JL 12W3V3-2 question
05-26-2009, 10:24 PM
#1
JL 12W3V3-2 question
Hey guys!
Does anyone know what the RMS rating is for the JL 12W3V3-2?
Crutchfield lists it as 500W while online car stereo lists it as 300W.
I plan on driving it with a 600W amp so the difference is huge.
I thought overdriving a sub by a little bit was okay, but the JL website shows 600W as being in the warranty void zone.
EDIT: Or should I go with the Alpine Type-R SWR-1242? Thats rated at 500W.
Does anyone know what the RMS rating is for the JL 12W3V3-2?
Crutchfield lists it as 500W while online car stereo lists it as 300W.
I plan on driving it with a 600W amp so the difference is huge.
I thought overdriving a sub by a little bit was okay, but the JL website shows 600W as being in the warranty void zone.
EDIT: Or should I go with the Alpine Type-R SWR-1242? Thats rated at 500W.
Last edited by M.F.K; 05-26-2009 at 10:26 PM.
05-27-2009, 06:32 AM
#5
My JL's are rated for 600rms and I'm giving them about 800 rms each from my JBL in a sealed box. If you go ported, the extra power improves excursion. 
The type R may take "more of a beating" but I guarantee it won't sound like the JL. You will be fine with 600rms on the W3. Just give it nice clean power. Your JBL is a perfect amp. 
The type R may take "more of a beating" but I guarantee it won't sound like the JL. You will be fine with 600rms on the W3. Just give it nice clean power. Your JBL is a perfect amp.
Last edited by DeadlySones; 05-27-2009 at 06:38 AM.
05-27-2009, 05:51 PM
#6
I want more sound than decibels, so now I'm thoroughly confused!
I thought I wanted the Type-R but everywhere I go, its all about the loudness of that sub.
I want music.
So 600W to one single 12W3V3 it is?
No one else has this sub?
I thought I wanted the Type-R but everywhere I go, its all about the loudness of that sub.
I want music.
So 600W to one single 12W3V3 it is?
No one else has this sub?
05-27-2009, 06:05 PM
#7
the sub (should) be playing such a small range of frequencies that this isn't really a huge decision.
I have nothing against JL products so I' not trying to steer you away.
Can I ask what the problem with your current set up is?
exactly what box the refs are in?
please note that the folks at JL know their stuff better than anyone on a forum, and when they say the "optimum" amount of power for the 12w3 is 300 watts...ya might wanna take heed.
of course an amp with more 'watts" and the gains turned down will work too.
Last edited by MTT; 05-27-2009 at 06:12 PM.
05-27-2009, 08:15 PM
#8
Well, I'm looking to go to a smaller box since my Cobalt does not have too much trunk space. Thats why I'm looking to go to a single sub-woofer solution.
Also, the subs were bought open box for 50 bux each and I've blown one of them already.
So, now I find my self in my current predicament.
But you are right, if the website says 300W optimum and 600W warranty void. It probably means it.
Do Alpine Type-Rs sound good though? I've never heard a set-up.
Excellent post btw, you ask all the right questions! :P
EDIT: They were in a sealed box. And I want the next sub to be in a sealed box too. I like the tight sealed sound better than the ported one.
Also, the subs were bought open box for 50 bux each and I've blown one of them already.
So, now I find my self in my current predicament.
But you are right, if the website says 300W optimum and 600W warranty void. It probably means it.
Do Alpine Type-Rs sound good though? I've never heard a set-up.
Excellent post btw, you ask all the right questions! :P
EDIT: They were in a sealed box. And I want the next sub to be in a sealed box too. I like the tight sealed sound better than the ported one.
05-27-2009, 09:11 PM
#9
The proper sized and properly constructed box is critical for what you're after.
Yes, the alpines can sound good.
depending on your budget and space limitations, along with the type of music you plan on playing (mostly) we can come up with a few other suggestions.
I'll say it again, the JL's sound good, they don't have much output and you may very well be happy with having one.....but if the two refs weren't good enough for you, I'm sticking with you'll be disappointed.
EDIT: there is an IASCA show in your city in a couple of weeks (june 14th), you should try to stop in and have a listen to some of the SQ cars and get some ideas....there will be sealed, ported, IB and different power levels to check out.
Yes, the alpines can sound good.
depending on your budget and space limitations, along with the type of music you plan on playing (mostly) we can come up with a few other suggestions.
I'll say it again, the JL's sound good, they don't have much output and you may very well be happy with having one.....but if the two refs weren't good enough for you, I'm sticking with you'll be disappointed.
EDIT: there is an IASCA show in your city in a couple of weeks (june 14th), you should try to stop in and have a listen to some of the SQ cars and get some ideas....there will be sealed, ported, IB and different power levels to check out.
Well, I'm looking to go to a smaller box since my Cobalt does not have too much trunk space. Thats why I'm looking to go to a single sub-woofer solution.
Also, the subs were bought open box for 50 bux each and I've blown one of them already.
So, now I find my self in my current predicament.
But you are right, if the website says 300W optimum and 600W warranty void. It probably means it.
Do Alpine Type-Rs sound good though? I've never heard a set-up.
Excellent post btw, you ask all the right questions! :P
EDIT: They were in a sealed box. And I want the next sub to be in a sealed box too. I like the tight sealed sound better than the ported one.
Also, the subs were bought open box for 50 bux each and I've blown one of them already.
So, now I find my self in my current predicament.
But you are right, if the website says 300W optimum and 600W warranty void. It probably means it.
Do Alpine Type-Rs sound good though? I've never heard a set-up.
Excellent post btw, you ask all the right questions! :P
EDIT: They were in a sealed box. And I want the next sub to be in a sealed box too. I like the tight sealed sound better than the ported one.
Last edited by MTT; 05-27-2009 at 09:14 PM.
