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JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer vs Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer

The JBL BassPro Hub is the smarter pick for most shoppers: it hides inside the spare tire hub, needs no cargo space, and its 200W amp draws little current. The Kicker PL7TDF hits far harder with 600W RMS and a 12-inch square L7T sub, but it is a box you give up space for. Both rate 4.8, though the JBL has far more owner ratings behind that score. Pick the JBL for a factory-look install; pick the Kicker if output matters more than space.

  • Choose the JBL BassPro Hub if you want deep bass without losing trunk or cargo space and want an easy install in the spare tire well.
  • Choose the Kicker PL7TDF if you want maximum output and a self-contained down-firing box that protects the sub and can be pulled out for cargo.

Prices

  • JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer: $424.55 at eBay (checked today)
  • Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer: $599.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Difference: the JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer is $175.44 cheaper than the Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer today
JBL
JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer

JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer

4.8(188 ratings)
$424.55at eBayObserved at 4:42 AM
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Pros
  • Hidden install keeps full cargo area
  • Low current draw suits stock electrical systems
  • Wired remote covers gain, phase, crossover and bass EQ
  • Thermal and over-current protection
  • Simple install with included hardware and harness
Cons
  • 200W RMS limits maximum output
  • Requires a spare tire hub to mount
  • Bass is tight rather than thunderous
Kicker
Kicker PL7TDF 53pl7tdf12 Powered Down-Firing 12" Enclosure

Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer

Kicker PL7TDF 53pl7tdf12 Powered Down-Firing 12" Enclosure

4.8(44 ratings)
$599.99at Best BuyObserved at 5:05 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • 600W RMS gives much more output
  • Square L7T sub plays low, down to 25 Hz
  • Down-firing design protects the woofer
  • Quick-connect plug lets you remove it for cargo
  • Start/Stop compatible
Cons
  • Large box takes up trunk space
  • Needs heavier wiring and more current
  • Fewer owner ratings than the JBL

What separates them

JBL BassPro Hub SubwooferKicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer
Power200W RMS Class D amp600W RMS, 1200W peak
Woofer11-inch round fiberglass cone12-inch square Solo-Baric L7T shallow sub
MountingFits in the spare tire hub, out of sightDown-firing sealed enclosure, about 24 x 8 x 15 inches
Cargo impactTakes no cargo spaceOccupies floor space unless removed
Low-frequency reachCrossover 50-150 HzResponse down to 25 Hz, crossover 50-120 Hz
ControlsWired remote for gain, phase, crossover and bass EQWired remote bass level, phase switch 0/180
Install flexibilityLine and speaker-level inputs, hardware for vehicle attachmentQuick-connect power plug for easy removal
Owner feedback4.8 from 188 ratings4.8 from 44 ratings

Price history

$599.99$439.95
Nov 2Nov 9
  • JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer: lowest $439.95 on Nov 2 at Best Buy; $439.95 on Nov 9.
  • Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer: lowest $599.99 on Nov 3 at Crutchfield; $599.99 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by audiovibrations09 (99.4% positive, 3,481 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $424.55Free shippingObserved at 4:42 AM
    Visit eBay
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $439.95Free shippingObserved at 5:14 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • JBLNew

    In stock

    $439.95Free shippingObserved at 5:14 PM
    Visit JBL
  • CrutchfieldNew

    In stock

    $439.95Free shippingObserved at 5:14 PM
    Visit Crutchfield

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 15 stores and price history →

Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer

  • CrutchfieldNew

    In stock

    $599.99Free shippingObserved at 5:05 PM
    Visit Crutchfield
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by World Wide Stereo (Authorized)

    $599.99Free shippingObserved at 5:05 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $599.99Free shippingObserved at 5:05 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $599.99Free shippingObserved at 5:05 PM
    Visit Target
All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecJBL BassPro Hub SubwooferKicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer
Amplification TypeActiveActive
ColorBlackBlack
RMS Power Rating200 watts RMS600 watts RMS
Size11 inches diameter12 inches diameter
Enclosure Type—Sealed
Impedance—2 ohms
Subwoofer Elements Size—12.0

What reviewers say

JBL BassPro Hub Subwoofer

  • 4.8 / 5188 ratings

Owners rate it highly, with 4.8 out of 5 from 188 ratings. Most praise the hidden install and the clean bass it adds to a factory system. Complaints center on vehicle fit and on output that is strong but not earth-shaking.

What people mention
  • FitMixedOwners say it drops into some spare-tire wells easily but does not fit others, so measure the well first.
  • Bass outputMixedReviewers call the bass clean and tight, but some want more volume than 200W RMS delivers.
  • InstallationPraisedBuyers describe the spare-tire-hub mounting as simple compared with building a custom box.
  • Space savingPraisedOwners like that it hides under the cargo floor and leaves the trunk free.

Kicker PL7TDF Powered 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer

  • 4.8 / 544 ratings

Owners rate it highly, with 4.8 out of 5 from 44 ratings. Most praise the output for its size and the convenience of an all-in-one powered box. Complaints are limited but center on placement and setup.

What people mention
  • Bass outputPraisedOwners say it hits hard for a single 12 and fills a truck cab or SUV easily.
  • InstallationPraisedBuyers like that the amp is built in, cutting wiring and setup work.
  • PlacementMixedDown-firing protects the sub, but some say it sounds boomy on thick carpet or when wedged against a seat.
  • BuildPraised

Questions and answers

Which one is better for a factory system upgrade?
The JBL BassPro Hub. It accepts speaker-level inputs, draws little current, and hides in the spare tire well, so it integrates with a stock head unit without eating cargo space.
Which hits harder?
The Kicker PL7TDF. Its 600W RMS amp and 12-inch square L7T sub move far more air than the JBL's 200W 11-inch setup, and it reaches down to 25 Hz.
Which lasts longer?
Both are built for daily use. The JBL has thermal and over-current protection and sits protected in the tire well. The Kicker's down-firing design shields its woofer from cargo. Owner ratings for both sit at 4.8.
Is the Kicker worth stepping up to?
Only if output matters more than space. The Kicker costs you trunk room and needs heavier wiring. The JBL gives clean bass with no space penalty.
Will the JBL fit my car?
It fits most vehicles with a spare tire in the trunk or under the floor. Check the hub diameter and depth of your spare before buying.
Can I remove the Kicker easily?
Yes. Its quick-connect power plug lets you lift the enclosure out when you need the cargo space, then plug it back in.

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