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JL Audio W0 vs Kicker CompC Subwoofers

JL Audio W0 vs Kicker CompC Subwoofers


JL Audio W0

JL Audio W0 subwoofers are timeless and the gold standard when it comes to value-priced, entry-level subwoofers. These JL Audio W0 series subwoofers provide plenty of clean, hard-hitting sub-bass to fill out the bottom end of your music. The JL Audio W0 series is the go-to for many car audio enthusiasts when they are looking for affordable performance. For the money, you will not find a woofer capable of its output and power handling.

Kicker CompC

The Kicker CompC subwoofers offer improved sound quality and power handling over the Comp. Compared to the Comp line, the CompC has a smoother cone without the pronounced spokes. This gives you smoother, more accurate bass response and less distortion. Those spokes are used to reinforce the cone and create a "Knock" when they hit hard at higher volumes. Also, the Kicker CompC offers more flexibility to get to a 2-ohm load if you are running a single subwoofer as you can wire the dual 4-ohm version in parallel to get more power out of your amplifier.

Sizes

The JL Audio W0 series subwoofer comes in three sizes, a 10", 12", and 15" model. The CompC series comes in a 8", 10", 12" and 15" model. If you're looking for a little more versatility on smaller sizing between the two lines, the CompC 8" model will have you covered. Otherwise, there's a comparably sized diameter across both lineups.

Voice Coils

All of the JL Audio W0 series features a single-coil 4-ohm construction model. The Kicker CompC lineup also a 4-ohm coil but offers it in both single and dual-coil construction. If you're looking for more flexibility in your number of coils, you'll want to be sure to look at the CompC subs for your installation.

Power Handling

All 10" and 12" models of the W0 series feature RMS power handling at 300 watts and the 15" W0 model has RMS power handling at 500W. The Kicker CompC series features RMS power handling at 200-600 watts depending on the diameter subwoofer you select. The Kicker CompC is the way to go if you're looking for better RMS power handling in your install.

Mounting Depth

Although the mounting depths are very similar between same-sized models, the Kicker CompC lineup has a mounting depth that's slightly less than the W0 models at comparable sizing. The depth is very close here. You'll want to check your exact model for sizing on this, but either model will have a relatively similar size when selecting between the two for your installation.

Recommended Enclosure Size

While the two lines of subwoofers are comparable at their mounting depth, the lineups differ much more on their recommended sealed and ported enclosure sizes. For comparably sized models, the JL Audio W0 subs have a smaller recommended enclosure size when compared to the Kicker CompC models. If your installation needs require a smaller enclosure, you'll want to direct your attention to JL Audio's W0 lineup.

Recommended Amplifiers

The recommended amplifier for your subwoofers will vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of subwoofers you select for your installation. The following lists are comparisons between amplifiers for subwoofers in the same dimensions between the different models and brands. The list begins with a factory recommendation for amps that provide enough power handling for the subwoofer(s), and then move on to our professional recommendations that may vary slightly from the factory recommendations. These Classic Car Stereo recommendations may be an amp with a higher price point that will service the subs better, or an amp that provides RMS power handling over the recommended amount which will allow you to not have to maximize the output on your amp to provide full power to your subs.

Sub: (Qty 1) JL Audio W0 10"

  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): JD500/1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: JD500/1

    Sub: (Qty 1) Kicker CompC 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 2-ohm SVC CXA400.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA400.1

    Sub: (Qty 2) JL Audio W0 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): JD500/1 or RD500/1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: JD or RD 1000/1 (if you have the budget, the RD is recommended, but the JD will work fine)

    Sub: (Qty 2) Kicker CompC 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 4-ohm SVC CXA800.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA800.1

    Sub: (Qty 1) JL Audio W0 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): JD500/1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: JD500/1

    Sub: (Qty 1) Kicker CompC 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 2-ohm SVC CXA400.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA400.1

    Sub: (Qty 2) JL Audio W0 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): JD500/1 or RD500/1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: JD or RD 1000/1 (if you have the budget, the RD is recommended, but the JD will work fine)

    Sub: (Qty 2) Kicker CompC 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 4-ohm SVC CXA800.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA800.1

    Sub: (Qty 1) JL Audio W0 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): JD1000/1, RD1000/1, or XD1000/1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: JD1000/1

    Sub: (Qty 1) Kicker CompC 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 2-ohm SVC CXA800.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA800.1

    Sub: (Qty 2) JL Audio W0 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): JD1000/1, RD1000/1, or XD1000/1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: JD or RD 1000/1 (if you have the budget, the RD is recommended, but the JD will work fine)

    Sub: (Qty 2) Kicker CompC 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 4-ohm SVC CXA1200.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA1200.1

    Price Points

    Kicker's CompC subwoofers feature a much more attractive price point between the two selections here. If you're looking to spend as little as possible and get the most bang for your buck, Kicker's CompC lineup might be the way to go for you at their price point. However, some consumers and JL Audio fans will find the price point for the JL Audio W0 lineup worth the extra investment.

    In Conclusion

    With JL Audio's W0 series being their introductory lineup of subwoofers, the Kicker CompC offers a few slight upgrades while still operating at a better price point than the W0 series. The CompC series features better versatility in available subwoofer sizing, as well as slightly better RMS power handling between the two at comparable sizing. JL Audio fans will find trustworthiness and dependability in the JL Audio name. For the price point and available options, the Kicker CompC is hard to beat between the two series of subwoofers here.

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