The biggest difference between the 2 subs is the aq has different cooling than the dd. Besides that, dam near the same sub DD does offer better cones though, but you pay a premium price for composite cones... The hdc basket, and cone are assembled in china, and so is the cone if you get the copper coils.. DD is all made in the usa. The aluminum audioque softparts are made in oklahoma, just like dd. Hence look at my recone kit
Dj owner of aq, is the father of jassa, the owner of dd.. Both make great products, dd is pretty much like lexus, and aq is like toyota. Pretty much the same products, but dd uses a few better parts, but practicly the same performance.. Imo they make one of the, if not the badest subs on the planet, and they dont sound half bad either, for being spl subs. This is why dd subs have owned the lanes since they came on the scene.