Whats up guys. Thanks for the answers on the fiberglass box. Now I need to figure out what to load it with. Like the title says, I'm looking at the JL Audio 12W3v3's and the Alpine Type R's. I'm thinking the JL's are prolly better but I wanted to get yalls opinion on it too.

 

The JL Audio is a little bit cleaner in sound, but doesn't have as much *** behind it. The Alpine is cheaper, handles more power, and sounds just about as clean when put in the same box. What you have to do to get the most out of either of them is put them in the right box. The JL W3 doesn't really sound good unless it's in a ported box, in which case it is very limited as to what you will get to play (frequency wise). The Alpine in a sealed box is very strong and very versatile. It would be well suited to just about any kind of music and also save you about $50.

 

I will chime in since I own both. It depends on what you want. I have a 12W3V3 and a 12 Type R (The new style one) just to let you know. Personally the Alpine is louder and will go lower but it is about twice as heavy and it more power hungry. I had an MRD-1005 (700w RMS at 4ohm) pushing my Type R and took it all and more whereas I have my 1 12W3 on a JL 250/1 and that pushes it just fine, a 500/1 would be perfect for 2 W3's though. I have swapped them all around with different amps and sealed and vented boxes. I like the Alpine better in a 1.75cu ft sealed box and the JL is good in a 1.75cu ft vented box, but I have tried them in both. The JL is a little cleaner and more efficient. If it were me and it sounds like you are getting 2 I would get the W3's, they are smaller and just as good and look a little nicer and weigh WAY LESS. Derek

 

Interesting, thanks guys. So it would be best to run the JL's in a ported box? I was hoping to get a custom fiberglass enclosure done. How would the JL's sound sealed, I'm guessing not as good as ported?

One more quick question, have any of you guys heard the JL High Output Subwoofer Systems? If you have, how hard do they hit?

 

sealed= punchy bass
sealed= smooth

JL in a sealed wont sound as good as alpine but you will be satisfied

just gotta ask yourself what kind of bass you want

 

Cool, thanks man. Basically, I'm looking for hard hitting but clear bass. It sounds like the Type R's will provide that better then the JL's.

 

Negative! JL's can't be beat. I had 3 12W6's in my old Eclipse and they pounded like you wouldn't believe. However, the amazing thing about JL's, and it doesn't matter what series, they stay musical and super clean right up to their limit. Amazing subs. The newer ones haven't changed much in terms of sound quality, they are still amazing. Type R, nice, JL, so much better.

 

Hmm.....so you would reccomend the 12W3's then? I'm not looking to blow my trunk lid off. I do want to be able to feel the bass more then my 10's provide though. Alot more. Hard hard to the JL's thump?

 

never said alpine was better

and W6's are a diffrent story hes talking about W3's which are about alpines level

JLs will provide nice deep bass that can be heard for blocks in a ported enclosure

alpines will provide seat massaging bass in a sealed enclosure

 

the 2006 type R will get louuuddddd in a ported box with 1000+ watts...guaranteed

 

So....heres my next question. Will a single JL 12W6 own a pair of Type R 12's?

Thanks for the help. I know I'm asking a million questions, but scheming on my new audio set up is keeping me sane over here. You guys are the sh*t

 

No, but sound quality will be better. 2 subs will be louder than one for the most part, but one will play cleaner.

 

Sorry for the later response but I wanted to chime in a bit more since I own both. Anyways, basically a little cleaner more efficient and well defined subwoofer but a good chunk more $$ get the JL 12W3. Louder, hit lower frequencies, cost less, and very durable, sounds good in ported or sealed, then get the Alpine Type R if that fits you. Either ones good, for the money you cant be the Type R's though, almost half the price of the 12W3 and just as good. Derek

Edit: also just to note JL is very good but they can be beat. They are good but some can argue they are overpriced. There are a good chunk of subs out there that are just as good for less money. No doubt though JL is one of the Tops out there.

 

Thanks man