Boston Acoustics SPG555-2 or JL Sealed Powerwedge

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

I could see that. Its hard to sell Boston stuff around here too. But, if I list an Alpine Type R or L7 up around here I get all types of interest. Not saying those subs are bad choices or anything; but I'd go BA over them personally. I have had nothing but good experiences with the Boston GT amps old and new. Friend of mine has the GTA and says "it lacks detail". I haven't extensively listened to a GTA, so I cant comment. But, for what the GTs ran for, I'd rather spend the little extra and get the GT over the GTA.
I can't help but think, though, if they didn't like the sound of the Bostons, chances are they didn't like the JLs either. You should have asked what "type of bass" these consumers were looking for. My guess is they just wanted it to sound loud and didn't really care how clean it sounded. As far as the age thing, I'm 18, and I'm a big Boston fan. Oh and FWIW, I'd love to get my hands on a couple G5's.

Was there any way he could let u listen to some subs before you buy? Maybe that'll help make your mind up, because in the end it is your money and your ears that have to deal with your decision.

Yep... I think most especially the younger crowd goes for Rockford, Kicker, Alpine, etc. Names they know more and can relate to because I'm sure their friends have those brands. Like you said not that they are bad or anything. They just don't know much about Boston or they have it in their heads it's not an "impressive" name or something like that. You know what I mean. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif This store doesn't carry JL. It's mainly Alpine and Rockford. I bet you are right... they wanted something that pounded. Big on SPL and not so much SQ. I may stop at that place and check out the G5's for the heck of it. Are they that much better than the G3's? He said they didn't have the SPG555. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif I sure wish I could audition them in my car. That would be the best. I don't think they do that. I think all of their stuff is on a board in store.

 

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

The spgg555 I had one for a few weeks and if you ever blow it its a 10min repair. Was loud looked good and sounded great.

I did watch a video showing the quick and easy repair of the SPG. That was neat. Only thing is... since they are going out of business there may not be repair parts around for long? Why did you get rid of your SPG so quickly? You give it a lot of compliments.

 

[Why So Cereal? 5,000+ posts]

Yep... I think most especially the younger crowd goes for Rockford, Kicker, Alpine, etc. Names they know more and can relate to because I'm sure their friends have those brands. Like you said not that they are bad or anything. They just don't know much about Boston or they have it in their heads it's not an "impressive" name or something like that. You know what I mean. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif This store doesn't carry JL. It's mainly Alpine and Rockford. I bet you are right... they wanted something that pounded. Big on SPL and not so much SQ. I may stop at that place and check out the G5's for the heck of it. Are they that much better than the G3's? He said they didn't have the SPG555. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif I sure wish I could audition them in my car. That would be the best. I don't think they do that. I think all of their stuff is on a board in store.

Exactly.

I can't comment from much experience outside of hearing them for brief moments (G3 and G5). But, I hear the G5 is legendary, and so far, every person I've found that still has one says "you'll have to kill me to get it". I'd definitely check them out. Also, it seems the shop will let u trade them back in if you do not like...so maybe take advantage of that and find what suits you since you can't hear before u buy

 

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

Exactly.
I can't comment from much experience outside of hearing them for brief moments (G3 and G5). But, I hear the G5 is legendary, and so far, every person I've found that still has one says "you'll have to kill me to get it". I'd definitely check them out. Also, it seems the shop will let u trade them back in if you do not like...so maybe take advantage of that and find what suits you since you can't hear before u buy

I guess that's a possibility unless in the case of Boston going of of business they may not take them back for another brand exchange now. Could be one of those "all sales are final" situations. Not sure. I'd have to ask.

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

I did watch a video showing the quick and easy repair of the SPG. That was neat. Only thing is... since they are going out of business there may not be repair parts around for long? Why did you get rid of your SPG so quickly? You give it a lot of compliments.

Because I sold my cobalt and the guy that bought the car wanted everything in there(payed extra for it) I was going to buy another one but I got a killer deal on a 13w7ae.

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

As far as the redone goes I would just buy one right away worst case you jack the price up in a few years to (for I'm keeping the one I bought)

 

[destined2race 10+ year member]

I had a spg (aka the racetrack sub) for a while a few years back and i loved it. Had it running ported on a JL 1000/1, 8v eclipse headunit and it sounded fantastic. Got really low, loud and clear. Its a tough call to say whether that or my w7 has been my favorite all around sounding sub. I never had it sealed so cant say on that side, but ported it sounded amazing and got pretty **** loud.

The w3's will sound good, but ive had both series and id take the spg personally... and i use alot of JL stuff.

 

[Morals 10+ year member]

I have the spg in my SQ car. Had 3 JL in a wedge in my daily. If you get a PR for the spg, you can get low and loud in a 1 cube box. The spg is a amazing sounding sub.

