Best JL Audio Subwoofers: Top Brand Reviews 2022

JL Audio is one of the leading manufacturers of quality subwoofers, with a wide range of low-frequency speakers and amplifiers.  The JL Audio subs use proprietary amplifier technology to deliver deep bass response, optimizing sound for such features as movie effects and music.

With this Blog post, Hooke Audio will review the best JL Audio Subwoofers available in the market. Keep going to get more information.

Best JL Audio Subwoofers

Editor’s Choice JL Subwoofer

JL AUDIO W6 SUBWOOFERS

I would choose a JL Audio 12″ subwoofer if I could install it and they have many options. The W6 subs are powerful, can hit hard, and have a tighter, punchier sound than the W7. While the W7 can handle more power and will perform lower, I prefer a W6 for my vehicle. The W7’s smoother, more rounded bass is my preference over the W7’s punchy, quick-hitting bass.

Although speakers and subwoofers can be subjective and personal, I prefer W6. A TW3 would be my second choice, as it is so small. If I am going full-size subwoofer, I am going W6. If space is limited, I go TW3. The W6 is better than the W3, it isn’t better than a W7, and it is priced between the two models.

Best JL Subwoofer Overall Value

JL AUDIO W3 SUBWOOFERS

The JL W3 subwoofer is the most valuable of all the JL lines. The W3 subwoofers are powerful enough to play accurately and hit hard. Outside of the 6′ and 8′ models, the W3s can be ordered in dual coil configurations (2 ohms or 4 ohms) and are available in the 8 and 6″ sizes. This allows you to wire your amplifier to a 2ohm load, regardless of how many subs are you running.

The W3’s power handling is comparable to that of the W6. While the W6 will hit harder, the W3 is able to handle significant power at half the price. The W3 is a great choice if you’re looking for a subwoofer with power and an amp that can deliver the required power. The TW3 is a better choice if the W3 is too high for your application.

Best Overall JL Subwoofer – Low Profile

JL AUDIO TW3 SUBWOOFERS

Low-profile subwoofers are very popular as they can be installed underneath seats or allow you to add one while still allowing you to use your cargo space. Many subwoofers that are shallow sound like this. One exception is the JL Audio TW3, which produces a very similar output to the full-size W3. These subs are powerful, sound great, and hit hard. These woofers are very thin.

These subwoofers are great, even if you don’t have enough space for full-size subs. TW3s are available in a dual 4-ohm or 8-ohm voice coil. The 4 ohm DVC is best for a single subwoofer. The 8 ohm DVC is better for two speakers. TW3 delivers W3-sized output in a very small footprint and is an exception to the rules of a thin profile.

Best Premium JL Subwoofer to Get Punchy, Tight Bass

JL AUDIO W6 SUBWOOFERS

The JL Audio W6 subwoofer was their best-selling model up until the W7. Because of their size, mounting depth, and continuous power handling, the W6 subwoofers require very little air space. These subs are more powerful than the W7 and hit harder. We love the W6 subwoofer and use it in our car audio system.

The kick drum in an AC/DC song is a perfect example of how the W6 shines. The W6 shines in this fast, hard-hitting, feel-it-in-your chest kick drum.

Highest Quality Premium JL Subwoofers for Accuracy

JL AUDIO W7 SUBWOOFERS

The best, most luxurious of the line subwoofer JL Audio W7 is the best choice for car audiophiles who want the most powerful, clear bass possible. They can handle high power, low distortion, are extremely accurate, and are very smooth. The W7 is more powerful, plays more accurately, has more power, and will be more smooth than the W6.

Comparing the W7 and W6 side-by-side, you will see that the W6 is punchier than the W7. However, all of this comes at a cost. W7s can be expensive. The W7s come with single 3-ohm voice coils. Make sure that your amplifier can handle the 3 ohms power requirements. These are powered by the HD, Slash, and XD amplifiers.

Best Entry-level JL Subwoofer

JL AUDIO W0 SUBWOOFERS

The JL Audio W0 is the perfect choice if you’re on a tight budget or just need some bass. The W0 Audio subwoofer is the best entry-level car audio sub. These car subwoofers have a lot to offer. They are strong, durable, and well-built. The W0 car audio delivers a big bass response and is affordable without requiring a lot of power.

Best JL Subwoofer for Trucks

JL AUDIO TW3 SUBWOOFERS

The TW3 is one of the best JL Audio subs for trucks. The TW3 works well with any cab. If you have a crew car, these subs can be installed underneath the rear seat. It will provide the bass response you desire while discreetly tucking away from the rest of the car. These powerful subwoofers are capable of handling decent power at 400W RMS. These subs will provide powerful output, while also preserving the functionality and space of your truck’s interior.

