Most active subs can’t compete with passive subs because the active sub comes with a smaller built-in amp, while the passive sub will rely on an external amp, which is usually pretty powerful. However, the RW10CA has proven that good things do come in small packages.
This active sub by Rockville provides some serious power. It’s considered an under the seat sub, which makes put the subwoofer in your car a breeze. Additionally, its slim design is perfect for any vehicle, especially if you’re tight on space but looking for a sub that’s powerful enough to carry your system.
Our Verdict
This Rockville powered sub features a built-in amp and a slim design that makes it easier to install. Additionally, the sub comes with a variety of controls that will allow users to adjust the sound settings based on music genre and user preference.
While it may not pack the same type of power that a passive sub does, it can handle most music genres easily, providing a rich, full bass that can enhance your music and boost your sound system’s audio quality instantly.
Read on to learn more about this popular sub, find out why it earned a top rating for ease of use, adjustability, and overall quality.
Table of Contents
Rockville RW10CA Review: Overview and Features
This sub features two hundred watts of RMS and eight hundred watts of peak power. Since it’s CEA 2006 compliant and tested by a third party, you know that this sub can produce the type of power the manufacturer claims it can.
Often, a manufacturer will claim that their subs offer a higher power rating than they really do. Rockville went above and beyond, ensuring their customers that they’re buying the real deal and a sub they can really depend on.
However, there have been some reports that the sub can overheat after a couple of hours of use if it’s not installed in a well-ventilated area, so keep this in mind if there’s not much space to work with beneath your seat.
Product Rating:
- High-level inputs
- Adjustable sound
- Easy installation
- Slim design
- Reasonably priced
- Durable construction
Design
Often, if you’re looking for a powerful sub that can carry your entire system you can expect a bulky design complete with an enclosure that’s difficult to install. However, Rockville had a space-saving design in mind when they created the RW10CA sub.
The slim sub can easily fit under the driver’s seat, which will not only save a ton of space in your car, it also means that it can be installed in a matter of minutes, without the use of extra hardware. The sub measures in at just over two and a half inches thick so it should easily fit under most car seats.
Installation Process
The manufacturer also obviously had an easy install in mind when they designed this sub. They equipped this model with a variety of high-level inputs so you won’t have to remote wire the sub from a receiver in order to turn it on or off.
The sub’s circuitry is designed to sense when an audio signal is present and will automatically turn the sub on once a signal has been detected. When the user shuts off their music signal, the amp will switch itself off. The sub’s high-level inputs also makes installing the sub a fast and easy process, making it a beginner-friendly model.
To install, all you have to do is wire the inputs to one of the speakers in your system. The fact that the manufacturer also placed the outputs and inputs on one side of the sub will also make for a more organized look and a simpler installation process.
Controls
The sub’s controls will allow the user to adjust the sound to suit their needs based on music genre. You’ll find controls for a subsonic filter, which will filter out any frequency that’s too low, volume controls, a bass boost feature, phase control, and a low pass crossover filter.
Pros
- High-level inputs
- Adjustable sound
- Easy installation
- Slim design
- Reasonably priced
- Durable construction
Cons
- Must be installed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating
Related Questions
Can This System Handle Mainly Bass-Heavy Tracks?
This sub can struggle with certain music genres, such as hip hop, since it only has an RMS rating of two hundred.
If you’re looking for a sub with a higher RMS rating, one that can handle EDM and hip hop, then you may have better luck with the Skar Audio 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer, which has a six hundred RMS rating.
Does This Sub Come with a Built-in Amp?
Yes. This is a powered sub, which means it comes with a built-in amp. With a passive sub you will need to purchase an amp and wire it to the sub.
Models with a built-in amp are more affordable and easier to install, however, they aren’t quite as powerful as subs that rely on external amps. If you’d like to learn more about how subwoofers work, click here to read our subwoofer’s buyer’s guide, where you’ll also find summaries of reviews for our top five subs that can deliver that deep bass you’re looking for.
Conclusion and Rating
Product Rating:
This active subwoofer by Rockville comes loaded with controls that allow you to tweak the sub’s sound based on user preference and music genre. The slim design and simple setup also allow you to install this sub in a matter of minutes, using the included hardware.
Its deep rich bass sound can easily carry your stereo system, even if you setup consists of stock speakers. Easy to use and offering a deep, full bass, we gave this subwoofer a rating of five out of five stars.
