MTX Audio TR55 Series Review (TR5510 / TR5512)

MTX Audio has made big headlines in the car audio world as they endorse popular UFC matches, featured on various TV shows, and have made for themselves a great reputation. But all of their publicity is possible primarily because they have great quality audio products in their inventory. The new 2008-released TR55 Thunder Round Series subwoofer features a new design that promises performance improvement from the previous Thunder series.
The TR5510 or TR5512 subwoofers feature either a dual 4 ohms (TR5510-44/TR5512-44) single 4 ohms (TR5510-04/TR5512-04) impedance. The 12" subwoofer could handle up to 400 watts continuous power while the 10" subwoofer handles up to 300 watts of continuous wattage. They both feature an identical 1.75" voice coil that is capable of withstanding high temperature while operating at optimal levels.

The TR55 Thunder Round subwoofers feature a standard polypropylene cone woofer which is essentially an elastic plastic material commonly used in speakers or subwoofer applications. The cone has a nice MTX Audio logo design that is raised and stands out attractively. The cone is stitched on to the surround material which is made of NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) composition that is designed to withstand wear and tearing of extended periods of use. In addition, the subwoofer surround material is stitched and not pressed or glued-- providing excellent durability and longevity.
Both the MTX Audio TR5510 and the TR5512 subwoofers features ALDS (Asymmetrical Linear Drive System) that is specifically designed for piston-like operation when the subwoofer is being used. This ensures that the subwoofer performs well while maintaining linearity which improves sound quality and longevity of the subwoofer. The basket of the TR5512 and the TR5510 subwoofers is composed of solid die-cast aluminum frame that will certainly protect the vital internal parts of the subwoofer such as the voice coil, spider, cone, and even its 4-pound magnet, while providing quick heat dissipation.

The TR55 Series subwoofers could pick up low bass frequencies as low as 35 Hz and as high as 150 Hz at around 85 SPL. This means that the subwoofer will pick up great bass at an above average loudness level. The subwoofer is also relatively inexpensive at under $120. With the performance, style, and features of this MTX Audio subwoofer, the price is definitely right.

Note: The MTX Audio TR55 Series Subwoofers are available in the following models:

• 10" Subwoofers:




• TR5510-04 (single 4 ohms)
  
• TR5510-44 (dual 4 ohms)




• 12" Subwoofers:




• TR5512-04 (single 4 ohms)
  
• TR5512-44 (dual 4 ohms)




• 15" Subwoofers:




• TR5515-04 (single 4 ohms)
  
• TR5515-44 (dual 4 ohms)

JL Audio 8W04 Review

Alright, we know that this subwoofer has been out since about 2003. We promise you the latest reviews, but here we are reviewing a 5 year old subwoofer. Believe us, we have our reasons.

First of all, JL Audio makes high quality products without a doubt. There is virtually no product that they have produced that has ever been dubbed as useless or unreliable. The JL Audio 8W04 is a high-performing 8” subwoofer that will enhance any sound system in any vehicle. It is still widely used today and the few people who do get these are rewarded with the quality and performance of the subwoofer. The trick is finding where to get them, but I’m sure that won’t be a problem for long.

Be advised that this subwoofer is an 8” subwoofer. It isn’t designed to rattle your windows or the car next to you, but it is designed to give you ample bass that you would need to enrich and enhance the sound reproduction quality of any sound system. Yes it will give you some bumpin’ bass, but again, not the kind of subwoofer you would use to stroll down Main Street with 20” rims. Let’s go over some its features and you’ll see why this subwoofer is worth purchasing.

This review is designed to give you perspective and knowledge. In the business world, knowledge is power. Keep in mind that price does not necessarily mean quality and higher power handling does not necessarily mean better bass.

The first thing you’ll notice, obviously, is the cone material. It is made of standard polypropylene, which is basically a plastic cone. This cone material is widely used in the car audio industry and is capable of producing consistent bass sound in nearly any ambient environment. It does not react much to extreme temperatures or humidity so it is indeed a great cone material to have.

The woofer is attached to a foam surround. This cheap material has excellent physical properties that allow the cone to move around a bit without the surround material being stressed. However, foam surround material tend to break down easier under extreme temperatures, especially true when found in prolonged exposure to UV rays, like when you park your car under the hot sun.

