JL Audio Fathom F113, F112

TJ Morgan · 09-12-06, 02:24 PM

Has anyone read a recent review of the new JL Audio Fathom subs? I am a dealer and just received my first shipment a couple of weeks ago. Both subs are very impressive both in output level and musicality.
I was just wondering if anyone else had any comments or an actual listening experience.

bsheldon · 09-12-06, 03:09 PM

There was a lot said about them after they were first announced at last year's show, but I haven't seen any tests on them. From all accounts they look to be very good performers, just a bit pricey, competing with very high-end subs. I would like to see a couple of objective tests on them.

Kal Rubinson · 09-12-06, 03:28 PM

My review of the f113 is in my November column in Stereophile.

Kal

goalgoal · 11-19-06, 07:09 AM

I'd read through your review in stereophile, but it didn't like other recommended equipment's reviews. Those were more detail and tested in depth. The most important thing was that f113 wasn't classified whether it's highly recommended by stereophile or at least which class it belongs to... this made me a bit disappointed... I think it's a product introduction rather than a review...

nethomas · 11-19-06, 08:38 AM

Do a search here and you will find a lengthy thread on the Fathom. I have two F113s and they are great.

craigsub · 11-19-06, 09:35 AM

As part of the on going subwoofer shootout being done here, these are the direct 2 Meter GP measurements from the DD-18 and the Fathom 113. These may be of some assistance when recommending a sub. :

DD-18 @ 16 Hz:

DD-18 @ 20 Hz:

DD-18 @ 25 Hz:

Fathom 113 @ 16 Hz:

Fathom 113 @ 20 Hz

Fathom 113 @ 25 Hz

goalgoal · 11-19-06, 11:20 AM

Let me clarify... what I was disappointed was only about Kal's review, but not f113's capability and potential!!

Kal Rubinson · 11-19-06, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goalgoal

I'd read through your review in stereophile, but it didn't like other recommended equipment's reviews. Those were more detail and tested in depth. The most important thing was that f113 wasn't classified whether it's highly recommended by stereophile or at least which class it belongs to... this made me a bit disappointed... I think it's a product introduction rather than a review...

It was reviewed as part of the column, and not in a stand-alone review, per Stereophile's editorial policy. Yes, I, too, would have liked to see some measurements.

Ratings for all components are assigned with the publication of the Recommended Components in April and October and the f113 will be included.

goalgoal · 11-19-06, 01:57 PM

So do you mean f113 will have a detailed review in stereophile later? And is it a recommend subwoofer? Which class it belongs to??

Kal Rubinson · 11-19-06, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goalgoal

So do you mean f113 will have a detailed review in stereophile later?

It is, currently, editorial policy to not have stand-alone reviews of subwoofers (and certain other components).

Quote:

And is it a recommend subwoofer? Which class it belongs to??

To quote myself: "Ratings for all components are assigned with the publication of the Recommended Components in April and October and the f113 will be included."

You will have to wait until the April issue for more information.

goalgoal · 11-19-06, 09:49 PM

I recall that in the past there were stand-alone subwoofer reviews. The most recent one was subwoofer Genelec and James. They both belongs to class B!!

TheEAR · 11-19-06, 11:34 PM

Not many reviews out,yet. One thing is sure the new JL Audio f112 and f113 outperform many established products from very respected companies.

Having owned over 50 subs and having two dozen at home I can say the f113 is without any doubt reference class,there is no compact sealed subs that even touch this unit,when maximum performance is key.

Built like a tank,quality of cabinet to the controls is first rate.It is an all around winner.

funlvr1965 · 11-20-06, 12:37 AM

Personally I think Mark Seatons "submersive-1" sub is going to give it a run for the money,,stay tuned

Kal Rubinson · 11-20-06, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goalgoal

I recall that in the past there were stand-alone subwoofer reviews. The most recent one was subwoofer Genelec and James. They both belongs to class B!!

Time changes things.

funlvr1965 · 11-21-06, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheEAR

Having owned over 50 subs and having two dozen at home I can say the f113 is without any doubt reference class,there is no compact sealed subs that even touch this unit,when maximum performance is key.
.

like I said stay tuned

I now own one of these monsters

TheEAR · 11-21-06, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funlvr1965

like I said stay tuned

I now own one of these monsters

I will stay tuned,for these.In output should be good to go,now it is all in the quality of the sub bass.To beat a f113,strongly doubt any sub can do this.

These are ported I guess.No ported bests a sealed in quality.In any case I will get a SubMersive.

SubMersive and BMF are on my list,as well as TC Sounds upcoming MONSTERS.

