The Axis is going to outperfom the 12w7. It's also cheaper with the sale price. As for the Mal-X; that's an 18" driver, it makes no sense to compare/suggest an 18" over a 12", as people are looking for specific size drivers usually. The AXIS is a superior driver though if you keep in mind it's diameter limitations. The Axis will work superbly well in sealed or ported applications. Sealed required EQ compensation of course - but this(EQ) is a standard requirement for a high quality sealed systems.
-Chris
I've modeled several 12" drivers and the JL audio 12w7 vs the Axis 12" is a very interesting comparison. My concern with the 12" is it's tendancy to peak very badly around the tuning frequency when tuned low. However I've modeled a bit more and find the 12" axis to equal the JL audio completly in response in a box half the size. I must say that's very impressive considering it's cheaper as you've said. In a 5 cu ft the JL Audio gets 118db but the Axis gets that in 2.5 cu ft box.
That's tremendous.
My only concern would be getting the rear port air velocity down in the 2.5 cuft box. Even a well designed slot port would have a hard time reaching the length required to use the Axis at full power.
I apologize if I misled anyone. I know many folks are like me. Some will buy the driver then design the box. This is where I based the maelstrom suggestion on. In a small sealed this thing gets 104 db at 20 hz. Which is higher than most would need in a small build for an apartment.
