Here in the Sonic Electronix copywriting department we have a lot of subwoofers coming through. My main job is to describe and write content about these woofers – so it’s common that you’ll find a stack of subwoofers near my desk. I get a bit of time with each of these woofers, and in this series I’ll help tell you some of my favorite subwoofer choices in different price ranges. This entry level series is going to include three different price ranges, and I’ll tell you which one is my overall favorite. I decided to only look at 12” subwoofers, because they’re the most popular subwoofer size.

Pioneer TS-W309D2

First and foremost I elected the Pioneer TS-W309D2 Champion Series subwoofer. This subwoofer is one of our more popular sellers, due to its lower price point and relatively high RMS power ratings. This isn’t the only place where this subwoofer shines, however. The reason I elected this subwoofer into the running is because of the build quality at its price point. Spring loaded push terminals weren’t sacrificed for budget reasons, and that’s a huge plus. The basket on this subwoofer is also constructed very well, and also has double stacked magnets. The Pioneer Champions subwoofers have a polypropylene composite cone, and a polymer surround. In my opinion these woofers are an excellent value for their overall build quality.

NVX N-Series Subwoofer
NVX NSW124

Second up is the NVX N-Series Subwoofers. The NSW124 is a perfect example of these value driven woofers. These subwoofers are a great option for those looking for more of a sound quality geared setup, but don’t want to sacrifice any overall output. These N-Series woofers feature a 2” KSV Voice coil, an impressively high roll rubber surround, and a polypropylene cone. These woofers are all housed in a stamped steel basket with push pin terminals, and have a very solid overall build. The NVX NSW124 is a great subwoofer contestant under $100, and I’d highly recommend them.

Sony GS 12" Subwoofer
Sony XS-GS120L

Finally up is the Sony XS-GS120L. This subwoofer almost exceeds our limit here, but stays under the bar. Although it’s the priciest woofer in this contest, it holds its own without a problem. The Sony XS-GS120L subwoofer is designed with very high components generally not found on entry level subwoofers in this price range. A very high quality mica reinforced cellular glass fiber cone is featured on these woofers with a rubber surround. A cast aluminum basket is used on these particular woofers, and it’s vented to allow for voice coil cooling; the basket also includes push pin spring loaded terminals as well. Sony went above and beyond getting these woofers a CEA-2031 RMS power rating of 500 watts. It’s very tough to find woofers that are honestly rated – and these Sony woofers took an extra hit on R&D to make sure that the consumer was getting the most accurate ratings, which is highly appreciated.

NVX Specs
A breakdown of the features found on the NVX N-Series

It’s hard to pick just one to top the competition. The Pioneer Champion woofer is an excellent woofer with impressive features such as the double stacked magnet. The NVX N-Series woofer has an extremely high roll surround, which is incredibly appealing to me. The Sony’s honest ratings and high quality cone make it a hard to deviate from as a candidate. If I had to choose one, regardless of price, to install into my personal vehicle – I would personally choose the NVX NSW124. I’m a sucker for that menacing surround and classic cone style. Also the 2” KSV voice coil and unique venting system gives me more flexibility with my amplifier.

Thanks for joining me with this segment of Best Subwoofer under $100. Next week I’ll be coming with a new segment featuring subwoofers in a higher price range. Let us know in the comments what YOUR favorite subwoofer at Sonic Electronix under $100 is!