Subwoofer Comparison for Sound Quality rather than SPL?

Question

I'm reviewing five similarly-priced, economic 12" subwoofers where *sound quality* is my first concern (I will not be pushing the subs and not at all concerned with SPL). I will be crossing them at 80hz (they will be covering 20hz-80hz). Although these are automotive subs, I'm utilizing them in custom enclosures for a home-theater application.

Does anyone have any feedback about how the following (or any other similarly priced subwoofers) compare to each other considering the unique needs of this project (straight sound quality over SPL, where car subs more often focus)?

Short List:
Pioneer TS-W306
MB Quart RWE-304
Diamond Audio D112D4
JBL GTO1204D
Audiobahn AW1200V

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!

To be clear …
I am *not* requesting people’s *opinion* on which sounds better .... Instead I’m asking people who are aware of the technical differences, which of them is more technically proficient at reproducing sound consistently (flat) between 20-80hz at all volumes and response rates.

For example, the Pioneer is probably the most high-tech componentry that I am aware (new type of composite cone, aluminum VC, etc) – yet I can’t get any specs, not so much as the VC size. My question is how this stacks up against the others when it comes to performance – do they actually perform as good or better (I can’t find SPL / response charts for subwoofers anywhere, unlike conventional speakers).

If you have an objective comment on why one subwoofer excels over another in this mid-to-economic price category, or technical details, or other factors related to my application, please post here. Otherwise, I appreciate your interest, but I’m hoping to assemble a different type of input.

Answer 1

Spec's, technical details, and technology will never tell you which is a better-sounding, more linear, or accurate subwoofer.

First, there's the driver. Yes, it's very important, but it will never provide your desired results without backing it up with a very good install (including enclosure design, build, and positioning), not to mention powering appropriately, balancing amp input sensitivity to incoming signal, sound deadening, etc.

You are asking an impossible question to answer within the limitations you've laid out.

Of that list I would, personally, remove the following:
MB Quart
Audiobahn

If you can save up a little longer you should audition the Alpine Type R and Infinity Perfect. Excellent value and very versatile drivers.

With an even wider budget there are many more excellent choices from independent brands that you won't find at Best Buy and Circuit City. But, I won't get into those because that will get into an entirely too long-winded response.

Good luck in your quest.

Answer 2

In my oppinion i would go with the Audiobahn AW100V, this speaker (last years model) was already a good mid priced and not to crazy sub if you didnt want it to, but they recently made it better, to have better sound quality. I have a audiobahn subwoofer that I push SPL through and it sounds amazing at loud levels, so since you are just doing sound quality and probably wont push it as hard as i do, i think this speaker will be perfect. ALL AUDIOBAHN HATERS, DONT BE MAD BECAUSE YOUR SYSTEM CANT HIS AS HARD AS OURS, PEOPLE TALK SHlT ALL OF THE TIME BUT WHEN IT COMES TO A SHOWOFF, I ALWAYS WIN.

Answer 3

I would say kicker JL(if money is no problem) or the Fi (favorite)subwoofers. One 15 or two 12s will be good in a ported box. Don't forget to get a good amp, have enough power form your alternator for your setup, and have speakers loud enough so that you aren't all bass.

Answer 4

I wouldn't be too worried about the cross over, you pretty much have to cross them at 80 if you are also installling surround speakers. If you are really concerned about quality then why wouldn't you audition some high end home theater speakers? I spent a lot of time on my home theater and in the end the best advice I got was to audition them and pick the one that sounds best to me rather than worrying about reviews.

Answer 5

I must say out of that list i would go for either mb quart, or diamond audio. those are the 2 sound quality brands that you have listed. you might also want to check out boston acoustics.

good luck.

and to the guy with audiobahn, what do you match up against sony? you really think you can "out pound" any system out there? i think not. audiobahn is overated, just like alpine.

Answer 6

in reality, how they sound will be totally up to you. you might love how one sounds yet i might totally disagree.... but as for my opinion in SQ I'd say you'll probably want to go with the MB QUART, Diamond Audio, Infinity or even JL Audio's W6 or W7....

Answer 7

No one can hear what is going on in YOUR head?

You have to do this on your own! All you will get from the world, is what is going on in their heads and it is different for everyone of them?

Are you buy for their audio experience or yours?