According to Jim Walter (from Alpine) posts, it seems like he regards the Alpine's Type-X, Type-R thins, the 15 inch SWS, and the SWR-8XX as the top SQ subwoofers from Alpine. The SWR-10D/12D are more of an SQL subwoofer, designed for massive power handling. The Type-X also handles a lot of power, but according to past reviews it doesn't really get that loud. Which one of these to get probably depends on the box type you want to use. The 8 inch Rs are best in a ported box. People like them used in pairs in a single 1.1cu ft tuned in low 30s. The Type-R thins are very shallow and will fit in tight spots. The 12 inch Type-X Type-R and SWS-15D are probably best in a largish sealed box, and smaller cone sizes in a ported box.

I like the idea of a big sound coming from a small box, so I'd probably prefer two R8s in a ported box.

 

From what I can tell the R looks like a great sub! The Klippel data looks good and the sub has a nice flat BL curve... I like XBL subs and they typically have a similar curve --> low distortion.

I don't have any firsthand experience with either so I can't really recommend one way or another.

 

I personally love my 2 10" SWR-10D4's. they sound incredible and get pretty loud. im feeding them about 1700 watts now and the sound is so clean and crisp and I have them a tiny box because I needed it to fit in my trunk and still have usable space. if you really want to go for the 12 then go ahead but trust me the 10 inch sounds incredible

 

They "sound incredible" compared to what? It's great that you love your equipment, but the OP is looking for direct comparison feedback between the Type X and Type R's from someone with firsthand experience.

 

I dont have any experience with the newer generation of the Type R, but with the previous gen (600rms model), im currently running this woofer in a sealed enclosure more suitable for my previously owned swx-1242d (first gen type X) and i have to say as far as SQ of the Type X over the R is very much obvious, and the type X can hang with the Type R as far as the SPL output, ofcourse this IMO. I revamping my cars system to a newer generation of audio and am to curious on the newer generation of the type R's rather then more interested in the 43D series of the Type X, because frankly, what did they improve on over the first gen of the Type X. I suppose it all depends on the setup you plan on running, ported/vented or sealed, if sealed, i would def go with the Type X without a doubt, ported... I dont think you will loose much either way. If price is not a issue, Id vote for the Type X.

 

It would be interesting to see what the next generation SWX subwoofer looks like, if it ever comes out. Alpine has already refreshed all of its other subwoofer lines. I guess the Type-X does not sell fast enough to justify a frequent refresh. I'd be interested now that I have a good subwoofer amplifier, if it works well in a compact sealed box (the way the current Type-R does, with reasonable qtc).

 

lol type x is awesome, my one 10 has many times been confused for 1-2 twelves

 

i've owned both newer type R's and type X's(10'S AND 12's) and i would say the type x stomps the R's in everything from sq to slammin(no comparison) but key is alpine leans way to small on box size(research!)to get more sales as everyone wants the most from smallest space possible! and the x's need about 1.5cu!

 

I personally love the Type Rs. I have (3) SWR-1243D in a 3cuft open chamber box wired to 2.67 ohms. They are getting about 2900wrms from a Hifonics Colossus. The lows are nice and tight, and this is an SQ setup not SPL.

If I had to choose I'd go for the Rs. They will give you more flexibility IMO and more feasibility for enclosures.

Also, welcome to DIYMA vtecalpine.