I just picked up a JL12w7-3....I'm using a 500/1 JL amp to drive it, and a custom built MDF enclosure.
Forget the exact internal volume of the enclosure, but its close to the recommended 1.375ft3 which JL calls for...

Anyway I don't think it sounds the way it should...it's deff. not hitting as hard as I'd expect....is it because I have it firing directly into the trunk lid on my s2000? (meaning its firing up towards the sky....)
No dynamat in the car...
But I had a 12w0 in the box just before I got the w7 and it sounded like ass and didnt hit hard at all (i expected that, just used it for the time being) but now the w7 isn't WORLDS better like i expected it to be?

Any suggestions? How do you guys have your amps set up? I have the input sensitivity turned up pretty high, (I've read the manual on how to set it, but I don't have the correct test CD to do so....)

I can without a doubt say that my (2) 12w0JL's in the JL powerwedge in my integra hit harder than this does....and that doesn't seem right to me??


eclipse cd8053
JL 500/1
JL 12w7-3

help me out. . .

Just a quick pic i took after i finished the false floor.... (sorry long exposure, no tripod) (and thats with the w0, no pics of the w7 in yet...)

 

I removed the Tray and the upper plastic part of the tray that go under the convertible top when its down....anddd....

it made it 100000x better (plus it got rid of that HORRIBLE raddling)

Probally just needs a few more minutes/hours tweeking the amp and face!!!

 

thats not a 12W7.. (oops i read your post now saying its a 0)

how much is your gain turned up on the amp? 500 watts isnt really a lot for a 12W7 either, i would be pushing an amp twice that size if you want the W7 to perform. 500 is even on the low side for a 10w7.

 

pics?

 

lol its an ugly hole now and you can see into the trunk....but it really doesn't bother me at all....it sounds good and doesn't rattle im happy


Umm the input sensitivity is turned close to max now and i have the bass EQ on and the bass boost kinda high....it really hits hard now

I'll get some good pics during the day with the w7 installed!

 

It is on the low end, but according to the rec. power sheet on JL's site its okay....not on the way end.

 

[B]I have a 10w6 in a ported box with the jl500 and it slams...I was planning on going with a 10w7, but I think it's overkill...good luck with the 12w7...

 

This is another example of someone using a woofer that is too powerful and not having the proper amplifier.

A JL500/1 can barely run a 10w7 and you are running a 12w7? You need a 1000/1 to run that sub properly.

The Gain and boost controls are not meant to be maxed out or you'll be clipping/distorting the sound at louder volumes.

Its' always better to have MORE power on a lesser sub than the other way around. Subwoofers are essentially motors and need amp power (Watts) to control the motor (cone movement). A good quality amp will give controlled excursion.

Simple terms: The s2000 does NOT need a 12w7! Given proper setup a single 10w6 subwoofer is MORE than enough.

And with no dynamat you are just losing most of that SPL to vibration and noise....just my 2 cents. It's your car so do whatever you want.


rk

 

An S2000 does not need a 12 sub unless your trying to save on gas and bounce the car down the street

 

I got a 10w7 and it hits pretty hard. It just sucks with it being in the trunk.