First speaker question on the new forum!!!!!!!! Subwoofers

[DJAkash]

Hey everyone, it's great to see the forum up again!!!!

Now for my question.

I am looking to spend under 1000 bucks and right now my options I can see are the following in order, with the companies stated specs, of which i think is a better buy. I am looking for a powered subwoofer

1. Yorkville LS720p http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?cat=2&type=29&id=369
720 Watts (1500 Watts Peak)|
135dB Peak (128dB Continuous)
40 – 150 H
15woofer, 3-inch voice coil

2. EV ELX118p http://www.electrovoice.com/product.php?id=1068
400 W continuous, 1600 W peak
96 dB SPL sensitivity; 134 dB ??
35 Hz – 200 Hz
18 woofer, coil ???????

3. for 300 $ less Behringer EUROLIVE B1800D-PRO http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/B1800D-PRO.aspx
1400-Watt peak???????????
127 dB half space 1 W @ 1 m ????
35 – 150 Hz
18 woofer, coil??????????

So I am not sure since I have not personally heard any of these, I would like to know which one is flat out the best in it's price range?
And if there is anything else that beats all of these in my >1k price range, that would be awesome.
THanks

[drzinc]

A good bang for the buck is this folded horn sub. Lots of clean output!
Its called a Growler (http://jtrspeakers.com/portable/growler/).
One is nice 2 is even better.

[Incognito]

The Yorkville nets you 128db with extension down to 40hz (+/-3db), has a built in amp & processing so basically it's final cost & ready to go.

The EV is a passive sub so you'll still need to buy an amp & processing (unless the amp you choose has a built in DSP) thus these extras will have to be factored into your final budget allowance. The EV if driven to the program rating of 800 watts (2 X RMS) will net you 125db & extension down to 50hz (+/-3db)

The Behringer is another active sub that nets you 127db but I am not too sure on its' actual frequency range since it isn't stated.

With that given information I would go for the Yorkville out of these three listed subs but there are other options available as well.

[Incognito]

A good bang for the buck is this folded horn sub. Lots of clean output!
Its called a Growler (http://jtrspeakers.com/portable/growler/).
One is nice 2 is even better.

Good option but that depends on if the budget in question is for amps & processing included, if it is then his selections are a little slim but if not then he has the potential of getting some really good subs.

[DJAkash]

I forgot to mentioned powered :P, any sub that beat the LS720p by yorkville in the same price range and is powered?

[DJAkash]

I would have loved that, if it was powered :P

[Brom]

Careful on those basing anything on those wattage specs as I'm not sure how the marketing departments arrived at any of them. That said, I think the best of the three might be the Yorkie but you might need a crossover with it as it doesn't have a true high-pass to your tops. What tops are you running with it?

And that Growler would beat any of them but is outside of your price range with the extras needed.

Run far away from anything Behringer.

[DJAkash]

RCF312a'

[Incognito]

RCF312a'

Are those the tops you have? If so they have a built in HPF so you can get away with the Yorkville LS720p which lacks a true crossover.

[DJAkash]

yeah I use RCF312a's, awesome, so nothing beats the Yorkville's in my price range?

[Incognito]

yeah I use RCF312a's, awesome, so nothing beats the Yorkville's in my price range?

The Yorkville is a real good option, another consideration if you can expand your budget a little more would be the JBL PRX618SXLF http://www.audiomaster.cz/download/katalogy/jbl/prx618s-xlf.pdf this would outperform the Yorkville.

[windspeed36]

For i think around the same price $1000US you can pick up a JBL PRX618S-XLF which is a really really nice subwoofer for its price.

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=365&MId=3

[Brom]

Are those the tops you have? If so they have a built in HPF so you can get away with the Yorkville LS720p which lacks a true crossover.

Hmmm...unless they're different than the four 312a speakers I bought last summer they don't actually have a built-in HPF, just an XLR in/out, a mic/line switch, and a volume knob. The HPF is built in to the RCF subs instead and then fed to the RCF tops. So you'd need a separate crossover or a sub with high-pass outs.

[DJAkash]

so the PRX618S-XLF outperforms the LS720p dramatically?
but then since the XLF is around 1000 shouldnt I be asking how is the XLF against the yorkville ls800p?

