JL Audio Gotham Subwoofer Reviewed
- By: Andrew Robinson,
HTR Product Rating
- Performance
- Value
- Overall
Disagree with our product rating? Email us and tell us why you think this product should receive a higher rating.
The JL Audio Gotham has come a long way from the early offerings that characterized JL's roots as an automotive loudspeaker manufacturer. If you're thinking the Gotham is a couple of low-quality car audio sub drivers in a new, high-gloss case, you're sorely mistaken, for the Gotham is the real deal. By real, I mean really, really good. Besides being hopelessly good- looking, the Gotham packs quite a punch with its dual 13-and-a-half-inch drivers stacked atop one another in is slightly triangular, sealed chassis that is about as solid and robust as you'll find in a sub, regardless of price. The Gotham has a reported frequency response of 19-200Hz and has a built-in amplifier that is capable of 3,800 peak watts RMS in short bursts. Let me put that into perspective: my reference sub has a peak power performance of 350 watts and I consider it to be quite good, but 3,800 watts is borderline insane. I like it. The Gotham comes in any color so long as it's black and measures in at roughly 34 inches tall by 21 inches high and 24 inches deep in a sort of round triangle where none of the sides are parallel. The Gotham is rock-solid in its construction and, because of its enormously over-engineered drivers and power amplifier, it tips the scales at 360 pounds and retails for a hefty $12,000.• Read more about JL Audio here from HomeTheaterReview.com.
In terms of integrating the Gotham into your system, it has some of the usual features and a few that are not so usual. For starters, the Gotham features stereo and mono RCA and balanced connection options. You can even daisy-chain a few Gotham subs together via their inputs. The wonderful thing about the Gotham is, once you get past the connections, the remaining features and controls for the sub itself are located on the front of the sub (vs. the standard back) and under a separate grille, allowing you easier access during set-up. The usual level, phase, polarity and power modes are all present and accounted for, although the Gotham has a few more low pass filter modes and crossover controls then your average sub. The sheer level of control and adjustment at your disposal to tune the Gotham to your system and room is unparalleled. In a further effort to maximize performance and value, the Gotham features Automatic Room Optimization and comes with a calibrated microphone. This level of EQ or room correction isn't the usual test pattern and/or automatic crossover setting you'll find in a receiver-based auto EQ. This is far superior and much more successful in its implementation.
Featured Audio-Video News
Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -
The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.
Latest Subwoofer Reviews
Paradigm Monitor SUB 12, Perfect Bass Kit and PT-2 Wireless Transmitter Reviewed -
Sean Killebrew found the Paradigm Monitor SUB 12 to be an exemplary subwoofer on its own, but when he paired it with the Perfect Bass Kit, things took a dramatic turn. Read on to find out more.
miniDSP 2x4 Digital Signal Processor Reviewed -
The miniDSP 2x4 digital signal processor is a product that will surprise you. It surprised reviewer Andrew Robinson, delivering an impressive amount of performance given its modest asking price.
Episode ES-SUB-WIRELESS Wireless Subwoofer Kit Reviewed -
The Episode ES-SUB-WIRELESS kit was a first for HomeTheaterReview.com reviewer Andrew Robinson, but after his time with the product and the performance he experienced, he can see the appeal.
Episode ES-SUB-CUB8-110, Eight-inch Powered Subwoofer Reviewed -
If you are looking for more bass in the bedroom, check out the Episode CUB8 compact subwoofer, reviewed here by Andrew Robinson. Andrew put the the CUB8 through some intense bass test and came out impressed.
Episode ES-SUB-12-300-MB Powered Subwoofer Reviewed -
Episode has released their largest subwoofer to date with the ES-SUB-12. While its looks may not be so impressive, HomeTheaterReview.com reviewer Andrew Robinson's evaluation claims the performance is quite the opposite.
Home Theater Review's 2011 Best Of Awards -
For a third time, the editorial staff of Home Theater Review have examined the year's offerings in AV gear and decided what they deem to be the best in every category. Find out who is the best of the best.
Definitive Technology SuperCube 2000 Subwoofer Reviewed -
If you looking for something compact and powerful, then check out Definitive Technology's SuperCube 2000 subwoofer. Although our HTR reviewer found a lot of upsides, he also found a few downsides as well.
Aperion Audio Bravus 8A Powered Subwoofer Reviewed -
The Aperion Audio Bravus 8A powered subwoofer is an affordable and attractive model that comes with a very compact form factor. Despite a few shortcomings, the Bravus 8A performed admirably through Andrew Robinson's tests.
Aperion Audio Bravus II 10D Subwoofer Reviewed -
Aperion Audio's Bravus II 10D subwoofer is an attractive looking subwoofer and, according to Home Theater Review reviewer Andrew Robinson, the Bravus II 10D isn't just a pretty face, it has the goods to back it up.
JL Audio Fathom f110 Subwoofer Reviewed -
The JL Audio Fathom f110 subwoofer may sit in the mid-level line of JL Audio's products, but there is nothing mid-level about the performance or aesthetics of this subwoofer. Read what reviewer Andrew Robinson had to say.
Home Theater Review on Facebook
Home Theater Review on Twitter
Comment on this article
Post a Comment
You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.