When you hear the name Sundown Audio, what do you think of? Personally, I think of SPL monsters that can also get down musically. This is one reason Sundown Audio sticks out from the rest of the subwoofer pack. Sundown Audio subwoofers are purpose-built to handle the rigors of the basic beating down the block, to handing out “take-your-breath-away” demos, to also ruling the SPL lanes, all while making Celine Dion sound absolutely superb.
All jokes aside, Sundown Audio subwoofers are not to be taken lightly. No matter which series you use, Sundown incorporates industry-leading research, technology, and the best parts available in every subwoofer they build and offer. Whether you are new to car audio, or a seasoned car audio veteran, Sundown has a subwoofer for you. In this post, I will discuss the different subwoofer models Sundown Audio offers to help you decipher the differences and aid you in choosing which series is right for you.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Sundown Audio subwoofer line up, from the killer budget bangers, all the way up to the kings of SPL. We’ll talk about them all, right here. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Traditional Subwoofer Series
LCS Series
The LCS series is Sundown Audio’s entry-level subwoofer. Though it is considered “entry-level,” there’s nothing entry-level about it. Introduced to the car audio world in 2017, the LCS series was created to put an end to the stigma that entry-level subwoofers can’t stand up. While most subwoofers in this class struggle with mechanical limitations and power handling, the LCS series excels.
The LCS implements many features that the competition does not. The LCS series subwoofers have double-stack magnet structures and 2” black aluminum, long voice coils to give this sub 14 mm one-way X-max, which makes the LCS series a leader in the entry-level subwoofer class.
The LCS series is perfect for you bass heads that are on tight budgets. For entry-level, these will definitely not disappoint. You will not find a better sounding subwoofer for this price.
The LCS series subwoofers are available in a 10″ and a 12” version. The power handling rating of the LCS series is 300-watt RMS.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the LCS series, click HERE.
E Series
Introduced in 2012, the Sundown Audio E series has become a leader in the budget subwoofer genre. Many subwoofers placed in this category are limited by how they perform based on their out-dated technology and design, but not the E series.
The E series subwoofers feature a double-stack motor structure and longer voice coil to help it perform well above its competitors in the budget subwoofer category. One of the leading metrics of this series is its ability to push the limits of what we typically see in a budget subwoofer, in term of X-max. The E series is no slouch here. It can perform an astounding 14mm of one-way X-max and nearly 2” of peak-to-peak before coil bottom, according to Sundown Audio. In addition, the E series also sports a 2.5” voice coil (up from 2”) and upgraded tinsel leads. To remain extremely linear, the E series uses a super-strong poly-cotton spider, that is not only glued but is also bolted down to the frame.
What about construction? Well, the E series is no weakling here either. The all-new stamped steel basket provides all the stiffness needed to let this subwoofer rock without worrying about it destroying itself. To keep things cool when things get wild, the E series utilizes motor ventilation similar to the ever-popular SA series. This ventilation and upgraded 2.5” voice coil, give, in Sundown’s words, “thermal capacity unheard of in this class of subwoofer.”
Thoughts? The E series, for being a budget subwoofer, is not constructed like it’s a budget subwoofer. The features and technology that have been incorporated in this line far exceed any other subwoofer in its class. So, if you are looking to truly bang on a budget, look no further. The E series is for you.
The E series subwoofers are available in 8”, 10”, 12”, and 15” versions.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the E series, click HERE.
SA Series
Introduced in 2009, the Sundown Audio SA series has been, by far, the most popular Sundown Audio subwoofer line. This is plain to see when you look at its overall construction, and all of the features that are packed into this beast for the price.
The SA series, in my opinion, is the best 1000-watt RMS subwoofer out on the market today. Sundown has done an excellent job at designing this line, giving it an edge-up on even subwoofers that can handle more power. The reasons? First, let’s talk voice coils. The SA series features a 2.75” voice coil, and when combined with the improved ventilation, gives it a thermal performance that exceeds larger voice coils in its class. The SA series uses a double-layer spider with sewn-in and doubled-up tinsel leads to help reduce damage from clipping.
The construction of the SA series is second-to-none in its class. It features aluminum bolted-on surround clamps, vent rings, and a newly designed basket (borrowed from the U series). These newly tooled build features have made the SA series THE strongest contender in the mid-tier subwoofer market. All of these features are why the SA series is a no brainer if you want to step up from the budget class and add some SPL to your system.
