Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Soundstage was even wider and more fleshed out with the pair of Audio Physic Luna subs
  • The Lunas were more tuneful with better bass note articulation, though they didn't go as deep as the Audiovector
  • The Lunas excel in opening-up the midrange on some recordings
  • One of the clear advantages of having Lunas in the system was the effect of low-level listening, giving a nice foundation and fullness of sound to the music
  • The Lunas would be a fantastic match for stand-mounted speakers and are a better value

Product Considerations

  • The bass was pumped up too loud on some digital recordings, compromising the overall balance, so the reviewer kept turning the subs off and on depending on the recording
  • Altering the midrange of the audio system was too much, causing a hollowing out of the midrange warmth

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Sound stage was even wider, more fleshed out, and energised the air, whereas the Audiovector sub pushed the sound back and had a slightly less expanded sound stage
  • The Lunas were more tuneful with better bass note articulation, though they didn't go as deep as the Audiovector

Takeaway: The Audio Physic Luna subwoofers are a great addition to a sound system, especially for stand-mounted speakers, with a wider soundstage and better bass articulation. They can enhance low-level listening and are a good value for the price.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

Classic 15-2:

  • Positioning: Entry-level series designed for affordability and basic functionality.
  • Description: Offers a straightforward design focused on reliable performance with standard components suited for small rooms and simple setups. Compared to other models, it is less complex and lacks the advanced processing and connectivity features found in the mid-tier and premium units.

Classic 35:

  • Positioning: A step-up product aimed at enhanced performance for small to mid-size rooms.
  • Description: Delivers improved circuitry and refined design elements that boost sound clarity over the entry-level version. Compared to the more advanced models, it balances cost and performance without incorporating the high-end processing found in the premium series.

Codex:

  • Positioning: A mid-tier model offering a balanced mix of performance and reliability.
  • Description: Integrates better components and refined sonic accuracy to meet moderate technical and room-size demands. Compared with the Classic series, it provides enhanced features while still being less complex than the premium Cardeas and flagship Medeos models.

Cardeas:

  • Positioning: A premium model focusing on refined performance and expanded functionality.
  • Description: Uses sophisticated processing techniques and higher quality components that improve overall audio detail beyond the Codex and Classic lines. Relative to the flagship Medeos, its design and feature set are advanced yet not as cutting edge.

Medeos:

  • Positioning: A flagship high-end product offering advanced performance and state-of-the-art features.
  • Description: Features top-shelf circuitry and innovative processing technology that deliver superior sound quality and connectivity options suited for large spaces and high technical demands. Compared to all other models in the lineup, it provides the most advanced engineering and premium functionality.
See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

[{"title":"Audio Physic Luna VS Audiovector R SUB Arreté","link":"https://www.tnt-audio.com/casse/2_subwoofers_e.html","source":"TNT Audio","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer's notes

A good subwoofer opens up new perspectives. It is capable of revealing up to 30 percent more of what your recordings actually contain, as it forces its way into frequencies that even many floorstanding loudspeakers cannot reach in their bass response. Therefore, subwoofers like the LUNA are not only suitable for the use in a surround sound system, but also enrich the sound sustainably in a mere stereo configuration.
A good subwoofer opens up new perspectives. It is capable of revealing up to 30 percent more of what your recordings actually contain, as it forces its way into frequencies that even many floorstanding loudspeakers cannot reach in their bass response.
  • Height: 400 mm (15.8")
  • Width: 360 mm (14.2")
  • Depth: 360 mm (14.2")
  • Required Space Width x Depth: 380 x 380 mm (15" x 15")
  • Weight: 22 kg
  • Frequency range: 30 - 150 Hz
  • Woofer: 250 mm (8.9") Paper Cone
Visit Manufacturer Site
Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
15
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
167
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
19
Founded
1985

Our take on the brand

Audio Physic is a hifi speaker brand known for its exceptional 3D imaging and wide soundstage in medium to small rooms, with unique features like ceramic foam bracing and Active Cone Damping technology to reduce unwanted vibrations. Their exclusive models, like the ten-pair-limited Medeos with its patent-pending midrange driver and the Cardeas 30 LJE with only 30 pairs made, showcase their commitment to limited production runs and customization options.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
Visit Full Brand Page

What if you spend a bit more?

