The JL Audio Fathom f110v2 is a high-performance powered subwoofer designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek precision, power, and deep bass response. Known for its exceptional build quality and advanced technology, the f110v2 showcases JL Audio’s commitment to delivering a refined, accurate low-frequency experience for both music and movies.
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Key Features and Design
The Fathom f110v2 is compact yet robust, housing a powerful 10-inch driver in a sealed enclosure to produce tight, controlled bass. This model is part of JL Audio’s premium Fathom series, which is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality components. Every element of the f110v2 has been engineered to deliver performance that complements high-end audio systems.
JL Audio’s Proprietary Long-Throw Woofer
At the heart of the f110v2 is JL Audio’s patented 10-inch W7 driver. This long-throw woofer is specially designed to handle significant air displacement, producing impressive bass levels without distortion. The driver’s over-engineered design includes a patented Floating Cone Attach Method (FCAM™) and Elevated Frame Cooling™ technologies, ensuring optimal performance even at high output levels.
1000-Watt Class D Amplifier
Equipped with a 1000-watt Class D amplifier, the f110v2 provides powerful output with low power consumption. This amplifier is optimized for efficiency and reliability, designed to maintain excellent thermal stability even during extended listening sessions. The combination of the high-output amplifier and precision woofer allows the f110v2 to produce impactful, room-filling bass that can reproduce the full scale of deep bass notes in music and movies alike.
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Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.)
One of the standout features of the Fathom f110v2 is its Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system. This advanced calibration tool uses a supplied microphone to analyze the room’s acoustics and adjust the subwoofer’s output accordingly. D.A.R.O. minimizes acoustic distortions caused by room reflections and standing waves, resulting in smooth and accurate bass that adapts to any room environment.
Sealed Enclosure for Tight, Accurate Bass
The f110v2 utilizes a sealed cabinet design, which is ideal for audiophiles seeking accurate, well-controlled bass. This design limits resonance and provides a quick response, allowing the subwoofer to keep up with complex musical passages and rapid bass transients in movie soundtracks. The robust construction also minimizes vibrations and coloration, ensuring pure and natural sound reproduction.
Elegant Design and Build Quality
The f110v2 has a sleek and understated design, with a satin black or gloss black finish that fits well in any room. The minimalist aesthetic and solid construction add a sense of luxury while ensuring durability and resistance to resonance. Additionally, the controls are conveniently placed on the front panel, making it easy to access volume, phase, and crossover adjustments without moving the subwoofer.
Performance and Sound Quality
The JL Audio Fathom f110v2 is known for delivering a remarkable blend of power, precision, and low-frequency extension. Its 10-inch driver and 1000-watt amplifier allow it to reach depths of 25 Hz, creating an immersive listening experience that lets you feel the bass as much as hear it. This performance is further enhanced by the D.A.R.O. system, which adjusts the bass output to counteract room anomalies, resulting in a smooth, balanced low-end that’s free from boomy or muddy effects.
The f110v2 excels in both musical and cinematic applications. For music, it adds depth to lower frequencies while maintaining clarity and definition, making it ideal for genres like jazz, classical, and rock. In a home theater setup, the subwoofer delivers powerful, precise bass that enhances the impact of action scenes, explosions, and other low-frequency effects, adding realism and excitement to movies.
