
REL Acoustics S/812
$3399
The heir to the extraordinary S/5, REL’s latest is not just a step forward but also a sonic leap into a different class. The bar has been raised on every feature that made its forbear an affordable reference. Yes, it retains the forward-firing 12″ woofer and companion 12″ downward-firing passive but adds carbon fiber backing for strength and accuracy. There are new sets of custom filters, while the power of its NextGen5 Class D amplifier has been bumped up to 800 watts. Thus, it plays deeper and faster with greater transparency and reproduces the dimensional outlines of a soundstage with a precision normally reserved for the headiest of flagships. NG, 308

JL Audio Fathom f110 / f112 / f113v2
$4000 / $5000 / $6000
We’ve long been fans of JL Audio’s spectacular Fathom f110, f112, and f113 subwoofers. These three subs—identical except for woofer size (10″, 12″, 13.5″) and amplifier power (1100W, 1800W, 3000W)—raise the bar in subwoofer performance with their unlikely combination of brute-force power and tonal and dynamic finesse. Capable of delivering high SPLs at very low frequencies without strain, the Fathoms are adept at resolving the pitches, dynamics, and timbre of an acoustic bass. Reference-quality performance at a reasonable price, and dreadnought build-quality, to boot. (The new v2 versions offer even higher performance with greater amplifier power, revised drivers, and a much more effective room-correction system, now performed in the digital domain.) RH, 283; RB, 344

Wilson Audio Lōkē
$11000
This diminutive sub explores the nether regions to devastating effect. Whether its rap or rock, classical or jazz, the Lōkē has a decidedly salubrious effect, both in bass extension and the essential sense of hall space. With a built-in 500-watt subwoofer and a 10″ woofer, the Lōkē is tight, impactful, and speedy. Wilson, which has always been a champ in reproducing the vital bass region, has scored big time. JHb, 330
By TAS Staff
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