WLaurent sub enclosure installed! :) (Long!)
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,983
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From: Leyland, Lancs.
I have finally got round to installing the 8" sub enclosure in my S2000.
I have been running the JL Stealthbox for quite a while now but sometimes miss the luggage space it takes up, especially when I need to spend time away from home with the wife and the sub stays home to make room for her shoes
My plan was to test the 8" box to substitute for the JL for these journeys and not entirely deprive me of bass 
I have to admit I was a bit sceptical about how much bass one 8" sub could provide, the OEM changer bracket stops me fitting the pair. When the enclosure arrived I was impressed with its fit and finish, the trim is as good a match to the OEM carpet as the carpet JL use.
Fitting was very simple as I already have the amp installed, even removing the trim panels in the trunk (not really required) the job took less than 1 hour
The proof of the pudding is in the eating though - how does it sound??
Pretty damn good actually! Even though I only installed a fairly cheap Kenwood driver for the test it really does add a significant amount of low frequency fill. The extreme low frequencies (infrasonic) are cut by the amp but the Kenwood still takes all that my 250W class D sub amp can give it! I had not really expected to be able to do a like for like comparison between the JL box and the WLaurent one but the smaller box has really surprised me!
I'd actually say the 8" sub is a little tighter and more punchy but of course the big 10" has the ability to provide more really low bass (say 40 to 50 hz). If you are looking for some tight, punchy low end fill for your system then I would really recommend the WLaurent enclosure - if you were to add a comparable sub to the JL I honestly don't think there would be a lot in it.
Other factors, the trim match on the 8" box is as good as JL Audio's and general build quality and attention to detail is very good. The connectors are actually slightly better quality and the box is easier to fit. The JL box with sub weighs 28lbs vs approx 10.5lbs (as tested) for the 8" enclosure. My JL box cost more than I'd like to disclose whereas the WLaurent one (as tested) could be yours for less than
I have been running the JL Stealthbox for quite a while now but sometimes miss the luggage space it takes up, especially when I need to spend time away from home with the wife and the sub stays home to make room for her shoes
My plan was to test the 8" box to substitute for the JL for these journeys and not entirely deprive me of bass I have to admit I was a bit sceptical about how much bass one 8" sub could provide, the OEM changer bracket stops me fitting the pair. When the enclosure arrived I was impressed with its fit and finish, the trim is as good a match to the OEM carpet as the carpet JL use.
Fitting was very simple as I already have the amp installed, even removing the trim panels in the trunk (not really required) the job took less than 1 hour
The proof of the pudding is in the eating though - how does it sound??
Pretty damn good actually! Even though I only installed a fairly cheap Kenwood driver for the test it really does add a significant amount of low frequency fill. The extreme low frequencies (infrasonic) are cut by the amp but the Kenwood still takes all that my 250W class D sub amp can give it! I had not really expected to be able to do a like for like comparison between the JL box and the WLaurent one but the smaller box has really surprised me!
I'd actually say the 8" sub is a little tighter and more punchy but of course the big 10" has the ability to provide more really low bass (say 40 to 50 hz). If you are looking for some tight, punchy low end fill for your system then I would really recommend the WLaurent enclosure - if you were to add a comparable sub to the JL I honestly don't think there would be a lot in it.
Other factors, the trim match on the 8" box is as good as JL Audio's and general build quality and attention to detail is very good. The connectors are actually slightly better quality and the box is easier to fit. The JL box with sub weighs 28lbs vs approx 10.5lbs (as tested) for the 8" enclosure. My JL box cost more than I'd like to disclose whereas the WLaurent one (as tested) could be yours for less than
Former Moderator
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 2
From: Auburn, AL
Tif,
Thanks for taking the time to test this alternative! I've been waiting for the results of this test because the Stealthbox is not an option for me without finding a new home for my JL 500/5 amp. I now know were my new sub will go! I'm not looking for rattling bass. I like the clean crisp punch like I get out of my Focal Utopia 165W. Now if only Focal made a 8" driver.
Wlaurent I will order one with my next bonus check and thanks for designing an alternative sub enclosure!
Thanks for taking the time to test this alternative! I've been waiting for the results of this test because the Stealthbox is not an option for me without finding a new home for my JL 500/5 amp. I now know were my new sub will go! I'm not looking for rattling bass. I like the clean crisp punch like I get out of my Focal Utopia 165W. Now if only Focal made a 8" driver.
Wlaurent I will order one with my next bonus check and thanks for designing an alternative sub enclosure!
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,983
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From: Leyland, Lancs.
I was simply amazed at how much bass it puts out, even with the low-end Kenwood driver I fitted for the test. PAS2KNut has fitted his now I think and is running a better driver so I'm sure he'll add his comments.
Tif
Tif
Former Moderator
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 2
From: Auburn, AL
I'm very please with the results. I'm running a Rockford Fosgate RFD-2208 8" PUNCH HX2 with the sub channel on my JL500/5. The bass is just enough for me. It rounds out the sound very well. I have mine set so that the car doesn't rattle, however, with just a few adjustments on my headunit or on the amp and I can also have the wheels shaking
. I would highly recommend this product if you are looking to round out your system. If you want a ton of bass you will probably want a bigger driver like 10" or 12". If you have any questions just PM me and I will be sure to get back to you!
It rounds out the sound very well. I have mine set so that the car doesn't rattle, however, with just a few adjustments on my headunit or on the amp and I can also have the wheels shaking. I would highly recommend this product if you are looking to round out your system. If you want a ton of bass you will probably want a bigger driver like 10" or 12". If you have any questions just PM me and I will be sure to get back to you!
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 104
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From: San Luis Obispo
I've been very pleased with this sub - its not thumping bass, but that's not what I was looking for. Its loud enough to complement (not overpower) the rest of my system with just one enclosure, and takes up a minimum of room.
