Important Information About 5" Subwoofers – Now Available at Great Prices in the Masori Car Audio Online Shop
A 5-inch subwoofer, also known as a 13 cm woofer, is ideal for any car where there is limited space available in the trunk or side panels. Models like the popular W5-1138SMF from Tang Band are characterized by powerful bass reproduction and moderate RMS power ratings with a compact installation depth. Many beginners in the car audio field swear by these small car audio speakers because they can be easily installed in Audi, VW, BMW, Mercedes, SEAT, or Opel vehicles. Plug & Play solutions are often used to enable quick and straightforward installation. To ensure the car sound performs optimally, it is advisable to carefully plan both the amplifier control and the enclosure tuning in advance.
Technical Features and Variety of Equipment in 5-Inch Subwoofers
A 5" subwoofer is small but often features remarkable performance data and can be flexibly integrated into various car audio concepts. Common characteristics include:
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Power consumption: 30–60 watts RMS, depending on the model
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Winding structure: Multilayer voice coils for better heat dissipation
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Magnet structure: Strong ferrite magnets or neodymium solutions for high driving force
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Frequency range: Lower cutoff frequencies between 40 Hz and 50 Hz
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Peak load: Often 80–120 watts depending on the version
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Membrane material: Lightweight composite materials for high stability
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Typical impedance: 2 ohms or 4 ohms, suitable for common car audio amplifiers
Here is an exemplary overview in table form of data commonly found for 13 cm subwoofers in the car audio sector:
| Model |
RMS power |
Peak |
Frequency |
Impedance |
| W5-1138SMF (Tang Band) |
40 W |
80 W |
45 Hz – 2 kHz |
4 Ohm |
| 5" Subwoofer XYZ |
50 W |
100 W |
42 Hz – 1.9 kHz |
4 Ohm |
| 5" Subwoofer Universal |
30 W |
60 W |
48 Hz – 2.2 kHz |
2 Ohm |
Advantages of compact woofers
Small-format subwoofers like a 5-inch model deliver rich bass without overcrowding the interior. In vehicles with very limited space – such as an Opel Corsa, a SEAT Ibiza, or a VW Polo – these speakers can be discreetly integrated. Thanks to short-throw designs and targeted tuning, these car audio components achieve a full sound when playing low frequencies. Additionally, installation requires only minimal trunk space, which can be more problematic with larger woofers.
Tips for Installation and Fit for Different Car Models
For a 5" subwoofer to work properly in a car, various installation options are possible. Whether in the door area, in side pockets, or in specially made enclosures – the possibilities are diverse. Plug&Play kits are especially popular because they are tailored directly to vehicle models such as BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, or Mercedes C-Class. By using custom-fit mounting adapters and special adapter cables, manual adjustment of connections is no longer necessary. In the Masori car audio online shop, you will also find accessories such as:
- Amplifier cable kits for secure power connection
- RCA cables in different lengths for low-loss signal transmission
- MDF or GRP housing for optimal sound guidance
- Adapter cable harnesses for effortless vehicle integration
The right amplifier should be chosen already during the planning stage. 5-inch subwoofers with 40 watts RMS benefit from modern Class-D amplifiers, which often run well even in smaller cars without a strong alternator thanks to their high efficiency. Pay attention to the appropriate gain level so that the subwoofer is driven cleanly and no distortion occurs. If needed, our installation service in Frankfurt Oder is happy to professionally install your car sound system.
What buyers pay attention to when making a purchase
Anyone looking for a subwoofer in the size of 13 cm typically wants to achieve a bass boost in a compact format. Important criteria for a purchasing decision are:
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Precise installation depth: Check the exact dimensions in the car (e.g., under seats or in side panels)
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Frequency spectrum: Depth between 40 Hz and 50 Hz for powerful basses
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Membrane suspension: Sufficient stroke due to large-sized beads
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Material quality: Robust baskets and well-ventilated spider constructions
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Amplifier matching: Match RMS power and impedance to drive the woofer with optimal performance
Especially in cars with limited trunk space, smaller enclosures can be integrated much more easily. A bass reflex design is recommended here to get the maximum bass from the small diaphragm area. Closed enclosure variants, on the other hand, produce precise, impulse-accurate bass and usually take up even less space.
