The 3rd version of the W3 line up (10" $239....12" $259) has been out for more than a year now.....but I feel that since they are the most popular subwoofer in the JL Audio lineup, and sold from our shop....I should give them a review.
With several improvements over the previous W3V2 line....the W3V3 has fast become the "go-to" subwoofer for our shop. Refinements over the W3V2 line include a smooth single concave cone (losing the 2 piece cone that use to come apart), high quality push speaker terminals (to replace the cheesy speaker terminal on the older model), and a classier, more refined look. To discuss the refinements in better detail ....I will address them one at a time.
The dust covers that were on the W3V2 line up were concave as well....yet they used a center insert that used to come unglued under stressfull situations. They eliminated this issue by combining the entire cone and dustcover. This was trickle down technology from the W7 and the W6V2 line.
After years of hearing complaints from installers about the wire connection of their subwoofers....JL Audio finally gave us what we wanted. They removed the old metal connection board and replace it with push terminals that are easy to use and give the subwoofer a classier, higher end look.
Speaking of a classier look.....the W3V3 model does look more expensive than its predicessor. They have stepped away from the logo that stretched from one side of the subwoofer to other in favor of a small yet refined badge, detailing the W3 logo. This was something again that trickled down from the W7 and W6V2 lines.
The sound is fantastic from these drivers......something that hasn't changed in years. They provide great bass response with little to no distortion. Yes, there are tweeks they have performed to these subwoofers......but I can not tell an audible difference between the W3V2 and the W3V3 lines. I think thats a good thing........cause if it isn't broke....why fix it. These subwoofers work in sealed, ported, and bandpass enclosures. Many subs on the market do one or two types of enclosure well.......the W3V3 subwoofers tackle all three applications with ease. Another feature I have grown to love about these subwoofers....reliability. I can install these things and the average consumer won't destroy them. Every one loves reliability...both retailers and consumers alike.
The cons are few and far between......more like trivial things to be honest. They have a new paintable plastic trim bezel that surrounds the subwoofer. This is a cool concept, but one more than one occasion I have cracked this trim ring screwing the sub woofer down. The price could be another discerning factor. At $239 for 10" and $259 for 12", these subwoofer are about $50 more than there competition. Thats a substantial cost difference. It seems they have also stepped away from the dual voice coils on this line. Not bad thing.....but the dual voice coil on the subwoofers would help retain certain impedences that JL Audio recommends for their amplifiers.
In closing I believe these subwoofers are worth the difference in cost. They have a proven track record and a loyal client following. They sound and perform as well as their predecessors. If your looking for a subwoofer that is a middle weight performer.....definately check these out.
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