car audio question-- subwoofer choice.

[SKC]

I'm trying to decide between a used JL 12w6 for $125 (from a member of these forums.. just hasn't PMed back ) and a 2004 NIB 12" Kicker L7 for around $170. I have a 12" round enclosure already; I'd have to buy a new one for the square kicker, so its price would be even more. I've heard good things about both these models and would like to hear your advice/experiences. Thanks in advance!

 

[SKC]

bump?

 

[minendo]

What amp are you planning on using? Box dimensions? What car?

 

[Gerbil333]

I haven't heard either one, but I'd go with the JL 12w6. I've heard great things about it, and it's a lot cheaper in your case.

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: minendo
What amp are you planning on using? Box dimensions? What car?

Yup...tough to answer without those.

However, all else equal, I'd go with the w6

 

[quakefiend420]

the w6 is ok...its no w7 though...are you going for sq? spl? ported box, sealed? trunk, hatchback, need more info!

 

[SKC]

whee, replies..

I'm going primarily for sq. Box will be most likely sealed; don't have cash for ported box. My current setup is the bazooka EL1500 (I think? .. 300Wrms, 600 max) amp and the bazooka 12" sub that someone on this forum hooked up ~38 for his HT; the problem is that one of the two is not working, and I can't figure out which. I know that the bazooka sub is not working; I don't have the tools to see if the amp is working or not. Since I'm getting a new sub anyway, I was going to try to run it with my existing amp (and if it doesn't work, I'd need a new amp as well). Cost is a pretty big issue, and I value SQ over SPL.

Running this in a 1998 v6 accord coupe. I'm definitely sticking with 1 12", as I do need trunk space.

Update: the 12w6 may not be an option now. I do have a decent sealed 12" enclosure, but it obviously would not fit the square kicker. Any suggestions would be really appreciated..

 

[jsbush]

I'm running two 12" adire shiva's in a sealed box. Beats the hell out of three 12" alpine type r's.

 

[JonnyBlaze]

the w6 will sound nice ported. it only requires a 2cubicFTbox according to jl so it wouldnt be too big / expensive. if you have the room, it would be better to use it and tune it lower.
if you good with wood you could build it your self.

JBlaze

 

[JonnyBlaze]

Originally posted by: jsbush
I'm running two 12" adire shiva's in a sealed box. Beats the hell out of three 12" alpine type r's.

adire's are amzing. most people dont even know about em.

JB

 

[myjaja]

My family owns a car audio store and I rather go with kicker.

 

[MikeMike]

Ok, here we go.

There are many choices you can go with. I do beleive the W6 is much more efficient than an L7. however the L7 will get louder provided equal amounts of power in the higher power ranges. Also, the W6 has good Sq, but not the best. i see you are looking to spend about 125-200 for a sub. i currently would reccomend Ascendant Audio's Atlas 12.

everyone who has one has raved about them, they are slightly more difficult to install due to the way they are made, you can change the Qts of the driver by changing the wiring on one terminal. however you have to note, the sub LOOKS dual voice coil, but it is single voice coil, the gold terminals are for changing Qts.

You can purchase them at http://www.ascendantaudio.com the price is $145. also, they dont need all that much power since your current amp isnt the best.

there are many subs out there that are a better bang for the buck. just not quite as well known companies.

MIKE

 

[Delleet]

the 12w6 has more SQ than the L7, but probably won't get as loud. Seems like a good price for the 12w6, though.

 

[SKC]

Wow, really appreciate the responses. I'm a n00b when it comes to car audio; beyond jl/kicker/eclipse/mb quartz I'm lost. Mike, you mentioned there are a good number of 'bang for the buck' subs. Given my budget (which you have square on), would your recommend the ascendant over other subs in this price range?

Also-- would the addition of a capacitor be necessary? I understand that they're pretty important to have for high powered systems.. My current setup is:
Pioneer DEH-8400 HU
Infinity Perfect comps (6.5 doors + tweeters); being run off the HU. Might pick up my friend's 4-ch audiobahn sub (I know that this company goes for flash over substance, but I could get a decent price on this).
Stock in the back
Amp and sub have been detailed above.


:beer: to all who've contributed

 

[Delleet]

No, a capacitor isn't necessary for that, and is generally a heated debate whether they're actually good for anything at all. Just because you may have some headlight dimming doesn't really mean a whole lot, other than that your system is dropping down to the 12v level of your battery, rather than the 13-14v your alternator is putting out. I have almost 3000wrms and do not use a cap.

 

[SKC]

delleet, thanks for clearing that up. Assuming the JL doesn't go through, it looks as if I'm going with the ascendant atlas 12, unless there are more suggestions...

 

[UncleWai]

Originally posted by: JonnyBlaze

Originally posted by: jsbush
I'm running two 12" adire shiva's in a sealed box. Beats the hell out of three 12" alpine type r's.

adire's are amzing. most people dont even know about em.

JB

Yes, I am using the Shiva as a home subwoofer.
The bass is so clean and deep.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: UncleWai

Originally posted by: JonnyBlaze

Originally posted by: jsbush
I'm running two 12" adire shiva's in a sealed box. Beats the hell out of three 12" alpine type r's.

adire's are amzing. most people dont even know about em.

JB

Yes, I am using the Shiva as a home subwoofer.
The bass is so clean and deep.

Adire gets my vote too :thumbsup:

 

[gscone]

Adire is awesome, but I still love my 13w7 pushed by my 1000/1.

 

[SKC]

gscone, that's a really nice setup.. too bad it's 5x my budget. I've looked up the adire shiva; would it be hard to implement in a car setup? I'm inexperienced, but willing to research and try.. MSRP on the 12" shiva seems to be $125, unless I'm mistaken.