LFM-1 vs Klipsch RW12

I'm new to the Outlaw community and I am in the process of assembleing a system for a new Home Theatre/Music sytem in a new house I'm building.

The room size is approximately 12x12 so I guess It's really more of a media room than a Home Theatre.

Speakers so far All Klipsch
RF 35 fronts
RC 35 center
RCW 3 In ceiling rears

My dilema is the sub. I had planned to use an RW 12 to match the whole system but I have heard that Klipsch subs are junk compared to their speakers. I'm a long time Klipsch fan but have never had a Klipsch sub and I am wondering how the RW12 compares to the LFM-1?

Any help from someone in the know would be greatly appreciated. I have some other questions on Integrated vs seperates for the receiver but I'll go to the proper forum for that.

I've never heard the Klipsch subs, but my understanding is that they're not too good. The LFM-1 will blow your ears out in a room that small. 8-) You might want to investigate the LFM-2 instead. It's smaller, cheaper, and probably still overkill for 144sqft. 8-)

Cheers,

Ritz,

Thanks for the reply. Do you really think It's to much? I know It's a small room and I probably would never be able utilize the sub to It's fullest potential but having the ability to blow the windows out if so inclined would sure be nice. You know the "hey guys listen to this!" factor.

I wouldn't rule out the LFM-1, partly because I haven't heard the LFM-2 to know how they compare and partly because I have been very pleased with my LFM-1. What is the ceiling height? Also, are there any other rooms that the room opens up on to?

Heh, the LFM-1 can definitely supply the "hey guys" levels of bass...especially for people downstairs. 8-)

Like Gonk, I haven't heard the LFM-2 either. If the LFM-1 is blowing your doors off, you can always turn down the gain on it. I've got mine set on 2 and my listening room is many times larger than yours...

Cheers,

gonk, Ceiling height is 10' and does not connect with any other rooms.

Two thoughts for your consideration:

1) While the gain for just about any subwoofer can be set low enough to blend/match well with the rest of a decent system in a small space, the smaller subs cannot always reproduce the lower lows or provide enough SPL when moved to a larger space at some future time.

2) A range of philosophies: From ‘I will likely be upgrading every few years’ to ‘I will likely use what I buy now for the next 10, 15 or 20+ years.’ I tend to buy more potential than I need for the moment and hold on to what I buy for a long time. Others have a hunger for change, for the latest advancement being marketed and would look on gear more than three years old as in need of replacement.

If the budget and the space allow the use of a subwoofer in the LFM-1 class, my personal choice would not be to go smaller. If the budget and space did not allow for such a sub, I wouldn’t sweat it. I’d choose something of quality for now and upgrade if my situation changed. If you are of a mind to buy quality used equipment, you might find a well-treated LFM-1 for a price between a new LFM-1 and a new LFM-2.

bestbang,

Thanks, I agree with your opinion on the smaller subs frequency issues and that would be my main concern with going to a smaller unit.

pickintrade, I use to sell the klipsch rw12 or rather I could have but never would if at all possible. The rw12 is a little sort in the pants when it comes to deep bass output. Not always but often enough people would bring them back with their voice coils fryed from trying to get something out of them that was never there to begin with. Klipsch builds great speakers just not great subs. There are several better subs on the market for the same or less money. I strongly urge you to go with something other than the rw12.

pickntrade,

I've got an even smaller media room-- 11' x 12' x 9' high, and I got my LFM-1 before the LFM-2's were available. I suspect that I would have gotten the 2 had it been available. Man, am I glad I didn't, as the 1 is everything I wanted from a sub: it blends beautifully on music and it provides all the LFE I could ever want for movies. My first rental DVD after it was all set up was Master and Commander, and I listened to that first battle 4 times, just marveling at how well the sounds and the feel of the sounds came through.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input. I think I'm definately going with the LFM-1.

This is a great forum! People actually do their best to answer your questions.

We try - glad we could help.

I didn't get a chance to reply until now, but I'll offer a thought that may support your decision to go with the LFM-1. Prior to getting my LFM-1, I ran an SVS 25-31PCi - a very similar sub from a performance standpoint, albeit very different looking (and, at least to my ear, the LFM-1 has blended more seemlessly with the rest of my system than the 25-31PCi did at the same time that it has blended better with the wife's furniture). The SVS was first used in our old house, where the living room was 11x19x8 - or about 1670 ft^3 (not much different from the 1440 ft^3 you're working with). Based on that experience, I think the LFM-1 will be a good fit for you while also remaining sufficient for your needs if you relocate the system into a larger room.

I'm running the LFM-2 - got it up and running last night in a 12 X 20 room and it's got plenty for my ears... My decision was based on that if I ever went to a bigger room I could go the duel sub route later by adding another LFM-1 or LFM-2. I'm running a Denon 4806 (140w X 7) thru Klipsch fronts and center with Bose sides and rears.

Well I'd love to give you guys an update on how the new LFM-1 is working out but unfortunately It's still in the box. Actually I did take it out of the box to check it out (It's a Monster)

The house I'm building is a month overdue so I can't hook up any of my stuff. The wife said no way that thing is coming in the apartment.

I have two complete HT sytems in boxes. 15 speakers and two subs, Two receivers,DVD Players, Theater Chairs, an AVTrak for my built in component rack etc...

Man It's killing me. Just found out we won't be in until atleast the middle of January!