X15+
6999
6999
/
8
Reviews
M&K Sound

New Carbon Fibre Woofer Cones have been developed for all models with ultra-high strength and rigidity to accommodate the added power and excursion of the new X+ Series. M&K Sound's proprietary CNC-machined, extruded aluminium Distortion Killer Shorting Rings also guarantee absolute control and distortion-free, exemplary performance in all settings. 

M&K Sound's iconic Push-Pull subwoofer architecture and "reversed double driver" non-isobaric configuration mean that both drivers in the cabinet are 'exposed' to room air. Consequently, and like the X-Series before, the X+ Series models are effectively two subwoofers in one cabinet enabling a further associated reduction in distortion. This is made possible by having one inverted driver in relation to the other cancelling non-linearities to produce totally symmetric waveforms. 

The X15+, X12+ and X10+ all feature full 25mm MDF construction and bracing for negligible panel vibrations or cabinet resonances, and increased venting at the base of the woofers mitigates distortion due to air turbulence. These milled cavities also act as convenient carrying handles for installation efficiency

M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Deep bass response with extremely high output
  • Impeccable build quality
  • THX Dominus Certified
  • Built like a tank with exceptional fit and finish

Product Considerations

  • No included room correction or tuning app
  • Large and heavy, difficult to position
  • Prone to auto standby during light content
  • Omits onboard room correction

Takeaway: The X15+ is a commanding presence that can achieve reference level output in a large room and smoothly engages protection mechanisms, preventing itself from coming undone. If one has big demands, the M&K Sound X15+ is certainly able to fulfill them.

Video review

Our take on the brand

M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
X15+
page
Product Page
No.31
8814
8814
/
7
Reviews
REL

When Only the Best Will Do(But You've Run Out of Room)

No.31 exists to satisfy the needs of those who crave the finest yet have space limitations. Whilst some can afford our flagship No.32 model, it is larger and deeper than some rooms can accommodate. How can you best deliver No.32's sound quality, build quality, and thoughtful features with a more compact footprint? Enter No.31.

Perfection Repeated

No.31 matches No.32's design stroke for stroke, yet somehow it manages to look more svelte, crouching closer to the floor—almost feline in its grace. The elegant plated handles inset into an ellipse is retained, as is the string grille that permits vast amounts of air to explode into your room without creating noise like cloth grilles can. No.31 features the curvilinear radius to the sidewalls that define both its performance and its character. But the reduction in visual and actual three-dimensional physical mass is remarkable. No.31: when the best must be delivered in a smaller space.

Arrayed for Battle

No.31 permits the same vertically stacked line array as the ultimate No.32. It delivers transformative performance that no competitor has been able to. For those who have been seeking the ultimate musical and theatre experience, Line Arrays unlock the final dimension of system reproduction. Audiophiles have chased three-dimensional sound for years, yet they have missed the simple fact that the height—not the depth—of image is the missing link. By creating products that are designed to be stacked 3 (or in exceptionally tall rooms, 5) units high while retaining individual crossover and gain control of each subwoofer in the array, REL has created a masterpiece that finally delivers what the most experienced audiophiles have been chasing for the past 40 years.

How to Build Up to a Line Array. How to Setup and Dial in a Line Array.

Amplified Perfection

No.32's NextGen 7 Class D 1,000 watt amplifier also lives inside No.31, only limited to 900 watts to ensure the perfect complement to the 12" bass engine within No.31. This allows the maximum dynamics to be delivered while ensuring a long, cheerful life for both components. Here too, the LimitLess Limiter,™ which permits the amplifier to tiptoe right up to its limit without audible compression is part of the magic, conveys a rhythmically effortless quality. Also, its dual parametric filters allow precise micro-tuning; the deepest bass is slightly reinforced, while the upper ranges of bass can be gently trimmed to ensure a brilliantly rendered transition from bass to the main speaker. The electronic design of the reference range is itself artistry.

