JL Audio Subs and Amps, is it a hype!

But does it really sound quite the same? Power doesn't equate to great sound.

Have you you actually set up an a/b comparison? Sounds like you are caught up in the big power hype. That xxx sub is an spl sub, not really a sql or sq sub, obviously. 

And soundstream has certainly lost some of its clout as it is another company who has fallen victim to cheap over-seas manufacturing, you hype soundstream like they pay you.

I've heard good things about the Dayton subs, but I still don't think they stack up to a W7 (without doing an actual comparison, so this is opinion only).

By the way, has anyone heard the Gotham or Fathom HT subs from JL Audio? They look pretty sweet but I've never actually seen or heard one...

Better how? In SPL? That would be a correct statement, as the W7 was not designed to be a pure SPL subwoofer, whereas the MTX 9500 series were (more than the W7, anyway ). Otherwise your statement is way too broad and misleading to be true or accurate.

Oh, I agree that the W7 is very expensive and isn't for everyone.  However you don't tell a Porsche owner that he could have saved a lot of money by buying a Hundai.  Some people want the best and are willing to pay for it.  For those that don't, well there are quite a few alternatives out there including a good value like the Dayton. 

I think you would be surprised. Do you have much experience listening to a flat BL sub in a system whether home or car?  It's not uncommon for THD levels to be up above 30-40% in subwoofers even before reaching reference levels.  The distortion levels are very audible in even a pure SQ install, and some people are willing to spend extra money to make it less audible.

As for multiple subs, that usually isn't an option for most car installs.  This requires more power and more enclosure space which a lot of people aren't willing to give up.  Subs like the W7 aren't for everyone, but they do have their purpose in the market.

Steven Kephart

Adire Audio

I've got to totally agree with you on this one.  Just because something is built in China doesn't mean it is of lesser quality than an American made one.  There are some very good manufacturers over there that can produce the same quality stuff for a fraction of the price.  And I think people would be surprised at how many speaker manufacturers get their stuff from over there. 

Steven Kephart

Adire Audio