The most underrated SQ sub out now?? Sundown SD3 10in subwoofer review [4K]

The video review introduces the Sundown Audio SD-3 10-inch subwoofer, highlighting its impressive sound quality and power handling capabilities. Despite its low profile, the subwoofer delivers a robust output, thanks to its 14.5mm one-way X max and 500 watts RMS power handling. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the sub's clean sound, comparing it to high-end home audio equipment, and credits the inverted surround for its excellent cone control. While the SD-3 is not designed for maximum SPL, it offers a good balance between sound quality and output, making it suitable for those with limited space or seeking a high-quality audio experience in a smaller enclosure. The video concludes with a recommendation for the subwoofer, suggesting it will impress users with its performance in a compact space.

Takeaways

• 📦 The Sundown SD3 10-inch subwoofer is compact and low-profile, yet it's described as 'beefy'.
• 🔊 It has a 14.5mm one-way X max, capable of handling up to 500 watts RMS power.
• 🌟 The subwoofer features a 2.5-inch voice coil and an inverted surround, which contributes to its sound quality.
• 🎵 The reviewer was surprised by the subwoofer's output and sound quality, especially considering its size.
• 🚗 Tested in a large suburban vehicle with a Sony big red es head unit, it performed well at 320 watts.
• 🐏 The SD3 is described as a 'sheep in wolf's clothing', implying it has a deceptively good sound quality.
• 🎚 The subwoofer had good cone control and was able to play up to 80 Hz cleanly.
• 📏 It's suitable for those with limited space due to its shallow design and can fit in a half cubic foot for a 10-inch model.
• 🔉 For those seeking a balance of sound quality and SPL, the SI series (10-inch or 12-inch) might be a better choice.
• 🏡 If space is a constraint, the SD3 is a good option for a shallow subwoofer that still delivers impressive sound.
• 👍 The reviewer recommends the SD3 for its sound quality in a small space and believes users will be impressed.
• 🎉 Shout out to Patreon supporters and a call to action for new patrons to join for exclusive content.

Q & A

What is the title of the video being reviewed?

The title of the video is 'The most underrated SQ sub out now?? Sundown SD3 10in subwoofer review [4K].'

Who is sponsoring the video?

The video is sponsored by Patreon, with a special mention to the sponsor's friend, the third era, and his wife Leslie Arambula.

What are some notable features of the Sundown Audio SD-3 10 inch subwoofer?

Some notable features include a 14.5 millimeter one-way X max, 500 watts RMS power handling, a 2.5-inch alloy voice coil, and an inverted surround.

What is the power handling capacity of the subwoofer when it is running at 1 ohm?

The subwoofer is ready to throw in 20 watts at 1 ohm.

How does the reviewer describe the subwoofer's performance in terms of sound quality?

The reviewer describes the subwoofer as having very good sound quality, with the inverted surround providing high-end home audio-like performance and good cone control.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the subwoofer's output?

The reviewer was surprised by the subwoofer's output, noting that it provided quite a bit of output in a half cubic foot sealed enclosure with 320 watts off the Sony big red es sub channel.

What is the reviewer's comparison between the Sundown SD-3 and the SI series subwoofers?

The reviewer suggests that if one is looking for a balance between sound quality and SPL, the SI series might be a better choice. However, the SD-3 is considered to have better sound quality and cone control.

What is the advantage of the SD-3 subwoofer in terms of space constraints?

The SD-3 subwoofer is a good option for those with limited space, as it is fairly shallow and can fit in a half cubic foot for the ten-inch model, making it suitable for small spaces.

What does the reviewer recommend for someone looking for a subwoofer with a large output?

For someone looking for a subwoofer with a large output, the reviewer recommends considering the SI series, which is known for its SPL capabilities.

How does the reviewer describe the subwoofer's performance at higher frequencies?

The reviewer states that the subwoofer played up to 80 Hertz beautifully, and could potentially go higher, but 80 Hertz was found to be perfectly fine for the setup.

What is the final verdict of the reviewer on the Sundown SD-3 10 inch subwoofer?

The reviewer highly recommends the Sundown SD-3 subwoofer, stating that it is a fantastic driver that offers impressive sound quality in a small space.

How can viewers support the reviewer and gain access to exclusive content?

Viewers can support the reviewer and gain access to exclusive content by becoming Patreon supporters at a pledge of $6 or more and visiting patreon.com/scishow Vega.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Unboxing and Features of Sundown Audio SD-310 Subwoofer

The video begins with a musical introduction, acknowledging the sponsorship by Patreon and highlighting the third era and his wife Leslie Arambula, an author, teacher, and editor. The host then introduces the Sundown Audio SD-310 subwoofer, emphasizing its notable features such as a 14.5-millimeter one-way X, max 500 watts RMS power handling, 2.5-inch alloy cone, and an inverted surround. The host expresses surprise at the subwoofer's compact size despite its robust build. The video continues with an unboxing segment, followed by a discussion of the subwoofer's specifications and a teaser for upcoming audio demonstrations and final thoughts. The host also mentions a promotional offer for PCB board prototyping and acknowledges a minor audio issue in the final thoughts section.

05:01

📻 Impressions and Sound Quality of the Sundown SD-310 Subwoofer

The host shares his final thoughts on the Sundown SD-310 subwoofer, noting that it exceeded his expectations. Initially, he associated the Sundown brand with Sound Pressure Level (SPL) competitions, expecting a focus on loudness rather than sound quality. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the subwoofer's performance in a half-cubic-foot sealed enclosure with 320 watts, achieving a good output. The host praises the subwoofer's sound quality, comparing the inverted surround's effect to that of high-end home audio equipment. He notes the subwoofer's clean sound across the frequency range and its ability to handle frequencies up to 80 Hertz without issue. The host suggests that if viewers prioritize loudness, they might consider the SI series, but for those with limited space or a preference for sound quality, the SD-310 is an excellent choice. He concludes by recommending the subwoofer and expressing gratitude to his Patreon supporters.