The SA series subwoofers are available in 6.5”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 15”, and 18” versions. They are also available in the SA “Classic” 10” and 12” versions.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the SA series, click HERE.
U Series
So, now you want to start stepping up to the “big boy” subwoofers. Well, the beginning is right here, the U series. The U series is, what I would consider, the not so smaller brother of the Z v.3 series. What is great about the U series is that you get the same overall power rating and performance (1500-watts RMS) as the Z v.3, but for less money. How did Sundown do it? Well, according to Sundown, they have had numerous advancements in how they design and build their subwoofer lines. But, I won’t bore you with all that jargon. Let’s get into what makes the U series a top-notch performer.
First, the U series features a 3” four-layer aluminum voice coil, wrapped around an aluminum former. This voice coil configuration, coupled with improved ventilation, keeps this monster cool when you’re throwing down those daily demos in your local department store parking lot.
The rigidness of the U series comes from a completely new cast aluminum frame structure. This new basket design also allows for Sundown to use taller cones, which keep things highly stable under extreme movement. Just like the SA series, the U series also features aluminum surround clamps to keep everything in place.
If you are looking for a subwoofer that can perform as well as it looks, the U series is no joke. You get some of the features of the SA, Zv.3, and X series all rolled up into one killer package that won’t break the bank.
The U series subwoofers are available in 10”, 12”, 15”, and 18” versions.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the U series, click HERE.
X Series
Did you know that the X series subwoofers from Sundown Audio are the first subwoofers to offer their “ultra-high excursion” suspension and frame design? If not, well, now you know. So what makes the X series a great choice? Well, if you’re looking for some high excursion, this is the one for you.
The X series features a hyper-extended pole piece and improved clearances to allow for this behemoth to travel up to 4” peak-to-peak before coil bottom. The new motor structure is a triple-stacked setup that’s over 8.5” in diameter! The voice coil is a 3” four-layer “black coil” that can handle extremely high coil temperatures. This new coil has been wound around a thicker aluminum former to aid in the increase in the overall excursion. To keep things straight, the Mega-Roll surround has also been upgraded, making it stronger.
If you are looking for a 1500-watt RMS subwoofer that’ll give you that extremely SPL excursion, the X series is the subwoofer for you.
The X series subwoofers are available in 6.5”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 15”, and 18” versions.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the X series, click HERE.
Z Series
The Z series is the big brother of the X series line of subwoofers. It is also a step up in the line of the “ultra-high excursion” class of Sundown Audio drivers. This subwoofer is entering a different dimension in subwoofer performance. One look at the Z series in someone’s setup, and you’ll know they’re not messing around.
Just like the X series, the Z features a triple-stack motor structure that is over 9” in diameter. We’re talking beast-mode territory here. The voice coil is a 3” flat wire, four-layer aluminum coil wound on an aluminum former. This could configuration not only keeps mass down but also aids in heat dissipation. This coil is the same coil as the stock-configured NS v.3 series. The coil, combined with the extended pole offer basically bottomless travel at over 4” peak-to-peak.
The Z v.5 series is not a subwoofer for the faint at heart. This conservatively rated, 2000-watts RMS monster, is for someone looking to destroy the competition. So, if you’re in the market for a high-excursion SPL subwoofer, the Z series is the one.
The Z series subwoofers are available in 10”, 12”, 15”, and 18” versions.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the Z series, click HERE.
NS Series (Nightshade)
The NS series is the bad boy of “ultra-high excursion” subwoofers in the Sundown Audio lineup. This is the subwoofer you get when you want to decimate all in the SPL realm. When you see this subwoofer, you know right away that it’s the NS series. There is no mistaking it with the “other guys.”
The main feature of the NS series subwoofer is Sundown Audio’s patented neodymium motor structure. This motor structure has a hyper-extended pole piece and the clearances needed to give this subwoofer up to 4” of peak-to-peak travel before coil bottom. The motor structure also features a huge 1.77” magnetic gap, making sure the coil stays controllable under extreme use.
The voice coil is a 3” flat-wire, four-layer aluminum coil wound on an extra thick aluminum former. The voice coil winding of the Nightshade is an impressive 3.15” long, making it the longest wound coil of any 3” voice coil driver in the industry. This voice coil was designed to keep weight down, and maximize cooling, all while providing extreme, linear excursion.