Drive This

The incredible excursion of the 12" pure carbon fibre driver allows it to play as loud as its larger stablemate. Yet, the No.31 possesses the tactility, nimbleness, and attack that only the greatest subwoofers have ever been able to deliver. Also, its sonic signature works in modestly-scaled rooms and with a vast range of fine speakers. The driver is accelerated by a specially wound 3" voice coil driven by a 13-pound magnetic structure; even near its limits, the voice coil remains solidly inside the gap. It is this visceral power, coupled with great delicacy and nuance, that is No.31's signature.

Total Control

Take control of your No.31 by grasping the REL Reference Remote Control. Immediately, you will be struck by the perfect fit in your palm, the result of careful thought and numerous generations of trial-and-error fittings during prototype development. The second reaction to it is the awareness of its mass, which conveys its quality, permanence, and immutability. It tells you, "I am a thing of substance, of quality. Pay attention, what you do next matters." If you have owned a REL in the past (and fully 90% of Rel Reference owners are), all the familiar controls are right at hand, exactly where you'd want them. High (or low if using active speakers) level gain sits comfortably to the right side, the crossover rests in the middle, and .1/LFE gain is off to the left.

Below are three lovely metal toggle switches handle the critical setup functions. The remote's on/off switch is at the bottom. It is both as out of the way as possible and remains on once turned on and in use during setup without being accidentally turned off. In the middle sits the phase control. This is used only initially to determine the correct 0 or 180 degrees of phase. Additionally, the top access to the Dual Parametric EQ-marked with A and B—permits the flattest, deepest bass and, at the other end of the bass frequencies, the fine-tuning of crossover behavior. This gives you the perfect blending of subwoofer to main speakers and any vestiges of room-generated boom and resonance can be gently trimmed away.

REL's Reference Remote reminds you of the perfect butler—always immaculate, indispensable when called upon, then quietly set aside until a future time when perhaps additions or further improvements to one's system further require its services.

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers the best musical bass and seamless integration with speakers
  • Improves the overall scale, solidity, and immersion of the sound
  • Exceptional build quality with thoughtful design touches that contribute to pride of ownership
  • Offers convenient and precise adjustments via a heavy-duty carbon remote control
  • Creates a solid bass foundation that makes music seem more realistic and visceral

Product Considerations

  • Subwoofers are quite large
  • The remote control can be a pain to operate
  • More bass pressure bleeds into other rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • No.31 delivers even better results than REL No.25 for less money
  • No.31 takes advances in driver, cabinet, and crossover to another level than Carbon Special—Carbon Special gets about 80% of the way there
  • Comparing the S/510 to the Carbon Special or the No.31 is another step down in resolution
  • Compared to REL's T-Range, S-Range and Carbon Special, No.31 is better
  • The No.31 is a more exquisite sonic refinement and class than REL HT/1205s

Takeaway: The No.31 is a musical subwoofer for high-end hifi systems, with sonic quality and detail that enhances the entire soundfield. It offers big, full, rich, and impactful bass that integrates seamlessly and provides a wonderful listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
No.31
page
Product Page
Digital Drive 10 Plus
5598
5598
/
6
Reviews
Velodyne
Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very low distortion figures
  • Versatile, elegant and modern design
  • Insane speed and accuracy
  • Auto equalization is featured
  • Multiple setup options make it user and room-friendly

Product Considerations

  • The unit itself is visually present in the room
  • Optimal performance requires setup by a knowledgeable installer via computer
  • This level of performance is not needed in a small room or with small speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Digital Drive Plus competes with the JL Audio's Fathom subwoofer line for price and performance
  • The Digital Drive Plus is very realistic and powerful, even doing better than the reviewer's two 12-inch drivers, while the Velodyne Deep Blue is very nice
  • The Digital Drive Plus is doing better than the SVS-2000 Pro
  • The DD10+ is very close to the DD15+ in performance 90% of the time

