Rockville SS8P: The Best Low Profile Powered Subwoofer for the Money - Review and Music Test

Perfect classic car hidden subwoofer!
Today we unboxed and installed a Rockville SS8P powered subwoofer. This is my third SS8 sub woofer I've installed over the years because of how well they work and the cheap price.
I also used Rockville's RWK10 10 Gauge Amp Installation kit, for such a lower power consumption unit - it's perfect.
Take a listen to the music test near the end of the video to hear it in action. I believe it blends really well with basic stereos and gives you that little bit of extra bass a lot of muscle/old cars and trucks are missing.

[@kyleburton2335]

All Rockville sub boxes are around %30 off on the website today! I was about to buy it, and decided to watch your review first.

[@big4g63t]

this review was hilarious! good job

[@MatthewFinlay]

Thanks buddy, glad you’re here!

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Tip for any future readers it’s a decent sub ran it for 2 years never any issues! I have recently upgraded to the 10” ss10p huge difference! The 10” is like 3 of these If you’re on the fence go with the 10” it’s only $40 more

[@t77snapshot]

Decent bass and 40 bucks worth of gas in my car for 2 weeks sounds pretty good to me

[@sadie6339]

Is it okay for me to use the RCA (through) output jacks on my Amplifier to send the audio signal to this subwoofer? It is located right next to where the subwoofer will be placed (behind my truck bench seat.)

[@MatthewFinlay]

You totally can BUT if you are doing any EQ’ing or anything adjustment wise on your headunit - it will also effect your subwoofer since they are “sharing” the signal. In most head units with a dedicated sub rca output you’ll have some control of the bass side. But what your doing is exactly what rca splitters exist for!

[@MatthewFinlay]

Thanks for watching, ya'll rock! Check out our review of my new favorite powered subwoofer - the HYANKA 8" kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqeun6CClL6EeZI

[@abalke6612]

You have a Byte and Company sweatshirt? Where did you get that from?

[@MatthewFinlay]

Customink.com - great prices on low volume orders!

[@robertprice9052]

I just installed one in my sons foxbody convertible. It’s in the trunk, so it’s a little muffled. It’s not too bad for what I paid. I may try to move it under the passenger seat. It’s uber tight, so that probably a no go. Oh, by the way; is your back seat plywood?

[@MatthewFinlay]

Oh yeah convertibles can be a little tough because it doesn’t have the roof to “keep sound in” and keep the road noise out. I’d recommend is experiment with pointing the sub up, to the front and to the back and see if it makes a difference in the trunk. Sometimes I’ve found that pointing them to the rear actually sounds better. Next could be phase button - have someone sit up front and listen and see if the button in or out sounds better. Youre adjusting the polarity of the speaker. If you don’t hear a difference don’t be surprised but it’s a possibility. Last is to pump the gain up a little, it’ll get to the point of boomy and sad but it can cover up some of the install complications. Lemme know how it works out! And sorta haha, I’m using front seats out of a new Ford Fusion in the front and back. Basically 4 captains chairs in a coupe - only works on land yachts haha. So I have upholstered plywood to cover up the opening between the trunk and cabin.

[@jv6miata]

I bought this have have my speakers wired using the high level inputs. It sounds okay, but in my 2003 durango it doesn't seem to add much. I have all the input turned up and it barely makes much of a difference. Is it possible that a bad ground will cause a quieter volume?

[@MartinRodriguez-gx9cs]

Quick question, when u run the rcas to the low do the high wires work automatically. Basically can I add 6x9s to it if I wired them to the highs on the harness?

[@jv6miata]

@@MartinRodriguez-gx9cs I don't think the amp can provide enough power for 6x9s. I ran a spliced wire directly from my rear speakers into the connector, I did not use a LOCoverter nor did I use RCAs

[@justinbowen1183]

You turning the knobs all the way up is your problem. Take it to a car audio shop and have them tweak it. Your ohase switch probably needs turned back the other way this was my issue. I thought it was a piece of shit unit the phase switch corrected it.