[Incognito]

Hmmm...unless they're different than the four 312a speakers I bought last summer they don't actually have a built-in HPF, just an XLR in/out, a mic/line switch, and a volume knob. The HPF is built in to the RCF subs instead and then fed to the RCF tops. So you'd need a separate crossover or a sub with high-pass outs.
Hmm, you could be right since I am going off of memory here & never bothered to look up the actual spec.

[Incognito]

Hmmm...unless they're different than the four 312a speakers I bought last summer they don't actually have a built-in HPF, just an XLR in/out, a mic/line switch, and a volume knob. The HPF is built in to the RCF subs instead and then fed to the RCF tops. So you'd need a separate crossover or a sub with high-pass outs.

Yes the PRX618sXLF outperforms the LS720P while the LS800p would is more in the league of the JBL it however doesn't sound as good as the JBL (though Yorkville will still bring a smile to your face). SPL wise they're in the same ball park, frequency wise the JBL goes 6hz deeper (39hz vs 45hz) but if weight is a factor the the Yorkville come in weighing less (62 lbs vs 81 lbs), you pick what's important to you & make your decision.

[DJAkash]

sound>weight. Maybe if I didn't hit the gym so often I would care about weight :P . In the long run I'm going to double up on subwoofers might as well get the best bang for the buck. +1 rep incog

[GaFFLe]

so the PRX618S-XLF outperforms the LS720p dramatically?
but then since the XLF is around 1000 shouldnt I be asking how is the XLF against the yorkville ls800p?

I seRiouSLy doubt the XLF can hang with the Yorkville LS800P in terms of loud and booming bass. I would guess that as far as low-end extension and sub-like sound quality, the XLF probably goes lower and seems more musical with the bass tones.

[DJMC]

For i think around the same price $1000US you can pick up a JBL PRX618S-XLF which is a really really nice subwoofer for its price.

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=365&MId=3

I own the previous model (PRX 718s) and it rocks!!!






DJMC is a Sacramento Wedding DJ (http://www.dj-mc.com) who specializes in non-cheesy receptions and private events.

[allenpa5]

Hey OP, I have a source that can hook you up with the LS801p for about what you're looking to spend (upper end of your budget). It's a great subwoofer, lots of power, and really an amazing bang for your buck!! Send me a PM and we'll talk.

[frandomeda]

The Behringer is one heavy pig but I seen reviews saying they sound good

[windspeed36]

The Behringer is one heavy pig but I seen reviews saying they sound good

...compared to a Skytec 18" bin...

[monomer]

Another vote for the Growler. JTR offers a powered one, also.


Not much at the price competes with it.

[Incognito]

I seRiouSLy doubt the XLF can hang with the Yorkville LS800P in terms of loud and booming bass. I would guess that as far as low-end extension and sub-like sound quality, the XLF probably goes lower and seems more musical with the bass tones.
One is rated at 134db while the other is rated as 133db so no difference in potential output but the JBL goes deeper the the Yorkville.

[Incognito]

Another vote for the Growler. JTR offers a powered one, also.


Not much at the price competes with it.
I would agree but the OP has only a $1,000 Budget so the powered version would cost too much & about time he buys amp & processing he wouldn't have enough left over for the Growler.

[monomer]

I would agree but the OP has only a $1,000 Budget so the powered version would cost too much & about time he buys amp & processing he wouldn't have enough left over for the Growler.

Buy once, cry once.

[Incognito]

Buy once, cry once.

Choir here mate, no need to convince me.

[Synaxis]

The Yorkville nets you 128db with extension down to 40hz (+/-3db), has a built in amp & processing so basically it's final cost & ready to go.

The EV is a passive sub so you'll still need to buy an amp & processing (unless the amp you choose has a built in DSP) thus these extras will have to be factored into your final budget allowance. The EV if driven to the program rating of 800 watts (2 X RMS) will net you 125db & extension down to 50hz (+/-3db)

The Behringer is another active sub that nets you 127db but I am not too sure on its' actual frequency range since it isn't stated.

With that given information I would go for the Yorkville out of these three listed subs but there are other options available as well.

The EV ELX118p is a powered sub.

[Incognito]

The EV ELX118p is a powered sub.

I stand corrected, though it still isn't in the same class as the better listed subs in this thread.

[DJ LEVLHED]

I don't believe there is such a thing as a powered JTR Growler.

