Featured JL 12-W6 vs Alpine 12-SBR2 Update

[Scott Sublett]

Getting this installed tomorrow, the shop has my Alpine PXE-C-60-60 DSP, so it is not pictured here. The JLs are in a ported enclosure built by JL tuned to 33hz. The Alpines are also in an Alpine ported enclosure tuned to 35hz. I don't think the tuning will make much of a difference.

I will provide video of both sets and my SPL meter, we will at least find out which ones are louder. I will also provide my take on which ones I think sound better. My hunch is that the JLs are going to dominate at 40hz and below, and they will sound fairly similar at the higher end of bass frequencies.

The sub amp will be running at 1500w at 1 ohm on both setups.

Just realized I forgot to list the model on the Alpine Subs: R2-SB12V

Alpine R2-SB12V

Halo Series 12" linkable ported subwoofer enclosure

www.crutchfield.com

Click to read more...

 

[AnthonyO 10+ year member]

Which Alpine subs? Type R?

 

[Scott Sublett]

Which Alpine subs? Type R?

Crap, totally forgot to list the model. I'll add it now, and now just realized it was in the title!

Alpine R2-SB12V.​

 

[Old_Slapper]

I have no heard them side by side, but they are both extremely loud. After looking at the specs, I would lean towards the Alpines. The Alpines move more air, they handle more power, and they are only 2 years old. The JL's are a 12 year old design.

 

[Scott Sublett]

I have always had JL subwoofers. The owner of the shop I go through wanted me to try the Alpine because they are half the price and he says they’re going to be as good or better.

So, he agreed to order me a pair of the Alpines so we can do a side-by-side comparison with my SPL meter, and then I will also just give my thoughts in general on how they sound.

If they are even close to the JL’s, I will return the JLS and keep the Alpines. I got the JLs through Crutchfield so I can return them within 60 days.

 

[nauc 10+ year member]

the dealer wants to sell you subs. id run the W7s

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

SPL, the Type Rs. For a sealed enclosure, I'd go w6 for sure, but ported and SPL or SQL, I think the Alpines are a better choice.

 

[Scott Sublett]

Here is the link to my video and takeaways after testing both sets of subs out in my car. The file is too large to upload, so hopefully YT links are allowed.

 

[Old_Slapper]

Here is the link to my video and takeaways after testing both sets of subs out in my car. The file is too large to upload, so hopefully YT links are allowed.

So, what were your final thoughts?