Takeaway: This Digital Drive Plus is a subwoofer that adds realism and gives music an ease of presentation. The Digital Drive Plus will give the listener what they need if they want one subwoofer to do the work of two.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Digital Drive 10 Plus
page
Product Page
D215s
9995
9995
/
5
Reviews
Perlisten

The Subwoofer that will surprise you with its accuracy. Grills are optional. MODEL D215s Subwoofer: Dynamic, Accurate, Solid. The audiophile's choice. Where sound quality and Transients free of overhang are paramount.

Simply no better expression of bass performance than our push-pull subs. Ground up drivers developed by our team of engineers. Carbon fiber composite diaphragms, multiple aluminum shorting rings, massive magnets, multi-layer Nomex spiders and lightweight aluminum voice coil wire are the key ingredients – Proprietary nonlinear modeling techniques allow us to simulate all these components and then optimize for real world driver performance – free air and in box. Further refinement is done with the aid of Klippel laser measurements to dial things in.

To take performance to another level, the push-pull drivers reduce even order harmonics distortion by an additional 10-12dB. Powered by our 3.0kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam.

All D-Series subs share our 2.4" LCD touchscreen display and ability to control advance settings using our App. Certified by THX Dominus, The D-Series subs are the world's first. A testament to the level of design and performance achieved.

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powerful amplifier (3000W) and ample infrasonic response without bottoming out
  • Clean output and agility suitable for both home theater and high-end music systems
  • Sophisticated monitoring system, ensuring sound quality regardless of AC line conditions, and preventing thermal shutdown
  • Extreme tweakability and control with app (iOS and Android) and has a 10-band parametric equalizer
  • Top-shelf build quality with heavy-duty HDF and extensive internal bracing to minimize vibration

Product Considerations

  • The D215s is big and heavy (over 200lbs), making positioning a chore
  • It only comes in a black finish, which might not suit all decors

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The D215s offers some of the best performance seen in a sealed sub above 20Hz
  • The only sealed sub that can challenge its distortion levels below 20Hz that Audioholics has dealt with is the JTR Captivator RS1—and even then only in long-term output

Takeaway: The D215s subwoofer delivers powerful and accurate bass, making it a great addition to any high-end audio setup. With its advanced technology and customizable settings, it can enhance the listening experience for both movies and music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
D215s
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

Classic 99
3699
/
Released
2024
REL
A potent symphony of design, power, and grace. Building on the foundation laid by Classic 98, this model amplifies every attribute: more power, deeper bass, and a design that captures both the eye and the ear. With 450 watts driving a robust 12" paper-on-paper driver, Classic 99 not only plays louder and reaches deeper, but also adds layers of subtle textural enhancements that continuously impress.
Check on Amazon
REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautiful aesthetic with walnut veneer, fitting well with mid-century modern or classic speaker setups
  • Provides a warmer, richer, more textured, and room-filling bass, enhancing the musicality of the system
  • Capable of delivering more bass output at deeper frequencies compared to the Classic 98, beneficial for music and movies
  • Seamlessly integrates with speakers, creating a cohesive sound field, and improving vocals and soundstage

Product Considerations

  • The setup process can be tedious, as adjustments need to be made manually without an app
  • Limited phase adjustment options (0 and 180 degrees) may restrict integration flexibility in some rooms
  • May not be the best choice for systems that already sound warm or for those prioritizing punchy—fast bass
  • Substantial size may require careful placement in smaller rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Classic 98, the 99 has more bass output at deeper frequencies, and is faster and more nimble