[Incognito]

I don't believe there is such a thing as a powered JTR Growler.
The now special order dual Growler is powered.

[monomer]

I don't believe there is such a thing as a powered JTR Growler.

If you ask Jeff nicely, He'll do damn near whatever you want.


For a price. Of coarse.

[Incognito]

If you ask Jeff nicely, He'll do damn near whatever you want.


For a price. Of coarse.
I should look into a pair of powered Triple 8x tops from him.....However there are other things to be taken care of before that can be considered.

[DJ LEVLHED]

A special order powered dual Growler is clearly out of his price range anyway.

[Incognito]

A special order powered dual Growler is clearly out of his price range anyway.
100% agree, the none powered single Growler would just sneak in under his budget but he would still need an amp & processing.

[Paris McBryde]

One is rated at 134db while the other is rated as 133db so no difference in potential output but the JBL goes deeper the the Yorkville.
Gaffle is correct, SPL wise they're NOT in the same ball park. The yorkville is at least 3db higher than the jbl. While the jbl wins in SQ as you both stated, the db rating of the jbl is for marketing purposes only ;)

[Incognito]

Gaffle is correct, SPL wise they're NOT in the same ball park. The yorkville is at least 3db higher than the jbl. While the jbl wins in SQ as you both stated, the db rating of the jbl is for marketing purposes only ;)

Sorry but the Yorkville is full of marketing as well, just look at the sum of its' parts. It uses an amp module that is rated at 1,500 watts program (but is really the M1200 amp module from Mackie in bridge mode that delivers as the name suggests 1,200 watts at 4 ohms) while the the driver is the 18" 8R1200WPGM SPEAKER DCR6.1R is 8 ohms & 600 watts RMS. So do the math & you'll see Yorkville is full of marketing hype with their listed specs, if you don't believe me then look it up.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Sorry but the Yorkville is full of marketing as well, just look at the sum of its' parts.More to the point, look at the measured SPL charts. And if there aren't any the only reason why is that they don't want the truth to be known.

[ampnation]

I haven't heard anyone I trust raving about the Live-X line yet and have heard a couple downplay them although mostly based on the exaggerated output specs. If you're not worried about the sub being heavy and awkward and don't mind used, I would look for a used HPR181i which you can get for under $1000 easy if you watch craigslist.

I've heard DJMC's PRX718S and liked it although I don't think he ever had the opportunity to really turn it up to show its true potential.

The LS720P is known as excellent sounding but not with a great level of output. You could always buy one now and add another one (or three) later however.

If you can spend a bit more, I'm really a fan of the KW181.

[Incognito]

More to the point, look at the measured SPL charts. And if there aren't any the only reason why is that they don't want the truth to be known.

This is true since even in their literature for this speaker they say it is focused on the 50hz region (sort of like how the CV horns are centred around a narrow frequency band & how both designs have that none musical effect) so with no charts there really is no way (without independent measurements) of knowing where the SPL rating was based on (it would be useless if the peak measurement is outside of a usable bass frequency).

[Incognito]

I haven't heard anyone I trust raving about the Live-X line yet and have heard a couple downplay them although mostly based on the exaggerated output specs. If you're not worried about the sub being heavy and awkward and don't mind used, I would look for a used HPR181i which you can get for under $1000 easy if you watch craigslist.

I've heard DJMC's PRX718S and liked it although I don't think he ever had the opportunity to really turn it up to show its true potential.

The LS720P is known as excellent sounding but not with a great level of output. You could always buy one now and add another one (or three) later however.

If you can spend a bit more, I'm really a fan of the KW181.

I agree with you except for the LS720P, a pair would put him nearly double over his budget (he could settle on a single LS720P since it would be more in the range of what his current tops can deliver but then he is spending in a range that he can get a much better sub with room for future system expansion). He would be better off with the Used QSC HPR181i or get a used JBL PRX718sXLF & rest easy knowing he will never have to push his sub to the limits or use it as a measuring stick of any future upgrades that he may want to make concerning his tops. The QSC KW181 is also a good option if he could find one used with in his budget range.

[Paris McBryde]

Sorry but the Yorkville is full of marketing as well, just look at the sum of its' parts. It uses an amp module that is rated at 1,500 watts program (but is really the M1200 amp module from Mackie in bridge mode that delivers as the name suggests 1,200 watts at 4 ohms) while the the driver is the 18" 8R1200WPGM SPEAKER DCR6.1R is 8 ohms & 600 watts RMS. So do the math & you'll see Yorkville is full of marketing hype with their listed specs, if you don't believe me then look it up.
While all this may or may not be true......york vs jbl spl is the real debate.

