JL Audio TW3

The JL Audio TW3 series subwoofers provide full-size subwoofer output in a low-profile frame. The TW3 series subwoofers do not need much air space to operate and have become very popular due to their space-saving design that avoids sacrificing any output. The TW3 series is capable of a greater excursion than that of the JL Audio W3 model. These JL Audio subwoofers have become one of our "go-to" woofers because they can fit just about anywhere and their output stacks right up against the W3 series.

Rockford Fosgate T1S

For decades, subwoofer makers have strived to have the biggest and most powerful subs. But in a market dominated by smaller cars and trucks, the focus has shifted to building high-performance subs that are small enough to fit in today's vehicles. Rockford Fosgate understands the need for great bass, and their Power Series T1 slim subwoofers deliver jaw-dropping performance without taking up a lot of space.

Sizes

Both the JL Audio TW3 series and the Rockford Fosgate T1S subwoofers come in just two options, a 10" and 12" model. This is great for comparison though. The sizing will allow us to stack up the other comparisons between the two lineups at comparable sizing easily.

Voice Coils

The JL Audio TW3 series comes with a dual voice coil in both the 10" and 12" models and features your choice between a dual 4-ohm voice coil or a dual 8-ohm voice coil in each size. For the T1S series, Rockford Fosgate has kept the lineup as a single coil construction and features both 1-ohm or 2-ohm models at each size. Depending on the number of ohms you're looking for on your installation will best guide you here when comparing the voice coils between the two models.

Power Handling

The JL Audio 10" and 12" models in the TW3 series both have RMS power handling at 400 watts for both the 4 and 8-ohm models. In the T1S lineup from Rockford Fosgate, the 10" models feature 500 watt RMS power handling while the 12" are slightly higher at 600 watts. Between comparable sizing, you'll see that the Rockford Fosgate offers slightly higher RMS power handling over the JL Audio TW3 lineup.

Mounting Depth

With both lineups being thin-line subwoofers, both lineups feature very shallow mounting depths. The T1S lineup from Rockford Fosgate does offer a slightly slimmer mounting depth over the JL Audio TW3 lineup at comparable sizing. If you're looking to save as much installation room as possible, be sure to start your search with the T1S lineup's slightly shallower mounting depths.

Recommended Enclosure Size

Rockford Fosgate does not recommend it's T1S lineup for ported enclosure installations, but the JL Audio lineup will feature a recommended installation volume for ported enclosures based on subwoofer sizing. Both lineups do feature a recommended sealed enclosure size, with a slightly smaller volume going to the JL Audio TW3 lineup at comparable sizing. If maximizing your space is a prime plan for your sealed enclosure, make sure to begin your search with the slightly smaller JL Audio TW3 lineup.

Recommended Amplifiers

The recommended amplifier for your subwoofers will vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of subwoofers you select for your installation. The following lists are comparisons between amplifiers for subwoofers in the same dimensions between the different models and brands. The list begins with a factory recommendation for amps that provide enough power handling for the subwoofer(s), and then move on to our professional recommendations that may vary slightly from the factory recommendations. These Classic Car Stereo recommendations may be an amp with a higher price point that will service the subs better, or an amp that provides RMS power handling over the recommended amount which will allow you to not have to maximize the output on your amp to provide full power to your subs.

Sub: (Qty 1) JL Audio TW3 10" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm - RD500/1, XD600/1, or XD300/1 | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: RD500/1

Sub: (Qty 1) Rockford Fosgate T1S 10" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Single 1 ohm T750x1bd or T500-1. OR Single 2-ohm Same amps but you could also use a P1000x1bd | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T750x1bd

Sub: (Qty 2) JL Audio TW3 10" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 8 Ohm - RD1000/1, XD1000/1, or XD600/1 | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Either RD1000/1 or XD1000/1 (while turning the overall gain down)

Sub: (Qty 2) Rockford Fosgate T1S 10" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): T750x1bd, P1000x1bd, or T1000-1 | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T750x1bd or T1000-1

Sub: (Qty 1) JL Audio TW3 12" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm - RD500/1, XD600/1, or XD300/1 | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: RD500/1

Sub: (Qty 1) Rockford Fosgate T1S 12" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Single 1 ohm T750x1bd or T500-1. OR Single 2-ohm Same amps, but you could also use a P1000x1bd | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T750x1bd

Sub: (Qty 2) JL Audio TW3 12" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 8 Ohm - RD1000/1, XD1000/1, or XD600/1 | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Either RD1000/1 or XD1000/1 (while turning the overall gain down)

Sub: (Qty 2) Rockford Fosgate T1S 12" | Factory Amp Recommendation(s): T750x1bd, P1000x1bd, or T1000-1 | Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T1000-1

Price Points

Rockford Fosgate's T1S subs are part of its best Power line up subwoofers and are priced accordingly with their upgraded materials and technologies that are featured in the subs. Because of this, there is a substantial price increase over the JL Audio TW3 subs of the same size. The upgrades in power handling are also apparent in the T1S lineup are also apparent. If you do have the money set aside for subs of this caliber, the Rockford Fosgate lineup is a great choice for your installation.

In Conclusion

Rockford Fosgate's T1S subwoofer lineup is a premium constructed thin-line subwoofer. This carries a higher price point than the JL Audio Tw3 lineup, but the T1S lineup also features upgrades in materials and RMS power handling that set it apart at comparable sizing. If you have a higher budget for your install, we'd recommend going with the T1S lineup for your thin-line installation. Otherwise, the TW3 lineup is a great solution for your thin-line installation plans.