The neo motor structure of the NS series combines heat-treated N48H neodymium magnets and several new ventilation improvements to keep the subwoofer and its voice coil cool, all while going this beast a 3000-watts RMS power handling rating.
The NS series subwoofer from Sundown Audio is for the true SPL bass head. It is not a subwoofer for someone looking to just play their N’Sync collection all day, even though you could. It’s for the SPL enthusiast looking for the best in the subwoofer game.
The NS series is available in 10”, 12”, 15”, and 18” versions. They are also available in a variety of voice coil, and other configurations.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the NS series, click HERE.
Team Series
The TEAM series is Sundown Audio’s top SPL-style subwoofer. These are the biggest and baddest in the car audio world if you are looking for high excursion and SPL. The TEAM series is for those wanting to be loud, I mean loud!
The TEAM series features a triple-stacked motor structure and hyper-extended pole that give this subwoofer the ability to allow up to 4” of peak-to-peak excursion before coil bottom. The voice coil in this bad boy is a 4” flat wire, four-layer, aluminum coil with some of the longest windings in voice coil production. The 12” version of the TEAM series features a nearly 3” long winding, while the TEAM 18’s voice coil is even more extreme at nearly 4” long. This allows the TEAM series subwoofers to push the limits of X-max without the coil leaving the gap.
The TEAM series was built with a couple purposes at hand. It was designed and built to destroy all of the music-based classes in the SPL lanes and it was built to handle all of the day-to-day musical applications. Either way, the TEAM series is a powerhouse.
So, if you’re looking for the biggest and the baddest Sundown subwoofer on the planet, the TEAM series is the one for you.
The TEAM series is available in 12”, 15”, and 18” versions. The power handling rating on this series is 5000-watts RMS.
For pricing, more information, or T/S parameters on the TEAM series, click HERE.
Sound Quality / Shallow Depth Subwoofer Series
SD Series
The SD series is Sundown Audio’s offering for those who have limited space, and are looking for an option to install in a sealed-enclosure application. The SD series was designed for the restrictive nature of sealed-enclosure installations, that is why they are considered a “shallower” design. Though not as shallow as other brands, the SD series incorporates features in its design to provide the lowest mounting depth possible while keeping it mechanically able.
What makes the SD series a great sound quality choice? The SD series, by design, lack a pole vent. This allows the backplate to be mounted flush to the rear panel of the enclosure. What about voice coil cooling, you ask? Well, Sundown has designed the SD series to have vents on the outside diameter of the pole and side-firing gap vents.
The surround is another key feature that makes the SD line great for shallower mounting depths. The SD series features the “W” surround that reduces the space required in front of the subwoofer to 1” clearance. This makes the SD perfect for applications such as behind the seat of a pick-up truck.
If you are not looking to blow your back window out, the SD series may be the choice for you. Its design makes it perfect for those who like to truly enjoy the musical experience within their vehicle, but have some low-end bass to compliment and bring it all together.
The SD series is available in 8”, 10”, and 12” sizes, and are rated at 400-watts RMS for the 8” version and 600-watts RMS for the other sizes.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the SD series, click HERE.
SLD Series
The SLD series is similar to the SD-2 series of subwoofers, but the SLD offers more of an SPL pedigree to the “shallow” subwoofer design. The SLD series was designed to work within a ported enclosure application making it great for SQ as well as letting you get down, as well.
Like all of Sundown Audio’s subwoofers, the SLD series is no slouch. It incorporated some of the same features that their traditionally popular designs deploy, such as bolted down spiders and upgraded tinsel leads.
If you are more of an SQ person, but like a little more thump in your system, the SLD series is the perfect subwoofer for you.
The SLD series subwoofers are available in 10” and 12” versions and have a power handling rating of 600-watts RMS.
For pricing, more information, and T/S parameters of the SLD series, click HERE.
Conclusion
When it comes to high-end subwoofers, Sundown Audio has the subwoofer designs and technology we all look for. I hope this post has given you some basic information about the Sundown Audio brand and the subwoofer series they offer. If you are considering Sundown Audio for your build, look no further than Down4Sound Shop. We carry all the Sundown Audio you would ever want or need..
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