Manufacturer Portfolio and Specifications of the Brands
At Masori, you will find 5" subwoofers from Tang Band. Tang Band is known for innovative technologies and has decades of experience in building high-quality miniature woofers. The W5-1138SMF model is a prime example of a small woofer with great performance. Typical key data include:
- RMS power: 40 watts at 4 ohms
- Peak Power: 80 watts
- Frequency response: 45 Hz – 2 kHz
- Coil diameter: Four-layer voice coil
- Magnet: Ferrite with high magnetic flux
- Airflow cooling: Ventilated pole plate for temperature reduction
In particular, drivers of smaller vehicles such as Smart or Mini benefit from such compact solutions. Most large subwoofers take up significantly more space and are more difficult to install. Thanks to the compact dimensions, the back seat or trunk remains usable. Those seeking more information about perfectly fitting models can contact Masori's expert support directly or use the practical AI chatbot for compatibility checks.
Notes on optional Leid accessories
To optimally operate a 5-inch subwoofer, the following components are often recommended:
- Amplifiers with matching RMS values (20–50 watts per channel possible)
- Insulation material (Alubutyl or foam pads to minimize sound vibrations)
- High-quality terminal blocks and ring-shaped cable lugs
- Capacitors for higher power requirements
You can find all these accessories in the Masori car audio online shop. There, you can not only buy the desired subwoofer model online but also order the complete wiring harness for a hassle-free installation. If there are any uncertainties, our installation service in Frankfurt Oder ensures professional installation.
Variations and Installation Locations in the Car
The space under the rear seats is perfect in many sedans and compact cars to integrate a 13 cm subwoofer. But in some vehicles, there is also enough space in the spare wheel well to install the woofer invisibly and create a harmonious sound image inside the cabin. For BMW, there are often ready-made plug & play enclosure adapters that fit the subwoofer millimeter-precisely into the floor structure. This usually eliminates the need for tedious cutting or drilling. Such solutions are usually based on precisely measuring the available depth so that the diaphragm can vibrate freely. Depending on the power, crossovers can be integrated directly into the amplifier.
Effective planning for optimal bass
Those who use 5-inch subwoofers often complement them with high-quality coaxial speakers or component speakers in the doors. This provides a balanced reproduction of highs and mids and gets the most out of the small bass membrane. Precise crossover frequencies are set on the amplifier, for example at 80 Hz, so that the woofer only reproduces the low-frequency components. This relieves the mid and high-frequency ranges and leads to a more pleasant sound image. In car audio, the interplay between subwoofer, crossover, and door insulation plays a crucial role. This makes the overall sound significantly more dynamic.
Options for Getting Advice and Additional Services
Expert support from Masori: About the page FAQ & Help Buyers receive well-founded information on the topic of car sound and car audio components. Those with specific questions about installation depths or connection options get experienced support here.
AI-powered product discovery: The Masori Chatbot checks specifically which 5-inch subwoofer fits your car model. Simply enter the vehicle brand (VW, BMW, Audi, SEAT, Mercedes, Opel, etc.) and receive suitable suggestions.
Professional installation service in Frankfurt Oder: Those who prefer to play it safe can use Masori's installation service. Experienced technicians take care of professional installation, ensure clean cable routing, and adjust the amplifiers to match the desired 13 cm subwoofer.
Common Performance Areas and Sizes
Some 5" subwoofers are specifically designed for very deep bass, while others cover slightly higher frequency ranges and can thus also serve as a more flexible beat driver in a doorboard solution. Typical levels range from 40–100 watts RMS, which, combined with compact amplifiers, is often more than enough to provide a noticeable sound improvement. For higher levels and more punch, you should switch to a larger chassis or connect multiple 5-inch subwoofers in parallel, provided the amplifier can safely drive low total impedances.
Summary omission
Those specifically looking for a space-saving audio upgrade should take a closer look at the models in the Masori car audio online shop. Our 5-inch subwoofers fulfill the desire for rich bass support without taking up much space. Thanks to various small parts such as insulation, adapters, cable lugs, and RCA connectors, nothing stands in the way of a quick installation. Additionally, brands like Tang Band with the W5-1138SMF offer specially developed membrane technologies that generate amazing bass in small cars. In case of uncertainties, it is worthwhile to request professional help via the support channels or the installation service in Frankfurt Oder.