ACI SV12 Sub

Price Paid:  $139.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001/Competition 12

Summary:
I tell ya. Mike runs one first-class operation out of his shop in La Crosse, WI. My sons have each purchased a pair of these subs for their cars (black 92 RS Camaro and 94 Mustang w/custom Boss stripes) and nothing, I mean NOTHING, comes close to the quality of materials, construction, and sound that these subs offer for the price. Even at the doubled "retail" price they beat what you can buy.

I am not really a car audio person, but I have been an audiophile for 25 years and I know quality products and excellent sound (my home system cost about 15K). And the Competition 12s are very very good products. The C12s offer superior sound and good sensitivity, so you do not need a megawatt amp to get DEEP, LOUD, TIGHT bass. (hint: The Directed 600d amp connected in parallel @ 1 ohm per sub pair works very well.)

The frosting on the cake is that ACI ships the speakers out very quickly. My pair was on my doorstep within two days after I called to order.

This is one of the true "no-brainers" in audio. The only negative I can think of is that the price has gone up $2 each since a year ago.

Congrats, ACI on an excellent product. I am definitely going to check into your home subs for my A/V system.

Strengths:
-- Solid build: cast frame,
-- Quality Materials: Steel, rubber, gold
-- Dual voice coils for tighter bass
-- Huge magnet
-- Air cooled for high power

Weaknesses:
There really are no weaknesses at the price. The only weakness is that they cannot be auditioned before you order them, so many people are not aware of what they are missing!

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
I bought the SV12 along with ACI's PSA1 200 Watt sub amp! The driver itself was $139 and I received the sub and amp for $305! While this driver is excellent it is really optimized for a 3 cubic foot sealed enclosure, making a bit large for automotive use. Needless to say, I used it for my home theater. But this driver ranks up there with the best that JL, Kicker, and Rockford have to offer at a substantially cheaper price.

Also if you want a driver that is optimized for automotive use (1 cubic foot sealed enclosure), check out subwoofers.com for the Competition 12" driver (also owned by ACI). This driver has a heavy paper cone, dual 42 ounce 4-ohm voice coils, and gold plated spring loaded terminals. Again, just as the SV12, it's as good or better than anything the big boys have to offer at a much cheaper price. Both the SV12 and the Competition 12 are available factory direct for only $139!

To give you an idea of just how good the Comp 12 is, I replaced my JL Audio 12W6 with this driver! Needless to say I am completely satisfied! HAPPY BOOMING!

Strengths:
Heavy cast frame basket, long throw, deep bass

Weaknesses:
I wish I had two!

Similar Products Used:
Subwoofers.com Competition 12"

Summary:
This thing rocks like you wouldn't believe

Strengths:
Solid

Weaknesses:
Expensive

Similar Products Used:
None yet

Summary:
Probably the best buy available in a high-output 12" sub . . .

Strengths:
This is one terrific woofer. The low distortion, the quality are the equal or better than $250-300 subs I've used! And it costs less than $140! If yuo're lookcing for accurate bass, baby this is the one . .

Weaknesses:
NONE

Similar Products Used:
Rockfords/ crystals/ infinity

Summary:
ACI is really known for home audio. They happen to build the SV12 subwoofer driver. It is a MONSTER of a woofer. Tremendous build quality, SUPERE long throw, bery stiff cone. Not specifically built for cars, but I've compared its test results to $250-$350 woofs from Crystal, Kicker, Alpine, Rockford, Infinity, etc. and it is MORE than competitive. Try em'