[Incognito]

While all this may or may not be true......york vs jbl spl is the real debate.

None issue actually because when it comes to quantity vs quality one should favour on the side of quality more times then not. The Yorkville claims to be horn loaded yet the driver is front firing like a reflex so if this is true then outside of the fact that this cabinet is tuned around a central frequency it will also exhibit the same flaw of the scoop in that you'll first hear the response of the direct driver then the delayed response of the horn. These are the reasons why the JBL stumps all over the Yorkville inSQ as for SPL I really think they're closer to each other then you think thus making it a none issue. The JBL is a smaller sub & weighs in at over 50 pounds less then the Yorkville with more bass extension then the Yorkville & a debatably comparable SPL output & in the same price range, that's too many pluses in the favour of the JBL to swing the way of the Yorkville solely on the merit that it may or may not be at max 3db louder then the JBL. You really need that extra 3db? Then purchase two of the JBL subs, the pair will sound better, go deeper & still only come in only 25 pounds more combined then a single Yorkville but you'll be able to split the weight between two smaller subs instead of lugging around one big sub.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

While all this may or may not be true......york vs jbl spl is the real debate.There is no basis for comparison. JBL has published SPL charts and you can easily find the driver displacement as well. You can't get either for the Yorkville.

[Paris McBryde]

There is no basis for comparison. JBL has published SPL charts and you can easily find the driver displacement as well. You can't get either for the Yorkville.
This is correct......I currently own versions of both subs, the jbl vrx918sp which has published SPL charts as you stated and the yorkville ls801p which does not. While not scientific, side by side comparisons of theses 2 subs under the same program matter provides obvious differences in spl.

[windspeed36]

This is correct......I currently own versions of both subs, the jbl vrx918sp which has published SPL charts as you stated and the yorkville ls801p which does not. While not scientific, side by side comparisons of theses 2 subs under the same program matter provides obvious differences in spl.

The VRX918SP and the LS801P are two completely different subwoofers...

[allenpa5]

Gimme a review of the RCF art705as sub!!! Who knows about that lil guy???

[Incognito]

This is correct......I currently own versions of both subs, the jbl vrx918sp which has published SPL charts as you stated and the yorkville ls801p which does not. While not scientific, side by side comparisons of theses 2 subs under the same program matter provides obvious differences in spl.

The problem with your statement is that it's the JBL PRX618S-XLF in question, not the JBL vrx918sp, also you need to know the difference between actual SPL difference & not just the perceived difference. The more distorted the bass the louder it sometimes seems (thus why those cheap bass "enhancers" do nothing more then add distortion) while the cleaner sub just may be louder but not seem so.

[Paris McBryde]

The problem with your statement is that it's the JBL PRX618S-XLF in question, not the JBL vrx918sp, also you need to know the difference between actual SPL difference & not just the perceived difference. The more distorted the bass the louder it sometimes seems (thus why those cheap bass "enhancers" do nothing more then add distortion) while the cleaner sub just may be louder but not seem so.
True but the JBL vrx918sp is equal to or superior to the JBL PRX618S-XLF....and if i remember correctly the JBL PRX618S-XLF is calculate peak spl while the vrx918sp is measured.

[Paris McBryde]

The VRX918SP and the LS801P are two completely different subwoofers...
have you had the opportunity to compare them live.?

[windspeed36]

Not the LS801P but i often use the VRX918SP.. as Incognito said the subwoofer from JBL in question is the PRX618S-XLF not the VRX918SP..

[Incognito]

True but the JBL vrx918sp is equal to or superior to the JBL PRX618S-XLF....

How can you compare the SPL of the two when the max output of the JBL vrx918sp is 7db down from the JBL PRX618S-XLF? (**see note below**)

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/support/getfile.aspx?docid=581&doctype=3

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/support/getfile.aspx?doctype=3&docid=1550

(**JBL testing conditions only mentioned in one, one listed as free air which is 6db down from ground plane testing**)

However it still comes back to perceived loudness vs actual loudness, CV horns seem loud too but actually it's a focused frequency range that generates this but if you look at the frequency chart for the JBL it is spread evenly across its' entire frequency range & not concentrated to a given frequency. The same holds true with the LS800P, it shares the flaws of the CV horn but also adds the flaw of the scoop into the picture & not to mention the harmonics. Either way, going loud is easy, sounding good while doing so is the trick & that's something the LS800P just can't accomplish.

