Customer Ratings & Reviews

Awesome sound and underrated RMS power handling.

these subwoofers really really kick out the tunes. the powerhandling is way underrated and the can definitly handle more power than they say. i currently have them wired for 2 ohms and 1000 watts RMS between 2 of these and now my rear view mirror looks down when i crank the volume. these subs really get the job done and sound clean and undistorted the whole way through. also, they produce low notes beyond the rated 27Hertz.

Great buy!

This is a fantastic buy. Amazing for the price.

great buy

Bought 2 of these a few a days ago. Awesome subs. Great sound quality and they hit!! I have them in a sealled box. in a 99 eclipse. and the make my rear view mirror fall till it faces down. I can't wait to get a 600rms amp and really push these things. I would def recomend these subs. especially it your on a budget.

Personal Experience Says This Is One Excellent value

Hi, everyone, welcome to this review. Let me start this off with just telling a little bit about myself and my audio background. Being an Electrical Engineer, efficient and well-thought out design is key to any and all products which I consume. I've gone through the all the stereo in a boxes and decided to step things up and design a home system from the ground up each component carefully hand picked on a budget of $500 for the whole system.
The system: This 12" rated subwoofer driver was chosen to go into my hand built 3/4" MDF ported 2.05 cubic foot enclosure (not including port or driver displacement). It is driven by an MB Quart Discus 4-channel A/B amplifier with channels 3 & 4 bridged, feeding 320 watts of rated power. The amp feeds off a 400 watt continuous rated DC power supply. Though I rarely take advantage of all the available power.
Performance: While I only have personal experience with a few budget subwoofer drivers, I am a musician with a keen ear for sound nuances (I'm also somewhat of a bass fiend). I own earbuds and headphones that produce very flat sub bass curves, easily down to 20 hz, these can outdo any 12" subwoofer driver in below 35 hz sub bass, So I know what to look for. After more than 100 hours of listening with every possible musical genre, I can say that this performs as well as expectations. My main focus in a sub driver was to have very accurate and LOW frequency reproduction. Now, anyone with experience in these matters knows that ratings don't necessarily line up with reality. (Notice there is no threshold mentioned [such as +/- 3 dB]... vague ratings are hard to get an accurate idea of actual performance. However other reviews around the internet, along with the a look at the manufacturer supplied frequency response graphs, seemed to also give me the impression that this driver stands above the rest in low frequencies. Now, it all depends on the acoustic environment obviously. A car is much friendlier to low frequency reproduction than a big room, hence the reason for choosing this driver. Using my own tests with test tones and the sub placed optimally for the listening vantage point to be squarely in an anti-node for very low sub-bass frequencies (below 40 hz), I came up with, to my ear, about 33 to 35 hz accurate frequency reproduction and topping out slightly above 100 hz --- this is with the threshold being half the peak volume. As far as I know this is quite good for a setup such as mine. A 12" Pioneer sub of equal cost and same setup was much higher at this threshold (about 40-42 hz). At sub frequencies this low, the difference is very noticeable in bass music tracks, and even in the low rumble of a concert bass drum, however metal/rock/country/pop or what have you, the difference will be unnoticeable.
In summation: this driver performs very well at it's intended purpose low frequency reproduction, in the price range of less than $100. If you intend to burp out 40-70 hz bass at incredible dB, you could probably do better (get a low-end kicker model or some such, they might handle more power, but it seems some of those drivers don't respond well in ultra sub-bass). Very happy with this purchase.

Bass On A Budget

I recommend this sub for anybody who just want to shake the inside of they car with a budget.Hook it up to a 300w RMS Mono and a custom vented box and your done and please don't dream of shaking your neighbors windows. But anyway good value from JBL.

WoW!

These subs are awesome for the value. Can't get any better than this! I love Sonic Electronix!

Best bang for the buck

A subwoofer with 14mm of REAL xmax for this price is unbelievable. It wasn't long ago a subwoofer of this quality would set you back quite a lot. The build quality is excellent from the heavy gauge stamped basket to the rubber coasted tinsel leads. All of the glue joints seemed neat and clean, I have no reason to believe this sub won't last me the life of my car.

In my opinion this woofer is completely underrated at 275W RMS. A 2" coil with vented pole piece means thermal compression should be minimal. A large linear throw, and progressive spider to handle high power transient peaks means the woofer is mechanically robust. As long as you have a moderately sized sealed enclosure or a PROPERLY designed ported box 400-500W should be no problem for this beast.

I've been running two of these in a sealed enclosure (1cf per sub no fill) with 300W RMS of class AB power. They're as efficient as any subwoofer I've used before, and handle everything down to 20Hz with plenty of control. The haven't struggled with anything I've thrown at them and just sound darn good with all types of music.

