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REL 12" Carbon vs JL Audio 12" Fathom

I decided to make a new thread on this.  Plenty of people love both of these.  I am looking for two new 12" high end musical subs for two channel audio.  I am familiar with and LOVE the REL Carbon Limited's. The New Carbon Specials are supposed to be even better.  But now I am looking at the JL Audio Fathom F112v2's.  Because they have EQ that would be great for my boomy basement.  I want: 12", super musical and fast for high end audio.  I also want EQ. But are the JL's as musical as the REL's?  We are truly comparing similar spots in each company's line...12" sealed, $4000 list.  Would love to hear from folks who have compared...Happy Holidays!  Ken
fastfreight
erik_squires
16,293 posts
 
There is nothing less musical than a poorly integrated sub.

https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-to-not-buy-subwoofer.html


mike_in_nc
1,158 posts
 
Ken, Everyone’s ears are different, but mine like realistically strong and even bass. I listen to lots of different stuff, including a good amount of orchestral classical music.

I’ve been using a pair of JL Audio F112 for 15 years now, and I have no complaints with the sound. They integrate beautifully, and you can’t tell where the bass is coming from.

To integrate a sub properly, EQ is needed in most (if not all) rooms. I don’t know if the REL has much, but the F112v2 has a lot better EQ than the F112v1 subs I have. It doesn’t matter to me, because I use digital EQ in the preamp to EQ the bass, but if you don’t have some form of good adjustable EQ, you will never get optimal performance from subs. So I’d vote for the Fathoms. They are damn good subwoofers!

Happy holidays to you, too!
fastfreight OP
833 posts
 
Thanks mike,
Yes I think I do need the EQ in the Subs.
I appreciate your response!  Ken
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The JL v2 has room optimization, no idea how well it works. SVS subs do as well. 
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