JL Audio stealthbox vs Taco Tunes box

So I did the subaru tweeter upgrade, along with the kicker front & rear speaker replacements. Huge improvement and glad I did it. Want a little more bass so want to add a sub + dedicated mono amp.

As per the title, I've narrowed it down to those two options. On the Taco Tunes, I would go with the 12" box w/ image dynamics sub. Not sure about 2vs4 ohm, I can call them to ask about the difference there.

My question is, which would be the better choice and hit harder? Music taste ranges from pop, rock, hip hop, EDM, so a wide variety.

I know the JL is higher quality, fiberglass, tuned exactly to their 10" sub, etc Price not really a consideration, but it is much higher cost.

Taco Tunes would be rocking a 12", but not sure about quality of sub, acoustic dynamics of their box, etc.

Both would always remain hidden behind seat, so visual aspect doesn't much matter.

Any opinions would be appreciated, especially if you have had (or heard) both at any point.

 

I have not heard either of those in a new taco. That being said, I have always been a JL guy. Ran all of their components in all my vehicles up until 2 trucks ago. Always hit hard, very clear components and built solid. They never let me down nor failed to give clear acoustics. You’ll have to keep us posted on what you decide and how it sounds! Good luck, I hope someone chimes in

 

I bumped an original series 12w3 for almost 20 years before the foam died. Rplaced it with current version. Powered by a Fosgate 30.2. 30w x 2 you say? Nay! I say bridged mono, 275 watts @ 2ohms! Muhahaha! Gotta love the old cheater amps. Circa 96'.

 

I have a 10" ID sub and I'm feeding it just over 600watts RMS. I enjoy it!

Can't help with the box dilemma just chiming in that I like my image dynamics sub

 

Yeah I'm not much help with the box either. I'm one of those fools who throws an actual enclosure in the back and DGAF how it looks, but how it sounds.

 

Ok so I called Taco Tunes. Of course they are going to recommend their setup over JL Audio, but he did point out that the JL is a shallow sub, vs the 12" they use is a full size, so just based on that alone, the TT setup should hit harder, assuming you are throwing enough power at it.

 

And the box size is adequate for that sub. If the box size for that 12" is too small, it wont sound good either - something to keep in mind.

 

For quite a few reasons, stay far away from taco tunes. JL isn't bad but Mr Marv is light years better. Good luck.

 

Can you elaborate?

 

Nefarious business practice, just pure slime, not going into details (again), but I would rather run a stock stereo before ever giving them a dime of my money. Wouldn't take much digging just to see what their customer service is like either.

As for the sq of both of tt/JL, a basic set up from MrMarv will achieve better sound with sub(s) alone, however, that will require work on your part or installation. I suggest people go this route for sound quality, getting your hands dirty and learning about setting up your own system, and his boxes are handmade with love in his garage in the USA.
Don't want hassle? Go JL route
Want to do a bit of work for better sound? MrMarv

Search for "MrMarv" and read what others say, you will get what i'm putting down.

 

Word. I’m ok with work...I want quality.

 

I can't recommend @Mr Marv enough. I had him build me a box and amp rack for my 2ng gen. When I sold it and bought a 3rd gen, there was no question what sub box and amp rack i was going to get. Marv takes the time to talk everything through with you and the quality of his boxes are legit!!!

 

I say this as an ignorant person about the Mr. Marv box (and someone who has a Stealthbox waiting to go in).

Many of the boxes that replace cubbies require either surgery to the plastic seat back or have notes about not folding the seat fully, etc. I don’t know if the Mr. Marv box solves this issue, but that was a big deal to me.

The JL accepts a lot less power than you’d think, and only warranties the sub to 400w with a sweet spot of 250ish. I am tuning my amp down in anticipation of this.

 

High efficiency speakers. Back in the day, 500 watts was a ton.

 

Cannot say which will sound better or hit harder but can say that JL Stealthbox units are top quality and designed specifically for their application. Ran one of these for 14+ years in a 1st gen and it sounded as good as new when sold. Specs may not show it as bigger or more powerful than other units but it will sound great when paired with a recommended amp. Would not hesitate to install the latest version.

 

By reputation alone I'd go JL !

 

The Stealthbox is rated to handle 400 watts RMS (800 watts peak power) and I had mine hooked up to a 500w Alpine amp (PDX-V9) and I was amazed at how much bass came out of that box. In fact in all the years I’ve been buying and customizing my sound systems, that box was probably the most impressive item I ever purchased. A very musical sub and not just a rattle box. I would not hesitate to purchase another one. Can’t speak for the Taco Tunes as I’ve never heard it but I don’t see how you could do better than the Stealthbox. And just look at the history of JL Audio. This is a quality company that has been around a long time. Can’t say the same for Taco Tunes.

that’s my 2 cents.

 

I can vouch for the quality (SQ and build) of the Image Dynamics IDMAX model, but I am not sure about the TT box or the version of ID they use....

It isn't just about the box build, but you mainly need the correct air volume in the enclosure for the sub to function as designed. With that said, I would prefer a full size sub vs a shallow mount if the box is able to be built with the correct volume.

I have had an Image Dynamics IDMAX 12" DVC in my car since 2006 running 1200W@2ohms. 3.5" of excursion and super clean.

I wouldn't say Image Dynamics rep = TT rep necessarily.

I have also had JL in the past and a great company.

 

I went with an empty box from TT and a Rockford Fosgate sub and mono amp.

The box is solid and well made, I matched the sub to box specs and it's been perfect for me.

I've had entire JL systems in the past and don't think you'll ever be disappointed with them either though.

 

Well I ended up ordering the JL box. Thanks for all the advice!