Takeaway: The Classic 99 is a beautiful and musical subwoofer that enhances the overall warmth and richness of a sound system, making it more inviting and enjoyable, especially for those with smaller speakers or systems that could benefit from additional low-end texture. It delivers a smooth, tactile, and spacious bass experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Classic 99
Page
Product Page
Anthra W12
3000
/
Released
2023
Monitor
The W12 is the mid-sized model within the Anthra subwoofer series. It features a 12" (30 cm) Rigid Surface Technology II (RST II) C-CAM high-excursion driver powered by a Class-D 1,000 Watt amplifier, housed within a comprehensively internally braced, sealed-box cabinet.
Check on Amazon
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Deep, rich, punchy, and precise bass enhances the overall sound experience
  • Exceptional control and accuracy with articulate and precise bass notes avoids muddiness
  • A muscular amplifier pressurizes the room well, making movies sound huge
  • A user-friendly experience is offered via the MaestroUnite app for advanced configuration
  • Elegant design with a premium finish is available in Gloss Black or Satin White

Product Considerations

  • Substantial weight at 32.4kg
  • May be overkill for smaller rooms
  • Lacks auto EQ for self-calibration
  • Some people may miss high-level inputs

Takeaway: The Anthra W12 is a powerful subwoofer that brings depth and detail to both music and movies. With its precise bass and user-friendly features, it's a great addition to any serious hifi setup and will make any media experience more enjoyable.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Anthra W12
Page
Product Page
Digital Drive 18 Plus
4773
/
Released
Velodyne
The Digital Drive Plus series redefines the term subwoofer. Digitally controlled drivers with impressive performance, almost endless power and the latest calibration algorithms with extensive adjustment options make these subwoofers precision tools of a special class.
Check on Amazon
Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powerful, with great potential for room lock and shaking the listening room
  • Tuneful, clean, clear, and accurate bass
  • Deep bass extension
  • High build quality, with fine cabinetry
  • The on-board DSP with software offers flexibility with settings

Product Considerations

  • Expensive
  • Setup options can be overwhelming
  • Heavy, making it difficult to move around
  • The software may be complex to use
  • Built-in EQ may not be effective

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Velodyne DD-18, the Digital Drive Plus 18 (DD-18+) bettered it in raw power, transient articulation, pitch definition, and deep-bass extension
  • Compared to the JL Audio Fathom f113, the DD-18+ created room lock that a single Fathom f113 couldn't
  • Compared to the Bowers & Wilkins DB1, the sound was closest to DD-18+, but the blend with Quad ESL-989s wasn't as seamless

Takeaway: The Velodyne DD18+ delivers top-notch sound, deep bass, and plenty of power for an amazing listening experience, and it gets the job done in both home theaters and two-channel systems. Its flexible features and robust construction make it a great option for anyone looking for a serious subwoofer.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Digital Drive 18 Plus
Page
Product Page
D12s
4995
/
Released
2021
Perlisten
The smallest subwoofer in the series, yet packs enough punch to be certified THX Dominus using a pair of D12s subs. Powered by our 1.5kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam.
Check on Amazon
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The D12s is Perlisten's smallest subwoofer, but still delivers impressive performance, especially considering its sealed design
  • Features a powerful 1.5kW amplifier, a 32-bit processor, and a TI DSP
  • Has an intuitive mobile app for controlling settings like gain, EQ, and parametric EQ
  • The D12s produces clear, fast, and tight bass, making it very musical and integrating well with various systems
  • Offers parametric equalizations, with each one giving you 10 parametric equalization bands
  • Requires a spare preamplifier output since it only has XLR and RCA inputs, unlike some active subs that use high-level outputs

Product Considerations

  • The D12s is quite heavy, weighing around 90 pounds
  • One reviewer noted a spike around 60Hz in their room
  • Might not be ideal for very large rooms or those who prefer very bass-heavy music like dub—unless paired with larger units

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SVS-2000 Pro, the D12s has significantly lower THD at 20Hz, even at higher SPLs
  • Vs Arendal 1723-1V, the D12s sounds clearer, faster, and tighter
  • Vs Velodyne DD12+, the D12s is comparable in dynamic bass performance, but has more modern technology
  • Vs REL offerings, the D12s performs similarly in terms of speed and clarity but has more power