[Paris McBryde]

How can you compare the SPL of the two when the max output of the JBL vrx918sp is 7db down from the JBL PRX618S-XLF?

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/support/getfile.aspx?docid=581&doctype=3

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/support/getfile.aspx?doctype=3&docid=1550

You have to come with relevant comparisons if you're going to make them. (JBL testing conditions only mentioned in one, one listed as free air which is 6db down from ground plane testing)


If the vrx918sp is measure in free air @ 126db, What is the spl of the JBL vrx918sp on the ground ?

[Incognito]

If the vrx918sp is measure in free air @ 126db, What is the spl of the JBL vrx918sp on the ground ?

You didn't read the note in my post??

[Incognito]

This is correct......I currently own versions of both subs, the jbl vrx918sp which has published SPL charts as you stated and the yorkville ls801p which does not. While not scientific, side by side comparisons of theses 2 subs under the same program matter provides obvious differences in spl.

Can you tell me what frequencies the LS800P uses That Yorkville bases it's stated SPL output of the LS800P on??

[Paris McBryde]

Can you tell me what frequencies the LS800P uses That Yorkville bases it's stated SPL output of the LS800P on??
As we already no, yorkville does not provide this information (slp charts). we only no its Frequency Response (Hz +/- 3db) 45 - 150hz. It the fact that the yorkville uses a larger cabinet while not going quite as low as the jbl enables it to easily go much louder. Theres no question the jbl has better SQ (which i am not debating). But as far as spl theres no comparison what so ever. Debating specs on paper is pretty much pointless at times because most specs are only used for selling points. side by side comparisons are generally our best options.

[GaFFLe]

As we already no, yorkville does not provide this information (slp charts). we only no its Frequency Response (Hz +/- 3db) 45 - 150hz. It the fact that the yorkville uses a larger cabinet while not going quite as low as the jbl enables it to easily go much louder. Theres no question the jbl has better SQ (which i am not debating). But as far as spl theres no comparison what so ever. Debating specs on paper is pretty much pointless at times because most specs are only used for selling points. side by side comparisons are generally our best options.
No debate here... Since you OWN and USE both, you should know. Since your VRX918SP's are flyable, their specs are measured as such... in free space. I would guess that they are a superior speaker to the XLF since they're priced a lot higher and seem to be in JBL's next tier.

I mentioned my guestimates on loudness based on hearing the LS800P + PRX618-XLF several times and doing a 1hr+ long comparison of the LS800P to a QSC HPR181i. The bass 'loudness' was no contest, the Yorkville sub made the entire garage resonate pretty violently, while the QSC seemed anemic in comparison... the QSC simply sounded better (deeper and more musical) with the sub bass frequencies compared to the York. I'm guestimating that, in a comparison between an XLF vs. LS801P, the outcome would be the same.

I bet if one were to do a spectrum analysis (graph) of the LS80xP, there would be some enormous 'sweet spot' compared to the rest of the usable range. Some people have referred to them as one-note wonders... without proper equalization, this may be true... but that one-note is fierce!

If you can deal with the size and weight, cater to large-sized venues and want the biggest or loudest 'bang' for your buck, the LS80xP's are the way to go. If your concern is lighter weight, more feasible ergonomics and better overall sound quality, choose any of the other typical powered subs XLF's/VRX18's, HPR/KW18's, CV18's, RCF 18's, etc. (no Mackie HD1801's).

[Incognito]

As we already no, yorkville does not provide this information (slp charts). we only no its Frequency Response (Hz +/- 3db) 45 - 150hz. It the fact that the yorkville uses a larger cabinet while not going quite as low as the jbl enables it to easily go much louder. Theres no question the jbl has better SQ (which i am not debating). But as far as spl theres no comparison what so ever. Debating specs on paper is pretty much pointless at times because most specs are only used for selling points. side by side comparisons are generally our best options.
Spec are used only as a selling point only when those specs aren't backed up with testing results. If you see two cars running one at a time & car A looks like it had a faster run but when tested car B in fact had the fastest run then which car is faster, the one that LOOKED faster or the one that WAS faster?

