I've got a these:
-one JL Audio 12w3v3-2 in a sealed box (1.25 ft^3 as per JL specs)
-Infinity Reference 611a (600w @ 2ohms)
located at the back of a Ford Escape SUV firing toward the back.

While it sounds ok and really pounds, I find the midbass too boomy and, lacks bass definition and sound more like a one note sub. It's been a month now and I've already tried different settings on the amp and I guess this is as far as it gets.

Question is, do I upgrade the sub? the amp? or both? A list of brands to look for would be great.

Budget is not much of an issue as I just need an SQL sub. (Ive got an M&K-V75 sub at home and it goes deep and well defined)

Any ideas appreciated esp. for those who own/have tried these items.

Thanks in advance. I live in Toronto btw.

 

Based on reviews and tips here and other car forums I'll probably go with upgrading to a JL 12w6v2 sub or an IDQ sub. 'Will probably buy it in the US as it's crazy expensive here in Toronto.

Which is more musical?

 

Doesn't sound like a sub issue. Sounds like a midbass issue. If the rest of the stereo is stock you might want to look into changing it. The W3v3 is a capable driver. I really don't feel it in itself is the problem.

 

Its funny you mention that about the midbass, because since ive had my new component speakers, and had power to them, it made my sound system sound 100 times better, I think people underestimate the frontstage a little to much, i good fronstage should be the first to buy i find.

 

Agreed the (sub or mid-bass driver) crossover point is wrong or the slope is wrong or the amplifier gain needs adjusting. Sub-woofers are supposed to take the sub 100 Hz load from the smaller mid-bass drivers not necessisarilly supplement them

 

yah i ran a w3 and they can be a very warm and capable driver.

 

nothing wrong with the W3, sounds better than most subs... Look at upgrading, your factory speakers, with some decent quality components.

 

Yes I guess this is because of my Infinity Kappas as they're just 6x8 and it doesn't produce enough bass. I tried setting HPF to 80hz in my alpine cda-9885 to these speakers but bass sounds muddy so I just set it at 120Hz. It is a bit too high but 80-120-160hz are the only available settings on the unit.

I'll probably keep the W3s for now. I'll probably just buy a W6 and get component speakers on a new car which I'm planning to get soon.