Keywords

Sundown SD3 10in subwoofer

The Sundown SD3 10-inch subwoofer is the central product being reviewed in the video. It is a type of audio equipment designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, which are the deep, bass notes in music. The review discusses its performance, sound quality, and suitability for different types of audio setups. It is described as being 'beefy' despite its low profile, indicating a robust construction for powerful sound output.

14.5 millimeter one way X

This term refers to the maximum excursion of the subwoofer's voice coil, which is a measure of how far the speaker cone can move in one direction. A larger excursion, such as 14.5 millimeters mentioned in the video, typically means the subwoofer can produce louder sounds without distortion. It is an important specification for those interested in the subwoofer's potential for sound pressure level (SPL) competitions or high-volume listening.

Max 500 watts RMS power handling

RMS, or Root Mean Square, power handling is a measure of the continuous power a speaker can handle without distortion. The Sundown SD3 subwoofer can handle up to 500 watts of RMS power, which is a significant amount and indicates that the subwoofer is capable of producing a high volume of sound without damaging the speaker components.

2.5 inch voice coil

The voice coil is the part of the speaker that carries the electrical signal and translates it into mechanical movement, creating sound. A 2.5-inch voice coil, as mentioned in the video, is relatively large and contributes to the subwoofer's ability to handle high power and produce deep, rich bass tones. It's an important feature for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound reproduction.

Inverted surround

An inverted surround is a design feature of the subwoofer that affects its performance. It refers to the shape and structure of the outer edge of the speaker cone, which can influence the movement and control of the cone. In the video, the reviewer suggests that the inverted surround may contribute to the subwoofer's good cone control and clean sound, which is a desirable characteristic for sound quality (SQ) applications.

SPL

SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level and is a measure of the intensity of sound. In the context of the video, SPL is associated with competitions and activities where the goal is to achieve the highest possible volume of sound from audio equipment. The reviewer initially expected the Sundown SD3 to excel in SPL due to the brand's reputation, but found that it also performed well in sound quality.

SQ

SQ, or Sound Quality, is a term used to describe the clarity, accuracy, and overall quality of the sound produced by audio equipment. The reviewer highlights that despite the Sundown SD3's potential for SPL, it also delivers excellent SQ, which was a pleasant surprise. The subwoofer's performance in SQ is attributed to its clean sound and good cone control.

Sealed enclosure

A sealed enclosure is a type of speaker housing that is fully enclosed with no ports or vents. The video mentions that the Sundown SD3 is designed for a half-cubic-foot sealed enclosure, which typically provides a tighter, more controlled bass response. This type of enclosure is preferred for SQ applications where the goal is to reproduce music accurately rather than to achieve maximum volume.

Low-cut

Low-cut, or low-pass filter, is a feature on audio equipment that allows the user to set a specific frequency below which all sounds will be cut off. In the video, the reviewer mentions being able to set the low-cut on the head unit to 80 Hertz, which means the subwoofer was effectively reproducing bass frequencies up to 80 Hz without interference from higher frequencies.

SI series

The SI series is another line of subwoofers from Sundown Audio, mentioned in the video for comparison purposes. The reviewer suggests that if the goal is to achieve a balance between SPL and SQ, the SI series might be a better choice. It implies that the SI series is known for its ability to produce loud, clear sound, making it a good option for those looking for versatility in their audio setup.

Shallow subwoofer

A shallow subwoofer is designed to be compact, allowing it to fit into smaller spaces without compromising on sound quality. The video discusses the Sundown SD3 as a good option for those with limited space, as it can fit into a half-cubic-foot sealed enclosure and still deliver impressive sound. This makes it suitable for vehicles or environments where space is at a premium.

Patrons and Patreon

Patreon is a crowdfunding platform where creators can receive financial support from their patrons, or subscribers, in exchange for exclusive content and benefits. The video mentions several patrons by name, indicating their support for the channel. This is a common practice on YouTube and other content platforms to acknowledge and thank those who contribute to the creator's success.

Highlights

The Sundown SD3 10-inch subwoofer is reviewed in this video.

The subwoofer is sponsored by Patreon and features a low profile despite its beefy design.

Notable features include a 14.5mm one-way X max, 500 watts RMS power handling, and a 2.5-inch alloy voice coil.

The subwoofer also has an inverted surround, which contributes to its sound quality.

The reviewer was initially expecting more output due to the Sundown brand's association with SPL.

The SD3 subwoofer surprised the reviewer with its output capabilities in a half cubic foot sealed enclosure.

The subwoofer is described as a 'sheep in wolf's clothing' due to its combination of good output and sound quality.

The inverted surround is reminiscent of high-end home audio, providing excellent cone control.

The subwoofer sounds clean throughout the range and can handle frequencies up to 80 Hertz.

The SD3 is recommended for those looking for a sound quality subwoofer in a small space.

For those seeking louder output, the reviewer suggests considering the SI series subwoofers.

The SD3 is a good option for those with limited space or who need a shallow subwoofer.

The subwoofer can fit in a small space and still deliver fantastic sound quality.

The reviewer highly recommends the SD3 subwoofer for its impressive sound in a compact form.

The video includes a shout out to Patreon supporters and a call to action for new patrons.

The reviewer appreciates the viewers and promises to catch them in the next video.

A special thanks is given to Patreon supporters for their contributions.