Sundown SA 8 V3

The Sundown Audio SA-8 V.3 impressively demonstrates the bass potential that can be found in a compact 20-cm subwoofer. The third generation of the SA-8 series was systematically engineered for high excursion, low distortion, and high thermal resilience. This makes the subwoofer particularly well-suited for high-performance car audio systems that require powerful, deep bass despite limited space.

At the heart of the SA-8 V.3 is its specially developed drive system with a large aluminum Faraday ring, which reduces magnetic and inductive distortion. The vented magnetic gap features 16 beveled ventilation openings through which air is directed past the voice coil during high cone excursion. This improves heat dissipation and supports a consistently high power handling capacity.

Despite its compact 8-inch size, the SA-8 V.3 achieves a linear Xmax of 16 mm in one direction. The high-strength cast aluminum basket provides a stable base for the entire structure while also offering sufficient space for the large suspension system.

A high-temperature copper voice coil, rugged stitched “XL” tinsel leads, and solid spring-loaded terminals round out the design, which is built to withstand heavy loads. The SA-8 V.3 performs particularly well in a compact bass-reflex enclosure, where it delivers exceptionally powerful bass for its size.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sundown Audio
• Model: SA-8 V.3
• Series: SA Series V.3
• Subwoofer size: 8" / approx. 20 cm
• RMS Power Handling: 600 watts
• Peak power handling: 1,200 watts
• Voice coil options: Dual 2 ohms (D2) or Dual 4 ohms (D4)
• Xmax: 16 mm one-way
• Diaphragm area Sd: 344.8 cm²
• High-Temperature Copper Voice Coil
• Aluminum Voice Coil Carrier
• Aluminum Faraday Ring
• Ventilated magnetic gap with 16 beveled ventilation openings
• Distortion-Optimized Motor Design
• High-strength, patented cast aluminum basket
• Sewn "XL" Tinsel Leads
• Spring-loaded connections
• Optimized for compact bass-reflex enclosures
  
  

T/S Parameters – D2 / 2 × 2 ohms

• DC resistance: 3.36 ohms
• Resonance frequency Fs: 38.3 Hz
• Total quality Qts: 0.309
• Electrical quality Qes: 0.324
• Mechanical quality Qms: 6.31
• Equivalent volume (Vas): 6.88 liters
• Mass in motion (Mms): 144.0 g
• Elasticity (cm/N): 0.12 mm/N
• BL Force Factor: 18.94 Tm
• Voice coil inductance Le: 2.08 mH
• Sensitivity: 82.8 dB (1 W/1 m)
• Diaphragm area Sd: 344.8 cm²
• Xmax: 16 mm
  
  

T/S Parameters – D4 / 2 × 4 ohms

• DC resistance: 6.00 ohms
• Resonance frequency Fs: 40 Hz
• Total quality (Qts): 0.360
• Electrical quality Qes: 0.392
• Mechanical quality Qms: 4.31
• Equivalent volume (Vas): 7.17 liters
• Mass in motion (Mms): 126.6 g
• Elasticity (cm/N): 0.12 mm/N
• BL Force Factor: 22.06 Tm
• Voice coil inductance Le: 3.32 mH
• Sensitivity: 82.7 dB (1 W/1 m)
• Diaphragm area Sd: 344.8 cm²
• Xmax: 16 mm
  
  

Case Recommendation

• Sealed container: 0.25–0.35 cu. ft. / approx. 7.1–9.9 liters
• Bass-reflex enclosure: 0.65 cu. ft. / approx. 18.4 liters
• Recommended bass-reflex tuning: 35 Hz
• Recommended port area: 9 sq.in. / approx. 58 cm²
• Subwoofer displacement: 0.08 cu. ft. / approx. 2.27 liters
  
  

Dimensions

• Outer diameter: 8.375" / approx. 212.7 mm
• Installation diameter: 7.375" / approx. 187.3 mm
• Mounting depth: 6.625" / approx. 168.3 mm