JL Audio or Velodyne?

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited December 2008 in Speakers
I'm building a 5.1 music system and need two stereo subs. I've been looking hard at JL Audio and Velodyne.

Recently, I came across this audiogon listing with some interesting comments. Anyone have any experience with either sub?

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1230141095&/JL-Audio-Fathom-f113-subwoofer

"This is the famous JL Audio f113 powered subwoofer. We needed two to display in our store to demo against Velodyne DD-15 and DD-18 that MSS HiFi carries. We had to buy four to get the right pricing, so now we have 2 available for sale. So far no one has bought the JL from our store yet. The Velodynes are simply better overall especially after you factor in the much more advanced software and remote control. Heck, even the Stereophile review that launched the JL f113 craze used the Digital Drive software to help calibrate the f113. So buying the f113 is like buying Secretariat's son but not hiring the best trainer. It might turn out OK but you never know."
Post edited by SolidSqual on
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Comments

  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,205
    edited November 2008
    The JL sub is sick bro. It's one basass sub. They are a car sub maker and decided to make a stupid killer sub for home.

    Velodyne is also pretty damn good and you can tune it to the room with there own mic setup. It's really nice.

    I don't know if either of these subs would be my first or 2nd choice for music. I personally think the 2 Martin Logan Depths would be my 1st or 2nd choice. Also check out the martin Logan decent. They are musical and I would even put them up against Rel for pure musical abilities.

    Honestly thinking about it, 2 Grotto's or 2 Depth's should do it man. Go to Tweeter and pick them up, they are going out of business and you will get a killer deal.

    Good luck , the other 2 subs are excellent choices for theater first then music 2nd, they both can do music very very well , I just feel the Martin Logans and Rel do it better.
    Rel is another company that if you want music first, Rel should be on your short list like 1st or 2nd.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • apple916
    apple916 Posts: 13
    edited November 2008
    If you can afford the JL then it's a no brainer. No disrespect for Velo of course.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2008
    It's funny you should recommend the Grotto. I used to own one and loved it. I was thinking of picking up a pair to completely solidify my low-end.
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  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited November 2008
    I would look at the Snell ICS Sub24 -$2400
    Or take a look at two Basis 300

    http://www.ultimateavmag.com/features/1004way/index2.html
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  • Motzart
    Motzart Posts: 1,075
    edited November 2008
    Sorry I have had 3-4 diff brand subs.....keep coming back to Velodyne.

    I have a limited budget and Velodyne fits it....sounds pretty damn nice compaired to others in it's price range.
    If you have 3 digit tech funds I'm sure there are better....I don't fit that catagory...maybe you do?

    Yamaha RX-A710 90Watt 7.1
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,205
    edited November 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    It's funny you should recommend the Grotto. I used to own one and loved it. I was thinking of picking up a pair to completely solidify my low-end.

    Any reason that you got rid of it? Since you already owned it, you already know how good it is for music. Better Martin Logan subs are even better then the Grotto. The Depth is simply outstanding. You would only need one but 2 would be off the charts. Also would help correct any standing wave problems. 2 subs are better then one, not for volume but for smooth and natural sound.

    Go for it man and post back what you did,

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2008
    I sold it to fund other purchases. At the time I was doing some major upgrades to my speakers. I sold the grotto to fund a purchase of my Acoustic Zen Adagios.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2008
    mantis wrote: »
    Any reason that you got rid of it? Since you already owned it, you already know how good it is for music. Better Martin Logan subs are even better then the Grotto. The Depth is simply outstanding. You would only need one but 2 would be off the charts. Also would help correct any standing wave problems. 2 subs are better then one, not for volume but for smooth and natural sound.

    Go for it man and post back what you did,

    Dan

    What's a good price on a Depth i used? Somewhere around $1300?
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,205
    edited November 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    What's a good price on a Depth i used? Somewhere around $1300?

    Well the Depth goes new for around 2 grand. So if you can get one for 1300.00, thats a pretty damn good price. Consider what else you can get for 1300.00 and compare it to the Depth, nothing retail or online is better then the Depth at 1300.00. thats how I look at it. Not to mention buying used saves money but make sure it's in good shape. You don't want a sub that has been abused.

    I don't know if you live near a Tweeter, but you could score a new one 30 to 50% off retail, I'd hurry before they are all sold. I was in 2 different stores Yesterday and man stuff is flying out the doors.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2008
    Unfortunately, I no Tweeter in Indiana. I did check out IL, but no Martin Logan gear appears on the clearance lists.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited November 2008
    +1 for the JL Audio subs, however the SVS PB13U is supposed to be equally good if not better based on the reviews.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

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  • trinidesignz
    trinidesignz Posts: 97
    edited December 2008
    I got 2 velodyne DPS-12 and it rocks the house. It's in the basement and my neighbour says he can feel the base a lil bit in his living room. I love those velo's
    Samsung-55 LED
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