The JL Audio W3v3 Series and the Skar Audio EVL Series both feature great subwoofers. They have solid-quality builds and feature premium materials. However, there is a clear difference in price when it comes down to it. The Skar Audio EVL Series delivers a comparable and at times better experience than the JL Audio series.
Table of Contents
Available Sizes
The JL Audio W3v3 Series and the Skar Audio EVL Series are both available in a variety of sizes.
The JL Audio W3v3 Series is available in 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 13.5-inch models. The 3 largest models also feature 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm variants. The first two smaller models are only available in 4-Ohm variants. The series also features progressive RMS power ratings ranging from 150W-600W.
The Skar Audio EVL Series is available in 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch models. Each model has its own RMS power rating that rises as the model sizes get bigger. The RMS power ratings range from 200W-1250W. The series also has dual 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm variants for each model.
The clear winner in this category with regard to choice and range is definitely Skar Audio. While both series feature variants for each model, Skar Audio has more models overall. You have a greater choice in the matter here.
Video
Testing the Skar Audio EVL Series 12″.
Check out the review of the JL Audio W3 12″ subwoofer.
Build Quality
Both subwoofer series has been constructed with premium materials and precise design.
The JL Audio W3v3 Series includes high-temperature voice coils to handle high RMS power ratings. The series is marketed as featuring small format subwoofers which deliver in small enclosures.
The subwoofers also feature JL Audio’s patented elevated frame cooling. This allows the speaker to operate at high power while delivering cool air through slots directly above the top plate. This keeps the voice coil of the subwoofer cool through the harshest operating conditions. This, in turn, enhances power handling as well as sound quality by minimizing dynamic parameter shifts and power compression.
This separates the JL Audio W3v3 series, from the designs of other competing subwoofer series. This improves thermal power handling and reduces any compression effects without using additional parts.
The Skar Audio EVL series includes 2.0-inch to 3.0-inch diameter, high-temperature, 4-layer voice coils. The subwoofers also contain slug magnets to deliver the crisp lows in your music collection. They also claim to have a high-roll foam surround and a competition-grade paper cone for 3D sound.
Skar Audio EVL Series subwoofers also feature a powerful 122 oz triple-stack ferrite motor. This motor, combined with the paper cone and high-roll foam can deliver incredible sound.
Both subwoofer series are neck and neck here. Their build quality is rated to handle high RMS power ratings. However, both subwoofer series are rated for very high peak power handling.
The highest-end JL Audio W3v3 Series subwoofers can handle 600 W of RMS power. Their counterparts in the Skar Audio EVL series can handle a peak RMS power rating of 1250 Watts.
This is a big difference in peak RMS power, but most premium subwoofers have maximum ratings of 2000W.
Sound
In terms of sheer RMS power ratings, there is a big difference between the two series. While both claim to deliver loud and clear sound, and have premium internals, the RMS ratings say it all.
The Skar Audio EVL series has a maximum RMS power rating of 1250 Watts. The JL Audio W3v3 Series has a maximum RMS power rating of 600 Watts. This shows the range of capabilities when it comes to sheer power.
Both use high-temperature voice coils, but there is a definite difference in their peak power handling. Yet, their build qualities are both solid enough to withstand loud sounds.
There is very little difference between their sensitivity/efficiency ratings, however. The lowest-end subwoofers for Skar Audio EVL have a sensitivity rating of 83.1 dB. Their counterparts in the JL Audio W3v3 Series have a sensitivity rating of 80.49 dB. Similarly, the highest-end subwoofers for Skar Audio EVL have a sensitivity rating of 88.0 dB. Their counterparts in the JL Audio W3v3 Series have a sensitivity rating of 87.9 dB.
Both series of subwoofers feature 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm variants for their models. However, the Skar Audio EVL Series features variants for each of its models. The JL Audio series features variants for only their top 3 models. Still, it stands to reason that you can choose what sounds better in your car from either series.
There seems to be a tie between the two series regarding everything except raw power. In that metric, Skar Audio takes this round.
Price
| Subwoofer Sizes | Skar Audio EVL Series | JL Audio W3v3 Series |
| 6.5-inch | $59.49 | $279.99 |
| 8-inch | $131.74 | $329.99 |
| 10-inch | $178.49 | $379.99 |
| 12-inch | $195.49 | $399.99 |
| 13.5-inch | N/A | $$429.99 |
| 15-inch | $212.49 | N/A |
| 18-inch | $280.49 | N/A |
The chart above shows conclusively that the Skar Audio EVL series absolutely steals the price (at the time of publishing) round from the JL Audio W3v3 Series. There is no contest when it comes to the sheer value for money that the Skar Audio EVL Series provides.
There is almost a 2:1 difference between the prices of comparable subwoofers here.
Even if you take into account all the specifications, construction materials, design, and sheer power, Skar Audio takes it by a mile.
Final Verdict
When you look at all the specifications, prices, and sound quality, there is a clear winner. The Skar Audio EVL series beats out the JL Audio W3v3 series so much in terms of price that it steals the crown. Both subwoofer series have great build quality and great sound quality. They also have great RMS power ratings.
However, in terms of value for money, there is no denying the edge that Skar Audio has. Right now, it’s very important to consider the value of each dollar for the average consumer. If they can get a competitive product at almost half the price, they’re not going to think twice.
On the other hand, JL Audio build quality and craftsmanship technologies they use on products are above par.
Other articles to consider:
Skar Audio vs Sundown Audio
Skar Audio vs. CT Sounds
Skar Audio vs. Rockford Fosgate
Skar Audio vs. DS18
