12" Kicker L5 or 12" RE SE?
08-11-2005, 08:26 PM
#1
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12" Kicker L5 or 12" RE SE?
Right now I have a 12" RE SE sub hooked to an alpine amp running around 600w rms. I was contemplating switching subs to something just as loud but a little more accurate. The RE is not bad at all, but I know there's gotta be something better out there. One sub I think has a pretty good reputation is the kicker L5, but I was wondering if anyone has experienced either of these and could aid me in my decision. thanks
08-12-2005, 12:08 PM
#4
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well i was just wondering....thanks for getting the stupidity out of me. And the reason I don't want an XXX or MT is because then I'd need to upgrade my amp and I'd rather not spend that money
08-12-2005, 09:20 PM
#5
owned a 10" RE SE as well as a 12" RE SE
great subs for the money...get pretty loud and their SQ is decent
they claim to handle 600 watts continous...but they can take more than that (about 1000 with the gains properly set)
as far as the Kicker L7...I owned a 12L7...they are SPL subs...one note wonders with no SQ
go for the RE SE....and if your budget allows...try the SX
youll be happy
great subs for the money...get pretty loud and their SQ is decent
they claim to handle 600 watts continous...but they can take more than that (about 1000 with the gains properly set)
as far as the Kicker L7...I owned a 12L7...they are SPL subs...one note wonders with no SQ
go for the RE SE....and if your budget allows...try the SX
youll be happy
08-12-2005, 09:23 PM
#6
The Sound Splinter RL-p12 is a nice sub. That 600 watts would be just right for it.
Here is a link from a thread just around this one.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=422730
Here is a link from a thread just around this one
.http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=422730
08-15-2005, 03:19 PM
#8
For accuracy, I dig the L5 small sealed vs the L7 myself....
Vs the RE SE, obviously the square design would outdisplace it, but I'd think the RE SE is a better candidate VS the Comp VR
But Tracy is right, the right enclosure makes or breaks the the driver...
Vs the RE SE, obviously the square design would outdisplace it, but I'd think the RE SE is a better candidate VS the Comp VR
But Tracy is right, the right enclosure makes or breaks the the driver...
08-16-2005, 05:47 PM
#10
My vote is the Kicker L5. I have two of them and they are loud and accurate. SQ beats my friends old Alpine type R's. And they are louder. I run mine in a sealed box with a Legacy LA2070 powering them @ 2400 watts in a 2 OHM configuration.
08-21-2005, 12:12 AM
#13
Originally Posted by Polecat
SQ is based on how the driver is installed...the L7 has won waaaay more SQ comps than any RE driver to date. But installation is key on how you want it to perform. They are far more, than one note wonders....
fair enough
I really want to see these L7 SQ vehicles. Im not doubting you, Im just curious on how everything is setup
08-21-2005, 11:24 AM
#14
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Originally Posted by Polecat
SQ is based on how the driver is installed...the L7 has won waaaay more SQ comps than any RE driver to date. But installation is key on how you want it to perform. They are far more, than one note wonders....
08-21-2005, 12:18 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by slickrick
you beat me to it...if you are on audio forums you should recognize his sn...
08-22-2005, 11:21 AM
#19
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 39
Originally Posted by skylar112
I come from an audio forum and I was suggest this site by a friend because I was thikning about purchasing a Maxima for mysefl as a second car. however I just couldnt hlep but to dive in and notice this ridiculous post about the Kicker square subs SQ. From many personal listening experiances sqaures sub are anything but SQ.These listenings are in show cars systems, so installation was better than average. They are loud as could be, no denying. I have no use for them, you might as well use them to build as house with. A square cone is not balanced like a circular cone is. A circular cone is balanced on just about every area of the cone. The power is well spread out. The square may have more cone area, but is not as well spread out, the corners are the last to be pushed out as teh dustcap moves. And as far as SQ cars goes? The only Kicker cars I have ever seen for IASCA was a 96 red ford probe yeas ago, with ZR amps(great amps) and using 3 Kicker SOLO BARIC round subs(decent sounding subs) and a 93 RX7 with 6 kicker ROUND subs. I am too very curious to see where these SQ comp car are that are using the sqaure subs. Not trying to call you out man, but Im incline to think that you might work for Kicker being from Stillwater, OK. And if you do the way you down RE is pretty unprofessional. Sound very Kicker favored. But to me I have no use for them, they are one note wonders, and they do it well. Save your money get an avalanche, you wont feel stupid listening to those. And I suggest going to car audio forums to see what people are really saying about them. But I doubt I will ever see one in an IASCA, USAC, MECA sq comp. So please conger up these SQ vehicles. Im very curious.
In the 17 years I have been here, I have been traveling with the KCG, known as Kicker Competition Group since the early 90's, founded by Greg Davis, also was on the IASCA panel.
If you want to see these cars, you can look up many names starting with:
Gary Biggs
Cory Himel
Frank Rougoue
Rob Rice
Mary Nash
the two you mention is Markey Dietrich, and can't relally remember the other...time has slipped.
