JL no longer underrating subs, some info...

[CleanLS 0]

This was brought to my attention in thread on another board. The sub continuous power ratings had changed on the website and a couple poster mentioned that they'd be willing to bet it came from retailers complaining about losing sales because the stuff wasn't rated as high as others, even though you don't have to be a rocket scientist to look at the motor structure and suspension on a 13W6 a know it can handle just a tad more than 500W continous.

I was surprised however at how much they had underated their stuff. I always figured it was by 100-150W max, but most of them jumped at least 200W.

Anyways, I contacted my buddy JC at Audio Advisors, who are the biggest retailer of JL in Florida and who is very close personally to the higher ups at JL, and indeed the ratings were changed due to complaints from retailers and some consumer bad mouthing (I.E. This sub says it handles 1000WRMS for $300, why does JL's cost $700?) The patents and performance parameters weren't enough and only satisfy a smaller growing number of clientell. Here's what he wrote me back:

JL got tired of all the smack and chit talking so they decided this year to rate their products just like everyone else in the market has been. By doing this instead of their more strict guidelines everything in their line has increased in power handling and output power capabilities. Nothing has changed in the products. They just listed what they are fully capable of. What I'm afraid of is people are still going to have the stigma that JL under-rates their stuff and are going to push the envelope over the new power ratings, possibly resulting in a lot of blown/damaged stuff.

So in short, their subs are no longer underrated. They are listed at what they can truly do. They are what we thought they were!

Edited January 22, 2008 by CleanLS

[Big E 4]

(I.E. This sub says it handles 1000WRMS for $300, why does JL's cost $700?)

I still wonder that.

[DevilDriver 28]

(I.E. This sub says it handles 1000WRMS for $300, why does JL's cost $700?)

I still wonder that.

Probably because power handling has little to do with price and original engineering is expensive.

[CleanLS 0]

(I.E. This sub says it handles 1000WRMS for $300, why does JL's cost $700?)

I still wonder that.

Probably because power handling has little to do with price and original engineering is expensive.

And that power handling IMO is the most OVER rated aspect of how good a driver is. It's but one aspect that plays a small part in its overall effectiveness. Suspenion, Cone design, motor force and linearity throughout excursion, materials, etc. all play into it.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Its the way the market has turned. Same reason some of the bigger name quality amp companies are putting ILS max wattage on their amps like the cheapo companies have been.

[80INCHES 0]

This was brought to my attention in thread on another board. The sub continuous power ratings had changed on the website and a couple poster mentioned that they'd be willing to bet it came from retailers complaining about losing sales because the stuff wasn't rated as high as others, even though you don't have to be a rocket scientist to look at the motor structure and suspension on a 13W6 a know it can handle just a tad more than 500W continous.

I was surprised however at how much they had underated their stuff. I always figured it was by 100-150W max, but most of them jumped at least 200W.

i have a 10w3v1 its rated 300rms but it taking 600all day long without coil smell or any distress

80

[ANeonRider 3]

I don't even consider power handling when I am shopping for drivers.

But then again, I'm not looking to impress others.

[Parker 2]

(I.E. This sub says it handles 1000WRMS for $300, why does JL's cost $700?)

I still wonder that.

Probably because power handling has little to do with price and original engineering is expensive.

Yeah the origianl engineering is expensive but as many W7's as they've sold it wouldn't hurt to drop the price a little now.

[aznboi3644 2]

I have an old school 12W6..."rated 300 watts" power handling...it takes 600 all day long

[///M5 2,833]

I don't even consider power handling when I am shopping for drivers.

But then again, I'm not looking to impress others.

X eleventy billion, hell I don't really take it into account when picking out an amp to power my sub either

[Big E 4]

Sorry, I should've noted the sarcasm in my post:P

[subwoofery 0]

Just checked the power handling, you are correct, they changed it on the website.

HOWEVER,

They need to upgrade their charts for the recommended power use. Or people will think that JL is crazy to rate their woofer in the danger/warranty void zone.

[djjdnap 78]

I always thought this said it best

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Maverick always plays his JL's in the danger zone.