TheEAR hears it all,all the subbass that is.

funlvr1965 · 11-21-06, 02:29 PM

The Submersive is a sealed sub and the quality of the bass is top notch in my opinion

MusicFirst · 11-21-06, 02:55 PM

I was going to wait for the Submersive, but the size is just a little too big for my WAF, and imo it is not as nice looking as the f113 either. To be honest the size of the f113 is pushing it for me anyway. The Submersive is much cheaper than the MRSP of the f113, but street pricing brings them really close. If their performance is similar, all things considered, I personally would still go with the f113. Mainly because of size and looks. If for some reason the Submersive really outperforms the f113, then the equation changes of course. It would still be too big in size for me though. Like I said, I'm pushing it with the f113, and it's really not that big in the first place.

ransac · 11-21-06, 02:59 PM

I thought the submersive was going to be a PR, or is that the BMF? Is the submersive a dual-driver, sealed, push-pull alignment?

TheEAR · 11-21-06, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funlvr1965

The Submersive is a sealed sub and the quality of the bass is top notch in my opinion

Question...It uses one or two drivers(opposed sides)?

The single driver I see does not have the displacement of a W7. It would have to be two drivers in that case.

MusicFirst · 11-21-06, 03:01 PM

Quote:

I thought the submersive was going to be a PR, or is that the BMF? Is the submersive a dual-driver, sealed, push-pull alignment?

Yeah, the BMF is the PR based unit (and even bigger yet), the Submersive is a dual 15" sealed unit.

MusicFirst · 11-21-06, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheEAR

Question...It uses one or two drivers(opposed sides)?

Yep, two 15" drivers opposing sides.

funlvr1965 · 11-21-06, 03:28 PM

Indeed, there are 2 15" opposing drivers that produce no vibration because of placement and design so this means that at full romp this sub will not "walk" across the surface as a front firing might, also the box would need to be twice the size if both drivers were on the same side of the sub, it is powererd by a 1000w digital amp which is very light and produces much less heat

TJEli · 11-21-06, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicFirst

I was going to wait for the Submersive, but the size is just a little too big for my WAF, and imo it is not as nice looking as the f113 either. To be honest the size of the f113 is pushing it for me anyway. The Submersive is much cheaper than the MRSP of the f113, but street pricing brings them really close. If their performance is similar, all things considered, I personally would still go with the f113. Mainly because of size and looks. If for some reason the Submersive really outperforms the f113, then the equation changes of course. It would still be too big in size for me though. Like I said, I'm pushing it with the f113, and it's really not that big in the first place.

The "street" pricing of the F113 is still nowhere near the price of the Submersive. (unless you know something I don't)

-Eli

TheEAR · 11-21-06, 04:22 PM

Dual drivers,opposing sides.I could guess by looking at the pics.Very good idea ,opposing drivers cancel each other,vibration is reduced to...next to nothing.

Two solid mid-priced 15" woofers will match the 13.5 ubber excursion JL W7 in displacement.
Makes sense

MusicFirst · 11-21-06, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJEli

The "street" pricing of the F113 is still nowhere near the price of the Submersive. (unless you know something I don't)

-Eli

Do you know this first hand? Have you checked with various dealers? I can tell you I got a great deal from my dealer! I consider a few hundred dollars fairly "close" or "near".

TJEli · 11-21-06, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicFirst

Do you know this first hand? Have you checked with various dealers? I can tell you I got a great deal from my dealer! I consider a few hundred dollars fairly "close" or "near".

I have checked with several dealers and the best price was a long way from "a few hundred dollars" difference.

-Eli

MusicFirst · 11-21-06, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJEli

I have checked with several dealers and the best price was a long way from "a few hundred dollars" difference.

-Eli

Some of us are just lucky I guess. I have a very long standing relationship with my dealer, and I get great deals on AV gear because of it. Others I know have similar experience with their AV dealers.

Btw, Very nice HT setup you have there Eli!

TJEli · 11-21-06, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicFirst

Btw, Very nice HT setup you have there Eli!

Thanks!

DrewB · 11-21-06, 05:10 PM

Fun, may I ask why you are getting rid of the SMS-1 and going with something else?

09-12-06, 02:24 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
TJ Morgan Audio Video Designs Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 64	JL Audio Fathom F113, F112 Has anyone read a recent review of the new JL Audio Fathom subs? I am a dealer and just received my first shipment a couple of weeks ago. Both subs are very impressive both in output level and musicality. I was just wondering if anyone else had any comments or an actual listening experience.

09-12-06, 03:09 PM	#2 \| Link
bsheldon Double Secret Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 993	There was a lot said about them after they were first announced at last year's show, but I haven't seen any tests on them. From all accounts they look to be very good performers, just a bit pricey, competing with very high-end subs. I would like to see a couple of objective tests on them. __________________ Above all, enjoy the sound. You gotta love the internet.