Best JL Audio 12 Inch Subwoofer Review

1. JL Audio 12W0V3-4

This best JL Audio subwoofer is by far the most cost-effective and best-selling car subwoofer. You are strapped for cash and want high-end value. This is your option. The s12W0V3-4 can deliver a healthy 300 watts RMS power handling and 600 watts peak power.

These are some truly beefy subwoofers that can pack serious punch provided you have the space in your vehicle.

The JL Audio sub offers flexibility. They can be mounted in either a sealed or ported enclosure (with Sealed Enclosure Volume is
1.375 cu ft). The speaker’s distortion is reduced by the tough, durable propylene cone.

Pros

• Durable design
• Premium quality
• Low 30Hz average response
• Compatibility for ported and sealed enclosures

Cons

• Bass could be even better

For those with tight budgets, this is an affordable option. This is the best subwoofer if you want a high-end design with a performance at a reasonable price point.

2. JL Audio 12W6v3-D4 W6 Series Subwoofer

If you want premium sound quality, this powerful subwoofer is the one for you. The JL Audio 12W6v3D4 subwoofer is powerful enough for your car to bounce around.

The unit is well integrated into a high-quality subwoofer box and looks great behind your car seat. The cone is protected by the ABS plastic grille. 600 watts of peak power deliver a loud bass that will make you smile.

Pros

• High-end design
• Strong build
• Beautiful aesthetic build
• Powerful bass

Cons

• Not big enough for small cars

These powerful subs are sturdy and well-built. This JL Audio subwoofer is a great choice for car audio systems and will last many years. Your investment will be safe with the tough ABS plastic grille and robust enclosure.

3. JL audio 12TW1-2

Best Powered Car Subwoofer

The TW1 series car subs is a compelling choice. The 12TW1-2 sub is made with JL Audio’s patent thin-line technology. It delivers an immersive sound experience with exceptional excursion capabilities and shallow mounting depth.

This subwoofer is incredibly powerful for its small size. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a compact, neat design.

Pros

• Compact design
• Patented thin-line technology
• Cast alloy frame with special design
• Cone body injection-molded
• Low profile build

Cons

• Not customizable
• Needs a female push-on quick disconnect terminal

The 12TW1-2 JL Audio subwoofer is a 12-inch model that delivers a great sound and deep bass. It’s also extremely compact. This subwoofer is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a compact, small-sized subwoofer that can fit in your car.

Subwoofer Buying guide

Knowing what you are looking for is the only way to determine which subwoofer will be best for your needs. You will be able to make an informed decision once you are familiar with the features of a car subwoofer. Here are some things to consider when selecting a car sub.

Passive vs. Powered

There are many options for subwoofers. These rules are not fixed. The most popular choice for many is the active or powered option. It is the most expensive of the two options, but it delivers the highest quality bass and offers the best value.

Powered subwoofers offer a unique sound experience that you will appreciate on the open road.

You can also choose to invest in passive subwoofers. This is the best option for those with smaller cars and who need a subwoofer that uses less space.

Passive subwoofers are small because they don’t contain an amplifier. These subwoofers are great for beginners who don’t want to use an amplifier. Passive subwoofers are a smart option for budget-minded people who want a low-cost option.

Down-Firing vs. Front-Firing

The main difference between these two subwoofer types is that the down-firing option has the driver facing the floor while the front-firing subwoofers have the driver facing the cabinet.

Front-facing subwoofers provide clarity, precision, and clear intonations for each tone. This is far better than the down-firing option.

Forward firing subwoofers can produce excellent bass levels and delicate shimmering infra notes. They are better than down-firing subwoofers. Forwarding-firing subwoofers produce a clearer, more powerful bass than down-firing.

Check out our full post: Down Firing Vs Front Firing Subwoofer: Which Is Better?

Wireless vs. Wired

When it comes to subwoofers for cars, many people wonder if they should go wireless or wired. Again, it all boils down to personal preference.

Although wiring subwoofers can be fairly straightforward, some people prefer simpler wireless speakers that are connected via Bluetooth either to their car stereo system or to the user’s phone.

Wireless subwoofers are more attractive and can be tucked away easily, but they will have lower sound quality. The wired subwoofers are considered to be more reliable and have a higher sound quality than wireless ones.

The wires are directly connected to the subwoofer and are therefore not affected by radio signal disturbances. A wired subwoofer gives you more energy, while a wireless option requires a digital-to-analog converter. This can often lead to a loss of sound quality.

For those looking for an affordable subwoofer that is powerful and efficient, the wired subwoofer is a great choice.

Wattage

Bass quality is not always a function of bass volume. This is determined by the wattage. Higher wattage levels are often indicative of stronger bass notes, with the 12-inch option being the most popular.

100 watts is the minimum for 12-inch car subwoofers. However, this number can vary depending on subwoofer makes and models. A car subwoofer rated at 100 watts or less is not considered to be as efficient in terms of delivering superior bass quality.

