JL Audio Fathom F110's....should I ???

[j3brow]

Hey Gang,

I have been tossing the idea around of adding a 2nd subwoofer to my system for quite some time now. I am currently running a single REL B3 10 inch ported system. It has a built-in 200 watt amplifier. The sub is a snap to dial in with my monitors - Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors - and it never draws attention to itself, something I am very happy with. The bass is not lopsided even though it sits to the right of my right channel. I have many times envisioned a 2nd REL B3 on the other side, figure more output would be better and supposedly a 2nd sub can help smooth out room modes and peaks.

Well, I have read glowing review after glowing review of the fathom line of JL Audio subwoofers. The press uniformly love 'em. My room is small 12' x 11' (widens to 13') x 9.75' ft. I have 90" x 14.5" x 14.5" ASC Tower Traps in the front corners to soak up the excess bass notes (they reach down to 40 Hz) which makes a HUGE improvement in the sound and smoothness of the bass response. I could Agon my REL and throw a pair of f110s in there relatively easily. What do ya'll think?? the 110s each have 900 watts of power, sealed enclosures and play down to 25 Hz cleanly. The size of my room limits my in-room response to the mid-upper 20s anyhow, so true 20Hz extension isnt a big deal to me. Seems 2 f112s would be too much for me. A single 12 maybe, but seems 2 f110s would be more beneficial than a single 12.

I like how my REL gets the signal directly from the terminals of my 402, theoretically keeping the bass character of the 402 intact. Is this how the JL Audio subs work?? Do i HAVE to get a external crossover to cut the lower registers of the Auditors (46 Hz -3dB) or can they bleed over each other?

thanks for the input.



Jason

[Masterlu]

I may be jaded but you asked; the JL's are in a class by themselves. They are so musical & superior to any other sub out there. They get their signal from a preamp, list your REL and never look back.

[j3brow]

So, how would I go about getting the signal from my C2300 preamp to the JL's? RCA I guess. Is there a secondary signal output on the back of the 2300? The main output goes to the 402. that signal isnt split is it? does JL supply adequate connecting cables between preamp and sub?

[jdandy]

Jason.......The C2300 has two line level, preamp controlled outputs in addition to the main outputs. They are each switched from the front panel buttons labeled output 1 & 2. There are both balanced and unbalanced outputs on the rear apron.

You may wish to consider one f113 instead of two f110. A second one can always be added, but I don't think in your room size it would ever be needed. If you are purchasing a subwoofer, why not purchase the one that goes the deepest?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by j3brow

So, how would I go about getting the signal from my C2300 preamp to the JL's? RCA I guess. Is there a secondary signal output on the back of the 2300? The main output goes to the 402. that signal isnt split is it? does JL supply adequate connecting cables between preamp and sub?

The sub does not come with any connecting cables. Download the manual, it is here in the JL Audio forum.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

The sub does not come with any connecting cables. Download the manual, it is here in the JL Audio forum.

Cool, Thanks Ivan.

Fathom users, are you guys using XLR cables to connect the subs given the longer runs? I will not be putting Transparent cables on the subs to match the rest of my system, way too many dollars at this point. So, which cables are you using to connect your preamp/xover to the JL's?

[Masterlu]

WireWorld XLR very reasonable.

[mchydro]

I use the unbalanced WireWorld Oasis subwoofer interconnects on my Fathoms. Very good considering the price. I do want to upgrade to XLR's, however.

Agree with Ivan. JL subs are awesome.

[jdandy]

j3brow.......So, what did you decide? Are you going with a pair of JL Audio F110, or a single F113?

[j3brow]

Neither. After much debate, I have decided to stick with REL. I like the sonic signature my low end currently has in my room. I just want more of it. So, Im getting a 2nd REL B3 to allow me to move more air than i currently can with only a single 10" and smooth the in-room response with 2 subs. I really like the aesthetics of the RELs. The Cherry wood matches perfectly with my Cremona Auditors. I have no doubt sonically, a pair of JL f110s (or a single f113) would be superior.....but the added expense of buying 2 new subs, hassle of selling off the REL, purchasing new cables for both JL subs, and knowing that I would want an external crossover makes the addition of a 2nd REL an easy decision and will certainly fulfill my low end needs for now. Also, the presence of two black subs in my room would tear at me to pair 'em up with a pair of graphite SF Guarneri Mementos, maybe someday but not this year (We are 'expecting' twins of a different nature this Fall ). Unfortunately, my favorite long distance dealer doesnt stock REL. Bummer. Gonna have to see which 'local' distributer can get me the best deal.


Jason