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Description
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Specifications
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Support
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Soundstream R3-8: High-Performance 8" Subwoofer Built for Serious Bass
Sometimes, a subwoofer comes along that genuinely shifts the expectations of compact bass performance — and the Soundstream R3-8 does exactly that. Engineered for tight spaces without compromising power, tone, or clarity, this 8-inch dual 2-ohm subwoofer is part of the iconic Reference R3 Series from Soundstream. Whether upgrading a factory system or building a compact SPL monster, the R3-8 is tuned to deliver rich, accurate, and commanding bass in sealed and ported enclosures.
Key Features of the Soundstream R3-8 Subwoofer
- Model: R3-8
- Series: Reference R3 Series
- Subwoofer Size: 8 inch
- Voice Coil: 4-layer, Dual 2 Ohm DVC
- Cone: Resin-infused, pulp-backed fiberglass cone
- Surround: High roll foam for extended excursion
- Magnet Structure: Oversized motor with optimized airflow
- Power Handling (RMS): Up to 600 watts
- Mounting Depth: Optimized for compact enclosure spaces
- Compatibility: Works in sealed or ported enclosures
What Makes the R3-8 a Standout Performer?
Designed for Tight Installs — Without Sacrificing Output
In today’s vehicle builds, space is a premium. But with the R3-8’s shallow-friendly design and smart motor engineering, you can pack deep, punchy bass into enclosures where most full-size subs won’t fit. It perfectly matches compact cars, trucks, and stealth installs.
Dual 2 Ohm Voice Coils for Flexible Wiring Options
The dual voice coil (DVC) configuration makes pairing the R3-8 with various amplifiers and wiring schemes easier. Depending on your system's needs, you can wire it in series or parallel. For help, check out the Subwoofer Wiring Diagram to ensure your amp setup matches your impedance goals.
Built Tough — Fiberglass & Epoxy Cone Design
The R3-8 isn’t just strong—it’s engineered to last under pressure. The cone is constructed using fiberglass stranding woven and bonded with epoxy over a pulp backing. This unique material blend delivers rigidity with a natural resonance, ensuring minimal distortion and maximum punch at high volumes.
High-Excursion & Low Distortion
Thanks to a high roll surround and extended excursion design, the R3-8 moves serious air for an 8-inch woofer. That means you get more bass output per watt and less cone breakup—even at extreme volumes. It’s an SPL-friendly and SQ-focused solution, giving you the best of both worlds.
Why Choose the Soundstream R3-8?
If you’re looking for a compact 8-inch subwoofer that performs like a larger driver without taking up space, the R3-8 is the answer. It blends build quality, advanced materials, and flexibility in a way few subwoofers can match.
Whether you run it solo or pair multiple R3-8 subs, it delivers high-output performance with low distortion. And if you're a Soundstream loyalist, it's a seamless match with the Soundstream Tarantula XP amplifier or Rubicon Nano series.
Technical Specs Summary
Subwoofer Size |
8 Inch |
Impedance |
Dual 2 Ohm |
Power Handling |
600W RMS |
Cone Material |
Resin-infused Pulp & Fiberglass |
Surround Type |
High Roll Foam |
Magnet |
Triple-Stack Ferrite |
Mounting Depth |
4.38" |
Enclosure Type |
Sealed or Ported |
Who Is the R3-8 For?
- Daily Drivers looking for clean bass in a limited space
- SPL Enthusiasts building multi-sub systems with punch
- Sound Quality (SQ) fans who need rich, tight bass response
- Custom Installers looking for 8" subwoofers that don’t compromise
- Entry-level builders needing DVC flexibility with quality construction
The Soundstream R3-8 is more than just an 8-inch woofer — it’s a high-performance bass solution for music lovers who don’t want to compromise. With advanced material engineering, smart airflow design, and exceptional sound pressure capabilities, this compact beast brings big bass energy wherever it’s installed.
Specifications | R3.8 |
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Max Power | 1,000 Watts |
RMS Power (watts) | 500 |
Efficiency (1w/1m) | 80.7 |
Voice Coil Configuration | 2.5" DVC 2Ω |
Mounting Depth | 5.25" |
Optimum Sealed ft3 | 0.75 |
Optimum Ported ft3 | 1.25 |
Thiele/Small Parameters |
|
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Imp. (Ohm) | Dual 2 |
Re | 2.2122 |
Fs (Hz) | 39 |
Qes | 1.3713 |
Qms | 7.1915 |
Qts | 1.1517 |
Le (mH) | 0.9283 |
Diam | 8 |
Vas (L) | 18.392 |
BL | 7.3081 |
Mms (g) | 134.9398 |
Sen (db) | 80.77 |
RMS | 500 |
Mounting D | 5 1/4" |
CutOut Diam | 7.8" |
Recommended Enclosures | |
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Sealed Opt | .75 ft² |
Ported Opt | 1.25 ft² |
Port WxL | 4" X 6.7" |
F3 (Hz) | 33 |
R3 Subwoofers Owners Manual [.PDF]
Note: If you are wiring this DVC sub for lower impedance,
make sure that your amp is compatible. Subwoofer Wiring Diagram