[Incognito]

No debate here... Since you OWN and USE both, you should know. Since your VRX918SP's are flyable, their specs are measured as such... in free space. I would guess that they are a superior speaker to the XLF since they're priced a lot higher and seem to be in JBL's next tier.

I mentioned my guestimates on loudness based on hearing the LS800P + PRX618-XLF several times and doing a 1hr+ long comparison of the LS800P to a QSC HPR181i. The bass 'loudness' was no contest, the Yorkville sub made the entire garage resonate pretty violently, while the QSC seemed anemic in comparison... the QSC simply sounded better (deeper and more musical) with the sub bass frequencies compared to the York. I'm guestimating that, in a comparison between an XLF vs. LS801P, the outcome would be the same.

I bet if one were to do a spectrum analysis (graph) of the LS80xP, there would be some enormous 'sweet spot' compared to the rest of the usable range. Some people have referred to them as one-note wonders... without proper equalization, this may be true... but that one-note is fierce!

If you can deal with the size and weight, cater to large-sized venues and want the biggest or loudest 'bang' for your buck, the LS80xP's are the way to go. If your concern is lighter weight, more feasible ergonomics and better overall sound quality, choose any of the other typical powered subs XLF's/VRX18's, HPR/KW18's, CV18's, RCF 18's, etc. (no Mackie HD1801's).

The JBL VRX918SP which is geared more towards the touring sound providers has a better built cabinet, & as you mentioned has fly points installed, uses other components that are different then the JBL PRX618S-XLF which is geared more to the middle of the road operators. These are two different animals but the point is both are backed up by their proven spec & are highly regarded for their sound quality & SPL but since the average person doesn't understand the difference between perceived loudness & actual loudness which is usually the same as those who say that amps that use switch mode technology aren't good for bass (the reason has nothing to do with the power supply alone, especially if you actually take measurements) simply don't fully understand what's going on.

If you was to do a spectrum analysis of the LS800P & then tryied to EQ out that sweet spot, you know you then will effect the end SPL potential thus null & void any claim to the only thing this cabinet has going for it, loudness. As I already mentioned it's easy to go loud when you don't care what it sounds like to do it, there simply are too many flaws with that bass cabinet to be even given the slightest of consideration against a better designed sub such as the JBL. Again I already mentioned in this thread what to do if you really wanted to get extra SPL out of the JBL so the only thing the LS800P had up on the JBL then becomes a none issue.

[GaFFLe]

Here are some measurements I ran across on the web. An XLF vs. a passive LS808 (passive version of the Yorkville LS80xP).

Quoted db 1w1m@Hz. All of these Yorkville numbers are TEFC MEASURED outside on concrete with no buildings nearby.

JBL PRX-618XLF 93lbs
97@40, 96.5@45, 99@50, 99@60, 99@70, 99@80, 96@90, 92@100

Yorkville LS808 116lbs
97@40, 99@45, 101@50, 103.5@60, 104@70, 105@80, 106@90, 106.5@100

I'm not sure about the other details in how they were acquired and measured.

[Incognito]

Problem is the passive version has the luxury of a choice selection of amps & processing to use while the powered version uses the M1200 amp module (1,200 watts into 4 ohms but the LS800P uses an 8 ohm 600 watt driver) & fixed processing so the end results will differ from each other. The passive version even uses a different driver, it uses the 18" 8R 800WPGM driver, the poster of those specs even got the weight wrong on the JBL so how can we take the rest of it's posted information serious (if you can't even weigh a speaker how are we going to trust you measuring the output of a speaker?)?

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=365&MId=3

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

This is correct......I currently own versions of both subs, the jbl vrx918sp which has published SPL charts as you stated and the yorkville ls801p which does not. While not scientific, side by side comparisons of theses 2 subs under the same program matter provides obvious differences in spl.Those comparisons are only valid if you measure the results, not only in terms of frequency response but also amplifier output. One can sound louder than the other simply based on the gain structure of the amp. One will sound louder than the other if it sacrifices low end extension for midband sensitivity. Midband sensitivity can be accounted for with EQ, but low frequency extension can't. Simply plugging both in with the same source and hearing one louder than the other doesn't give anything objective, as there are many reasons why that will occur that have nothing to do with which has either lower extension of higher output capability.
As for maximum output, what matters is driver displacement. With the JBL that's a known quantity, because the driver specs are available. With the Yorkville it's an unknown.