Pros and Cons of the JL Audio Fathom f110v2
Pros:
- High-quality 10-inch W7 driver for accurate bass reproduction
- Powerful 1000-watt Class D amplifier
- D.A.R.O. room calibration for optimized sound
- Sealed cabinet design for tight, controlled bass
- Easy-to-access front panel controls
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Large and heavy, which may be challenging for smaller spaces
- Requires proper setup for optimal performance
Specifications
- Driver Size: 10 inches (W7 driver)
- Amplifier Power: 1000 watts RMS
- Frequency Response: 25 Hz to 120 Hz
- Crossover Frequency: Variable, adjustable from 30 Hz to 130 Hz
- Input: Line-level RCA and balanced XLR
- Dimensions: 13.4″ H x 12.8″ W x 16.7″ D
- Weight: 71 lbs (32.2 kg)
- Finish Options: Satin Black, Gloss Black
Conclusion
The JL Audio Fathom f110v2 is a premium powered subwoofer that combines advanced technology with exceptional craftsmanship, delivering powerful, accurate bass that meets the demands of audiophiles and home theater aficionados alike. Its blend of a robust 1000-watt amplifier, sophisticated driver technology, and intelligent room calibration make it a versatile subwoofer capable of adapting to any environment. While the price reflects its high-end status, the f110v2’s build quality, and performance make it an investment that enhances any high-fidelity sound system. Whether used for music or movies, the Fathom f110v2 offers a deeply immersive audio experience that brings out the best in every listening session.
(FAQs) for the JL Audio Fathom f110v2 powered subwoofer
1. What type of rooms is the Fathom f110v2 best suited for?
- The Fathom f110v2 is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms but can work in larger spaces as well. Its Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) helps adapt the bass to any room size by correcting acoustic issues that may arise.
2. How does the D.A.R.O. system work?
- The Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) uses a provided calibration microphone to measure room acoustics and adjust the subwoofer’s output to compensate for peaks and nulls caused by the room’s layout. This results in smoother, more balanced bass performance in various environments.
3. Can the Fathom f110v2 be used for both music and home theater?
- Yes, the f110v2 is designed to excel in both music and home theater setups. Its accurate and controlled bass is well-suited for music, and its powerful low-frequency output enhances cinematic effects for movies.
4. Is the Fathom f110v2 a sealed or ported subwoofer?
- The Fathom f110v2 is a sealed subwoofer. This design provides tighter, more controlled bass, making it ideal for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and speed over the deeper extension that a ported subwoofer may offer.
5. What kind of amplifier does the Fathom f110v2 use?
- The f110v2 is powered by a 1000-watt Class D amplifier. This amplifier is both powerful and efficient, providing the driver with ample power while maintaining low heat output and high reliability.
6. Can the Fathom f110v2 be connected to both RCA and XLR inputs?
- Yes, the f110v2 supports both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of audio systems and providing flexibility in terms of connectivity options.
7. Does the Fathom f110v2 have a wireless control option?
- No, the Fathom f110v2 does not support wireless control. However, all the essential adjustments, such as volume, phase, and crossover, are conveniently located on the front panel for easy access.
8. What is the frequency range of the Fathom f110v2?
- The Fathom f110v2 has a frequency response that extends from 25 Hz to 120 Hz, offering deep and impactful bass across a broad range of low frequencies.
9. Is the Fathom f110v2 suitable for a dual subwoofer setup?
- Yes, the f110v2 can be paired with an additional subwoofer to enhance bass response and achieve a more balanced distribution of low frequencies throughout the room, especially in larger spaces.
10. What type of maintenance is required for the Fathom f110v2?
- The f110v2 is low-maintenance. Keeping the vents clear of dust and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity will help preserve its performance. The cabinet finish should also be cleaned occasionally with a soft, dry cloth to maintain its appearance.
11. How do I properly set the crossover frequency on the Fathom f110v2?
- The ideal crossover frequency will depend on your main speakers. For large speakers, a lower setting around 50-80 Hz is typically best, while smaller speakers may benefit from a crossover between 80-100 Hz. Experimenting with the settings and listening can help achieve the best integration.
12. Does the f110v2 come with a warranty?
- Yes, JL Audio typically provides a warranty for the Fathom f110v2. The warranty terms may vary by region, so it’s recommended to check with your retailer or JL Audio for specific details.
13. How heavy is the Fathom f110v2, and what are its dimensions?
- The Fathom f110v2 weighs approximately 71 lbs (32.2 kg) and has dimensions of 13.4″ H x 12.8″ W x 16.7″ D, making it compact but substantial enough for high-performance output.