The CT Sound TROPO series and the Sundown E series are both entry-level subwoofers. They are built with high-quality materials and are rated for loud and clear sound. CT Sound’s TROPO series wins by a small margin over the other Sundown – this one is exceptional in terms of sound and power.
Table of Contents
Available Sizes
Sundown E Series subwoofers are available in 4 standard sizes, the 10”, 12” 15”, and 18” diameter models. The CT Sound TROPO series has a much greater variety in terms of its subwoofer sizes. The series starts as small as the TROPO 6.5” subwoofers and goes all the way up to 18”. In total, there are 5 models to choose from (6.5”, 8”, 10”, 12”, and 18” inches).
Also, each model from either series of speakers also comes in different impedance variants. Both, CT Sound and Sundown Audio have impedance ratings of 2-ohm and 4-ohm.
Build Quality
Both the Sundown E Series and the CT Sound TROPO series are competitively priced. However, the question is how good of a deal are you getting on either one? Both brands use premium materials.
CT Sound TROPO series includes premium 3% carbon fiber, a 4-layer high-temperature copper voice coil, and a low-carbon iron bottom plate.
The Sundown E Series comprises a 2-inch copper voice coil wound on a black aluminum anodized voice coil former.
You can expect great performance and longevity from Sundown since they’re an incredibly trusted brand. Compared to most other subwoofers, they outperform the competition.
However, the CT Sound TROPO speakers do have a larger range of devices. Their RMS power output at 650 W smokes Sundown’s E Series at an RMS of 500 W. That being said, customer reviews report that the Sundown E series can take far more than 500 W.
If you’re the kind of person who wants a standard subwoofer, I’d recommend the Sundown E series.
Sound
Of course, power isn’t everything. The quality of sound as well as preference varies for everyone. Numerous versions of both series subwoofers are available and offer crisp, rich, and bass-ey sound. However, here in terms of sheer capability and power, the TROPO speakers take it. This ensures loud and clear sound.
That being said, the Sundown E Series is known for its clear sound and its longevity. At this point, it’s for you to decide what you value more. Do you want longevity or do you want incredible sound, no matter how short it lasts?
For me, the CT Sound TROPO series takes this because I love the bass-ey sound. Its raw power is the greatest appeal. While I’m not a huge fan of loud music, I do want to drown out the outside world every once in a while.
Video
Below is the video for each series, so you can see them in action.
Sundown E-12 v.3 Prototype
CT Sounds Tropo V2
Price
Both speaker series are quite reasonably priced and will deliver a bargain to the buyers. Sundown E Series subwoofers are available starting from around $120 to as high as $400 for the largest E-15” models.
As for the CT Sound TROPO series, the price can vary from $70 to $300 for larger ones.
While the price ranges are pretty similar, the edge that the TROPO series gives you is that it offers a greater range of sizes.
Final Verdict
On the one hand, Sundown Audio has undoubtedly great speakers which are made to last and sound incredible. They were designed for sound quality and built with high-quality components. The series has been pumping out great products since its introduction in 2012.
On the other hand, the CT Sound TROPO series also has several of the same qualities. Built for power and ambiance, the TROPO series are built to turn your car into a jukebox. With a particularly heavy emphasis on bass, the TROPO series delivers a max power of 1300 Watts.
The final verdict here is that the CT Sound TROPO series simply has more bang for the buck. Not only is it rated for higher power, but it also has a larger variety of devices. This means that those looking for more choices won’t be disappointed.
The Sundown E series is wonderfully built and is a general-purpose buy, but its lack of choice can be frustrating. With CT Sound TROPO offering sizes from 6.5” to 18”, and a 1300 W power rating, it’s our choice.
Other articles to consider:
CT Sound vs Sundown Audio
Orion vs Sundown Audio
Resilient Sounds vs Sundown
Sundown vs. KICKER
JL Audio vs. Sundown
