JL Audio Fathom 13" Sub - Page 215

I would be nice if it shutdown earlier.

That's good to know, thanks for that.

Thanks. It really adds what my speakers were missing.
Edited by boe - 11/17/12 at 8:04pm

Is there any firmware update to be done on this sub?

No

OK, thanks.

Anyone run a mixed system with Rythmik? I was thinking about adding a F12 to my dual Fathom 113s.

Hello,

I just calibrated it for the first time. Should I switch it back from variable?
Edited by boe - 11/21/12 at 5:32pm

Any suggestions on flipping switches after running the calibration?

Your questions would suggest you are pretty lost on how this sub works - have you followed the instructions in the manual? They are very detailed.

Further guidance is available by phone/email for free from Barry via JL tech support (last I checked at least - he helped me out and I bought my F112 used). With all the flexibility of the Fathom's adjustments, what you need to do will depend entirely on your room and system requirements. If you feel like learning, you might start with his whitepaper which has a lot of Fathom-specific info in it:

http://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm

I think you're supposed to leave it at whatever you ran the calibration at....I can look on mine at home tonight to confirm.

You can use any number of settings after the calibration if you like (fixed or variable, doesn't matter), I think the only one that shouldn't be changed is polarity. You also cannot move the sub after calibration, but that's about it. The directions in the manual are written as simply as possible, in layman's terms, and they go over every single setting and what to do before and after calibration. If you are still lost or not happy with the sound, then you need to ask very specific questions here or get the help of a professional. Barry Ober is a pro, and will help walk you through it over the phone. His test CD is also very handy, and some of his instructions can be helpful in some setups (e.g., if you need to match the sub's phase to your mains):

http://www.soundoctor.com/testcd/index.htm

Great guy yes indeed, I am experimenting placing the subs in the middle of the side walls to see if the bass is better!

Let´s see if you guys can give me some Help. Today I have two SB-12 nsd, and i am not pleased with the total bass output. actually they do not produce the boom effect for the movies (which are 95% of my use). I know that a ported subwoofer maybe woud fit better my needs, but due to the wife factor they are not an option. My set is a 7.2 with all kef reference speakers (with integra as a processor and mcintosh as amplifier). My budget is around $ 4.000 I have two options:

1 - Remain with one SB-12 and buy one JL Fathom 113.

2 - Change both SB-12 nsd for two SB-13 Ultra.

I do not have space for ported sub and do not want other brands. So if this were your only choices which one would you choose?

How big is your room? I have two F113s, but in 2000 cubic feet or less a single one should be enough to create "the boom effect"...

I've never heard the SVS subs, but based on their price I'm sure they have value. Their amps are quite a bit smaller though than the JL ones I think...

My Room is 3000 cubic feet

I'm inclined to suggest that you go with 2 identical subs to keep things uniform. As to whether or not the SVS is capable (2 Fathoms certainly would be), I'll leave that to the experts...

Yep, two of the same are better. Two Ultras perhaps?

I think he's focused on subs much smaller than the Ultra.

Two subs is the way to go. Either buy an F113 now and save for the second or go for the pair of SVS sealed subs if you want instant gratification.

4 subs from SVS or HSU for the price of one JLFathom 113

More like two, as no one should be paying MSRP or using it to compare cost. Not suggesting the F113 a bargain but if you need a small sealed sub with high WAF factor due to the quality of the finish, it's a good option.

If you don't need the small size and finish, there are better value options available than the JLs.

You can get a couple Kia's for the price of one Mercedes too.

Nothing like having that badge that says "Mercedes" on your car.

Does anyone know the difference between a Speakon balanced cable and the standard 3 pin cable?

Interestingly enough this now comes down to which Kia and which Benz that you are talking about.

not sure i understand this question? "speakon" connectors aren't line level connectors, and could never be "balanced"...

I noticed the Jl fathom have connection at the back that's looks like a speakon connection is there any advantage going speakon over 3 pin XLR?

^^^

i don't see any speakon connections? i see a combo xlr/trs connections, unbalanced (rca) connections, and a xlr slave connection...

"speakon" connectors are designed for a "speaker level" connection, and there would be no way to "balance" that...

My mistake, what other type of cable fits in the TRS connection apart from the 3 pin xlr cable?

Edit : no need I found what it is.
Edited by Franin - 12/7/12 at 9:21am

I had some trouble getting that rumble in my sofa and the thump in my chest with just one F 113 in my HT den, without having to crank things to painful levels. It seems the F 113 is better at power and low bass, but isn't so great for mid bass. So I tried the Ken Kreisel DXD 808 and 1202, and wow, they are very impressive. In fact the cops came over at my friend's home where the demo was taking place.

But it was a bit too much and too rich for me. So I borrow a Hsu MBM and used the XT 32 in my Denon 4520 and the Sub HT EQ and wow, the integration with the F 113 was nice and now, even in my sitting position which is cursed with a null zone (I don't have much options on where I can sit), both kinds of bass are back and even for music, things are nice. Using just the F 113 especially when it was generating the mid bass too slowed the music down quite a bit.

So with the new speakers, Oppo BR player and Denon in place plus the two subs, my movie nights are looking up again...

Oh, and I decided to place the F 113 on my bay window which is a concrete structure and has rock wool inside the wooden top. The Hsu is just out of sight in the photo, sitting just behind my Eames chair...