09-12-06, 03:28 PM	#3 \| Link
Kal Rubinson AVS Addicted Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NYC + Connecticut Posts: 20,441	My review of the f113 is in my November column in Stereophile. Kal __________________ Kal Rubinson "Music in the Round" Contributing Editor, Stereophile www.stereophile.com/musicintheround/

11-19-06, 08:38 AM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
nethomas gthomas Join Date: May 2003 Location: Mexico, Missouri Posts: 1,039	Do a search here and you will find a lengthy thread on the Fathom. I have two F113s and they are great. __________________ gthomas

11-19-06, 09:35 AM	#6 \| Link
craigsub I like this hobby AVS GOLD CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Erie, Pa. Posts: 10,659	As part of the on going subwoofer shootout being done here, these are the direct 2 Meter GP measurements from the DD-18 and the Fathom 113. These may be of some assistance when recommending a sub. : DD-18 @ 16 Hz: DD-18 @ 20 Hz: DD-18 @ 25 Hz: Fathom 113 @ 16 Hz: Fathom 113 @ 20 Hz Fathom 113 @ 25 Hz __________________ Owner of Tweak City Audio link to subwoofer summary

11-19-06, 07:09 AM	#4 \| Link
goalgoal Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 27	I'd read through your review in stereophile, but it didn't like other recommended equipment's reviews. Those were more detail and tested in depth. The most important thing was that f113 wasn't classified whether it's highly recommended by stereophile or at least which class it belongs to... this made me a bit disappointed... I think it's a product introduction rather than a review...

11-19-06, 11:20 AM	#7 \| Link
goalgoal Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 27	Let me clarify... what I was disappointed was only about Kal's review, but not f113's capability and potential!!

11-19-06, 01:57 PM	#9 \| Link
goalgoal Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 27	So do you mean f113 will have a detailed review in stereophile later? And is it a recommend subwoofer? Which class it belongs to??

11-19-06, 09:49 PM	#11 \| Link
goalgoal Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 27	I recall that in the past there were stand-alone subwoofer reviews. The most recent one was subwoofer Genelec and James. They both belongs to class B!!

11-19-06, 11:34 PM	#12 \| Link
TheEAR *** subwoofer madman Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montreal,CANADA Posts: 3,322	Not many reviews out,yet. One thing is sure the new JL Audio f112 and f113 outperform many established products from very respected companies. Having owned over 50 subs and having two dozen at home I can say the f113 is without any doubt reference class,there is no compact sealed subs that even touch this unit,when maximum performance is key. Built like a tank,quality of cabinet to the controls is first rate.It is an all around winner. __________________ Ask yourself mortal , do you have as much displacement as me ? The answer is no unless you have a Windmere fan sub.

11-20-06, 12:37 AM	#13 \| Link
funlvr1965 HT JUNKIE! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: MADISON wisconsin Posts: 1,799 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Personally I think Mark Seatons "submersive-1" sub is going to give it a run for the money,,stay tuned

11-21-06, 02:29 PM	#17 \| Link
funlvr1965 HT JUNKIE! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: MADISON wisconsin Posts: 1,799 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	The Submersive is a sealed sub and the quality of the bass is top notch in my opinion

11-21-06, 02:55 PM	#18 \| Link
MusicFirst Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 612	I was going to wait for the Submersive, but the size is just a little too big for my WAF, and imo it is not as nice looking as the f113 either. To be honest the size of the f113 is pushing it for me anyway. The Submersive is much cheaper than the MRSP of the f113, but street pricing brings them really close. If their performance is similar, all things considered, I personally would still go with the f113. Mainly because of size and looks. If for some reason the Submersive really outperforms the f113, then the equation changes of course. It would still be too big in size for me though. Like I said, I'm pushing it with the f113, and it's really not that big in the first place.

11-21-06, 02:59 PM	#19 \| Link
ransac Knows more than you? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 3,522	I thought the submersive was going to be a PR, or is that the BMF? Is the submersive a dual-driver, sealed, push-pull alignment? __________________ Randy

11-21-06, 03:28 PM	#23 \| Link
funlvr1965 HT JUNKIE! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: MADISON wisconsin Posts: 1,799 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Indeed, there are 2 15" opposing drivers that produce no vibration because of placement and design so this means that at full romp this sub will not "walk" across the surface as a front firing might, also the box would need to be twice the size if both drivers were on the same side of the sub, it is powererd by a 1000w digital amp which is very light and produces much less heat

11-21-06, 04:22 PM	#25 \| Link
TheEAR *** subwoofer madman Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montreal,CANADA Posts: 3,322	Dual drivers,opposing sides.I could guess by looking at the pics.Very good idea ,opposing drivers cancel each other,vibration is reduced to...next to nothing. Two solid mid-priced 15" woofers will match the 13.5 ubber excursion JL W7 in displacement. Makes sense __________________ Ask yourself mortal , do you have as much displacement as me ? The answer is no unless you have a Windmere fan sub.

11-21-06, 05:10 PM	#30 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
DrewB Advanced Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 691	Fun, may I ask why you are getting rid of the SMS-1 and going with something else?