The Hifonics subs are for real. In a recent visit up to Chicago Alex proved to me that these subs could meet or exceed the spl scores of the Kickers. I cannot comment on SQ as we only tested SPL in SPL designed enclosures.
On a side note, it is interesting to see how many of you are readily willing to bash a person or a product before you have all the facts. A new car audio enthusiast goes to a shop and gets a little confused about the info he is given and before trying to figure out the real facts you all begin calling BS. How many of you have tested both the Hifonics and Kicker? How many of you have built a world record spl car? How many of you have won a World Championship? Many of the newer car audio enthusiasts are quick to critisize and slow to get the real facts or to learn how to properly do things. Without proper knowledge your are just ignorant.
I can attest. We have done test that you speak, and am quite aware of all the comparisons. While the Hifonics is a good imitation, we all know in all our SPL, installation plays a role. How do I know?
Well, I work for Kicker and have for 16+ years. I have been here since the conception that Greg Davis started in the early 1990's, called the Kicker Competition Group. I have traveled thousands of miles to all shows with people like Greg, whom was on the Board for IASCA.
I have had the many year priveldge of knowing, and working with Gary Biggs, world reknown car audio installer/guru/ SQ champ and Mark Eldridge.(more than multiple SQ Wolrd Expert Championships)
Read:
http://www.carsound.com/features/eldridge_evolution.html and look at the very bottom," Oh for the help of others"
I have been there when Alma Gates came on board, and traveled with her, Gary and Mark. All, still very personal friends as well, and talk to almost weekly.(if we all have time)
So I have a tad background in this, and have seen the test.
The woofer is a good imitation. May be good for SPL, in certain cars. But in other cars, the L7, or DD, or RE, or ??? may be better. SPL is installation, 80% and product 20%.
So because this guy does well, and he does seem to do well, so props to him, doesn't mean the Hifonics is better than the L7, or any other woofer. Shows that woofer works for him. Same as other woofers work for others.
When a new 'hobbiest' comes in slinging info that woofer X is better because he heard it from X and he saw the car do X.....people will tend to call them out. Only human, small price to pay to have public, open forums.
Props to this guy, glad they work for him. We all wish him the best.
Hope this clears up some grey air. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
Tracy Focht
Kicker Car Audio
