Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer vs Skar Audio VD-8 Subwoofer

Buy the Rockville RW8CA if you want bass with the least work: it is a complete powered box with a built-in amp, high-level inputs and auto turn-on, so it drops under a seat and plays. Buy the Skar VD-8 only if you already have an amp and want a driver that can take more power and go in a sealed or ported box you build or buy. The Rockville is the easier, cheaper-feeling all-in-one, but owners report short life and distortion when pushed; the Skar is a bare 400W RMS dual-2-ohm sub that needs an amp and a box, and it is the sturdier long-term pick for someone building a system.

• Choose the Rockville RW8CA if you want an all-in-one under-seat sub with a built-in amp, high-level inputs and auto turn-on that installs without pulling the radio.
• Choose the Skar VD-8 if you already own a mono amp and enclosure and want a shallow 8 that handles 400W RMS and can run sealed or ported.