Higher bass frequencies require more energy than treble and mid frequencies. You can get a better bass sound in a small vehicle with more power.

Frequency Response

It’s not just about the size or design of car subwoofers. Frequency response will also be an important consideration to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

A car subwoofer’s frequency range is between 20 and 200 Hz. This allows for better car bass. Contrary to other subwoofer specifications, the lower the frequency, the better the bass quality you get from the subwoofer. Many of the best car subwoofers on the market have a frequency range of 20 to 200 Hz.

Single vs. Dual Voice Coils

It can be confusing to determine whether you need dual voice coils or a single voice coil for your car subwoofer. It will be easier to make an informed decision if you know what they mean.

A single voice coil (SVC) is one length of wire wrapped around it, while a dual-voice coil (DVC), has two coils wrapped around it. An SVC car sub has a single negative terminal and a positive terminal. Dual voice coil subwoofers have two terminals, one for each coil.

The DVC option is the best choice for car subwoofers. It has more wiring and produces a more powerful sound. A dual coil subwoofer may not perform as well as a single coil subwoofer.

It all comes down to the subwoofer brand. You don’t have to worry about whether you choose a single coil or a DVC when shopping at JL Audio. These performance subwoofers make it the best.

Power Handling

You can’t go wrong with power when you want a car sub capable of producing great bass. More power equals more bass. This is a straightforward equation. However, you should also be aware of the RMS power ratings and not only the peak power ratings.

The RMS power rating is used to measure the subwoofer’s power handling. This gives you an accurate measure of its peak power output. This is vital information as the subwoofer must be able to handle the amp’s output power or the sound quality will suffer.

Sensitivity

We’re talking about power but it’s also important to mention the subwoofer that goes with it. The subwoofer’s sensitivity is what we are referring to.

If you don’t know, the sensitivity rating of a car subwoofer can be measured in decibels (or dB). The higher its dB, the more effective it will be at amplifying lower frequencies.

It is important to note that a subwoofer rated 3dB will need half the power to produce equal output as a subwoofer rated 3dB.

Crossover

Crossover is a must for any car sub. Otherwise, you will have to compromise your overall sound quality. A crossover is a good idea, but it will make your audio experience better. A crossover is when the car speakers begin to roll off and the subwoofer kicks into action to capture the full-sounding bass notes.

Modern crossovers are set automatically based on subwoofer frequency. This is a good thing. This reduces distortion and improves the subwoofer’s bass quality.

Ported vs. Sealed Enclosure

When it comes to subwoofers for cars, there is always the option of choosing between sealed or ported enclosures. Before making a choice, it is important to know the differences between them. Ported enclosures produce a higher level of output with the same power as sealed ones. Ported enclosures are therefore more efficient.

Ported Subwoofer enclosures have a greater overall output than sealed ones. Ported enclosures produce a higher overall output than sealed enclosures.

Placement

Subwoofers are designed to disperse air. Keep that in mind.

The subwoofer facing the rear seat will have less room to experiment with sound waves.

Louder sound results when the subs are closer to the wall. Because sound waves bounce off surfaces and scatter in multiple directions,

To prevent rattling, however, it is a good idea to remove your spare tire tools when you use down-firing subs.

Budget

When choosing the best JL Audio subwoofer, it is important to consider your budget. A W0, W1, W3 or W7 will work better for you than a W6 or W7 if you are unable to afford a higher-end model and can’t pay the amp necessary to power it. You have wasted your money if you spend your entire budget on a W7and you don’t have enough left over to buy an amplifier to give it enough power.

Warranty

A warranty is a guarantee that you will have peace of mind when you purchase a subwoofer for your car. It will depend on which brand you choose. Depending on the manufacturer, warranties can range from one year up to five years.

FAQs

Are JL Subs Really Worth It?

JL Audio is a top-tier audio company in terms of price and quality. This is a great deal for the good price and the high quality makes it a worthwhile investment. JL Audio products have been praised by the majority of customers. You won’t be disappointed.

What Does JL Audio Stand For?

James Birch and Lucio PRONI founded JL Audio in 1975. To form their company names, they used the first letter from each of their names. Thus, “JL.” They launched home speakers systems and “kits” as their first products.

What Is The Hardest-hitting 12-inch Subwoofer?

JL Audio is well-known for creating powered subwoofers that fit into cars. The Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch subwoofer is the best-selling JL sub. This might be more than one subwoofer you expected with 300 watts of RMS power.

Which Is the Best 12-inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer?

Although the 12TW5v2-2 is a shallow mount sub, don’t let its appearance fool you. These subs show JL Audio’s commitment to innovative design and advanced engineering.

Conclusion

JL Audio is arguably the best brand for car subwoofers, with its wide variety of drivers, cones, and power ratings. Hope that this article can help you choose the well-qualified sub for your entertainment.

Last update on 2022-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API