10" NB3 Series Subwoofer by Prodigy Audio™

I set out to do a pretty extensive upgrade to the audio system in my 2024 Colorado. One of my “rules” when selecting equipment for this build was to shop by specs, not by brand name. I also wanted to keep the price range for this build fairly reasonable. When researching subs, I saw a couple of reviews for the Prodigy NB3 that were featured on YouTube channels that I follow. After comparing these subs (price vs specs) to other car audio brands, I went ahead and ordered a pair of these for installation in the 1.35 cu ft sealed enclosure under my rear seat. The subs share the airspace in the enclosure. So what’s my experience with these? These two 10” 4-ohm DVC subs are being powered by a quality, 1,000-watt @ 1-ohm Class D mono block. I selected the amp based on the RMS power rating of the subs. Also, my goal leaned more toward “SQ plus”. That’s the best way to describe it. Not “SQL”. I wanted as much musical accuracy as possible while still being able to feel that kick in the chest from that bass, like being at a concert. Overall SPL was not on my radar as a must-have. I wanted the system to sound good for ME, not to the guy in the car next to me. A DSP was utilized in my build as well. Source unit was the factory GM infotainment system in my ‘24 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss (non-Bose). I installed the subs in the enclosure, hooked my amp board up to power, hooked the speaker wires going to the enclosure up, and proceeded to adjust my gains on my amps. I ran through several test tones when tuning the sub amp, and that’s when these subs really got my attention. These things, when powered correctly, in an appropriately sized enclosed, can flat DIG. The 40hz test tone was actually physically uncomfortable, as were the 50,60, and 80hz test tones. I ended up finding that in MY vehicle, crossing them over at 90hz was the sweet spot. I also used the subsonic filter on my amp at 25hz (I am running an active 3-way front stage comprised of .75” tweeters, 2.75” mids, and 7” mid-bass drivers). While hunting for the proper crossover point for the NB3’s, I also found that they will also accurately handle the lower mid-bass frequencies very well, which is great for people who are running coaxials or a 2-way front stage. After quite a bit of time tuning and adjusting using an IMM6 mic, it came time to listen to some music. These subs pack a TON of musically accurate punch in my opinion. The thing that impressed me most was that they can dig low, provide that kick in the chest bass, and be there for the next kick drum beat or bass note. When crossed over properly, these subs are not muddy sounding at all. My musical taste is pretty expansive (country, rock, metal, industrial, and whatever else sounds good at the time). These subs presented a unique personality for each of these genres. Country tracks were tight, accurate, and musical. No “droning” bass that muddied the sound. They kept up with the frantic bass notes and double kick drums in punk and metal without even questioning themselves, and the deep synth bass notes in Industrial blurred my vision and at times felt like they sucked the air out of the cab of the truck. I ran a few old-school hip hop tracks through them as well, and again the little 10” NB3’s exceeded expectations. Did they sound like a pair of 15’s in a large ported enclosure? No, but they also didn’t sound like a pair of shallow mount 10’s in a fairly small sealed box, crammed under the backseat of a truck. These subs are absolutely impressive. Now….what didn’t I like about them? Personally, not much. If I had to nit-pick something, I guess my one gripe would be that I’d have liked to have seen a cast basket rather than a stamped basket, however, the stamped steel baskets on these are fairly thick and don’t feel cheap. The push terminals are quite nice, they have a beefy motor structure, and have a very high-end overall feel to them. The cast basket thing is just something I like. Outside of my personal preference, I could see someone who was going for straight SPL (the pure bass-head) being a little underwhelmed by these, but make no mistake, these subs put out serious bass (as always…paired with a proper amp with proper tuning in proper airspace). Final verdict: For those of you who require a shallow sub and want some real low-end in your vehicle (especially you Gen 3 Colorado owners who swear that the only thing that fits under the back seat are those cheesy under-seat subs made by a company that starts with a “K”), save your money and buy a real amp and one of these subs. You’ll probably pay less and get a way better performing sub. For those of you that want a musical, punchy sub that can still hit those lows with authority, look no further. I have been an audio enthusiast since the mid-90’s and professionally installed car audio in the past, and I will say that the Prodigy NB3 isn’t not in the category of “good for the price”. It’s in the category of “Excellent, and for a very reasonable price”. Installation is always key. Correct wire sizes, solid grounds, amps that are matched to the RMS power handling of the sub, properly tuning your amp, etc. As long as you do all of that, these subs will impress you. If you do a sub-par install, that’s on you, not the subs. Buy them. Period.