Official Outlaw Owners thread - Page 3

Originally Posted by Ironmike86

Decent pics probably better than most I've seen on the web. Can you take a good pic of the seams?? How does it sound in the lows? Feel lots of rumble? I like the looks of it .

Originally Posted by sterankoman

Congrats on your new sub.

I looked over your pics and I have a question. Is the woofer surround suspension foam as it appears in your pictures?

Originally Posted by lanion

I just added a Hsu MBM-1 to my LFM-1 EX in max extension and am in bass heaven right now. Flat to 15hz in my room, awesome punch; I couldn't ask for more!

Originally Posted by beowulf7

What volume settings are you all using for your Outlaw subs? I have mine at 6 on the sub (and +0 on the receiver). I'm thinking of lowering it to 5 on the sub (LFM-1 Plus).

Originally Posted by reverse

Doesn't really matter what others are using. Just set your receiver's sub level setting to -5 then calibrate your sub to whatever level you used for your speakers (75db or 85db) using the gain on your sub.

Some people may use 2 on their gain but others may use 5 or higher. The two I have in my room (different locations) use different settings even though they are both calibrated at the same level and independant of each other (this is due to the room).

Originally Posted by reverse

The most difference you will probably notice between the EX and the 3.3 is the look. The EX has ports on the bottom which help reduce port noise and makes it easier for placement since you don't have to worry about being too close to a wall, the 3.3 has them at the back. Either will be more than adequate (overkill really) for your size room. However, the HSU does have the option of the turbo if you want that extra performance later on.

The difference between the EX and LFM-1 Plus is that they are the same except that the EX has a larger enclosure which allows it to go deeper (16hz vs 18hz) and a littler louder (+3db supposedly).

Any of these subs will perform well for your room, so if you want to save some money go with the Plus but if you gotta have that extra oomph that may or may not be that noticeable, stick with the 3.3 or EX. These subs also do well with music, so no need to worry about that. I would solely base my opinion on looks and cost between the subs you are looking at, you can't/won't go wrong with any decision you make. I went with Outlaw over HSU due to the downward firing ports and liked the look of the Outlaws better.

BTW, the LFM-1 Plus is regarded to be equivalent to the HSU VTF 3.2 which is discontinued. The VTF 2.3 is its successor which isn't as powerful (only 250watts) as the VTF 3.2 (rated at 350watts).

Edit: forgot to add that all of these subs are tuneable - max extension mode (will go 18hz and below depending on which) and max output mode which seems what you want, so use that when you buy one. Max output gives you an extra kick in the 25hz and above range, just don't forget to take the port plug out (they come shipped in max entension mode).

Originally Posted by audiofreak38

Thanks for the info but I still have a few questions. You said the EX will go lower and play a little louder +3db -so is this true mainly for the lower octaves or will it also be louder in the 25-65 Hz range?

I am NOT too concerned about extension below 22 hz or so. Which means, I am NOT interested in the turbo at all. The ports being on the bottom does what? Make placement easier perhaps? I know putting a sub w/rear firing ports in a corner can really make the bass more prominant and much more localized as such does that mean the EX is easier to place??

I also need to know how the dual 3" vented ports compare to the dual 4" ports? That is, would the dual 4" ports just allow the 3.3 to play lower more loudly as compared to the EX???

If so, then this would be of little concern to me. I have to be concerned with music because that is where my preference is. BUT, I also want good ht performance as well. Just dont need my sub to extend below 22 Hz or so. If it does that is fine but it is NOT a must for my application. However, tight, punchy, articulated bass is that must also have good definition when listening to music. So, out of the 3.3, EX, and the Plus which one would do a better job musically speaking??? I am aware the 3.3 is probably better over-all so a better question would be how much better is the 3.3 when compared to both the EX and the Plus? If the 3.3 just digs deeper with less distortion then I may just go with the EX or the Plus and save some money. Just need to ascertain as much info as possible so that I can make a well informed decision.

Originally Posted by beowulf7

^ Good answer. That leads me to another curiosity question. For those who have LFM-1 Plus/EX, do you have it in the max output or default max extension mode? I kept it as max extension, but I honestly haven't played around w/ it to try it both ways now that I moved the sub to its permanent location next to my DLP TV.

Originally Posted by reverse

It will achieve higher DB ratings, so yes it will be able to achieve higher SPL readings throughout the range but 3db isn't all that much if you ask me unless you're trying to squeeze every last bit of performance out (which doesn't sound like you are).
Ports on the bottom reduce port noise (the sound of air rushing through the ports), this is mainly noticable when playing low frequencies when the woofer is displacing alot of air through the ports. By having them on the bottom, it greatly reduces this problem and also allows you to place the sub next to the wal if you wanted since you wouldn't have the ports against the wall. Generaly subs with rear ports need to have some space between the wall and the sub so it can breathe and not sound boomy. Most people tend to space it from the wall about 2"-3", so for the Outlaw you don't need to worry about this.
Correct

Subs that can play low frequencies (even beyond what you need) make the HT experience more fullfilling when watching movies such as War of the Worlds and others that have really low bass. I would say since you don't need the capabilities of the 3.3, it will cost you the most (unless on sale), I would take it out of the running.

Now the only question you have is should you go with the EX which has the ability to play slightly louder and digg a tad bit deeper for $100 extra (keep in mind this is also larger in size - check your space requirements) or save money and go with the Plus. Between the EX and the Plus they will both be equally musical so it doesn't matter which way you go, overall the Plus is all you need. Even though the Plus is the lower model of the three you won't be dissapointed at all with it, will probably blow you away at how good it is.

Edit: Keep in mind that the best sub in the world may not perform to your expectations in regard to tight and articulate bass if your room isn't the best for sound reproduction in which case you would need room treatments (bass traps, sound panels etc...). Alot of people love the Auralex Gramma which can help for better acoustic isolation.