JL Audio W3 Intro

When it comes to sound in your vehicle, bigger is always better, right? Sorry, but that’s a rookie mistake. More powerful does not always mean good quality. You may be able to get a louder volume, but is it worth it if the sound quality is not up to scratch?

The JL Audio W3 10 is not the most powerful sub on the planet, but it really delivers when it comes to the quality of the sound it produces.

Performance  of the W3 10″ Sub

If there is one thing that JL Audio continually delivers on is giving you a lot of bang for your buck, or in this case, a lot of boom. Like many of the other models the company makes, simple, clean design and pure functionality have been prioritized here.

You do not have all the bells and whistles, but this sub impresses where it really counts – in the sound that it puts out. The sound is crisp and clear. It is not going to ever be loud enough to shatter a window, but you will definitely feel the bass.

And, if you like to announce your arrival from a block or so away, this is going to be perfect for that.

In terms of price range, it is not the cheapest sub on the market, but it is durable and performs at a level that you would expect from more expensive models. Quite simply, it has more than enough bass for you.

Features

This is a 10-inch Subwoofer with a somewhat unusual polypropylene cone. What makes it different is that polypropylene has been injected with minerals, to ensure that it is more robust. The method used to attach the cone – Floating Cone Attach Method – means that the cone is connected to the surround in a much simpler manner than before.

What makes this special? The cone is able to move more than usual but still stays in great shape. This allows for much better sound quality overall. The basket is designed to help keep the voice coil much cooler and so allows for better performance without as much risk of blowing out the speaker.

Here are the vital statistics:

• Peak power is 600 watts, and RMS power is 300 watts.
• Top mount depth is 5.93 inches.
• Impedance is 4 Ohm

The price is on the higher side of mid-range, but it works out to be a worthwhile investment to spend the few extra dollars here. You will be able to hear the difference immediately and will not regret installing this sub.

Drawbacks  

This is a sub driver hybrid, and as such you do have to be careful that you do not work the transducer into an early grave. While the max power is set at 600 watts, it is better to keep things at or just under the RMS power of 300 watts.

This means taking the volume down a notch or two, so it is not going to suit you if you are a hardcore basshead who wants maximum thump. That said, there is more to music than just the bass, and this sub allows you to really appreciate the sound.  

It is in the quality of the sound that this sub really shows its mettle but if you are a purist, a standard sub might be a better option for you.

Final Verdict

Hardcore bassheads are likely to think of the JL Audio W3 10 as pretty tame, and so it may not be the best option for them. This is not the sub you are looking for if you like to push your system as far as you can.  

However, if you are someone who would like to enjoy higher sound quality at an affordable price, these will work well for you.