I have had mine going on 4 years and not one drop of trouble.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

I spoke to a long time Boston Acoustics dealer yesterday. They have all of their stuff 40% off. He said I can go with whatever I want, but they have not had good luck with Boston over the years. I asked him what he meant by that... did they have reliability issues or what? He said no not really it was more of a case that people didn't care for their amps or subs. He said they do make nice components though. He said the people that would buy their subs usually ended up coming back and exchanged them for Alpine or Rockford subs. They didn't like the sound of the Boston subs. Another said the younger crowd didn't know who Boston was. They related more to other brands. He felt they had a great product, but maybe a little too expensive. The dealer still had G5's in stock.

Where is this place? I would damn near kill for more g5's let alone bnib.

Answer to the original question- SPG hands down over some meh W3s. The spg was built to kill it in very small (1cube) sealed enclosures. It was very ahead of its time when it first came out, having a neo motor and the 3.5in modular voice coil and soft part system. I'm not sure why they went with an oval shape, the cone area isnt much bigger than a standard 12, their G1 has 520cm^2 of surface area vs the SPG's 555cm^2.

 

[CrossFired 10+ year member]

I've heard both. The Boston is a far better sub! Tighter, cleaner, louder and yes, better SQ. One of the best sub's I've ever heard.

I am considering getting one single Boston Acoustics SPG555-2 and putting it in a sealed enclosure or getting a JL Audio premade sealed Powerwedge. You can get the JL with (2) 10's or (2) 12's. The JL would have (2) W3v3 subs in it. Both the Boston and the JL can handle 1,000 watts RMS @ 2 ohm. I am wondering which do you think would provide more SQ? The Boston is a deviation from their norm and it's more for SPL? The JL is more for SQ? I am looking to get nice tight, punchy, controlled bass, but with some authority. The sub amp would be the Rockford Power T1000. 700 watts @ 4 ohm or 1,000 watts @ 2 ohm. Input appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

Because I sold my cobalt and the guy that bought the car wanted everything in there(payed extra for it) I was going to buy another one but I got a killer deal on a 13w7ae.

What do you like better, the SPG555 or the W7 you have now? What differences if any do you notice between the two? Thanks!

 

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

I had a spg (aka the racetrack sub) for a while a few years back and i loved it. Had it running ported on a JL 1000/1, 8v eclipse headunit and it sounded fantastic. Got really low, loud and clear. Its a tough call to say whether that or my w7 has been my favorite all around sounding sub. I never had it sealed so cant say on that side, but ported it sounded amazing and got pretty **** loud.
The w3's will sound good, but ive had both series and id take the spg personally... and i use alot of JL stuff.

Thank you very much for the reply and feedback on these!

 

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

Where is this place? I would damn near kill for more g5's let alone bnib.
Answer to the original question- SPG hands down over some meh W3s. The spg was built to kill it in very small (1cube) sealed enclosures. It was very ahead of its time when it first came out, having a neo motor and the 3.5in modular voice coil and soft part system. I'm not sure why they went with an oval shape, the cone area isnt much bigger than a standard 12, their G1 has 520cm^2 of surface area vs the SPG's 555cm^2.

It's in western PA. I will do my best to stop by there sometime this week and see what they have. I'll let you know. If they have them and you would want some I would help you out in getting them. I was surprised to hear him say he had G5's. Maybe he made a mistake? They were discontinued how long ago? A year? We will see. He was not high on Boston subs or amps though. It sounds as if you would go with G5's over the SPG555?

 

---------- Post added at 10:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 PM ----------

 

I've heard both. The Boston is a far better sub! Tighter, cleaner, louder and yes, better SQ. One of the best sub's I've ever heard.

Thanks for the feedback. All of you have been great!

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

It's in western PA. I will do my best to stop by there sometime this week and see what they have. I'll let you know. If they have them and you would want some I would help you out in getting them. I was surprised to hear him say he had G5's. Maybe he made a mistake? They were discontinued how long ago? A year? We will see. He was not high on Boston subs or amps though. It sounds as if you would go with G5's over the SPG555?

I have a pair of G5s and absolutely love them. I have tried selling them in the past but just get lowball offers. I decided I liked them too much to let them go for cheap or to someone who wouldnt appreciate them and abuse them. Now that BA is fully out of car audio I'm going to collect as much of their equipment as I can. G5s were discontinued 2-3years ago, maybe even longer than that. They are incredible subs that will take plenty of abuse and have excellent sq in just about any box. Best sounding subs I have ever heard, I consider them better than JL w6s. Hell I even compete with them in MECA SPL... and they are sq oriented subs lol. I think that says something right there.

 

[BlackHawk99 10+ year member]

I have a pair of G5s and absolutely love them. I have tried selling them in the past but just get lowball offers, now that BA is fully out of car audio I'm going to collect as much of their equipment as I can. G5s were discontinued 2-3years ago, maybe even longer than that. They are incredible subs that will take plenty of abuse and have excellent sq in just about any box. Best sounding subs I have ever heard, I consider them better than JL w6s.

So you feel that the G5's are better than the SPG555? Better than the JL W7?