Aperion Subs

Has anyone on these boards tried these subs?

http://www.aperionaudio.com/catalog/Bravus-Subwoofers,66.aspx

I'm putting together a bedroom system and I like the small size of the 8" sub. My other components are a pair of Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature Loudspeakers

http://www.proac-loudspeakers.com/tabref8sig.php

and a Krell KAV-400xi Integrated Amplifier

http://www.krellonline.com/krell_component.php?id=42&page=kav400xi

I have the S-12 which has been an absolutely excellent addition to my system. The Bravus are supposed to be an upgrade. It is with Klipsch RF-82s as LR, RF-35 as surrounds and an RC-62 as Center. The RF-82s have plenty of bass response available in their own right but the S-12 is so much more capable down low.

Xenon, have you compared your S-12 to any Outlaw subs?

No I didn't. The outlaw subs seem to all be down firing and I prefer front firing. I did listen to several subs in an audio room and although the comparison is probably bogus because of the room dynamics, I like my S-12 better and it cost a lot less. I have an older KLH "cheapo" sub which is still kicking in another room. When I tried the other subs out I was able to try them with Klipsch speaker very similar to my own and they were a little boomy at high levels. I am sure I could have adjusted them the way I wanted but....

I still have the original LFM-1 and I use it in my home theater. It really kicks booty for movies!
I don't think you can do any better for several times the price.
Any other small subs I should be looking at?

For high $$$ look at JL Audio F-112 and F-113. Did you look at the HSU site? For cost vs. performance I don't see you beating the Outlaw and Aperion stuff. If you already have an LFM, why not get another? The box size is reasonable and the LFE will be awesome. Most of us never challenge these components to their design levels anyway. And if you do, the warranty is always there as a backstop.

I'm looking for something small and inexpensive and I like the value of internet retailers. I did look at HSU and my entire home theater is Outlaw stuff including my sub.
The small size of the Aperion sub appeals to me. I went to av123 and they have a large front-firing sub as well as a smaller one in development. Ascend Acoustics also has one in development.
Any others you can think of?

For your use can you beat $299 for the LFM-2. Its the smallest Outlaw Sub and I'll bet it kicks bass.

Outlaw is discontinuing the LFM-2, I'm guessing because of poor sales. Most people want a larger sub for use in a home theater and Outlaw's subs are inexpensive which gives people the option of purchasing larger subs.
That explains the reason for their recent $199 sale event on the LFM-2. I should have purchased one then.
To answer your question Xenon I was considering an LFM-2 before I started looking at HSU and then Aperion, which brings me back to the original point of this thread.
I really want to know if the Aperion is close to the Outlaw in performance. I know Outlaw's products, I don't know Aperion's products. I admit that I like the apperance and small size of the Aperion sub, as well as the remote operation. But if it's not up to Outlaw quality sound I'd go for the Outlaw.

The LFM-1 Compact may have taken some of the spotlight away from the LFM-2 from a sales standpoint, and the Compact's performance is impressive (aside from raw dB output, it is comparable to my original LFM-1).

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...