The JL Audio 8W04 also features a “progressive-roll flat spider” which allows the subwoofer driver to perform outstandingly and maintain its alignment. It is complimented with an oversized 6-layer voice coil on Kapton former which allows it to handle much higher temperature, like that which occurs during optimal performance.
For it being an 8” subwoofer, the sub handles understandably lower wattage at 75 watts RMS. Again, the design of the subwoofer is primarily for richness and depth when listening to music. It’s mounting depth is surprisingly deeper, but that’s only to complement its large magnet structure which allows it to perform impressively even as a small subwoofer.

If you’re a music lover, you’ll want the 8W04. It is another great example of how subwoofers could be used for enhancing audio, not showing off. How much will this cost you? Well 5 years ago, it would’ve probably cost you over a hundred dollars. You could probably pick one up really cheap, brand new, for under $50.

Kicker L5 Solo Baric Review

Even though it's two years old, the 2006 Kicker L5 Series Solo-Baric Subwoofer is still considered by many as a current and competitive model. This is perhaps one of the biggest secrets in car audio. People always want the newest and most current products expecting it out-perform the manufacturer's older models. However, this is not necessarily the case. Sure it generally does, but with Kicker car audio products, even some of their earliest models is still comparable to today's subwoofers.

If you're able to resist the temptation of trying to keep up with the Jones', then you may be able to save money while still being able to impress your friends when you buy the older models. That should tell you a lot about the quality of Kicker subwoofers. Of course Kicker recently released their 2008 line of products, so be sure to check those out too.

The L5 Solo-Baric subwoofer is capable of 600 watts RMS with 1200 watts maximum power handling. That power rating is CEA standardized, so don't worry about getting jipped. Of course, with any Solo-Baric subwoofers, it is characterized with a uniquely Kicker square design. The result is an increased cone surface area, allowing for greater movement while maintaining a relatively small design. The subwoofer performs marvelously, primarily due to its SoloKon cone woofer design with its stitched Santoprene rubber surround for incredible durability.

The 2008 model has greater ventilation design, allowing for a better endurance and slight improvement in bass response. The only other difference is also the darker color cone on the 2008 L5 Series Subwoofers. Everything else is pretty much the same--dual voice coils, similar recommended enclosure volume, heavy-duty steel basket, similar mounting depths, and definitely high performing.

This is why I'm saying that some of the best deals out there today are with older, yet high-quality products such as the 2006 Solo Baric Subwoofers; and they're available in 8", 10", 12", and 15" in both dual 2 and dual 4 ohms voice coils.

Kicker 2008 CompVT Review

For those of us who do not have the luxury of having large cars, the Kicker CompVT subwoofers may be the best solution for having powerful bass in a small car.

In 2007, Kicker released the slim and shallow-mount 10" and 12" CompVT subwoofers. This year, they took the game even further with the release of the 8" and the even smaller 6-½" CompVT subwoofers!

At first glance, the CompVT subwoofers may seem small and weak, but boy do they pack a punch. You would not find any better brand to trust than Kicker. They've been doing this for awhile and you can be sure that when they design subwoofers for performance, they will perform accurately to every specification they wrote down for you. So when they say that the CompVT 6-½" subwoofer could handle 150 watts of RMS power, they really mean it! You wouldn't ever think 6-½" subs could ever produce good bass, but you'd be pleasantly surprise.

Both the 8" and the 6-½" Kicker subwoofers are capable of reproducing any low frequency from 25-350 Hz with 85dB SPL each. While the 6-1/2" subwoofer could handle 300 watts of maximum power and 150 watts continuous power, the 8" variety could handle 400 watts maximum wattage and 200 watts of continuous power. What's amazing is the sound they produce while requiring much smaller enclosure volume than most subwoofers out there as they both only require less than a half of a cubic foot. The secret is found with its vent-less solid-pole design that eliminates the need for additional mounting depth since it could be mounted all the way up to the wall of an enclosure if it needs to. This is why these subwoofers need less than 3" of mounting depth.

Kicker did not sacrifice anything in their design of the CompVT subs. They still feature high quality injection molded polypropylene cone woofer, ribbed Santoprene rubber surround, steel basket frame, perimeter venting, Uniplate backplate, Uniplate pole, double stitching, 360° back bracing, and four layer high-temperature voice coil.

Once again, Kicker produced an outstanding and ingenious design that will be sure to impress and leave audiophiles with a smile.

The 2008 CompVT subwoofers are available in 8" single 4 ohms (08CVT84), 8" single 2 ohms (08CVT82), 6-½" single 4 ohms (08CVT654), and 6-½" single 2 ohms (08CVT652).