82.77 dB @ 1W/1m |
| Impedance | Dual 4Ω (1Ω or 2Ω final wiring options) |
| Resonant Frequency (Fs) | 27.12Hz (Exceptionally Low) |
| Qts (Total Q) | 0.5554 (Optimized for Sealed Enclosures) |
| Linear Excursion (Xmax) | 14.5mm |
| Mounting Depth | 4.43 inches (Shallow Mount) |
| Recommended Enclosure | Sealed 0.5-0.75 cu.ft. (Ported NOT RECOMMENDED) |
| Frame Construction | Patented High-Strength Cast Aluminum |
| Surround Design | Computer-Optimized Foam "W" Surround |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty (Authorized Dealers Only) |
| Origin | Sundown Audio (United States) |
| Expert Rating | 4.6/5.0 - EXCEPTIONAL - WORLD-CLASS SQ |
| Recommendation | Ideal for sound quality enthusiasts seeking extraordinary power handling in compact sealed enclosures with shallow mounting depth |
The Sundown Audio SD-4 Series v.4 10" Neo Subwoofer delivers world-class sound quality engineering with lightweight Neodymium motor, 600W RMS power handling, and 4.43" shallow mounting depth. Perfect for sealed enclosures (0.5-0.75 cu.ft.), under-seat installations, and space-constrained applications. Exceptional performance—secure yours today.