Rockford Fosgate P3 Shallow

The Rockford Fosgate P3 Shallow subwoofers are the mid-level offering among Rockford's shallow-mount subwoofer lineup. The R2 Shallow is the entry level product, and the P3 Shallow is the step up. The P3S handles more power than the R2 Shallow, and the Rockford Fosgate Punch line is known for great power handling, great output, and an even better value. The P3 Shallow subwoofers allow you to install an subwoofer without taking up your entire trunk, or you can install a 10-inch or 12-inch subwoofer in an area where a traditional subwoofer simply doesn't fit. A perfect example of one such area is under the rear seat of a crew cab truck.

Rockford Fosgate T1S

The Rockford Fosgate T1 Slim subwoofers can handle the same, if not more power than most full-size subowofers, they provide full-size subwoofer bass output, but have a very shallow mounting depth. For decades, subwoofer makers have strived to have the biggest and most powerful subs. But with technologies and customer preferences changing, the focus has shifted to building high-performance subs that fit in tight spaces. This allows for full use of your trunk, or you can install one or two subwoofer underneath the seat of your truck without sacrificing cabin space. Rockford Fosgate understands the need for great bass, and their Power Series, T1 slim subwoofers handle significant power while providing full size subwoofer output, with very little air space and mounting depth required. While many shallow mount subwoofers sound "shallow" as their name implies, the Rockford Fosgate T1 Slim subwoofer separate themselves from the stereotype. These subs sound anything but "Shallow".

Sizes

The Rockford Fosgate P3S subs come in a 10" and 12" size but also add an 8" sub for sizing flexibility in smaller spaces. The RF T1S series of subs feature just a 10" and 12" model. If you're looking for an 8" thin-line sub for your install between these two lineups, you'll want to make sure to check out the P3S lineup. Otherwise, we'll have to look a bit further to compare the differences between the P3S and T1S lineup of subs.

Voice Coils

The P3S subs come with dual voice coils and are available in both 2 ohm and 4 ohm impedances. For the T1S series, Rockford Fosgate has kept the lineup as a single coil construction. These single coils feature both 1-ohm and 2-ohm models at each size. The dual voice coils on the P3 shallow allow you to get down to 1 or 2 ohms with both single and dual woofer configurations. The same is true with the T1 Slim subwoofers, you just don't have to wire two voice coils on the same woofer. It's simpler with the T1 Slim, but you end up with the same outcome with either subwoofer line.

Power Handling

For the P3S lineup, the 8" model starts at 150 watts, the 10" model handles 300 watts, and the 12" model handles 400 watts. In the T1S lineup, the 10" models handle 500 watts RMS while the 12" handles slightly more at 600 watts. There isn't a substitute for power. If you want more bass without adding more subwoofers, you will need more power. The T1 Slim can handle more power, but you will also need to make sure you have an amplifier that can give the sub what it wants.

Mounting Depth

While both lineups of subwoofers are meant for thin-line installations, the upgraded T1S lineup sees mounting depths almost the same as the P3S line at similar diameters, with a slight edge in smaller width going to the T1S lineup of subs. When comparing the two, you'll want to focus more on the diameter of your subwoofer selection as the mounting depth between lines won't be as much of a factor in your setup.

Recommended Enclosure Size

The T1 Slim lineup of subs is not recommended for a ported enclosure installation. However, we are still able to compare the sealed enclosure between the two lines. The T1S lineup features a lower recommended starting size while the P3S lineup falls pretty much in the middle of the recommended low and high volume for sealed box installation. If you're looking to use a smaller sealed enclosure, you'll want to focus your attention on the T1S line when selecting your subs.

Recommended Amplifiers

The recommended amplifier for your subwoofers will vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of subwoofers you select for your installation. The following lists are comparisons between amplifiers for subwoofers in the same dimensions between the different models. The list begins with a factory recommendation for amps that provide enough power handling for the subwoofer(s), and then move on to our professional recommendations that may vary slightly from the factory recommendations. These Classic Car Stereo recommendations may be an amp with a higher price point that will service the subs better, or an amp that provides RMS power handling over the recommended amount which will allow you to not have to maximize the output on your amp to provide full power to your subs.

