2007 Chevy Tahoe - Big JL Audio Build (IT'S DONE!!!!!!!!!)

[meade916]

The outside of that Tahoe is doing everything right. Wow is it sexy. Had to look up what a W7AE was. Its the "anniversary addition", commemorating ten years of not changing a damn thing. Its amazing how JL flares up the hater in me, I swear its the only audio company that pisses me off. Anyway, M3 is sexy, and truck is off to a good start. I'm tuned in.

Yea they are Anniversary Editions. The only things changed is a black basket instead of silver, an Anniversary badge on the cone and you also have the option of ordering them with Lou's signature (owner of JL Audio) which were limited to 300 per model (8, 10, 12, 13) for an extra cost. The good news is they didn't charge anything extra for the AE (without the signature) so there is nothing to be upset about.

Ha, I was once a JL audio fan back in the 90s. But what I've come to know, is that sometimes haters are right. JL is overpriced for what it is. If you got the money, spend it. JL is just overpriced entry level gear or overhyped so called high end gear depending on the line you choose. It's a name and they ride that name for as much as they can get.

For the same money as a 13w7, you can pick up a AA SMD18. Just sayin'.

That being said, I still love a good build, and that will get you mad respect in here. Build on!

Your last statement is exactly my point, you can't compare an AA SMD18 to a W7. They are two totally different types of subwoofers, and while yes the SMD18 will blow the doors off a 13W7 in an SPL contest, I bet you in SQ the result is quite opposite. So to an SPL guy the W7 is a ripoff, to an SQ guy the SMD18 is a ripoff. Keep that in mind, different subs for different results The W7 is a great all around woofer and if you really think about it really isn't overpriced since it will give not only great SQ but also great SPL as well.

Regards,

Evan

actually it sounds to me like you dont know much about the SMD sub if you think it is an SPL sub with no SQ. I would put it up against a w7 in SQ after 1000-1500 watts any day. ESPECIALLY 2000w and above. Im not a JL hater at all, i like the 13w7 a lot, i even want one...but dont discount the SMD in the SQ department. You would be surprised.

[meade916]

oh, nice build BTW

[FroznBeavrBALLs]

I have heard that the SMD isnt even that great on the meter but it sounds REALLY good SQ wise. Im not saying it sucks on the meter but thats not its strong suit.

[meade916]

Ha, I was once a JL audio fan back in the 90s. But what I've come to know, is that sometimes haters are right. JL is overpriced for what it is. If you got the money, spend it. JL is just overpriced entry level gear or overhyped so called high end gear depending on the line you choose. It's a name and they ride that name for as much as they can get.

For the same money as a 13w7, you can pick up a AA SMD18. Just sayin'.

That being said, I still love a good build, and that will get you mad respect in here. Build on!

I disagree. JL is NOT overpriced and it is not entry level. It is good shit IMO. Overpriced is all a state of ones own pocketbook. There is lots of things i cant afford but that dont make them overpriced.

[meade916]

I have heard that the SMD isnt even that great on the meter but it sounds REALLY good SQ wise. Im not saying it sucks on the meter but thats not its strong suit.

i have yet to see someone put one to the test in an SPL environment. So far all i see is ground pounders. Lets see someone drop 30kw a couple 18's (each) in a tuned, SPL vehicle.......then we will know if its any good at SPL. The SMD typically might not do as good as some woofers because it is JUST GETTING STARTED where those other ones are getting pushed to their limits. So far i still havent seen anyone push one to its limits in a db drag vehicle. Maybe i will turn the Tercel into one.

oh, sorry for the thread-jack.

[teardrop]

I have heard that the SMD isnt even that great on the meter but it sounds REALLY good SQ wise. Im not saying it sucks on the meter but thats not its strong suit.

i have yet to see someone put one to the test in an SPL environment. So far all i see is ground pounders. Lets see someone drop 30kw a couple 18's (each) in a tuned, SPL vehicle.......then we will know if its any good at SPL. The SMD typically might not do as good as some woofers because it is JUST GETTING STARTED where those other ones are getting pushed to their limits. So far i still havent seen anyone push one to its limits in a db drag vehicle. Maybe i will turn the Tercel into one.

oh, sorry for the thread-jack.

do a crazy spl van sorry for the thread-jack

[FroznBeavrBALLs]

I have heard that the SMD isnt even that great on the meter but it sounds REALLY good SQ wise. Im not saying it sucks on the meter but thats not its strong suit.

i have yet to see someone put one to the test in an SPL environment. So far all i see is ground pounders. Lets see someone drop 30kw a couple 18's (each) in a tuned, SPL vehicle.......then we will know if its any good at SPL. The SMD typically might not do as good as some woofers because it is JUST GETTING STARTED where those other ones are getting pushed to their limits. So far i still havent seen anyone push one to its limits in a db drag vehicle. Maybe i will turn the Tercel into one.

oh, sorry for the thread-jack.

I would like to see a good SPL set up with a couple of them. I wanna see what those things can do for real.

Oh and i like JL and im liking this build good work bro.

[Bacy2k]

actually it sounds to me like you dont know much about the SMD sub if you think it is an SPL sub with no SQ. I would put it up against a w7 in SQ after 1000-1500 watts any day. ESPECIALLY 2000w and above. Im not a JL hater at all, i like the 13w7 a lot, i even want one...but dont discount the SMD in the SQ department. You would be surprised.

lol, guess i got what i wanted. i expected this type of response from him. and steve, you said you've yet to see somebody push it to the limits?? well, we know theres one guy building a big box for one and going to be putting 11000 watts to it. so its only a matter of time lol.

OP, still lovin this tahoe. love the way your headliner looks. ive dreamed of having my roof look like for over 5 years now lol. looking forward to seeing the rest of the system get in. keep up the good work.

[AMG ETR]

actually it sounds to me like you dont know much about the SMD sub if you think it is an SPL sub with no SQ. I would put it up against a w7 in SQ after 1000-1500 watts any day. ESPECIALLY 2000w and above. Im not a JL hater at all, i like the 13w7 a lot, i even want one...but dont discount the SMD in the SQ department. You would be surprised.

You are 100% correct, I don't know much about the SMD sub (which I admitted a couple pages after I made that statement). I do know its an amazing subwoofer and have never taken that away from it, I was just under the impression it was geared more toward SPL by the way I have seen it used.

Hopefully I will get to hear them someday!

Evan

As for the build, sorta at a stand still at the moment, its the holidays and that means... BUSY!!!!!

[AMG ETR]

There has been some progress in the trunk, but I don't have any pics to share yet.... Battery Box for the 3rd battery is built, trim piece for drivers side wheel arch is built, all the plexi is order (Over $1500 worth!), etc.

However, one Midbass Enclosure is completed and ready for fiberglass before installation in the front doors of the truck. 8" ZR's going in these! We were actually able to get exactly .75cu out of each front door enclosure! Now its time to see if we can get .75cu out of the rear doors too since I have another set to put back there as well...

Passenger Side Completed:

Driver Side being Built:

Regards,

Evan