Sub Opinions: Focal, Rainbow, Infinity,

I know most of the time JL Audio and the likes of MTX get high reputation marks for good subwoofers. Just wondering what people's opinions were on high end brands that make subs. Anybody heard the subs from Focal, Rainbow, Infinity, Arc? How do they compare with JLs, etc?

well arc is the same as image dynamics. Some of the Focal and Rainbow subs are great sounding, but are some what fragile. I have not heard the new Rainbows, but they look pretty beefy. What do want from your subs? sound quality I assume. Enclosure and power are very important too.

I hate JL subs. I traded a pair of Infinity Perfect 12's for a single 13W6 and it was the stupidest thing I've ever done to my stereo. I thought the Infinity Kappa Perfect's were the most impressive woofers I've ever used... I've heard better, but easily the best I've ever owned."I'm finished!" - Daniel Plainview

I just replaced an ARC10v.1 with a Rainbow Vanadium 10 in my truck, same enclosure. All other equipment remains the same. To my ears the Vanadium is much "cleaner" with better attack and decay. Very musical. I listen to jazz, pop, and classical so I can't speak to matching it with "heavier" music. The Vanadium 10 is the model before the revamp in 2004 but appears to be just as well-built as the ARC it replaced. Both are stamped steel. I also have two Vanadium 8's to be installed in the car. They are the new version and are very nice cast aluminum, work of art. Can't comment on their performance yet since I haven't installed them. Someone on a UK forum who is familiar with them described them as "insane" for their size.