Featured JL vs Alpine Subs

[Scott Sublett]

I have been in the game a LONG time and have always run JL W6s. I am putting a new system into a BMW 330XI GT, and stopped down to talk to the owner of our local shop, I have known him for some time, but he does not have JL. He was trying to talk me into the Alpines, saying they wound just as good for half the price, both are in ported enclosures built and tuned to specs by the manufactures. I will be powering them, 2 12s, with the Alpine R2-A150M
R2-Series mono subwoofer amplifier — 1500 watts RMS x 1 at 1 ohm, I never cared for JL Amps, always Alpine.

I was wondering if anyone has actually tested these side by side, with video of the SPL meter. I know SPL does not equal quality, but I think it is necessary for this test. I went ahead and purchased both sets of subs, the owner wasn't exactly happy about it, but said I could test them both and if I didn't think the Alpine's stood up, he would take them back.

I've seen some videos of horrible attempts of trying to do this analysis, but by no means followed any type of scientific inquiry. Anyhow, my car should be here in a week or so, and probably another few weeks to before I can have everything installed. I will post the video as well as my analysis of how they each performed.

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[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

will post the video as well as my analysis of how they each performed.

This will be an interesting test. Thank you for this. IMO, JL.

 

[Deiimos]

I agree, should be interesting for sure. I'd probably go with the W6's if I had to chose, but perhaps fairly close performance. Curious either way, I mean I like Alpine too, so nothing against that sub, looks decent as well.

 

[metalheadjoe 10+ year member]

There are far too many variables involved to test this conclusively.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

There are far too many variables involved to test this conclusively.

Not to mention subjectivity. That said both brands are pretty solid, can't go wrong with either.

 

[2RZ-FE 10+ year member]

Both in the right box are good. Those premade ones probably don't give you their potential. I wanted to try one of those R subs but man Alpine stuff got more expensive the last few years.