Smaller cars require smaller car audio solutions. Unfortunately, smaller subwoofers often sacrifice quality for size. In my years as an audio engineer with a vested interest in-car audio, I have seen a lot of smaller subwoofers fall short of the mark to make up for space.
The good news? The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 is not one of those subwoofers. It comes from a long history of audio engineering, so this low-profile subwoofer fits in tight spaces but delivers large sound. Do not let the size of your car force you into choosing a terrible subwoofer.
In my Cerwin Vega VPAS10 subwoofer review, we will look at the specifications, benefits, and installation process that this subwoofer has to offer. You will not be disappointed!
- It is easy to set this subwoofer up to your system, with clearly labeled inputs and fewer cords to arrange.
- Coming in at less than 3 inches, this subwoofer is small and slim enough to fit under or behind your seats
- RCA and High-Level Inputs make it possible to use the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 subwoofer with the car audio system you have.
Cerwin Vega VPAS10 Review – Detailed Sound Output with Amazing Safety features
Cerwin Vega is a company that has been around for a long time. In the 70s and 80s, Cerwin Vega was known for home audio systems and has since switched to mobile and car audio systems.
As you can imagine, a company that has been around this long has perfected the process of creating audio systems, including subwoofers like this one. This 10” subwoofer was created as a low-profile solution for smaller cars, and it pulls it off beautifully.
What I Liked
- Thermal Protection Circuit. The included Thermal Protection Circuit allows the VPAS10 to self-regulate temperature. If the subwoofer gets too warm during normal operation, this Circuit will shut the subwoofer off to prevent it from taking unnecessary damage.
- High Peak Power Handling. Though the RMS power may seem a little low for the size of the subwoofer, the peak power handling more than makes up for it. The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 can handle up to 550W in short bursts, perfect for flexing your audio system and enjoying that one song you cannot get enough of.
- RCA and High-Level Inputs. The VPAS10 has two different input types so you can use it with a variety of different systems. The RCA inputs work with more complicated car audio systems, while the High-level inputs can use a speaker system directly to work with the amp and sub. Use whichever you have to get quality sound either way!
- Extremely Low Profile. The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 is extremely small, with a profile size that isn’t quite 3 inches. If you have small spaces in your sedan or smaller car, this subwoofer can fit into those spaces and deliver amazing sound quality all the same.
- Sound Clarity. Though this subwoofer may not pack the biggest punch, it does deliver stunning sound quality in other ways. When you want to hear the finest details in your favorite songs, this subwoofer will come through for you.
What I Didn’t Like
- The Price. The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 is extremely expensive compared to subwoofers of similar size and performance. There are subwoofers with better specs that are much less expensive, so the price is less justifiable.
- It Overheats. Many users have experienced massive draw from the VPAS10, meaning that the subwoofer easily overheats and shuts itself off. This is not ideal for people who want to use the subwoofer for longer periods.
- The Longevity Issue. Sometimes this subwoofer does not last. Due to the occasional overheating issues and other issues with the wiring in some units, this subwoofer may not last for more than a couple of months in some cases. Most will not have this issue.
Feature #1: Easy Installation
There are a few reasons that this subwoofer is easy to install. The built-in amp is already wired into the subwoofer. You don’t have to worry about any wires or inputs. Also, all of the ports on the back of the subwoofer are clearly labeled. The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 installation is not at all difficult as long as you have the wires that you need.
That’s a great feature for a low-profile subwoofer to have. The consumers for this product likely aren’t going to have a huge setup already, so it’s nice that the subwoofer doesn’t require a lot of experience to hook into your existing audio system.
Feature #2: Low Profile
The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 is only about 2.8 inches high. This extremely low-profile size means that you can mount it just about anywhere. It will fit effortlessly under your sedan’s seats, as well as behind the seats in your pickup truck. Overall, the dimensions of this subwoofer make it ideal for cars with minimum available space.
To top it off, the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 installation does not take up a lot of room. The cables and other accessories won’t add additional space to the small area of the sub, making it perfect in tight spaces where you just need a little bit of bass boost.
Feature #3: RCA and High-Level Inputs
No matter how you want to hook up this subwoofer, it will work. The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 includes both RCA and High-Level Inputs so that it will work with any type of head unit or factory stereo system. Speaker-level inputs (or high-level inputs) allow you to connect directly to a radio that doesn’t have RCA inputs.
This type of wiring uses the signal directly from the speaker as a source for the sub and amplifier to work.
Low-level or RCA inputs can be cleaner, but often requires a more advanced audio system with a head unit to function. RCA is the preferred input method but only works with a fully or more complicated audio system. Because this subwoofer has both, it can work with any type of car audio system.
The Overheating Problem
One of the issues that this subwoofer has kept coming up – the overheating problem. The Cerwin Vegas VPAS10 subwoofer tends to overheat, which triggers the Thermal Protection Circuit feature in this subwoofer. Essentially, this Thermal Protection Circuit switches the subwoofer off if it gets too warm to prevent it from being damaged.
