So I bought a set of Kicker CompVR 10's (silver coned...'07 i believe) in a custom ported box (not very good) with a kicker 400.1 about a month ago and I'm getting the itch for a nicer, more SQ based setup than just the lows like I have now. Anyways, I bought that whole setup for $200 but now I've found someone that will trade me my comp vr's/box for his 2 - JL W3v3 10's. I've never known much about JL or Kicker as I tended towards the larger ID companies like Digital Designs, Audioque, Image Dynamics, etc so I don't know which one will be better. I'm assuming the JL's will sound better but the Comp VR's might dig a bit deeper....eh who knows, I dont! As of right now I feel like my setup can hit the low notes (rap basically) but can punch you in the back on rock or mesh very well. I've had plenty of buddies with Kicker stuff and I've always thought they were very one-noted but basically I'm just looking for something to sound good and still be decently loud when I'd like it. I don't need to be heard 2 miles away (out of that stage) but I'd like my songs to really "hit me" hard without having to shell out a ton on money.

Ok...sorry I rambled too much there . Would this be a good trade? I've found a few good box plans online for various sized ported boxes in the 30hz-38hz range, might just go sealed though..not sure yet. Can anyone help me out?


Edit: I asked this in the "show off your system" thread but it didn't get answered. Is the TL a pretty well insulated car and that's why I'm not getting anywhere near the output I'm getting if I was to open my trunk and listen?? Even opening up the center console in the back doesn't help a lot.

 

Your biggest problem right there. The subs have to be in a good box that will allow them to play as intended. Try contacting Kicker and talk to them about what you are trying to achieve with your subs and let them make a recommendation. If the recommendation they make does not fit with your vehicle (box too large, etc.) then look for something different.

But please, never say you heard you friends setup and it sounded ________. Way to many variables (vehicle type, box, amp, processing, etc.) to even begin to assume this information is helpful/accurate. Your friends may (probably) have installed them in incorrect ways or are looking for something different then you are as far as sound.

 

Yeah I understand the box is a HUGE factor but the SQ of Kicker....well, isn't really there. I understand what your saying and I wasn't trying to say that....I know every car/setup can be very different. I just didn't feel like making a custom box myself tuned low and it still sounding mediocre. I was just looking for some low end and kinda just bought this on a whim..woops. Now I'm just trading it or selling it to maybe spend a tad more and get something I'll halfway enjoy. I'm just trying to get something that will sound clean and tight but still get low and loud. I understand that's pretty much impossible in the lower end stuff but you know what I mean. If I wasn't such a stingy ass I'd buy an Fi Q or IDMax and call it a day but that cost more than I want to spend on my entire sub setup at the moment haha. I figure if these JL w3v3 10's will sound better and get just as loud then I might as well trade up for them.


Cliffs: Never been a big Kicker or JL guy but for a low budget system...most seem to think the w3's sound better in most applications. Just wondering if anyone had heard the JL's or had any input. Thanks niebur3

 

No problem....only word of warning, you can spend as much money as you want, but it NEEDS to be installed properly, including the enclosure, or they will all sound like shit. If you take my Dynaudio Esotar2 1200 ($1600 msrp), or any other subs for that matter, and put it in the completely wrong enclosure, it will sound no better than your kicker subs.

Good Luck!!!!!!!