Audio Video News

JL Audio Fathom f110v2 Subwoofer: $3,500

JL Audio was one of the first companies to bring audiophile sensibilities to car audio in the early 1990s at a time when “how loud can it play” sound-off events were all the rage. A decade later, the Florida-based company moved into home audio with a line of well-regarded subwoofers it has been perfecting ever since. Its latest specimen, the impeccably crafted f110v2, delivers powerful bass from a highly compact enclosure. “I was blown away by how well the f110v2 performed,” gushed resident basshead David Vaughn, who used two in his theater setup. “While my reference subs deliver more output below 20 Hz, they don't measure up to the quality of bass I heard from the JL Audio drivers. These babies hit hard, really hard: Every impact from the f110v2 pair was precise and realistic, with a visceral quality that I felt in my chest.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Powerful output for a compact model
Automatic room optimization processing
Dual-sub setup option
Minus
Lacks extension below 20 Hz
Gloss black finish attracts dust

Full Review Here

Monitor Audio Silver 300 Speaker System: $5,975 (as tested)

U.K’s Monitor Audio did something audiophiles love when it revamped its popular Silver Series of speakers: Improved sound without jacking up the price. Reviewer and longtime audiophile Al Griffin was captivated with the Silver 300 system’s build quality and ability to deliver clean, detailed sound with music and movie soundtracks: “I found myself won over by its crisp, dynamic sound…and was particularly impressed with the C350 center speaker, which allows for seamless sound across the front channels.” The Silver W-12 subwoofer also drew accolades for bolstering bass from the main towers with music and “adding oomph to action movies.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Crisp, detailed sound
High-performance center speaker
Subwoofer with room correction
Minus
Subwoofer pricey compared with competition

Full Review Here

 

MartinLogan Motion 60 XTi Speaker System: $8,000 (as tested)

When MartinLogan unveiled a first-of-its-kind hybrid electrostatic speaker at the 1983 Consumer Electronics Show, high-end audio dealers loved what they heard and placed orders on the spot. Tall and slender, the appropriately named Monolith was sonically and visually striking. In the ensuing decades, the Kansas-based company built a reputation for delivering exceptional sounding speakers, expanding its offerings in recent years to include a more traditional line of speakers under the Motion banner. The six-piece Motion 60XTi system, assembled around the line’s flagship tower speaker and Dynamo 1600X subwoofer, brings subtle upgrades in style and performance that translate into a fresh round of visual and sonic excellence — sound reviewer Mike Trei characterized as “powerful and smooth.” Through all the chaos in Avengers: Infinity War, the Dynamo delivered a “tremendous wallop” without upsetting the grand sense of space conveyed by the system or marring the natural sounding dialogue. If you’re intrigued by the 60XTi, now may be the time to make your move: MartinLogan is currently offering a 25% discount.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Refined sound
Powerful, feature-rich subwoofer
Minus
Tweeter on 60XTi tower sits high off the ground
60XTi tower requires careful placement

Full Review Here