Need help choosing amp for JL Audio 12W3-Car audio people please read

[Nasty N8]

OK I know close to nothing about car audio. That being said, I've decided to get ONE JL Audio 12W3. Here's where I'm confused:

It says it is available in 2, 4, or 6 ohm setups. What is the difference between these?

Next depending on which ohm setup I get, what would be an appropriate amp?

Can anybody recommend which one would be the best combo?
I'd really, really appreciate any info anybody has on this stuff.

Thanks in advance
Nate

[Impulse]

If you are just getting one sub then I'd go for the 4 ohm per voice coil model and wire both voice coils in parallel so your amp will see a 2 ohm load. I would also get a mono sub amp to power it. All mono sub amps that I have seen can push a 2 ohm load no problem. That would be my suggestion.

[Impulse]

Guess I should explain myself a lil more.

The lower the resistance is, the more current your amp can push through your speaker. So an amp connected to a 4 ohm speaker isn't going to produce as much power as an amp connected to a 2 ohm speaker. And I'm all about power so that is why I suggested to go with wiring the two 4 ohm voice coils in parallel. Plus, you get more clarity with more power and less chance of ruining your speakers. Too little power will destroy a speaker faster than too much.

[00GTS]

Impulse, I think you should qualify the amps that you're talking about.

IMO, most "consumer" level amps will not be safe at a 2-ohm load (e.g. Crutchfield brands).

Also, another way to look at it: it's a single W3. Why are you worried about power? The recommended RMS is 250. Why should he stress a lower wattage amp at 2-ohms when he could get a higher wattage one and run at 4-ohms (with a D2), sound just as good, and be safer?

Anyway, N8, my recommendation is the D2 with coils wired in series or a D6 wired in parallel if you really want a little extra power. Oh, and by the way, all of this wiring information is on JL's site:

http://www.jlaudio.com/subwoofers/pdfs/12W3_BDS.pdf

-Josh

[Impulse]

You're right. I didn't even think about the wattage rating for the sub.

[Nasty N8]

Sweet, preciate the replies guys.

Hey 00GTS, can you recommend a good amp (brand and specs) if I go with the D2?

Thanks
Nate

[00GTS]

I'm using a Kenwood KAC-728s with a 12W3-D6 (3-ohm) and I have had no problems (been using this setup for about two years). Granted, the Kenwood is not the nicest amp on paper but it's more than loud enough for me.

I think pretty much any mid-end amp in the 250-300 watt RMS range will work perfectly fine (e.g. Kenwood, Sony, Rockford, MTX, etc.). If I buy another sub amp I'm probably going to get one of the JL mono-block amps. Check those out. And be sure to go through Timeport for excellent prices.

-Josh

[cbgt4me]

I have a JL 12W3 in my GT and I power it with a fosgate 600.5 it is a 5 channel amp that makes the 12 thump like you would not believe.

[lxj7105]

EVERYONE says get rockford fosgate. They are the best.

ask timeport (aim=CaLiTo99). he quoted me very good prices on rockford fosgate amp. he really knows his stuff. just tell him i sent you.

hope this help

[Timeport]

Originally posted by lxj7105
EVERYONE says get rockford fosgate. They are the best.

ask timeport (aim=CaLiTo99). he quoted me very good prices on rockford fosgate amp. he really knows his stuff. just tell him i sent you.

hope this help

I feel like a cheap slut now

[Gravity]

get the JL 250x1 amp. it will be perfect for it.
i am running 2 12W3's with the JL 500x1 amp.

[Nasty N8]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Unfortunately the system I want is just a little out of my price range so I'm getting an Injen CAI instead.:) Now I know what to get once I have the money though.

Thanks
Nate