But the L7 was once noted in 2000 when they first came out that the L7 would make 'square' sound waves, corners were weak, etc, etc...wlell, after 5+ years of doing them, and winning SPL and SQ awards, we can only hope those rumors were put to rest...guess not.
As far as being around forums, I have been doing this one a very short time, but you can research this same user name on
Sounddomain (was a moderator there)
Car Audio Froum
Termpro
Car Audio.com
Car Autosound
now if you prefer a different sound, there are many choices in drivers, and shapes.If you also do a research on the L7, it has a patent on the rear brace, that gives the L7 a linear movement.Now thye may not have as much Xmax as other drivers, but the have plenty potential none the less. See test done by Ben Milne at Ed.
http://www.icixsound.com/vb/article.php?a=13
all test were done by the enclosure, chosen by the manufacture, same car, same power.
And after 5 plus years selling them, they are far from one note wonders...they do quite well, if installed the way the user intends them, to be played.
08-22-2005, 01:33 PM
#20
Based on paper?
What are you talking about?
I had the L7 in enclosures according to Kicker's specs. I tried both sealed and ported.
I also had the opportunity to test out the RE SE 10" and RE SE 12" as well as the 15" RE SX (which I currently own). There is no way the L7 has better SQ than these subwoofers. These opinions are based upon not only myself, but audio experts as well.
The only way to make the L7 sound good would be for it to blend in with the front stage.....in fact this is true with any subwoofer
But the L7 requires alot of tuning....which shouldnt be necessary (back then I didnt have access to a parametric EQ)
A true SQ sub would sound great with little or no tuning at all IMO.
What are you talking about?
I had the L7 in enclosures according to Kicker's specs. I tried both sealed and ported.
I also had the opportunity to test out the RE SE 10" and RE SE 12" as well as the 15" RE SX (which I currently own). There is no way the L7 has better SQ than these subwoofers. These opinions are based upon not only myself, but audio experts as well.
The only way to make the L7 sound good would be for it to blend in with the front stage.....in fact this is true with any subwoofer
But the L7 requires alot of tuning....which shouldnt be necessary (back then I didnt have access to a parametric EQ)
A true SQ sub would sound great with little or no tuning at all IMO.
08-22-2005, 03:38 PM
#22
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hmm, well I see that you are kicker righteous, and self righteous. Im sure you know your stuff, and have been around for a while. Im glad for you. BTW the cars you mention couldnt be kicker sponsered would they? Oh ok I thought they were. Factual yes, RE hasnt been around as much, so only time will tell and I will apoligize because I thought you were saying that L7s has better SQ than RE. Which I read again you were not. But the truth is there are so much other better sounding equipment for the money. And in a true SQ system the subs are the least important really, I guess you can make many good systems sound good with mediocre subs, I have seen it. And Im sure it can be done with you L7s, I have seen weirder things happen. Anything is possible. While I have always like kicker amps, and the VRs and ROUND solobarics back in teh days. I find the square subs to be rather tasteless. I rate it up there with a barbwired clamp on my gentials. Because I have never heard any of them that I liked. Maybe I have to listen to these rare SQ competitors cars. Install is the most important part of the equation but without tons of tuning I doubt those peaky subs are well tamed. I have been into SQ systems for about 10 years now, I know a little something. Kicker makes great products, but I thikn their sqaure subs cater to the SPL crowd more. And every company has competitors, who doesnt want free stuff.
08-23-2005, 05:56 AM
#23
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 39
BTW the cars you mention couldnt be kicker sponsered would they? Oh ok I thought they were.
I will apoligize because I thought you were saying that L7s has better SQ than RE. Which I read again you were not.
But the truth is there are so much other better sounding equipment for the money.
And in a true SQ system the subs are the least important really, I guess you can make many good systems sound good with mediocre subs, I have seen it.
While I have always like kicker amps, and the VRs and ROUND solobarics back in teh days.
I find the square subs to be rather tasteless.
I rate it up there with a barbwired clamp on my gentials.
Because I have never heard any of them that I liked. Maybe I have to listen to these rare SQ competitors cars.
Install is the most important part of the equation but without tons of tuning I doubt those peaky subs are well tamed.
I have been into SQ systems for about 10 years now, I know a little something.
Kicker makes great products, but I thikn their sqaure subs cater to the SPL crowd more.
And every company has competitors, who doesnt want free stuff.
Find any consumer that doesn't want free product, no matter what brand. I think you yourself, can admit, if you have been doing this for 10+ years, have thought you'd love to be sponsored. You can admit it...I bet you have.
But I'm not here to argue, or try to shove my point down yours, or anyone elses throat. I am here, if anyone has Kicker questions, I can be proactive and help if I can.
08-23-2005, 08:04 AM
#24
I have owned several Kicker subs. Including XBL, Comps, Round Solobarics and Square Solobarics. I personally would rather spend my money with a company with a tried and true time tested reputation such as Kicker. I have only been exposed to the HYPE everyone is creating behind RE. I go to as many local(in FL) shows as I can and have only seen a hand full of RE competition vehicles. All of which were SPL oriented. I have sat in Kicker sponsored SQ cars utilizing Square Solobaric subs and was extremely impressed with the sound. Still waiting for the sq RE vehicles. If they ever do come. I am not trying to down any of RE's products, just noting I have never seen an all RE SQ vehicle EVER. I think that speaks volumes about the drivers capabilities. Competitors would use them for SQ if they worked in that application. JMO. Just based upon what I have seen and heard, I would choose Kicker.
