Recalibrated The Fathom f113

[jdandy]

Today I decided to recalibrate the JL Audio Fathom f113 subwoofer in my main system. Since the subwoofer's physical location was relatively close to the behemoth Pioneer Elite rear screen projection television that I replaced with the Sony 52XBR flat panel and BDI A/V rack, I thought the absence of the Pioneer monolith might have altered the bass response of the Fathom. I wasn't hearing any change in the subs response that jumped out at me, but I felt a new calibration curve stored in the subs memory might be in order.

I brought one of the boom mic stands up from my studio, attached the calibration mic to the boom, and placed the mic at exactly where my head is when I'm in my sweet spot. I moved all the controls to JL's recommended settings for performing the calibration, pressed the calibration button, and listened to the show. It takes less than two minutes for the Fathom to go through the test tone process, all the while the tones begin to rattle anything and everything that is not practically bolted in place. I had to run the calibration twice because the first time the low tones rattled the glass in the top of my coffee table, which I'm sure the microphone picked up, and impacted the curve stored in the subs memory. I started the second calibration, and immediately pressed both pieces of glass firmly with my hands during the calibration process. I was comfortable with the second attempt.

After performing the Automatic Room Optimiztion (A.O.R.) calibration, I reset all of my control settings exactly where they had been previously set. Other than a slight adjustment to the gain control, a tiny reduction, the Fathom f113 is back in business, and is perfectly blended with the PMC EB1i speakers once again.

I don't know if the recalibration, and the new stored curve was necessary or not, but since the new BDI rack and Sony widescreen have considerably less mass, I felt compelled to perform the recalibration whether it was needed or not. All is well that ends well.

[hkval]

My settings on the F113 are almost identical to your settings posted in an earlier thread:

Gain - 9:00 o'clock,
Level Mode - Variable
LP Filter - 24 dB
LP freq. - 65 Hz
e.l.f. trim - -2 dB
Phase degree - 40
Polarity - 0 degree

The only difference is that my gain is around 8:30. What amazes me is that when the recording emphasizes the bass on the right channel it seems to come from that speaker and vice versa, but the F113 is considerably closer to the left side. No one could possibly tell when it is turned on, but it is quite obvious when it is turned off. One of the added benefits to the Fathom is that I can play the system at considerably lower volume and still have a huge soundstage. At high volumes - WOW!!! The Fathom is a great value.

[Still-One]

Thanks for the update. I thought that was a storm. It was just Dan playing with the 113 down in Florida.

[jdandy]

Howard.......My current Fathom settings are:

Gain - 8:45 o'clock,
Level Mode - Variable
LP Filter - 24 dB
LP freq. - 65 Hz
e.l.f. trim - -2 dB
Phase degree - 45
Polarity - 0 degree

Our f113's are very close indeed. Prior to today's recalibration the gain control had been set at 9:00 o'clock, but after the recalibration I felt the gain was perfect just under the 9:00 o'clock position, but only by a small margin. Perhaps the recalibration did pick up some changes.

I am playing Brian Bromberg - You Know That Feeling CD right now. It's the primary CD I used to initially set up the Fathom when it first arrived. It is sounding so rich and full. My settings are on the mark, as far as I am concerned. The music sounds wonderful, rich, solid, and three dimensional. I am pleased with my Fathom, and can't imagine my system being complete without it.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Stillone

Thanks for the update. I thought that was a storm. It was just Dan playing with the 113 down in Florida.

Jim.......That rumbling was just my calibration efforts. Sorry about having to do it twice.

[UFTE]

Hello. First time poster on this site, so please bear with me. I see your noted settings on your Fathom subs and had a question. I recently purchased a single Fathom F-113 and use it for both music and movies. I calibrated the sub and use a bit higher gain settings (Gain at 1:00 and ELF trim at +1). I hook up to the sub output on my Pioneer Elite receiver. I had my sub at these pretty "safe" settings in my opinion and had a voice coil blow within 30 days of purchasing the sub. Have you ever heard of anything like this happening? I listen to movies and music at moderate to moderate high volume sttings, but by no means would I be pushing the limits of the receiver or the sub (I can hear my buddies talking next to me over music and my wife wathces movies with me!). My dealer/JL is taking care of me and replacing the sub, I'm just curious as to why this could happen. I wouldn't think that JL would make a product that could basically kill itself within the middle limits of settings. Any feedback/suggestions? Thanks!

[US Blues]

It would be useful/interesting to see if you can get the "autopsy" report from JL on your sub. It could be that something happened within the electronic circuitry of the sub that had nothing to do with your other gear. Certainly if there is something amiss elsewhere in your system that information would be vital to have. Nice to hear that you are being taken care of by your dealer and by JL Audio.

PS- Welcome to AA!!

[UFTE]

Thanks for the welcome! This site has been great to review and learn from. I'll have to post the feedback I get from my dealer. He sent the sub back before the holiday (Labor Day) so I hope to hear back shortly. I was puzzled myself and tried to google blown JL Fathom, but was unable to find a bad review one of the sub (exact reason I purchased it to begin with!). Sorry if it seems like I hacked this thread....I tried to post my own topic, but the site said I did not have privledges yet to post. :sorry:

[Masterlu]

Welcome UFTE, 10 posts & you'll be flying high!

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by UFTE

Thanks for the welcome! This site has been great to review and learn from. I'll have to post the feedback I get from my dealer. He sent the sub back before the holiday (Labor Day) so I hope to hear back shortly. I was puzzled myself and tried to google blown JL Fathom, but was unable to find a bad review one of the sub (exact reason I purchased it to begin with!). Sorry if it seems like I hacked this thread....I tried to post my own topic, but the site said I did not have privledges yet to post. :sorry:

Welcome UFTE , keep on posting you will get those get there soon.
Jim