JL Stealthbox vs. BSW Sub

[radelow]

Debating between the two. Already have an Alpine subwoofer Amp (M500 - 300w RMS at 4ohm) powering a box. Just wondering what the pro/cons are of each one as pricing seems to be close (around $550 for the JL and around $550 for the BSW sans amp). JL is a 10" and BSW is a 8". Thanks for any insight you can provide!!!

[SWATH2]

Installed the BSW after looking into both myself. While I am totally satisfied with the BSW, it really depends on what you are listening for. I have a very wide range of music from quiet classical to hip-hop and speed metal and the BSW does an excellent job. If you want tight bass that matches well with the speaker layout in the X5 go for the BSW. If you want sheer ground-shaking power go for the JBL.

[semper fi]

I looked at both as well and purchased the Stealthbox. I bought the JL product because I know that their speakers can produce great bass (in the right enclosure), and I was certain that an 8" speaker would not be able to reach as low as a 10" speaker would.

I bought the Alpine amp that comes highly recommended and had my local professional install the amp and speaker in the right rear panel. Although I am pleased overall, I was expecting more "pounding bass." This setup, though filling the low end as it should, will not rattle any windows. My local car audio professional was very unimpressed with the system. He believed that the box was insufficient for the speaker (but it does fit nicely).

I listen to many types of music and this box does a fine job of adding some punch to my non-DSP system. Yet, if you primarily listen to rap or hip-hop and want to make an impression on the car in front of you at a stop light, neither one of these setups is what you need. You will need to come up with a custom system. If you are just looking to add punch to your system, I recommend the Stealthbox.

[NextGen]

Originally Posted by semper fi

I bought the JL product

I was getting ready to order this sub when I came across some instructions I found on the internet. It calls for cutting and trimming the cover panel. I hope these are old instructions.



I know they had to do that when the sub was first released. I thought that JL Audio changed this later. Maybe I am wrong.

Did you have to trim your panel for the sub to fit?

[sleepless]

Thanks to Essam's detailed work I decided to pull the trigger and start this mod.........I just bought the Pioneer Sub, & Alpine Amp (Same as Essam) .... planning to build the box and install next wknd,..... this project will cost me well under $200....which includes all the MDF, wire, glue, etc. etc.,,,,,,...... Hey Essam I might be calling you for some tech support on wiring....

[Essam Khafagi]

Originally Posted by sleepless

Thanks to Essam's detailed work I decided to pull the trigger and start this mod.........I just bought the Pioneer Sub, & Alpine Amp (Same as Essam) .... planning to build the box and install next wknd,..... this project will cost me well under $200....which includes all the MDF, wire, glue, etc. etc.,,,,,,...... Hey Essam I might be calling you for some tech support on wiring....

I was wondering where have you been?!

You can drop me a PM anytime but consider the time difference if I am late in replying (I am 9 hours ahead of US time)

[carlgo]

There is no doubt that the physics of a 10" JL woofer in the same-sized box as the 8" BSW design are attractive. Now, if the 8" is super-quality, then that may narrow the gap.

In any case, relatively small short-throw woofers in tiny sealed boxes are only going to go so low. Any differences will be fairly minor and you would probably have to hear them side-by-side to know the differences.

Also, some speaker designs may go lower, but not be as accurate. For non-hip-hop music, accuracy is going to be more important. You want both, of course, if possible.

All of these designs are hugely better than the OEM system of not having any bass at all.

Not that it is exactly the same comparison, but my Essam system is only a bit better than my previous 8" free-standing box. That woofer was a quality long-throw design and the box was pretty big, so it is actually impressive that a short-throw 10" in a tiny box can compete.

You can't compare the cost of these subs to those marketed for, say, Mustangs. There you get absolute thunder for less because of the high production volumes and a lot more space. I think the prices are ok for a complex, low-volume product.

I certainly recommend commercially built units for most people who do not have access to power tools and want to get the biggest and most engineered sub enclosure possible.

if I were BSW I would put in a 10 just to end the speculation, even if there was little or no actual sound advantage.

I ordered the six front speakers and we will see about that. More water in the beans for awhile.

[Weasel]

I just wanna see the testimonials from both sides myself.

[Essam Khafagi]

My system cost is around 260$ and it gives awesome result!

Check here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bsws-mobile-e...-included.html

[Weasel]

There ya go, adding a 3rd leg to the comparison... JL stealthbox 10" vs BSW 8" vs pioneer low profile 10"

Anyone had more than one setup? Switched from one to the other?