Monday, February 25, 2008
Kicker S12L7, S8L7, S10L7, S15L7 Subwoofer Review 2006-2008 Model - High Performance, Quality, Power
Kicker's ingenuity is the reason why they're one of the top contenders for the best car audio components. The result of that ingenuity is the production of Kicker's L7 Series Solo-Baric subwoofers. We will review in this article particularly the S12L74; a 12" dual 4 ohm L7 subwoofer.
Pros
Power handling, that is all I have to say. But really, this mighty subwoofer could handle monstrous 1500 watts max with 750 watts RMS. Unlike other cheaper companies, when Kicker say they feature a 750 watts RMS, they really do mean 750 watts RMS. This means you can put out consistently loud (if supplied with proper power) bass on any given day and is capable of peaking at 1500 watts.
The cone is surprisingly not made of any unusual material but uses injection molded polypropylene. However, it is a one piece construction in a patented design Kicker dubbed as "SoloKon". And of course with Solo-Baric construction, it is a square design, allowing for more surface area and more bass production. To top it all off, the surround is Santoprene rubber that is stitched to the cone, providing a highly durable construction that will sure to prevent tearing during high power usage.
Cons
The subwoofer is pricey but you get what you pay for and this subwoofer will definitely impress you with its quality and SPL. With all these great punching features, the subwoofer does have one more drawback other than the price, and that is its break-in period.
The design requires the consumer to use the subwoofer at low levels for at least 20 hours or about two weeks. This will allow for the suspension structure to move around a bit before it is pushed to its optimum capability. It's a lot like how stiff baseball gloves are when you buy them brand new from the store, and they require a bit of breaking in and wear before it could be at all usable on the field. Unfortunately users will run a huge risk of blowing out the speakers if they do not properly follow Kicker's recommendation.
Newer Model Changes Notes
The 2008 and newer models will feature a modified SoloKon design with full back bracing to allow more efficient air movement, giving the new L7 subs the ability to punch much more powerful bass. Unlike the 2006 model, the new 2008 models have perimeter venting. It looks a lot like a hand holding a square bowl; where as the older models have virtually no openings for venting. As a result, there is no need for extra mounting space for venting-giving you the same powerful subwoofer with a much shallower mounting depth. The cone design has changed a bit as well, giving the 2008 models a fresh but stylish new look; and don't worry about power handling because power ratings are rated at the same as the older models. Binding posts have also been repositioned to the corners of the subs. This will allow for a more convenient installation for multiple-subwoofer setups.
Note: This review covers S8L72, S8L74, S10L72, S10L74, S12L72, S12L74, S15L72, S15L74. 2 or 4 at the end of every model refers to dual 2 ohms or dual 4 ohms. Features are generally the same except for power handling and SPL.
Pros
Power handling, that is all I have to say. But really, this mighty subwoofer could handle monstrous 1500 watts max with 750 watts RMS. Unlike other cheaper companies, when Kicker say they feature a 750 watts RMS, they really do mean 750 watts RMS. This means you can put out consistently loud (if supplied with proper power) bass on any given day and is capable of peaking at 1500 watts.
The cone is surprisingly not made of any unusual material but uses injection molded polypropylene. However, it is a one piece construction in a patented design Kicker dubbed as "SoloKon". And of course with Solo-Baric construction, it is a square design, allowing for more surface area and more bass production. To top it all off, the surround is Santoprene rubber that is stitched to the cone, providing a highly durable construction that will sure to prevent tearing during high power usage.
Cons
The subwoofer is pricey but you get what you pay for and this subwoofer will definitely impress you with its quality and SPL. With all these great punching features, the subwoofer does have one more drawback other than the price, and that is its break-in period.
The design requires the consumer to use the subwoofer at low levels for at least 20 hours or about two weeks. This will allow for the suspension structure to move around a bit before it is pushed to its optimum capability. It's a lot like how stiff baseball gloves are when you buy them brand new from the store, and they require a bit of breaking in and wear before it could be at all usable on the field. Unfortunately users will run a huge risk of blowing out the speakers if they do not properly follow Kicker's recommendation.
Newer Model Changes Notes
The 2008 and newer models will feature a modified SoloKon design with full back bracing to allow more efficient air movement, giving the new L7 subs the ability to punch much more powerful bass. Unlike the 2006 model, the new 2008 models have perimeter venting. It looks a lot like a hand holding a square bowl; where as the older models have virtually no openings for venting. As a result, there is no need for extra mounting space for venting-giving you the same powerful subwoofer with a much shallower mounting depth. The cone design has changed a bit as well, giving the 2008 models a fresh but stylish new look; and don't worry about power handling because power ratings are rated at the same as the older models. Binding posts have also been repositioned to the corners of the subs. This will allow for a more convenient installation for multiple-subwoofer setups.
Note: This review covers S8L72, S8L74, S10L72, S10L74, S12L72, S12L74, S15L72, S15L74. 2 or 4 at the end of every model refers to dual 2 ohms or dual 4 ohms. Features are generally the same except for power handling and SPL.
# posted by Medical Information : 3:30 AM
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