Skar Audio Guide: Subwoofers, Amps & Gear
When it comes to upgrading factory car stereo systems without emptying your bank account, few brands command as much respect in the basshead community as Skar Audio. Founded with a mission to deliver high-performance car audio equipment at competitive prices, the brand has grown from a niche startup into a dominant force in the mobile electronics market. Whether you are looking for a subtle upgrade to your daily commute or a competition-level system that rattles windows, understanding what Skar Audio offers can help you build the ultimate mobile setup.
The Evolution and Reputation of Skar Audio
Car audio enthusiasts are notoriously hard to please. They demand thermal durability, mechanical excursion, and crisp output. Skar Audio earned its reputation by refusing to compromise on these core tenets, even in their entry-level product tiers. By utilizing heavy-duty voice coils, advanced cooling designs, and robust magnet structures, the company bridges the gap between affordable retail audio and high-end specialty gear.
What sets the brand apart is its direct-to-consumer accessibility combined with engineering that mimics much more expensive legacy brands. This approach has cultivated a loyal following of DIY installers and professional shop builders alike.
Top Product Lines: Subwoofers
Subwoofers are the beating heart of the brand. Skar Audio offers several distinct series tailored to different power requirements, space constraints, and budget limits.
SDR Series
The SDR series is the quintessential entry-to-mid-level subwoofer. Available in 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch sizes, these subs feature a high-roll foam surround and a high-temperature copper voice coil. They are rated for everyday use, handling moderate power cleanly while delivering deep, accurate bass in ported or sealed enclosures.
EVL Series
For enthusiasts stepping into serious bass territory, the EVL series is a massive crowd favorite. These subwoofers feature a distinctive red stitching on the cone surround, massive ferrite motor structures, and a dual 2-ohm or dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration. Built to handle punishing amounts of power, EVL subs excel in custom ported boxes designed to maximize low-frequency extension.
ZVX Series
At the apex of their lineup sits the ZVX series. These are competition-grade monsters designed for extreme SPL (Sound Pressure Level) applications. Featuring massive triple-stack magnets and massive voice coils, they require serious electrical upgrades—including secondary batteries and high-output alternators—to reach their full potential.
Amplifiers Built to Power the System
A subwoofer is only as good as the power feeding it. Skar Audio designs a wide array of monoblock and multi-channel amplifiers to match their speaker lineups efficiently.
RP Series Monoblock Amps
The RP (Rapid Power) series of monoblock amplifiers is renowned for delivering rated power cleanly and reliably. Available in sizes ranging from 800 watts RMS all the way up to 4500 watts RMS, these Class D amplifiers feature efficient heat sinks, four-way protection circuitry, and remote bass knobs. They are a staple for powering single or multi-subwoofer setups.
SK Series Competition Amps
For those running multiple high-end subwoofers in competitive formats, the SK series provides strappable, high-voltage amplification capable of extreme output without thermal clipping, provided the vehicle's electrical system can support the current draw.
Loaded Enclosures and Complete Packages
One of the biggest hurdles in car audio is matching a subwoofer to the correct enclosure volume and tuning frequency. Skar Audio solves this by offering pre-fabricated loaded enclosures.
- Single and Dual Subwoofer Boxes: Built from thick, high-grade MDF and carpeted with durable automotive fabric, these enclosures are computer-designed and aerodynamically ported for specific sub models.
- Complete Bass Packages: These all-in-one kits include the subwoofer, the matching enclosure, a compatible monoblock amplifier, and a full 4-gauge or 0-gauge wiring kit. It takes the guesswork out of system building.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Before pulling the trigger on a new Skar Audio setup, it is essential to evaluate your vehicle's limitations and goals.
- Electrical Upgrades: Amplifiers pushing over 1,500 watts RMS will likely require a "Big Three" upgrade (upgrading factory ground and power wires) and potentially a stronger AGM battery or high-output alternator to prevent voltage drop.
- Trunk Space: Ported enclosures require significantly more physical space than sealed boxes. Always measure your cargo area before ordering a loaded dual-sub enclosure.
- Gains and Tuning: Setting your amplifier's gain properly using a multimeter or oscilloscope is critical to prevent clipping, which destroys subwoofers regardless of how well they are built.
Conclusion
Skar Audio has reshaped the aftermarket car audio landscape by making hard-hitting, reliable bass accessible to everyone. Whether you are installing a simple 12-inch SDR package in a sedan or engineering a multi-amplifier EVL system in an SUV, their gear punches well above its weight class. By matching your electrical capacity to the right amplifier and subwoofer combination, you can achieve concert-level sound quality right from the driver's seat.