[@jv6miata]

@@justinbowen1183 I had one of my rear speaker inputs backwards. I found this out when I faded it to one side and it worked great

[@alfonsovelasquez6057]

Hey Matt. I hooked ups the same model the ss8p in a 99 solara and it sounds low. like almost know bse at all only maybe some songs. I hooked it up with speaker cable in the rear not RCA and remote combo. I tweaked it and tweaked it. it sounds just barely loud. no thumping. can you give me any pointers please?

[@miltoncortez7873]

Check your HZ, 50hz will sound bass notes. 150hz will not sound bass.

[@bwiren13]

Hook up to front speakers. Usually rear speakers in most cars have limited low-end range from the stock head unit/DSP.

[@automattic4202]

If your using an rca adapter off the speaker wires you usually wanna connect it to the factory sub if you have one bc the factory amp is more of a crossover then a true amp and sends all the lows to that factory sub

[@stephenwhite5444]

Your factory head unit is set up to filter out frequencies that your factory speakers can't handle, so they aren't making it to the sub. You can also try flipping the phase to see if it gets louder. Also make sure you have the frequency at 100hz or higher, this hz setting is the highest frequency you want it to play, with factory speakers id turn it up and let the sub cover some mid bass as well. Lastly, I'd see if your factory headunit has RCA for subs in back, that would be MUCH better, but I doubt it does, you'll probably need an aftermarket to get RCA, if you can get one with 4v-5v preout RCA outputs that would be best.

[@matthewkaptena9512]

How does this compare to Kickers Hideaway subs? Is the Kicker version worth double the price?

[@MatthewFinlay]

IMO meh… I’ve only been around a few Kicker units and while they do sound pretty good - for basically double price? Nah I’d rather build a stealth inclosure at that point.

[@matthewkaptena9512]

@@MatthewFinlay Thanks for replying. Kicker makes a similar stealth/underseat version called the "Hideaway", but it's $300 ($370 for the 10" version) 😳 Anyway I ordered the 10" Rockville. Hopefully I like it!

[@reoutdoors5457]

How do you like the 10?

[@colerubins6344]

how's the 10​@@matthewkaptena9512

[@matthewkaptena9512]

@@colerubins6344 I'm definitely happy with it. A lot more bass than I expected for the size, tbh. It doesn't dig deep, but the bass is tight and clean. I think it's been close to 2 years now, and it's still going strong with a lot of use.

[@12day1]

Are under the seat subs sold at best buy or other in person stores

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Some do… but it will be extremely limited choice and most stereo shops will have higher end ones like Alpine/ Kicker .. online will be your best bet so you have unlimited choices’ Tip: buy once cry once 😊 you’ll be happier when you listen to it everyday’ When you go cheap you’ll hear it and every time you’ll be kicking yourself saying I should have spent that extra $50-100

[@12day1]

@joshymcdaniel9233 yeah this is true i agree , I'm not gonna buy any cuz im used to two 12s so I will end up being very disappointed

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

@@12day1 100% agree you would be lol! Sadly under seat subs are to fill in the low notes sure they sound decent but nothing will EVER beat a full sub/amp in the trunk lol

[@MatthewFinlay]

@joshymcdaniel9233 THIS is a great explanation

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

@@12day1 I’ve had this one for 3 years actually never gave me 1 problem’ never overheated or cutout’ I think most ppl put gain on full which is not its purpose lol and that overworks the amp’ Mine finally started having circuit board voltage issues’ Replaced w/ same one but adding a 2nd one of them’ They’ll be here Tomorrow since “FedEx is always on time” 🤣 It really is a solid little sub for $100 I think ppl set expectations that it’s going to sound like a $1000 sub it’s $100 you get what you pay for

[@rashmedo]

By installing this. Do I not need to install an amp?

[@MatthewFinlay]

Nope it’s integrated! Pretty convenient

[@ssj_junior]

It’s currently $110 on Amazon with the install kit

[@MatthewFinlay]

Good deal!

[@10TPOPR]

Something like this can't possibly produce low notes. I know they claim it gets down to 20 Hz, or something, but where do you think it actually starts fading off?

[@MatthewFinlay]

Completely agree, I wouldn’t recommend this for someone that wants the BASS. But for a 1966 Mustang that needs mids AND bass haha or a 2012 Honda CR-V that needs to be hidden on either application? These things shine. 400w and a 8” shallow driver don’t help though. I expect starting at 80ish Hz you’re on the down hill spiral to about 30-40.