Unfortunately, this subwoofer tends to overheat frequently. It pulls a lot of power, more than it is meant to handle. This triggers the Thermal Protection Circuit and shuts the subwoofer off, leading to a disruption in the audio system (especially in warm weather). While this does not happen in all units, it is a concern with this subwoofer overall.
Specifications
Let’s take a look at the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 specs, so you know what to expect from this sub.
| Feature | Cerwin Vega VPAS10 Subwoofer Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 200W RMS, 550W Max |
| Bass Boost | 0 to +12dB |
| Subsonic Filter | 35 Hz |
| LPF Filter | 85 – 150 Hz |
| Phase Switch | 0 or 180 degrees |
| Size | 10” |
| Dimensions | 13.6 x 9.65 x 2.8” |
| THD | <0.4% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | >90dB |
| Input Sensitivity | 0.9V (high), 300mV (low) |
| Fuse Rating | 25A |
| Ohms | 2 Ohm |
But what do these Cerwin Vega VPAS10 specs mean for you?
Power
There are two different power ratings for most subwoofers. The RMS power represents how much the subwoofer can continuously handle regularly. The max power, on the other hand, tells you how much the sub can handle in short bursts for shorter amounts of time. The RMS power is the best measure of the subwoofer’s capabilities.
Bass Boost
The Bass Boost is a setting you can adjust to the subwoofer that changes the intensity of the bass and the amplification of the lows. On the VPAS10, you can boost the bass up to 12 dB past the baseline of the music.
Subsonic Filter
A subsonic filter acts as a ‘high pass filter’. This means that lower notes are not amplified as much depending on how you adjust the filter. It’s the opposite of a low pass filter, meaning signals above a certain frequency are included. According to the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 manual, this filter is set at 35 Hz, which is high!
LPF Filter
On the other hand, an LPF Filter allows lower notes and frequencies to be amplified to emphasize bass and detail. The LPF level on the VPAS10 is between 85 – 150 Hz, which is a nice range for those low notes. This means that your music sounds deeper and more detailed.
Phase Switch
A phase switch allows you to keep your speakers working together to create a harmonious sound. This allows you to change how the speakers are wired on the fly. This is useful if you use different speakers or if they aren’t phased together, and it makes your life a little easier.
Size
A 10” sub (like the VPAS10) is a great middle-ground for car subwoofers. It offers better bass and better sound quality than the smaller 8” but isn’t as bassy or pounding as a 12” or a 15” subwoofer. This sub is right in the middle and still has amazing quality!
Dimensions
The dimensions of this subwoofer allow it to be mounted and installed under your seats, behind the seats in the bed of your truck. It is a low-profile subwoofer that packs a punch, even with a small package. It is great for compact cars!
THD
THD refers to ‘total harmonic distortion’. Every amplifier has some distortion, but the level of distortion differs. The good news is that any THD below 1% won’t be detectable to human ears. According to the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 manual, The THD of this subwoofer is less than 0.4%, which means you won’t hear much distortion.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
The Signal-to-Noise Ratio determines how much ‘noise’ comes through with the audio signal. A lower ratio is always best in this instance, as a lower number means improved audio quality. >90dB is a great number which means you won’t get much distortion on the audio signal.
Input Sensitivity
The input sensitive specification allows you to determine if the subwoofer is reaching its maximum potential. A higher sensitivity means more detail in your audio, so your music will sound better if you set this value correctly.
Fuse Rating
It is important to know your subwoofer’s fuse rating. This metric, combined with the fuse rating of other devices on your system, will determine how much power you’ll need to supply for your audio system. Adding them all together should tell you how big a fuse you need so as not to cause damage to your devices.
Ohms
The Ohms rating on a subwoofer determines the resistance in the signal. The VPAS10 has a 2Ohm rating, meaning that it’s loud but uses more power. This can also mean that the bass is less powerful than a subwoofer with a 4Ohm rating.
What the Customers Are Saying
Overall, the response to the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 is positive. Many people appreciate the small profile and easy setup of this subwoofer. It is a great subwoofer for people who don’t want overwhelming bass because this sub bumps just enough to satisfy most audio hobbyists.
However, some people have had issues with the longevity of this subwoofer. Some users have experienced quick burnouts and overheating as well, as overheating is a known issue. It may not be the best subwoofer for people who appreciate a lot of basses as well, as it does not output enough to make your windows rattle.
For more information, check out this Cerwin Vega VPAS10 subwoofer review video.
Conclusion
The Cerwin Vega VPAS10 can be a great subwoofer with excellent quality sound. It isn’t going to make your windows rattle in most cases, but it’s an excellent-quality low profile subwoofer that can fit under your car’s seats. It’s easy to install and use! Also, it has some safety features and specifications that propel it to the next level.
- It is easy to set this subwoofer up to your system, with clearly labeled inputs and fewer cords to arrange.
- Coming in at less than 3 inches, this subwoofer is small and slim enough to fit under or behind your seats
- RCA and High-Level Inputs make it possible to use the Cerwin Vega VPAS10 subwoofer with the car audio system you have.
However, the expense may be too much for some. If you’re looking for a powerful, low profile sub on a budget, check out the Rockville USS10 10” Slim Subwoofer! This sub puts out bass like no other while still maintaining a small profile and the ability to fit into tight space.