The only thing I don't like is the cheesy plastic dust-cap. I liked the old orange JBL logo with the peak wattage stamped proudly in large font. Oh well, nothing is perfect.

nice sub for $$

got it hooked to a 600w mono and it sounds like I wanted it to. Not gonna blow the windows out but fills out the sound and can kick when necessary. great experience all around with the sub and sonic!

Decent subwoofer

One of the better entry level subs around. The JBL GT5-12 once matched with the right amp, will not disapoint.

More impressed than the rock P1 or P2

Was quite surprised in the sound quality and the difference in the bass that it produced compared to the difference surface design of my Rockfords.
Personal fan of the type R but will def do for a replacement and for time being.

Nice 12's

I have two of these bad boy.They hit hard in my Galant ES. I have them in a bandpass box. They sound good when u turn up the bass. I recommend u buy some JBL GT.

Good Buy!

I Just bought one of these for my 03 mustang gt convertible and it sounds great ! I have it in a single 12 ported box. I have it hooked up to a 1000 watt Sony Xplod amp, and even with this crappy amp it pounds! This thing has excellent sq as well as some chest pounding bass !

best sub

i heard 2 of these and they are amazing. best subs iv ever heard for the price range.

these things hit hard

I own 2 of these subs and I have them in a slotted port box powered by a JBL BP300.1 amp and I'm getting around 135 db in my Saturn

I have owned several different brands of subs and by far these are probably the best I've owed I'm ordering 4 more as soon as I can fit more in my budget for my truck.

bandpass

My brother had an older version of these subs in a 01 civic with a bandpass box.sounded AMAZING for the amount he paid. now they are hooked up to the garage sound system. and yes, the neighbors do complain.

this is best in price

I have 2 of these subs and I have them in a closed box powered by 800w rms and MARVEL me.

great sub

I got this sub for my wife grand am gt and she love it. It don't shake the roof but its the kinda bass she wanted.

Great subs

This sub hits so hard. for this price....you cannot refuse.

big bang for the buck

Great sound from these subs they produce clean deep hitting bass. Have in a small enclosure because of limited trunk space and still sounds good bigger box even better

Perfect!

Speaker sounds great, my son loves it! Perfect Christmas gift.

JBL

I recommend jbl for all car audio, bose sound great but jbl is "1 in my book. You can feel & hear the difference.

These subs slams. Best subs I had yet

Today I just got these subs installed. They are absolutely amazing out the box can't wait to break them in. If you are hesitant about these don't be cause JBL quality is as good as JL audio any day. This was a great buy I recommend you get a custom box to fit them to the right specs.

By Ronald on February 13, 2017 Verified purchase

Can Am Sub

I have tried many brands of Subwoofers and the JBL has been the best. Very goog response and works well on my Maverick 1000 XRS. I would recommend this speaker to anyone. You won't be sorry!

best deal

Great speaker, sounds good, great upgrade from my old subwoofer ..

As advertised

Great bass from 350w RMS. Came safely in secure box. Didn't look like someone played soccer with it.

By Christopher on December 27, 2016 Verified purchase

best bang for your buck

ran the subs off a 500 watt Kenwood amp the subs were way louder and cleaner than 2 JL 12w0 in the same brand and size prefab boxes.

Awesome sub

This sub looks awesome sounds awesome and it was fairly cheap, I would highly recomend this product.

By Jared on January 4, 2018 Verified purchase

JBL S2-1224

good sub i have had it for 1 month and no issues . just make sure and build a box with enough air space. the min, listed is a little to small.

By brandon on January 22, 2017 Verified purchase

JBL GT5-12 Powerfull

I'm running these speakers in a 1QF per speaker which matches perfect. (sealed) These subs are being ran on a Hifonics 1000.1 monoblock amp. I have this amp and speakers running at 2ohms. I must say these speakers pound very hard and clear. This amp and speaker combo is a great match at ( roughly 750 watts) and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. You could go out and buy more expensive subs buy why. I've been in car audio for about 25+ years so I know when I say these speakers kick, they kick. My friend has all Rockford and my system hits and sounds cleaner than his by far. GET THESE SPEAKERS.....Don't over power match RMS that's the key that most people don't follow.

So versatile!

I love the fact that this product can switch between 2 ohm and 4 ohm! It makes pairing this sub with any system a breeze! Not to mention it is LOUD. Pair it with a nice amp and box and you got yourself a great system!

Phenomenal

Just amazing!!! It met and expectations. And I love how you can choose the impedance.

Great Sub!

Installed a pair of these in a 2006 Impala LT, in a slot ported enclosure. Box was tuned right around 33hz., running off a 500.1 amp. These things get down! Don't be fooled by the price. I build subwoofer enclosures for a side hustle and entry level or "affordable" subs, perform amazingly. You just have to put them in the right box. Try and follow the manufactures recommendations as closely as you can. I have video of these on my YouTube channel, you can check them out. "Bj Hammon" ....I'm wearing a red hat and holding a margarita :)

jbl gt5-12

This subs are good for people who are looking for something to bring the attention of other . I recommend this product besides they are loud , they last for a long time.