Single P3 Shallow 10"

Recommended Model

P3SD4-10 (2 Ohms)
 

Recommended Amplifiers

R2-250x1 (2 Ohms)

P300x1 (2 Ohms)
 
 

Our Favorite

P300X1 @ 2 Ohms

Single T1 Slim 10"

Recommended Model

T1S1-10 (1 Ohm)

T1S2-10 (2 Ohms)

Recommended Amplifiers

R2-500x1 @ 1 Ohm

P500x1bd @ 1 Ohm

T750x1bd @ 2 Ohms

R2-750x1 @ 2 Ohms

Our Favorite

P500X1bd @ 1 Ohm

Dual P3S 10"

Recommended Model

P3SD4-10 (1 Ohm)

P3SD2-10 (2 Ohms)

Recommended Amplifiers

R2-500x1 @ 2 Ohms

P500x1 @ 1 Ohm

R2-750X1 @ 1 Ohm

Our Favorite

R2-750X1 @ 1 Ohm
(Gain not at 100% + Bass Knob)

Dual T1 Slim 10"

Recommended Model

T1S1-10 (2 Ohms)

T1S2-10 (1 Ohm)

Recommended Amplifiers

T750x1bd @ 1 Ohm

P1000x1bd @ 1 Ohm

T1000-1 @ 2 Ohms

Our Favorite

P1000X1bd @ 1 Ohm

Single P3S 12"

Recommended Model

P3SD4-12 (2 Ohms)

P3SD2-12 (1 Ohm)

Recommended Amplifiers

R2-500x1 (1 or 2 Ohms)

P500X1bd (2 Ohms)

R2-750X1 (2 Ohms)
 

Our Favorite

R2-500X1

Single T1 Slim 12"

Recommended Model

T1S2-12 (2 Ohms)

T1S1-12 (1 Ohm)

Recommended Amplifiers

T750x1bd (1 or 2 Ohm)

P500X1bd (1 Ohm)

T500-1 (1 or 2 Ohm)

P1000x1bd (2 Ohms)

Our Favorite

P500X1bd @ 1 Ohm

Dual P3S 12"

Recommended Model

P3SD4-12 (1 Ohm)

P3SD2-10 (2 Ohms)

Recommended Amplifiers

R2-750x1 @ 1 Ohms

P1000X1bd @ 2 Ohms
 

Our Favorite

P1000X1bd @ 2 Ohms

Dual T1 Slim 12"

Recommended Model

T1S12-2 (1 Ohm)

T1S12-1 (2 Ohms)

Recommended Amplifiers

T750x1bd (1 Ohms)

P1000x1bd (1 Ohm)

T1000-1 (2 Ohms)

Our Favorite

T1000-1 @ 2 Ohms

Price Points

For the T1S lineup, Rockford Fosgate is talking premium components mixed with industry-leading engineering. If you have the money to spend and are a Rockford Fosgate fan, there's no better premium thin-line subwoofer you can choose for your installation than any selection from the T1S lineup.

In Conclusion

This one is easy. There is no comparison between these two subwoofers. The T1 Slim is a badass low-profile subwoofer. The P3 Shallow is not. I would NOT put a P3 Shallow subwoofer in my own vehicle. If you are a Rockford Fosgate fanatic and you need a low profile subwoofer, either pay up for the T1 Slim or save your money and go with the R2 Shallow subwoofers. If you want more power than what the R2 Shallow subwoofer can handle, you will need to go with a different brand. If the T1 Slim is a little too pricey, we recommend the Kicker CompRT, the JL Audio TW1 , or the JL Audio TW3 subwoofers. I would say T1 Slim subs outperform those other options from Kicker and JL, but you get what you pay for.