3 subs = 3 amps?

Hi guys! I was wondering if I can get some advice.

Currently, I have 3 15" JL Audio w3v2 D4's in a chambered box. I also have 3 Kenwood KAC 929's. Each amp is powering each sub. I also have an AudioControl Line Driver and Matrix in the mix, but that's not really relevant I think. I have plenty of power running the system - I have an Optima Red Top and an HO Alt as well, so powering my setup isn't the issue.

My issue is SPL. I am going to be competing in SPL comps in the upcoming months, and I need to get as much SPL as possible.  My system sounds really good, and it really hits hard, but I'm thinking I can go higher with the w3v2's

Is my current 3 amp set-up good? or am I not using my subs to their capacity? Should I keep the 3 amp set-up? Should I get different amps? Should I buy 1 amp to power all 3?

Basically, what should I do to push my subs to the limit? Or am I already doing that and keep what I have?

well yeah, I already know that.

That's my question though, to get every small inch that I can out of my speakers.. should I stick with my 3 amp set-up and just get different amps (that are 2 ohm stable) and better one's then the Kenwoods; or should I get 1 amp to power all 3 subs. Again, clean maximum SPL is what I'm going for here.

hard to win any spl event with w3 its more of a enrty level sub you will go through many of these if u push to hard

yeah I know my amps are my weakest link. Only reason I used them is because I worked at Best Buy at the time, and I got a good discount on all 3. I'd like to use 3 amps. I'd like to use JL or Alpine amps. Any recomendations on models that would best match my subs?

W3V2 is an entry level sub? How so? This is news to me! I never heard those two words in the same sentence before.

entry sub = stamped basket =low power handeling =not an sq sub 

spl sub= cast basket = stiffer cone = dual spider = much larger coil for power handeling=

yeah, I didn't think they were entry level. And besides, the 3 I got - they kick, and they kick HARD! They are in a sealed fiberglass enclosure, and they sound really good.

So, being I have the power capable of handling the load, I will stick with a 3 amp setup, and I want to stick with JL as well. With 15W3V2's - which amp should I get to power each sub? 500/1? 1000/1?

Hi guys, I am bringing this topic back into play, because quite honestly I never really got a definate answer with my situation, and I'm ready to do this.

As I said in my original post, I have 3 JL 15w3v2's (D4). I know my current amps are horrible, so therefore I want to switch them out. I am not sure if I should stick with my 3 amp set up, or go with 1 amp. Talking to a few people around town, some are telling me to get a good 1 ohm stable amp to power all 3 subs, and others are telling me to get 3 good amps, each at 2 ohm stable. Which should I do?

I'd also like some model recommendations if all possible as well. I want to get every ounce of power that these subs are capable of providing.

1 amp would be less of a hassle, you only set up 1 amp instead of 3.  If you setup 3 they would need to be COMPLETELY IDENTICAL.  Having one amp would save a lot of work, pain, money, and a big headache.  Although on the other hand if you go with the three and set them up properly then running the subs at the higher ohms would give you better sound quality. 

Mainly you need to ask yourself the following questions . . . .

How much room do I really have for amp(s)?

How much time can/will I spend into setting the system up?

How much money can I throw down for my amp(s)?

What kind of sound quality am I looking for?

Ask yourself those questions and let us know so that we can help you make a better decision.

A couple of observations:  you've been around for awhile, so your comment "I want to get every ounce of power that these subs are capable of providing." left me wondering how you missed something along the way.  Subs don't provide power, to start with.  But that's just nitpicking;  what you seem to have missed along the way is that subs don't have to be fed with all the power they are rated for to sound their loudest and best.  Use the power range chart that JL provides for their subs.  The power can be anywhere within that range they call "optimal".

You don't need a 1 ohm stable amp to power three DVC 4's.  The load would result at 2.67 ohms wired series/parallel.

if you want max out of your subs. i would run 3 500/1JLs. Now if you want to run just one amp and be a little short on power. do the 1000/1. and as far as most spl do a ported enclosure. even if it looks like ass who cares its for a spl comp most of the vehicles i have seen in comps look like total ass anyhow!