Sweet subs

I received these 12's really fast and they are awesome. Great look, good construction and they sound awesome!

By Brian on March 9, 2016 Verified purchase

jbl gt5-12

I put two in a ported box 35hz tune sounds great plas low I would recommend this subs.

Sound Good

These subs sound good and I am very impressed with them for what I paid. I would recommend these to anyone in the market for some new subs,

By Anonymous on August 1, 2018 Verified purchase

Best Sub I Ever Have Had!

it's the best sounding subwoofer ever made just make the recommended sealed box with 400 rms clean amplifier power. I've had over 40 different car audio set ups from 6 12s, to 3 12s, 2 10s, 2 12s, 1 12, 1 10 etc ported and sealed different brands so far jbl is been the best for me. You get more volume which is loudness and sound quality with this sub i listen to mexican music and i got a bass enhancer this sub plays all music well no matter what genres of mexican and english. 8 years of looking for a good subwoofer and i finally found it. BUY IT. You're welcome.

By Anonymous on July 13, 2018 Verified purchase

works great, sounds perfect

This sub works great, has a very crisp sound, never static'ie, and does not take over all the other music.

An amazing subwoofer for an unbeatable price

I would recommend this subwoofer to anyone looking to get some good but comfortable bass out of their system. I also purchased the Boss R1100M amplifier and they work great together!!

By Avery on February 15, 2017 Verified purchase

Decent

I'm used to running two or more subs that can handle 1000 plus watts rms but I did not want to put anything too crazy in my 69 cutlass. I tested these subs in a prefab box and they sounded pretty good for the money. I would recommend them If you intend to built a great box from them.

By MC on January 6, 2017 Verified purchase

Great Sub

JBL makes great audio and professional speakers and you can't go wrong with their audio products, this 12 inch sub for the price has solid and punchy Bass that will shake your car windows and you can feel the Bass hitting your chest and under the seat. i am very pleased with this subwoofer very well built great quality.

By MP Vic on December 27, 2016 Verified purchase

good woofer for good price

i thought this was going to be a bad mistake but nope this woofer sounds great in an enclosed box 1.0 cu. ft, sealed with no air port , give it a good week to break in than dial it in. this woofer is sweet drops way down like 40hz!!! this is a good woofer for a good price.

By roger on December 21, 2016 Verified purchase

What else would you expect from JBL

Good design not to heavy nice deep bass you couldn't ask for more for the price all around good deal so far

Great sub

A really great sub and buy but moving up to the stage three jbl sub

Bumps hard

Hooked this up to my 1500 watt hifonics amp and this single 12 inch sub bumps way harder than my old setup ( 2 older 12in jba subs) . Really good product, i highly recommend to anyone who wants there trunk to bump.

Damn... This sub is...

This subwoofer sounds amazing!! I have it in a sealed box 1.25 cb ft and it just amazed me from day one..i keep wondering why it sounds so loud and perfect.. Makes me think its in a vented box! I have it in a trunk facing back towards the trunk.. It has great spl! SQL:D i like that it is a big sub and has a great look.. Would i buy again? Probably.. I recommend this to anyone wanting a great sub at a good price.. And if you like the look!

By Ricardo on September 1, 2016 Verified purchase

12

I would recommend this to anyone planning to purchase if I see deal again happy customer.

Good deal...

Very good speakers for great price, quality of JBL like always, professional...

JBL is back!

I had the old GT5 series subs a few years back.. and I heard all about the hype of these Series II with the selectable impedance option, and I thought .. hmm maybe just marketing hype/gimmick,.. well, after finally getting the boss at home to sign off on a little spending money I've made the upgrade and swapped these out for the GT5... wow! these things are an achievement in modern tech... I will be upgrading my old JBL amp at some pt when I can afford it, and I love the fact these subs will work with most any amp due to the selectable configurations option.. truly pleased with my purchase

By Robert K. on June 30, 2016 Verified purchase

JBL you can not be wrong.

NO KiCKER NO KENWOOD, BUT JBL. is enough trying one of their products to never go back to others brands. fair price, but mostly quality, thanks jbl,

One of the best subwoofers I have ever owned

This speaker pounds!!! I am running it on a single Kicker Mono Block 400 amplifier. It straight out rocks my little Toyota Tacoma.

jbl gt-5

Great sub,like the Infinity but better price and looks!

By Tweekster on January 8, 2016 Verified purchase

The icing on my system

I am running this sub on an NVX JAD900.5 with 4 NVX VSP65 and man does my system bump. My highs and mids were on point before but when I added this sub to the system, it was like night and day. I have the sub set at a moderate level and it improves the overall quality of sound in any genre of music. The sub really adds another dimensions to my listening experience and I would not be able live without it. Highly recommend!

By Howard Donn on June 29, 2016 Verified purchase