JL Audio Amps - Can someone explain the classes/models to me?

[ChiTownLincoln 10+ year member]

I am looking at JL Audio amps and the models/watts/pricing don't seem to add up to me. Usually more expensive means better this/that or additional features.

Example: (pricing from the JL AUDIO shopatron store)

HD1200/1 : USD$ 999.95

HD750/1 : USD$ 699.95

Slash 1000/1v2 USD$ 1,099.95

My assumption based on the orientation in the JL Audio navigation menu and the term "Flagship" is that the HD series is the higher end product. Why would it be $100 less? FYI those are sale prices. The listed MSRP is $1199 for both the Slash 1000 and the HD1200. Then you drop all the way down to $699.95. So a 250w jump from 750 to 1000 is $300 but a 200w jump from there to 1200 is free?

Is there any reason to use slash over HD? What am i missing?

Thanks

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[mast240 10+ year member]

Usually more expensive means better this/that or additional features.

that is your first mistake right there...

and why are you looking at JL amps? just wondering if theres a specific reason? there are many better amps, that can be had for cheaper

 

[ChiTownLincoln 10+ year member]

I was actually looking at their subs because of my experience with their residential products. Fathom and Gotham. Looking at their amps occurred because they were on the same web page //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif.

Another issue is that i am trading labor for product with a JL Audio Mobile dealer. So cost isn't the primary issue for me. But.. just because i am not paying out of pocket doesn't mean i just want to use JL Audio. I want to use it if it's a great product. I have a 69 lincoln that i am not interested in modifying in a permanent way. I am going to swap out the factory speakers in the cabinet and install a head unit. I am going to customize the trunk in a way that allows me to put the interior back together later when i sell the car. I have seen countless examples of a single subwoofer and mono amp installed so i was hoping it would give me clean bass that i can crank without distortion.

So basically i am just looking to understand why they don't have their models spaced apart better in terms of pricing. Seems like the jump in price should mean additional features. That or the marketing department hopes no one pays attention? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif.

This is my other thread about matching a sub with one of their amps. They omitted an indicator line in their power graphic that caused some confusion for me. http://www.caraudio.com/forums/general-discussion/517440-good-match-l-audio-slash-1000-1v2-amp-jl-audio-12w7ae-3-subwoofer.html

 

[vaiboy 10+ year member]

I was actually looking at their subs because of my experience with their residential products. Fathom and Gotham. Looking at their amps occurred because they were on the same web page //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif.
Another issue is that i am trading labor for product with a JL Audio Mobile dealer. So cost isn't the primary issue for me. But.. just because i am not paying out of pocket doesn't mean i just want to use JL Audio. I want to use it if it's a great product. I have a 69 lincoln that i am not interested in modifying in a permanent way. I am going to swap out the factory speakers in the cabinet and install a head unit. I am going to customize the trunk in a way that allows me to put the interior back together later when i sell the car. I have seen countless examples of a single subwoofer and mono amp installed so i was hoping it would give me clean bass that i can crank without distortion.

So basically i am just looking to understand why they don't have their models spaced apart better in terms of pricing. Seems like the jump in price should mean additional features. That or the marketing department hopes no one pays attention? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif.

This is my other thread about matching a sub with one of their amps. They omitted an indicator line in their power graphic that caused some confusion for me. http://www.caraudio.com/forums/general-discussion/517440-good-match-l-audio-slash-1000-1v2-amp-jl-audio-12w7ae-3-subwoofer.html

The Slash series used to be their "flagship" and will probably be discontinued soon, they have already dropped the 250/1, 300/2, and 450/4. The HD1200/1 has only been available for a few weeks, so the pricing is similar to the old "flagship". The pricing makes more sense if you compare amps from the same series. A 500/1v2 is $550 less than a 1000/1v2, so $550 for 500W. The HD750/1 is $400 less than the HD1200/1, that's $400 for 450W. The Slash is strictly a subwoofer amp with a parametric bass EQ. The HD doesn't have the EQ but it's more efficient, half the size of the Slash, and has a frequency response up to 8Khz.

 

[PPI_GUY 10+ year member]

The HD series is excellent, just like all the other JL stuff above the entry level product line. I just picked up a XD600/1 after auditioning it in a local car audio store. Amazing output and a tiny foot print. The HD series is only alittle bigger, offers more power and a slightly more advanced crossover section. Also, being Class D they are even easier on your electrical system.

The Slash series has been around quite awhile and while still very good amps, they are being left behind by the full-range Class D stuff that JL has been introducing. The Slash line might not disappear immediately but, it is being scaled back with the discontinuing of several models. So, as someone else pointed out, they may be going bye bye eventually.

Bottomline, if you have limited space and want a very high quality product, any of the JL HD, XD or Slash series will meet your needs.

Edit: I should also mention that the JL W0.V2 subs are getting alot of positive reviews as a lower cost alternative series of subwoofers. Not appropriate for SPL systems but, an excellent all purpose sub.

 

[ChiTownLincoln 10+ year member]

The Slash series used to be their "flagship" and will probably be discontinued soon, they have already dropped the 250/1, 300/2, and 450/4. The HD1200/1 has only been available for a few weeks, so the pricing is similar to the old "flagship". The pricing makes more sense if you compare amps from the same series. A 500/1v2 is $550 less than a 1000/1v2, so $550 for 500W. The HD750/1 is $400 less than the HD1200/1, that's $400 for 450W. The Slash is strictly a subwoofer amp with a parametric bass EQ. The HD doesn't have the EQ but it's more efficient, half the size of the Slash, and has a frequency response up to 8Khz.

Thanks for the info. Makes perfect sense now.

 

[ChiTownLincoln 10+ year member]

The HD series is excellent, just like all the other JL stuff above the entry level product line. I just picked up a XD600/1 after auditioning it in a local car audio store. Amazing output and a tiny foot print. The HD series is only alittle bigger, offers more power and a slightly more advanced crossover section. Also, being Class D they are even easier on your electrical system.The Slash series has been around quite awhile and while still very good amps, they are being left behind by the full-range Class D stuff that JL has been introducing. The Slash line might not disappear immediately but, it is being scaled back with the discontinuing of several models. So, as someone else pointed out, they may be going bye bye eventually.

Bottomline, if you have limited space and want a very high quality product, any of the JL HD, XD or Slash series will meet your needs.

Edit: I should also mention that the JL W0.V2 subs are getting alot of positive reviews as a lower cost alternative series of subwoofers. Not appropriate for SPL systems but, an excellent all purpose sub.

At the jl site i see W0.V3 but no W0.V2. Is this because the models recently changed? Would you guess/assume the reviews will be similar?

Thanks.

 

[R34P3R 10+ year member]

V2=Version 2. The V3 is just the replacement.