looks like the kickers lookin good so far.. anyone with last peice of.. convince me ...

 

Buy the JL.

It has a much better build quality (JL has one of the best build qualities IMO) and has a higher resale value since it is a current model. $350 is a great deal for a JL 500/1.

And if you are interested in looks, the JL simply looks much nicer than the Kicker IMO.

[ January 16, 2004, 12:49 AM: Message edited by: Kool ]

 

Amplifiers don't sound cleaner than one another. All an amplifier does is amplify a signal. it has no sound processing components. The only thing that will change a signal is distortion in an amplifier. Most amps have a THD of .01 or less which is not audible. With that being said go for the one that you like most based on your needs. If you like the looks of the JL better then get it. If you want the extra power then get the kicker. And to whom ever said the new Kicker amps suck then they obviously don't own one. I have a new KX400.2 and it kicks ***. Never had a single problem with it. It looks great, never gets warm and puts out more than the rated power. [img]smile.gif[/img]

 

Those are both fantastic amplifiers. I've never used the kicker, but a friend of mine has a 500/1. Way more bass than I would ever want in my car. [img]smile.gif[/img]

 

It sounds like you have a technical background? I would love to hear in what way the JL has a better build quality than Kicker.

In my opinion they both have fine reputations.

And as far as the JL being underrated? isnt the R.I.P.S technologys purpose to regulate output.(or so they say)

 

It sounds like you have a technical background? I would love to hear in what way the JL has a better build quality than Kicker.

In my opinion they both have fine reputations.

And as far as the JL being underrated? isnt the R.I.P.S technologys purpose to regulate output.(or so they say) </font>[/QUOTE]I said IMO = in my opinion. And what may I ask is your technical background? Just look at the JL amps and it is plainly obvious that they have been made very well. JL overlooked nothing when they built that amp.

Plus the JL has a higher resale value than the kicker if he chooses to change his setup. The kicker is an old model, and a refurb at that. How many JL refurbished amps do you see out there?

 

Hey Kool,
how many DX700's do you think Kicker sold for each 500/1 that JL sold? do you think there should be an equal number of refurbs out there then?

 

I have experience with both amplifiers actually.

I Run JL amps at the moment as well.

My tru opinion on the matter is both amps are great. Either one is a good choice.

However you will have more power with the Kicker = more bang for your buck.

It is tru about the RIPS systm in the JL amps, they are quite regulated amps. Most i've seen someone post on the output of their 500/1 was 550RMS.

An advantage I see on having the JL amps, is that they make their power from 10.5-14.4 volts. So you can have a weak electrical system, and the JL amp is still going to be dishing out that 500 watts +++

That being said, I believe Kicker rates that amp to make 700 RMS @2 ohm MONO at like 12.x volt.
So either way your going to be getting all that power and then some, since the Kicker doesn't use a regulated power supply.

For the Price, I would say go with the Kicker, i've used them a lot and they sound great. Your getting more bang for your dollar.

If you want to get a little more control/more options in controlling the power your sub gets, the JL has a deffinate advantage with more options as opposed to the Kicker, you can have a week voltage signal and the JL will still pick up the slack.
To sum it up, the JL has more features/ controls to mess around with to tune your system to your likings than the Kicker amp does.

Travis

 

My JL put out 733 watts (not RMS, but I can always pretend) on the test bench.
the RIPS system doesn't put out very consistent power ratings... it is all over the place. the power output raises as the ohm load goes higher (more power @ 4 ohms then 2) and a lot more power into reactive loads (733 as opposed to around 650 RMS)

Considering how much better the JL controls subs then any other amp I've heard... the amazing onboard signal processing (so many options ;_, all the crossovers, and the remote bass **** (hard to find but it is so much nicer then any other remote you will ever see )

But sure, Kickers are nice too.

[ January 17, 2004, 01:06 AM: Message edited by: Bumpin' Nova ]

 

All I am saying is that JL has an awesome build quality. Just look at the amp closely and it is blatently obvious. I'm not saying the Kicker is bad by any means, but IMO the JL is built better. That and the fact that it has a higher resale value would sway me to buy the JL over the Kicker. That is my opinion, and the guy asked for opinions. Am I not allowed to have one?