I had two of the older type r's and I thought they sounded excellent and were loud enough for me back in the day, but I haven't heard the new ones with the wierd surround that they carry at Best Buy now.
I'm surprised the Kicker guy didn't have a solid opinion between the two.
wha makes it better quality? i love the L7s and also the Rs. but if i had to choose, i'd go wit the l7s. the Rs are awesome for the price. but the L7s are juss beasts