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JL Audio Fathom f112 Subwoofer Review

by — October 31, 2006
JL Audio Fathom f112 Subwoofer Review

  • Product Name: JL Audio Fathom f112 Subwoofer
  • Manufacturer: JL Audio, Inc.
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: October 31, 2006 08:25
  • MSRP: $ 2200 - $2700
  • Buy Now

 

Frequency Response (+1/-3dB): 20-200 Hz

Amplifier Topology: Class D switching

Amplifier Power: 1500 W RMS (short term)

Woofer: 12” (nominal) mineral filled polypropylene

cone with a polyester foam surround

Effective Piston Area: 84 sq inches

Effective Displacement: 287 cu inches

Maximum average SPL (in room): 117.6 dB

Low Pass Crossover: 30-130 Hz variable at 12dB or 24 dB/octave

Polarity/Phase: 0 or 180 deg/0 to 280 deg variable

Dimensions (HxWxD): 18.00” x15.00” x 18.63”

  (Including feet)

Weight (each): 115 lbs (net)

Enclosure Type: Sealed enclosure.

Pros

  • Powerful sub capable of tactile bass.
  • Detailed, precise low frequency output.
  • Musical with excellent micro and macro dynamics.
  • Superb build quality and finish.
  • ARO feature will take the mud out of the listening experience.
  • Heavy.

Cons

  • Power switch located under grille.
  • Automatic Room Correction (ARO) can be finicky to set.
  • Gloss finish is easily smudged, requires frequent cleaning in the presence of little fingers.
  • Heavy.

Introduction

The JL Audio has produced a very serious subwoofer in the Fathom f112, the smallest sibling in their home audio line.. This is a powerful sub capable of prodigious deep bass output. Make no mistake; if you have loose objects in the house, this sub will locate them and point them out. Also, be prepared to find interior partition walls complaining into adjacent rooms. For the best possible listening experience, find all loose items and secure them. For those who have not experienced a subwoofer capable of generating bass to the limits of human hearing, one with substantial output capabilities down into the subsonic range, the JL Fathom f112 with acquaint you nicely. Add this sub to your auditioning shopping list if you are after ultra high performance, reasonable box size and cost.
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About the author:
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Professionally, David engineers building structures. He is also a musician and audio enthusiast. David gives his perspective about loudspeakers and complex audio topics from his mechanical engineering and HAA Certified Level I training.

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Recent Forum Posts:

Read the Complete Thread
clubfoot posts on April 08, 2007 16:37
Review - broken link

The correct location for inf-rooms_3: http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/technology/whitepapers/inf-rooms_3.pdf
clubfoot posts on April 08, 2007 12:24
billy p, post: 260136
driving home on Friday a commercial from a local Toronto retailer made mention of the the new JL's having arrived. They went as far, as to call them the subwoofer of the Gods. Auditions will be for serious audiophiles only and by appointment only.
Then, again I'm not surprised because I would line up to have a listen .
Ps: I am serious, just don't have that kind of money.

Billy p
The local Toronto retailer would be Kromer and I just auditioned the f113 yesterday for a possible purchase at the end of the month. To me the f113 is not a WOW sub (spl) it is more of a “I didn't know those sounds/effects were there!” It is one of those rear audio components that reveals “stuff” that you could not feel before, because with this sub you do not need tactile transducers.

Go listen/feel for yourselves.
billy p posts on April 02, 2007 08:37
Hehe

driving home on Friday a commercial from a local Toronto retailer made mention of the the new JL's having arrived. They went as far, as to call them the subwoofer of the Gods. Auditions will be for serious audiophiles only and by appointment only.
Then, again I'm not suprised because I would line up to have a listen .
Ps: I am serious, just don't have that kind of money.

Billy p
jaxvon posts on March 28, 2007 20:23
gene, post: 258726
David's review and forum response has inspired me to request a review sample of their Gotham sub. Problem is I loath carrying a 300lbs sub up two flights of steps to my theater room, and knowing me, I'd want at least two of them

That's what JL's own top end demo room uses. Bryston electronics, PMC speakers, and two Gothams on the front soundstage.
no. 5 posts on March 27, 2007 20:06
billy p, post: 258756
I fully concur with post 14 & 18. Well said, no.5

Oh, stop… you'll make me all embarrased.

Thanks though.
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