08-23-2005, 12:46 PM
#30
Can't wait to see the new Kicker stuff.
I actually just parted with some of my older Kicker gear. I sold my ZR240 and Solobaric (S12D) last week. They went to a good home though.
I actually just parted with some of my older Kicker gear. I sold my ZR240 and Solobaric (S12D) last week. They went to a good home though
.
08-23-2005, 01:50 PM
#31
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 39
Originally Posted by 1996blackmax
Can't wait to see the new Kicker stuff.
I actually just parted with some of my older Kicker gear. I sold my ZR240 and Solobaric (S12D) last week. They went to a good home though.
I actually just parted with some of my older Kicker gear. I sold my ZR240 and Solobaric (S12D) last week. They went to a good home though
.
08-23-2005, 02:00 PM
#32
I agree .
My Kicker ZX460 finally started acting up on me. The rear channels would cut out, due to me and the module port not getting along. I bought that thing back in 97 or so. I believe I got more than my money's worth out of it. I sold that one 2 weeks ago. The front channels worked flawlesly though, and produced 214 watts RMS when bridged. I also just recently took out my Resolution Components (the really old ones not the RS ones), one of the ND25 tweeters was cutting out on me (I am going to give them another shot in case the connection were loose). Man these things lasted a good while as well. So I then threw in my really old Polk DB's which still sound nice. Man I have some old gear 
.
I just recently purchased some MTX amps. I got a really good deal on them so I bought a pair (4ch. and a mono one). I will sure keep and eye out for Kicker's new stuff for when I get my new vehicle.
. My Kicker ZX460 finally started acting up on me. The rear channels would cut out, due to me and the module port not getting along. I bought that thing back in 97 or so. I believe I got more than my money's worth out of it. I sold that one 2 weeks ago. The front channels worked flawlesly though, and produced 214 watts RMS when bridged. I also just recently took out my Resolution Components (the really old ones not the RS ones), one of the ND25 tweeters was cutting out on me (I am going to give them another shot in case the connection were loose). Man these things lasted a good while as well. So I then threw in my really old Polk DB's which still sound nice
. Man I have some old gear .I just recently purchased some MTX amps. I got a really good deal on them so I bought a pair (4ch. and a mono one). I will sure keep and eye out for Kicker's new stuff for when I get my new vehicle.
08-23-2005, 07:17 PM
#34
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Carson, CA
Posts: 715
Another Kicker fan...
Had to chime in on this...
I am a Kicker fan, just replaced my two 10" Comp 10a's in a bandpass enclosure for a single 2005 model 10" L5 in a ported enclosure (tuned to 32-34Hz) and I absolutely LOVE it! I just hooked it up to a Profile California 600MSX mono amp @ 410W RMS @ 2-Ohms and boy does that thing rumble young man, RUMBLE!!!!! I listen to a lot of R&B, Rap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, Reggae/Dancehall & Classical music and this new setup (coupled with my new Infinity Kappa/Reference coaxials) sound better than ANYTHING I've had in the past, so I'm very pleased with Kicker subs. The two C10a's have lasted me for about 12 years or so, and they're still doing the job - I just wanted more trunk space in my latest Max, so I went with the smaller enclosure, but you'd never know it by the way it sounds back there... I'd recommend Kicker subs to anybody that listens to the same kind of music that I do... You won't be disappointed and they'll kick a$$ for years to come!!!
BTW - I built a false floor for my amps, and just padded the space between the trunk floor and my false floor with some folded-over carpet padding that a neighbor was throwing away - no rattles in my trunk whatsoever...
I am a Kicker fan, just replaced my two 10" Comp 10a's in a bandpass enclosure for a single 2005 model 10" L5 in a ported enclosure (tuned to 32-34Hz) and I absolutely LOVE it! I just hooked it up to a Profile California 600MSX mono amp @ 410W RMS @ 2-Ohms and boy does that thing rumble young man, RUMBLE!!!!! I listen to a lot of R&B, Rap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, Reggae/Dancehall & Classical music and this new setup (coupled with my new Infinity Kappa/Reference coaxials) sound better than ANYTHING I've had in the past, so I'm very pleased with Kicker subs. The two C10a's have lasted me for about 12 years or so, and they're still doing the job - I just wanted more trunk space in my latest Max, so I went with the smaller enclosure, but you'd never know it by the way it sounds back there... I'd recommend Kicker subs to anybody that listens to the same kind of music that I do... You won't be disappointed and they'll kick a$$ for years to come!!!
BTW - I built a false floor for my amps, and just padded the space between the trunk floor and my false floor with some folded-over carpet padding that a neighbor was throwing away - no rattles in my trunk whatsoever...
08-24-2005, 07:32 PM
#40
Originally Posted by Polecat
thanks for the kind words guys, we really do appreciate the loyalty and support...I can't let the cat out of the bag, but just stay 'tuned' is all I can say 
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