When first introduced, the 10-inch, 12-inch, and 13-1/2-inch versions of the W7-3 subwoofer caused a bit of a stir due to the large enclosures required for the radical, new designs. The eight-inch version, the JL Audio 8W7-3, is much more manageable, and it still offers a tight sound with patent-pending features. Some of these features improve sound quality, while others improve power handling and efficiency.

The OverRoll surround improves control of the excursion of the driver. The shape of the cone, the "W-Cone," allows a lighter cone material to be used without sacrificing stiffness--the 8W7-3 gives a very accurate bass response. Other designs include a radially cross-drilled pole piece, which improves heat dissipation and power handling, an air-cooled frame, and a reinforced spider attachment, which improves reliability.

This subwoofer is almost as deep as it is wide, thanks to a voice coil designed to provide extreme linear excursion. All of these technical features boil down to one thing: incredible sound from a single voice coil eight-inch subwoofer rated at a maximum power handling of 300 watts into 3 ohms. JL Audio has produced a terrific sounding subwoofer, at a price that is well worth every penny for the sound that the 8W7-3 produces.