Best 12 Inch Car Subwoofer
JL Audio 12W1v3-4
If you’re well aware of the vehicle stereo system, you may know that the JL Audio 12” subwoofers are considered a pioneer in the industry of car audio systems. The brand started its journey in 1975, and most audio products are still top of the line.
They’re not the high-end options available, but their great sound quality most often ends the competition in a tie. The JL 12-inches subwoofer 12W1v3 is the latest addition to this competition list. It clearly bolds out the competitors with its design, build quality and performance.
Contents
The 12W1v3-4 is a compact, lightweight 12-inch driver-based vehicle sub that shows its’ excellence at medium power levels. The subwoofer is well optimized with a few JL audio patent mechanisms, making it work well in a sealed enclosure with amplifier power in the 75 Watts to 300 watts range. The high-end linearity and excursion capability reproduce excellent bass response with shocking extension and quality.
Since the beginning, the brand has been widely respected for its remarkable quality, and the 12W1v3-4 is not an exception. The JL audio-marked components and the advanced technology take the reliability and performance to the next level. Many consumers agree that the 12W1V3 sub-model is one of the best 12″ audio subwoofers.
The best part of the JL 12” subwoofers is that they don’t carry a much higher price tag. If you’re considering the 12W1V3 for your vehicle, the following information may help you know it better and decide whether it’s meant for you or not!
JL Audio 12W1v3-4 Specifications
| SIZE: | 12″ subwoofer |
| IMPEDANCE: | 4 ohms |
| OUTPUT POWER: | 600 watts |
| RMS: | 75-300 watts |
| FREQUENCY: | 22-200 Hz |
| SENSITIVITY: | 86.1 dB |
| SEALED BOX VOLUME: | 1.15 cubic feet |
| PORTED BOX VOLUME: | 1.65 cubic feet |
| MATERIAL: | Mica Filled polypropylene cone with Nitrile-butylene rubber surround |
| TOP-MOUNT DEPTH: | 5-7/16″ |
| WEIGHT: | 12 pounds |
| DIMENSIONS: | 12.99 x 12.83 x 7.01 inches |
- If you want a vehicle-specific subwoofer; that could blend in with the car's interior, this simple and space-saving sub is to be proud of.
- The wow factor of the bass response makes you feel the hair on your body had stood up, the way music should be enjoyed.
- If you value accuracy and distortion-free sound, it will be the perfect fit.
- A single 12” sub is so damn powerful; that people will believe two 12” subs are performing until you correct them.
- No wonder; it has an acoustically designed construction of quality material; that attracts appreciation from audiophiles.
- No readymade enclosure
- Long break-in period
JL Audio 12W1v3-4 review
JL Audio 12W1v3-4 Features
Design and Build Quality
The JL Audio has become known for its world-class design, top-notch feature set, and technology. It also maintains the same remarkable quality till today. The 12W1v3-4 JL subwoofer doesn’t create an exception. The subwoofer also comes with a polypropylene woofer cone, Nitrile-butylene built surrounding rubber strip, and an optional box enclosure.
This 12″ JL subwoofer works well in both types of enclosure, sealed and ported, enabling you to choose the enclosure type according to the bass you want. You only need to ensure that the chosen enclosure is wear and tear protected to enhance its longevity and performance.
The embossed metallic JL Audio logo on the cone adds an extra layer to the overall aesthetic beauty. The customizable trim ring and optional grill installation let you personalize the audio system, though the grill is not included in the package.
Features and Technology
Woofer:
The JL Audio W1v3-4 subwoofer incorporates a patented injection-molded, mica-filled polypropylene-built cone with a rubber surround strip for excellent woofer excursion, impressive bass response, and added durability.
The dust cap and cone interlocks enable a sophisticated but effective suspension system. The combination keeps all internal parts properly aligned when you jam hard as well as ensure superior rigidity.
I’ve already mentioned that the JL Audio has a few proprietary methods; that have been used for improving some specific performance. The proprietary methods include- Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA) and Floating Cone Attachment Method (FCAM).
Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA):
The JL Audio proprietary method DMA gets used for improving dynamic motor behavior. The DMA optimized motor of a subwoofer remains stable and linear over a long excursion range to maintain a fixed magnetic field in the gap over a wide power range.
The tuned magnetic assembly ensures high excursion. The DMA optimized motor reproduces tight, clean, and articulate bass, accurate transient response, and reduces all sorts of distortion.
Floating Cone Attachment Method (FCAM):
The innovative FCAM technology assembles the components in the proper surround geometry for better dynamic voice coil alignment and excursion control. The assembly technique focuses on everything, from voice coil/spider assembly to the surround/cone assembly.
If you want a precise, dependable audio output, the W1V3-4 never lets down your expectations. The motor assembly construction and cone bonding keep the cone movement linear for accurate output without distortion. A special venting feature is also there inside the sub-cabinet, keeping the subwoofer cool for trouble-free performance for a long time.
Vented Reinforcement Collar:
The composite structure Vented Reinforcement Collar (VRC) addresses two common reliability-related issues: airflow and stress relief.
- Air Flow:
The VRC has a few slots that directly facilitate airflow onto the voice coil windings. The airflow enhances reliability and reduces thermal compression effects.
- Stress Relief:
Several issues could arrive at the critical junction between the cone, spider, and voice coil because of material weakness and glue breakdown. It provides stress relief to the spider material at extreme excursion levels and increases the adhesive contact area to reinforce the critical junction areas.
Insert Molded Suspension/Coil/Terminal Sub-Assembly:
The W1v3-4 also incorporates a unique suspension spider coil – Terminal subassembly technique to ensure safe glue-joint integrity, optimum Suspension/Coil/Terminal alignment, precise lead wire length, entry, and exit angles.
Elevated Frame Cooling System:
An elevated frame design lets cool air pass through the slots above the top plate to the voice coil. It enhances power handling capabilities and improves sound quality by reducing power compression and dynamic parameter shifts.
Sound Performance
A single W1v3-4 sub hits as hard as two 12″ JL Audio subwoofers that never step back from providing crisp and clean audio with 0 distortions. It also works with moderate power handling, which all vehicle’s sound systems do. The distortion-free immersive bass and overall powerful sound stand it out from the rest. The subwoofer delivers impressive performance on the go without costing a bank-breaking amount.
Conclusion
Have you ever wanted a hair-rising audio effect from a vehicle sound system? You may have seen the thumbs-down ratings for most vehicle subwoofer options until you find this review of the JL Audio W1V3-4 subwoofer.
I’m a big fan of the brand JL Audio, but I try my best not to exaggerate anything. I’ve mentioned many good things without being biased about this sub. That’s why; I included the cons, as well.
If you find my review interesting and honest, share it with others. If you have any questions regarding the JL Audio W1V3-4 subwoofer, feel free to ask.
