Sealed or ported box for JL 12 inch W3's?

[ckunke002 10+ year member]

I'm going to buy 2 of these subs powered by a Rockford 750 watts amp. I'm really wanting great sound quality, but I don't want to sacrifice thumping big bass for it.

Does anyone have any experiences with these subs in ported vs. sealed boxes? I have heard that sub boxes tuned to 33 hz make a great combination of loudness and sound quality. Do I need to have a box custom made for me if this is what I want? Or is there a website that I can order sub boxes from that sells them?

Any feedback highly appreciated!

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[bugflipper 10+ year member]

They don't do either magnificently. If I was stuck with a set I would tune low, corner load and hope for the best.

 

[ckunke002 10+ year member]

They don't do either magnificently. If I was stuck with a set I would tune low, corner load and hope for the best.

I have no idea what the hell you're talking about

 

[Jakerrr 10+ year member]

I would advise against w3s. I have one in a ported box tuned kinda high and it still doesn't get loud. Sq is good though. I'm getting rid of it for a sundown sa-15. If you really are set on getting the w3s, tune to 30-35 hz for sql.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

OP your first sentence says exactly what you want- good sq without sacrificing loudness. Thats what a ported box will do for you. Tune it to 30-33hz and use bracing for rigidity and it will be louder and sound better than any sealed box you could put them in. Sealed boxes choke 40-60% of output compared to a ported box. Sealed boxes are like running a restrictor plate on your subs. You will have to have a ported box made for you. The pre made ones that you can buy are too small and tuned too high so they never will sound good.

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

Port it!

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

That's kind of little amp for those isn't it?

 

[ckunke002 10+ year member]

My only question now is can I just walk into a car audio shop and ask for a ported dual 12 box to 33 hz?

 

[Jakerrr 10+ year member]

My only question now is can I just walk into a car audio shop and ask for a ported dual 12 box to 33 hz?

You can't. You'll have to get one made to your trunk dimensions and specific subs by someone.

 

[thevic24 5,000+ posts]

Are these newer W3's or og W3's?

Years ago, I had an OG W3 and built a ported box for it. Powered it with an MTX 6500d and it was very nice!

(this was 10 years or so ago)

The box was 2.25 cuft with a 4" port tuned to 35hz.

IMO, the newer W3's are not that great.

 

[Jakerrr 10+ year member]

Are these newer W3's or og W3's?
Years ago, I had an OG W3 and built a ported box for it. Powered it with an MTX 6500d and it was very nice!

(this was 10 years or so ago)

The box was 2.25 cuft with a 4" port tuned to 35hz.

IMO, the newer W3's are not that great.

I agree. Jl is so overpriced and mediocre.

 

[ckunke002 10+ year member]

Are these newer W3's or og W3's?
Years ago, I had an OG W3 and built a ported box for it. Powered it with an MTX 6500d and it was very nice!

(this was 10 years or so ago)

The box was 2.25 cuft with a 4" port tuned to 35hz.

IMO, the newer W3's are not that great.

Well I haven't bought them yet, but I was pretty set on getting them. I've heard a lot of good about them, you really don't think they're any good?

I am set on getting 2 12" inch subs, as I just sold my single 12" and amp. Which subs would you guys suggest over them? (I DO have a budget, and the w3's are around my ideal price)

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

Just make sure when you go into these audio shops and say you want a custom ported box made you get multiple quotes a lot of shops will try to **** you on price for custom boxes I would go on Craigslist or ask around I'm sure you can find someone local to build you one for cheap no more than 200

 

[ckunke002 10+ year member]

Thanks d77543020! Anyone have any advice on better affordable subs than w3'?

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

How much are the w3