Focal SUB P 20 F Car Subwoofer

169,00 €

Focal SUB P 20 F is a 20 cm car subwoofer driver designed for a compact enclosure and an external amplifier. Its Flax cone, suspension designed for increased travel and optimised voice-coil cooling are intended for use in a bass channel. It can be installed in a 10-litre sealed enclosure or a 13-litre bass-reflex enclosure.

Description

Focal SUB P 20 F is a 20 cm (8-inch) car subwoofer driver designed for a compact enclosure in a vehicle. It is a standalone subwoofer driver, not an active powered subwoofer. Its stated continuous power handling is 250 W RMS. The driver requires an external amplifier and can be installed in either a sealed or bass-reflex enclosure.

Cone, Suspension and Voice-Coil Cooling

The Flax cone material has a density of 320 g/m². The suspension is designed for increased cone travel, allowing the cone to move through a wider range. Optimised voice-coil cooling helps manage heat while the driver is operating.

The stated 39-500 Hz frequency range defines the operating limits of the driver. It is not a recommendation to send this entire range to the subwoofer channel. The appropriate filter cutoff depends on the rest of the car audio system.

Sealed or Bass-Reflex Enclosure

The specified volume for a sealed enclosure is 10 litres. A bass-reflex enclosure should have a volume of 13 litres. These figures refer to the usable internal volume, not the external dimensions of the box.

A sealed enclosure has no reflex port, making it easier to install where space is limited. A bass-reflex enclosure requires a correctly calculated port. The stated enclosure volume alone is not enough to determine the required port dimensions.

Connecting It to a Car Audio System

This passive driver connects to the speaker output of an external car amplifier. It has no built-in amplifier or power connection. Do not choose an amplifier solely by comparing it with the 250 W RMS rating. The driver’s nominal impedance and the amplifier’s output at that load must also be considered.

Choose the speaker cable length and cross-section according to the installation position and the power being carried. The cable must not interfere with securing the enclosure or come into contact with the moving cone.

Filter and Gain Settings

The driver itself has no integrated controls. The low-pass filter, gain and phase must be adjusted on the amplifier or audio source, provided those functions are available.

Begin adjusting the filter around the point where the vehicle’s main speakers start to roll off. Increase the gain until the subwoofer blends evenly with the rest of the system. If phase adjustment is available, compare the settings from the driver’s seat and select the position that produces the smoothest transition between the main speakers and the subwoofer channel.

Installation Position

Secure the enclosure inside the vehicle so that it cannot move while driving. Leave enough space in front of the cone for its increased travel. Do not obstruct the bass-reflex port with trim, a seat or luggage.

The direction of the enclosure and its distance from surfaces inside the cabin affect the perceived bass balance. Compare several possible positions before securing it permanently. This can help you find a more suitable location for the particular vehicle without changing the electrical settings.

Technical Specifications

Model Focal SUB P 20 F
Type Car subwoofer driver
Application Compact enclosure in a vehicle
Nominal diameter 20 cm (8 inches)
Cone Flax
Cone material density 320 g/m²
Continuous power handling 250 W RMS
Frequency range 39-500 Hz
Sealed enclosure volume 10 litres
Bass-reflex enclosure volume 13 litres
Suspension Designed for increased cone travel
Voice coil Optimised cooling

FAQ

Is this an active powered subwoofer?

No. It is a standalone driver that requires a suitable enclosure and an external car amplifier. It has no built-in power supply or control panel.

Which type of enclosure should I choose?

A sealed enclosure is suitable for a simpler, compact installation. A bass-reflex design also requires the port dimensions to be calculated, and its opening must remain unobstructed.

Will any 20 cm enclosure work?

Diameter alone is not enough. The enclosure must provide the specified internal volume, accommodate the driver’s mounting dimensions and fit the available space in the vehicle.

How should I choose an amplifier?

Consider the continuous power rating, the driver’s nominal impedance and the amplifier’s output at that load. A higher power figure alone does not guarantee a suitable match.

Is 500 Hz the recommended filter setting?

No. It is the upper limit of the stated frequency range. Adjust the filter according to the frequencies reproduced by the main speakers and the balance heard at the listening position.

Can the driver be installed without an enclosure?

This model is intended for a compact sealed or bass-reflex enclosure. Installing it without one would not provide either of the specified operating volumes.