Does ARO justify choosing the Fathom over the E-Sub ?

[JemHadar]

I'm considering two options.

2 x E Sub 112 next to speakers... due to spatial constraints I would have to place my MC 501's on top of the E Subs (but somehow that doesn't really seem like a good idea)
1 x Fathom 113 next to sofa at a 90° angle to the main speakers...counting on ARO to deal with the awkward positioning.

For all intents and purposes I have zero experience with subwoofers... Although I did learn two are better than one and some form of eq is recommended. As there is no budget or room for two Fathom 112's...hence my dilemma.

Thank you for chiming in.

[Kal Rubinson]

I suggest you wait until the new v2 fathoms are out. The ARO is significantly changed. That said, using a pair is usually better if they can be placed properly and there are external subEQs for that.

[James]

Depends on the room. If it is crappy the fathom's processing will help a lot. If not the e-sub will save a lot of money. Most people will tell you the fathom is a lot better but I do not find this to be true and they are pretty close IMO. The highpass crossover is far more valuable to me in a two channel system which is built into the e-sub but not the fathom. A good crossover will set you back $3000ish

If you need a crossover get the e-sub. If not the fathom would be my choice.

[Kal Rubinson]

Almost all rooms are crappy in the bass simply due to room modes and positioning constraints.

[imprezap2]

I have a pair of V1 Fathoms F110, I have tried ARO on a single sub and Double sub, overall not bowled over by the result (as per manual only the main peak gets worked on)

Imho, not worth the extra money, maybe the V2's are much better.

But I am very happy with the subs, using only manual adjustment.

Olaf

[audio bill]

The V2 Fathoms most significant point of improvement is that the ARO will now work on multiple points, up to 16 or 18 (sorry but I can't recall which.) That along with some driver improvements and more power will be provided. However there is still not a firm date on when they will be available, as they were originally expected to be in production months ago and I now have heard possibly by the end of the year. JL makes great products but have historically been overly optimistic when it comes to new model availability predictions.

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by audio bill

The V2 Fathoms most significant point of improvement is that the ARO will now work on multiple points, up to 16 or 18 (sorry but I can't recall which.) That along with some driver improvements and more power will be provided. However there is still not a firm date on when they will be available, as they were originally expected to be in production months ago and I now have heard possibly by the end of the year. JL makes great products but have historically been overly optimistic when it comes to new model availability predictions.

1. 18 filter bands.
2. jl tells me mine is on its way.