Worldwide,
Go to the Aperion web site and check out the specs. I think you will agree that the S-12 or the Bravus subs are the equals of anything in their price range. I am completely happy with my S-12. I won't make the claim of having the discriminating ear, but I know I like what I have.
The beauty of the Aperion is that you can get it delivered and if you do not like it you can ship it back at THEIR expense. No questions asked you get your $$$ back and go on your way. Try one out and do the comparison in your HT setup with the LFM-1 as a reference. By the way the Cherry finish is awesome but if you are into Black gloss finishes they are hard to beat also. Try one out at no cost to you. I would do it soon so as to not lose out on the Outlaw sales. You could even order several and try them all out for probably less than the cost of gas running around to a bunch of stores.

I just looked at the site and the Intimus subs are no longer available. The 12" bravus is pretty expensive compared to the Outlaw stuff and won't be ready until September. You could try out the 8" or 10" versions of both subs side by side in your home.

I just looked a bit more at the Bravus subs. They are a significantly different approach to subwoofer design than what Outlaw offers. First, the Bravus subs are using smaller enclosures and are sealed designs, whereas Outlaw is using larger, ported enclosures. This has some direct impact on frequency response: the Bravus D10 (which uses two 10" drivers in a 15"x13.5"x13.5" box) has a -3dB point of 30Hz, whereas the LFM-1 Compact (which uses one 10" driver in a 16.75"x 13"x19" box) has a -2dB point of 25Hz (the -3dB point thus being a bit lower still) for half the money. Typically, smaller sealed subs will cost more than their larger, ported cousins, so some sort of price differential is to be expected in this case, and there are rooms where limited space makes that extra cost worthwhile - if the alternative is no sub, the decision gets easier. There are other factors to subwoofer design and performance, of course, and the Bravus parametric EQ could certainly afford some real audible improvements (similar to what could be achieved with the SMS-1, albeit in a less sophisticated form than that). I do wonder about room placement concerns with the Bravus in light of the two drivers - I'm assuming their on opposite sides of the sub, which means putting it in a corner or next to a piece of furniture could be problematic (block one driver?).

Without actually hearing both units it is hard to say which sounds better. They are both window rattlers. The price of the LFM series versus the Bravus would make me go to the LFM-EX at this point if I wanted a downfiring unit. My sub currently sits on thick carpet and I was thinking that would deaden the bass somewhat. I can really feel the S-12 kick in in the low ranges. I think one of the best movies to demonstrate the effect is Master and Commander. The initial battle is awesome with really good bass response. For my environment, the S-12 is the best choice. If I had to set up a new system in my bedroom, I would lean towards at least trying the LFM-2 if my old KLH died. However you go, good luck.

Thanks gonk and Xenon for the help with this decision. I have decided to stick with Outlaw and purchase either the LFM-2 or the LFM-1 Compact.

Worldwide,

Obviously we are happy with your conclusion. However, if you decide you want the LFM-2, please order it quickly. We are down to the last few units, and as the old adage goes- "when the're gone, the're gone".

On the other hand, if you choose to go with the LFM-1 Compact, we have a normal supply.

Peter

Wow, I received a post in my thread from Peter Tribeman!

Thanks for the heads up Peter.

I have the LFM-1 Compact in my home office/studio and it sounds fantastic. The room is the size of a bedroom and there's plenty of bass. I paired it with the Audioengine 5's and it's an excellent setup. I'd recommend the LFM-1 compact.

Ditto to Retep's comments.

I have the LFM-1 Compact on my RR2150 system in the Kitchen/Dining area which would be the size of a large bedroom (23'x13').

I use it just for music and it made a noticable difference in the sound of the NHT SB-2's I have. What I love about it isn't the boom but the way it gives a solid foundation that wasn't there before. This is particularly noticable when listening to recordings of a piano. FWIW, I cross it over at 100hz.

If you haven't pulled the trigger yet, I highly recommend you give this a shot: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-760. I have one in my bedroom system and my brother has one in his main system. It's a great little sub...