[@10TPOPR]

@@MatthewFinlay OK, that's not bad. Better than what I expected, honestly. It sounds like it would suite what I'm looking for. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@MatthewFinlay]

No worries! I’m not sure your application but if you have a spare tire well they make one that drops on there that is quite a bit more powerful. I also recommend installing these little guys upfront if possible under the seats. That’ll always help them “feel” more powerful than the really arr

[@10TPOPR]

@@MatthewFinlay Makes sense. I have a Lexus GX470 and, unfortunately, my spare tire carrier is outside the vehicle, underneath. I am looking for two of these under seat subs to put under the front seats. I don't need a ton of volume output since they will be so close, but I would really like to get something that gets pretty deep to fill in the bottom end. I really wish I could do a proper set up in the cargo area, but I want all that space for gear. I appreciate the insights, Matthew!

[@MatthewFinlay]

Ok with deep bass as priority with space saving second… I’d personally recommend upgrading the stock subwoofer location behind the passenger side cargo panels. Applying a box or two of sound deadening to that whole area AND to the factory plastic subwoofer enclosure itself. I’d then run a smaller footprint but higher power amp to a a decent spec subwoofer. Depending on whats inside of their sub enclosure (never scene inside the Lexus SUV boxes) I’d add poly-fill if it’s mainly hollow and not oddly shaped structures. You’ll get better lows, completely hidden and will be about the same price but probably less pain in the ass then installing under both front seats.

[@Eric.Mercado]

I could hardly hear much of a difference when you were adjusting the boost. I have this installed and I get a lot more bass from it than what I heard in the video. IMO, it's a good subwoofer but know that you won't get competitive booming bass. Nor will you get the bass that's going to be felt before heard. It's an 8" sub folks.

[@MatthewFinlay]

Where you listening to it with a sub? I’ve found it’s hard to hear if you don’t have at least a small subwoofer to replicate it

[@Eric.Mercado]

@@MatthewFinlay No. Just the headphones I regularly use but they're a good quality pair and I've never had issues with that before.

[@MatthewFinlay]

EXACTLY! That amount of people that expect the world from an 8” sub with a 20 amp fuse blows my mind. I’m reviewing the HYANKA version of this sub right now. I think it’s just as good but a little cheaper. Should be posted tomorrow

[@ubeuonly]

Same unit available in private brand for 79 dollars

[@MatthewFinlay]

What name did you use to search for it?? I’m assuming on aliexpress or????

[@ubeuonly]

@@MatthewFinlay saw the identical unit off branded on a KZbin post

[@fayettecountynewsguy15478]

I can’t tell any difference when you adjust it.

[@MatthewFinlay]

Try it on a tv, stereo, or nice headphones/ I can’t tell a difference on a tablet or phone!

[@tsomers01]

I can definitely hear a difference.

[@MatthewFinlay]

I think a lot depends on what your listening on too. It’s subtle but definitely a difference

[@MatthewFinlay]

Yup, what were you listening on if I can ask??

[@tsomers01]

@@MatthewFinlay I was listening on my desktop computer on a set of altec lansing speakers.

[@mrdrh99]

So my question with these units....I don't listen to hip hop/pop.... I'm just a rock and metal guy.... This should be pretty ok for that right? 🤣

[@MatthewFinlay]

Yes, I’d say you enjoy it more because of that haha! It’s starts to show it’s weakness in long sustained low notes specifically. I’m not a hip hop listener too much but it’s not bad, I’d say it’s on par with the factory system in a new car.

[@DanielJohnson-ec8rk]

Number A??? That’s a letter

[@jgscs61]

Don't waste your money on this particular brand, just work for a few days and stop work,the problems for the owners is the warranty trust me, if you want upgrade yo car audio buy a good brand's like Infinity, JBL,MTX,KENWOOD and you never get a future problems please 🤔👌🏽😉✌🏽

[@kodeman3515]

😂

[@vejita51]

Your doing to much

[@MatthewFinlay]

Thanks buddy!