I've had one for two weeks, took a far more expensive 14" with ARC out of the loop for testing of the 12. Did some moving for the sweet spot, it's a bit picky about placement (aren't they all plus the factor I was trying to get the most DB's and headroom as the Speedwoofer is not going to match the monster in output. )I will not post it here yet as my non biased review goes on RSL's site first BUT I will pass this on.
OK, No REW reading till I post my review (but I did run REW) here are some highlights, most subs work in the same sweet spot in my room, not with this one, finally decided to corner load it a bit and pull it from the wall till it was close to flat and let X32 take care of the rest. I did not need to pull it out too far, maybe a foot. REW readings (after x32 were flat +/- 2db 17 to 85.) No doubt a few tweaks would get it flatter. I did add a 17 to 80 6 db house curve. (In order for more low end output to match the curve used on the beast) The subsonics are there and solid. My 14 inch sub preformed about the same 20 to 80 with a slight perhaps 3db higher output. I actually lowered the house curve to 3db as 6 db was a bit much in the sonic area which made if more full bodied and flatter I also did one with no house curve, comparing the 3db to no house curve but a simple 3 DB boost to the bass both sounded very similar.
The only real difference between my 14 inch monster and the 12 was level of output and it was close yet noticeable (But the SppedWoofer 12 shook the drywall to a audible wall flapping hum when called for. I firmly believe adding a second either in 2 places or stacked it gong to get me the +3 to 6 db I would like. If I match output the only other thing is the Speedwoofer 12 has a slightly different tonal presentation. That's not a dis, tactile impact and subsoncs are there, tactile input is there in spades but a bit different. In some ways I like the tactile impact of the 12 better than the monster in areas, It's a draw other than the output issue on a 1 to 1 comparison, that was to be expected, curse you physics.
If 2 does not work in my dedicated room I will just toss them in the family (wife somewhat rules the) family room. There should be no issues there as I don't go reference or very close (wife). (God bless her, I did get away with putting huge towers up there (Arendal THX S Towers, Arendal THX surround Arendal THX (non S) center and two old RSL Speedwoofer MKII's.)
Either way, the thing cost very little, if two work in my dedicated room as well as I expect they may replace a 5 grand sub, not bad for roughly a 3rd of the cost (and more even bass since I will be using 2). If not upstairs it goes where I know it will be a serous improvement.
Will post after Audiohalics posts their review.
Peace!
