Opinions on change of sub?

[coleworld 10+ year member]

Right now I have a JL 12w3v3 in a ported box and a jl 500/1.

I have a chance to pick up a 12in kicker L5 in a ported box at a very good price.

Which do you think would sound better, the 12w3 or the L5? Both would run off of my jl 500/1.

I know the L5 is supposed to be a louder sub, but would it still be louder off of only 500 watts (its rated for 600 rms). Another thing I want to think about is the SQ. Do you think the L5 would hit quick or would it be slower and sloppier off of 500 watts?

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[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

Sub size doesnt determine how slow or sloppy a sub is.

If you want SQ the JL. If you want SPL the Kicker.

 

[coleworld 10+ year member]

I know the size has nothing to do with it. Both are 12in anyway so I dont know where you are getting that from...

I was thinking the L5 might be sloppier because it would only be getting 500w (compared to its 600w rms) and also because it is a SPL sub. Wouldnt a sub that is meant to be louder hit slower than a SQ sub?

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

SPL subs have tighter suspension, higher Fs, and generally hit higher numbers in the higher Hz levels above 50hz.

SQ subs have softer suspension (usually), lower Fs, can play lower notes and generally less distortion along with a wider usable bandwidth (20-80hz usable).

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

I know the size has nothing to do with it. Both are 12in anyway so I dont know where you are getting that from...
I was thinking the L5 might be sloppier because it would only be getting 500w (compared to its 600w rms) and also because it is a SPL sub. Wouldnt a sub that is meant to be louder hit slower than a SQ sub?

Power handling has nothing to do with it either. It all comes down to enclosure and settings.