[Incognito]

Here are some measurements I ran across on the web. An XLF vs. a passive LS808 (passive version of the Yorkville LS80xP).

Quoted db 1w1m@Hz. All of these Yorkville numbers are TEFC MEASURED outside on concrete with no buildings nearby.

JBL PRX-618XLF 93lbs
97@40, 96.5@45, 99@50, 99@60, 99@70, 99@80, 96@90, 92@100

Yorkville LS808 116lbs
97@40, 99@45, 101@50, 103.5@60, 104@70, 105@80, 106@90, 106.5@100

I'm not sure about the other details in how they were acquired and measured.
The frequency +/-3db response of the JBL is 39hz to 93hz so why try to compare it to a speaker outside of it's given +/-3db frequency range? The Passive LS has a stated +/-3db frequency range of 45hz to 180hz, yet by the given spec of the numbers you give it's already out by 7.5db just from 45hz to 100hz (suspect since the most it should be out is 6db across the given range, not a noticeable difference but it would be interesting to see their frequency plot of the entire frequency range of the passive LS).

Another thing to look at in the difference of the LS Passive vs the LS active is they each have different spec on SPL potential so even at factory standard the passive is rated higher then the active. The thing is with the passive version the end user has a choice of amp/processing options to squeeze even more SPL out of the passive while with the active you're locked in to what the factory allows.

[GaFFLe]

I'm not sure why the original tester chose a passive sub against a powered sub. I just posted those considering I've never seen anyone list or show response graphs or numbers on hardly any Yorkville products (especially considering how popular they are).

[Paris McBryde]

Those comparisons are only valid if you measure the results, not only in terms of frequency response but also amplifier output. One can sound louder than the other simply based on the gain structure of the amp. One will sound louder than the other if it sacrifices low end extension for midband sensitivity. Midband sensitivity can be accounted for with EQ, but low frequency extension can't. Simply plugging both in with the same source and hearing one louder than the other doesn't give anything objective, as there are many reasons why that will occur that have nothing to do with which has either lower extension of higher output capability.
As for maximum output, what matters is driver displacement. With the JBL that's a known quantity, because the driver specs are available. With the Yorkville it's an unknown.

While I agree with your statement, this is a case of 2 subs that are very different and obviously so. The differences are very clear to one who has had the opportunity to listen to them. So yes I agree theres no disputing sciences but in this particular case, a good pair of ears will do just fine in making an educated determination.;)

[Incognito]

While I agree with your statement, this is a case of 2 subs that are very different and obviously so. The differences are very clear to one who has had the opportunity to listen to them. So yes I agree theres no disputing sciences but in this particular case, a good pair of ears will do just fine in making an educated determination.;)
Only if the ears are trained to know what to listen out for & even then the human ear can be fooled (just ask Bose).

Even then you don't have the speaker in question to make the proper comparison, the speaker you have uses a different driver, different cabinet, different amp module, uses different tunings, so how is it a direct comparison of the speaker in question? Because they both carry the JBL label??

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

While I agree with your statement, this is a case of 2 subs that are very different and obviously so. The differences are very clear to one who has had the opportunity to listen to them. So yes I agree theres no disputing sciences but in this particular case, a good pair of ears will do just fine in making an educated determination.;)There is no worse measuring tool than a pair of ears, good or otherwise. Their resolution of volume shifts is no better than 1dB, of response anomalies no tighter than 1/6 octave, and of frequency no closer than 1 octave. That compares to 0.1dB, 1/24 octave and 0.5 Hz for even rudimentary measuring tools. Yes, it's easy to say "I know what I hear", but the fact of the matter is that in most cases you don't. Ears lie. The fact that measurement tools can't be fooled by marketing claims while ears can is why most manufacturers don't post measurements.

[Paris McBryde]

Only if the ears are trained to know what to listen out for & even then the human ear can be fooled (just ask Bose).

Even then you don't have the speaker in question to make the proper comparison, the speaker you have uses a different driver, different cabinet, different amp module, uses different tunings, so how is it a direct comparison of the speaker in question? Because they both carry the JBL label??
i think we will agree to disagree.