JL Audio W6v3 Subwoofer Drivers: The Sound Quality Gods are Smiling

For 2012, JL Audio is introducing the W6v3's with a slew of advances, representing two years of intense effort from the company's engineering department. These upgrades generate very noticeable performance increases in the form of greater output, sharper dynamics and improved overall sound quality.

The hearts of the W6v3's are their motor systems, featuring larger field plates and magnet assemblies than those used on v2's. These more powerful motor systems have been critically refined via JL Audio's proprietary DMA system to deliver exceptional linear excursion and dynamic stability. Further enhancing performance is a new motor cooling circuit design, featuring a patented pole vent designed to improve cooling efficiency and reduce power compression. The voice coil configuration remains a dual 4 ohm design with a terminal jumper system to allow parallel or series wiring.

New suspensions feature a wide rubber surround and a new progressive-roll spider to control the increased excursion capability. The cones are also new, and include a silver accent ring that creates a classy new look in combination with the satin black cast alloy basket.

W6v3's are ready for another decade of sound quality dominance.

Key Improvements over W6v2's:
Larger, more powerful motor systems 12W6v3: 20% larger 10W6v3: 26% larger
Greater linear excursion capability: 12W6v3: 14% more than W6v2 10W6v3: 23% more than W6v2
More durable rubber surround
Improved cooling circuit design (patented)

Overview:
Small sealed enclosure volume requirements
Very long linear excursion capability: 0.74 in / 18.8 mm, one-way
High power handling
DMA-optimized motor designs
New, patent-pending pole cooling system and patented elevated frame cooling
Patented "floating cone attach method" technology
Plateau reinforced spider attach (RC)
Cast alloy frame
Jacketed lead-wire system
Injection molded, mineral-filled polypropylene cone
Rubber surround
Precision-built in USA at JL Audio's Miramar, Florida factory

10W6v3
Nominal Diameter: 10 in (250 mm)
Recommended Power Range: 200 - 600 W
Xmax: 0.74 in (18.8 mm) one-way, linear
Impedance: Dual 4 ohm
Rec. Sealed Enclosure: 0.625 cu.ft. (17.7 l)
Mounting Depth: 6.89 in (175 mm)
Availability: Second Quarter 2012
Suggested Retail: USD $599.00/ each

12W6v3
Nominal Diameter: 12 in (300 mm)
Recommended Power Range: 200 - 600 W
Xmax: 0.74 in (18.8 mm) one-way, linear
Impedance: Dual 4 ohm
Rec. Sealed Enclosure: 1.25 cu.ft. (35.4 l)
Mounting Depth: 7.52 in (191 mm)
Availability: Second Quarter 2012
Suggested Retail: USD $699.00/ each

JL Audio W7AE H.O. Wedge™ Subwoofer Systems: The connoisseur’s high-output system

JL Audio has updated the legendary W7 H.O. Wedge Systems with new cosmetics to complement the tough looks of the W7AE drivers. The revision includes new charcoal carpet with embroidered "JL Audio: Made in USA" graphics and a black insert on the mounting baffle for a clean, classy appearance. Patented, chamber-coupled porting delivers stunning bass output and fidelity.

HO110R-W7AE
Subwoofer Driver: 10W7AE
Recommended Power Range: 300 - 750 W
Impedance: 3 ohm
Dimensions (H x W x D): 15.25 x 32 x 19.25 in (387 x 813 x 489 mm)
Availability: First Quarter 2012
Suggested Retail Price: USD $1099.95/each

HO112R-W7AE
Subwoofer Driver: 12W7AE
Recommended Power Range: 400 - 1000 W
Impedance: 3 ohm
Dimensions (H x W x D): 17 x 34 x 20.5 in (432 x 864 x 521 mm)
Availability: First Quarter 2012
Suggested Retail Price: USD $1299.95/each

StealthMod™ Bridging the gap between a basic subwoofer addition and a full, custom system solution

JL Audio is hitting CES HARD!!! One of many, many of the items they are unveiling happens to be called StealthMod. StealthMod bridges the gap between a basic subwoofer addition and a full, custom system solution. According to JL Audio,

A StealthMod™ is a complete, JL Audio-engineered upgrade package that builds on a Stealthbox® installation with well thought-out amplification and/or speaker system modifications.
The goal is to provide maximum performance value with minimal modification to the vehicle and little visual evidence of its installation. By taking the guesswork out of the system design, equipment selection and installation, JL Audio can offer customers a high-quality, reliable audio upgrade at a very reasonable price.
Every aspect of the installation has been thoroughly researched and tested: from the interface with the factory head unit, to the power wiring and the speaker installation. In addition to detailed instructions, the installer will find all the necessary brackets, wiring products, fasteners and adaptors to complete the installation. This significantly cuts down installation time, compared to a custom system approach.
The end result is an audio upgrade that completely blows away the factory audio system, not only with improved sub-bass, but with better performance across-the-board.

StealthMod™ includes:
Stealthbox® subwoofer system
Component speaker upgrades
System amplifier with remote level control
Wiring (power, speaker and signal)
Brackets, adaptors and hardware
Detailed installation and setup instructions

StealthMod™ systems for the following cars are shipping now:
Kia Soul
Suggested Retail: USD $1449.95/each
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Suggested Retail: USD $2399.95/each

Shipping First Quarter 2012
BMW X5 (with premium audio)
Suggested Retail: USD $1899.95/each

JL Audio prepping for CES...

This week is a busy week. In seven days, there's three major events: the start of NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) in Detroit, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and Tokyo Auto Salon in Tokyo, Japan.

CES starts January 10th and those who have anything to do with electronics will be at this show. Pertaining to cars, companies who specialize in audio, navigational systems, alarms, TV monitors, etc show off their new products to potential buyers.

One company that sells great audio products for vehicles, is JL Audio, and as we speak, they're putting together last minutes touches for the show tomorrow. Check out some of the sneak peeks...

One of the demo vehicles in JL Audio's spacious area.

Prepping the Camaro SS for the festivities.

The Fathom IWS in-wall subwoofer system.

Covering the ultra thin subwoofers.

Another demo vehicle... a CanAm Spyder with the JL Audio SlamPak system.

I wonder what else JL Audio has up their sleeve. We'll soon find out.

Photos: JLA

Doh, Maybe I Should Have Went to Vegas...

And no, not to gamble or to go to the World's Largest Forever 21 either. But to go to CES.

I'll break down CES for you: The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a major technology-related trade show held each January at the Las Vegas Convention Center in, you guessed it... Las Vegas, Nevada. Not open to the public, CES previews of products and new product announcements....

... which includes tchotchkes for your car. Tchotchkes is an actual word, it's my word for the moment, but it means small toys and trinkets.

I was off my game for a minute, and CES slipped my radar. I knew what CES was, but I underestimated how much of an automotive presence was at CES. If I raid a particular New York DJ's blog (Funkmaster Flex), I can come up with pictures and do my own research to get information to post on here. Tragically, when I have to depend on someone else's camera phone photos, the photos tend to look... well I'll be honest, the photos suck.

*Note to self: Add CES to the 2012 Calendar.