Takeaway: The Perlisten D12s is a high-quality subwoofer that offers a combination of power, precision, and advanced features, resulting in a detailed and immersive listening experience for both music and movies. Its versatile design and user-friendly controls make it a great addition to any high-end audio system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
D12s
Page
Product Page
Fathom F110v2
4000
/
Released
JL Audio
The Fathom f110v2 is the most compact subwoofer in the Fathom lineup but is fully capable of delivering stellar performance in smaller spaces. The combination of an ultra-long throw W7 10-inch driver and a very powerful switching amplifier give it the kind of output normally associated with far larger subwoofer systems.
Check on Amazon
JL Audio is a hifi brand known for its subwoofer technologies, including the Automatic Room Optimization system that minimizes room-induced bass peaks and the W-Cone unit-body cone-assembly for superior bass performance. The company manufactures many of its premium loudspeakers in the U.S. and includes advanced features like the CR-1 crossover for seamless integration between subwoofers and main speakers, while their VXi amplifiers use internal DSP for extensive sound customization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powerful output for a compact model
  • Employs a Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system that deploys eighteen bands of digital equalization to tame room acoustics
  • Can be linked with another f110v2, where one acts as the master, and the other as an extension
  • The f110v2 adds a sense of ease to the music, subtle sweetness, and improved ambient information retrieval
  • The JL Audio drivers are extremely impressive and have a very distinct and clean sound, and quite powerful for their size

Product Considerations

  • Lacks below-20Hz extension
  • Gloss black finish attracts dust
  • Setup required a little more time and attention to get them set up as accurately as possible

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Fathom line of subwoofers are considered in home theater and hifi circles to be some of the best
  • The Fathom f110v2 is a relative bargain compared with the company's super-premium Gotham v2 subwoofer
  • Installing a pair of high-level REL subs is a bit easier and with smart placement integrate beautifully into MG-1.7i's with stereo coherence, smoothness, and grace

Takeaway: The JL Audio Fathom f110v2 is a compact but powerful subwoofer that can integrate well into high-end audio systems, enhancing the overall musical experience with its clarity and control. It is a good pick for those who want deep bass and a better sound, but don't want a huge sub taking up their space.

Video review

Our take on the brand

JL Audio is a hifi brand known for its subwoofer technologies, including the Automatic Room Optimization system that minimizes room-induced bass peaks and the W-Cone unit-body cone-assembly for superior bass performance. The company manufactures many of its premium loudspeakers in the U.S. and includes advanced features like the CR-1 crossover for seamless integration between subwoofers and main speakers, while their VXi amplifiers use internal DSP for extensive sound customization.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Fathom F110v2
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Soundstage was even wider and more fleshed out with the pair of Audio Physic Luna subs
  • The Lunas were more tuneful with better bass note articulation, though they didn't go as deep as the Audiovector
  • The Lunas excel in opening-up the midrange on some recordings
  • One of the clear advantages of having Lunas in the system was the effect of low-level listening, giving a nice foundation and fullness of sound to the music
  • The Lunas would be a fantastic match for stand-mounted speakers and are a better value

Product Considerations

  • The bass was pumped up too loud on some digital recordings, compromising the overall balance, so the reviewer kept turning the subs off and on depending on the recording
  • Altering the midrange of the audio system was too much, causing a hollowing out of the midrange warmth

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Sound stage was even wider, more fleshed out, and energised the air, whereas the Audiovector sub pushed the sound back and had a slightly less expanded sound stage
  • The Lunas were more tuneful with better bass note articulation, though they didn't go as deep as the Audiovector

Takeaway: The Audio Physic Luna subwoofers are a great addition to a sound system, especially for stand-mounted speakers, with a wider soundstage and better bass articulation. They can enhance low-level listening and are a good value for the price.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Want to see more similar products?

Head on over to our Search page to browse our entire database. Find the perfect hifi gear for your system.

Visit Search Page

How to buy

Subwoofers