Care to share an update…all integrated and humming along now…?
Yes, they are amazingly easy to integrate. The SVS app is really good and makes it a breeze. Was able to dial them in for both the Focals and the Maggies with very little change in position just by using the app. Very much enjoying them.
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I had a friend that worked for Harman in the mid-90s and he got me one of the first pair of Gems produced. When the Ultima Sub was available, I also got one of these. I never really felt the subs integrated that well, but that was probably more to do with my room than the subs. I ended up using the sub (along with a second one) in my home theater which used Ultima Studios along with the Ultima center and surround speakers.
The Gems are in my top 3 or 4 speakers that I’ve owned (out of more than 20) and I think the ones I regret selling the most. I’ve toyed with the idea of buying another pair, but don’t really have a place for them at this point.
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Thank you for your response, Jaytor.
As a matter of fact, for some ten years I actively auditioned all the floorstanders that I could in the range up to some USD 50,000 because I was quite consciously aware of the limited bass output of my Gems. Probably also in the 20 different alternative candidates range. But I was unable to find a single floorstander that could match the micro-dynamics and imaging of the Gems. More importantly perhaps, the Gems lay out an incredibly fine soundstage which is totally free of the boxes, while at the same time conveying a satisfying tonal richness. The few floorstanders that could match the boxlessness of the Gems would inevitably come across as tonally anemic, e.g. Magicos and YGs. And surprisingly, the Gems really sing with a set of Tamura transformers and a brace of WE 300Bs driving them in push-pull configuration. The closet floor-standing contender I have come across is the Stenheim Alumine Fives. They are really amazingly and they totally defy their massiveness in their intimateness … and as an added bonus to a tube-addict, the Stenheims offer a sensitivity of 94db.
I eventually gave up on floorstanders and turned to a couple of Rel subs instead. And having invested the time in finding the right spot and carefully dialing and tweaking them in, I couldn’t be happier (well maybe if I invested in a serious analogue front end?). All the strengths of the Gems are now combined with bass that can easily compete with the massive Stenheims. If the set-up has a weakness it would probably be the Gem tweeter, which is, as you know, a very nice Revel-modified Scanspeak Revelator, but it cannot quite match the finest tweeters available today.
So take this as another endorsement … yes, you do want to re-own a pair …
… 
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I’ve been using 1 JL Audio f113 sub for about 12 years and just added a 2nd f113. Adding a 2nd sub made a huge difference, not only in the bass but the soundstage with and depth just snapped into place.
I highly recommend everyone getting a 2nd sub. I would venture out and say that 2 JL Audio f110’s would out perform 1 f113.
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That’s what I run and I couldn’t be happier! 2 is the way to go with subs! The dual F113’s are a perfect match for my Martin Logan CLX speakers married perfectly together with JL Audio’s CR1 crossover = Audiophile Bliss!
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I’m not familiar with JL’s current lineup - do they still make the f113 after all this time, or did you find a used one someplace? My concern with adding a second sub is finding one that will work well with my Hsu, which has got to be getting close to 13 or 14 years old, too, and which the company doesn’t make any more.
Yes, the f113 is still in the lineup but I did buy it used. If you would have told me it was brand new I would have believed it. Very happy so far with the purchase. It was also upgraded to the v2.
The build quality of the subs are excellent. They aren’t cheap tho you can find them used like I did and they are usually well taken care of due to price and weight! They aren’t easy to move! There is a V2 currently at The Music Room The CR1 is an audiophile device designed for audiophiles! IMO they can’t be making much money on it because they can be purchased for $2500! 100% analog and it can make a good system great when properly set up! I owned SVS, REL, Velodyne, and Sunfire and the JL tops them all IMO! Much respect to SVS, REL, and Velodyne they make great subwoofers!
Check out the JL Audio Subwoofer lineup
I appreciate hearing the enthusiastic endorsement, but I fear my point may have been lost. I just found it interesting that someone was able to get a matching partner for a unit that old so they could make an identical pair. I don’t have that luxury with mine.
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No problem. The F113 v1 and V2 use the same cabinet. When they upgrade existing V1’s to V2 they remove everything and the V1 cabinet and grill cover is all that’s remains original. JL also give the newly refurbished subwoofer a warranty like a brand new subwoofer.
I have two of the e110 JL Audio subs paired with a new pair of Focal Kanta No1’s in my media room set up and they are absolutely awesome. Super tight, super fast bass that blends perfectly. They make my Focals sound like full range floor standers.
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Hi Paul,
I am in the process of selecting a pair of subs, and looking at Rel (812, 212sx, or Carbon special) and JL Audio. I will use these for both music and HT, and my mains are B&W 802D3. The Rel seems with their high level connections seem to help integrate with the mains based on my understanding. With the JL Audio, to better integrate a pair of subs for music and HT, would a CR-1 be required? Thanks.
Have you looked at B&W’s own DB1 or DB2 subs? They have a built in EQ and DSP to help integrate them with B&W speakers and your room.
Hi, I have not looked at B&W subs. My thought is both Rel or JL audio are more “specialized” subs manufacturers, so perhaps they produce better subs. But, you have a great point on integration using B&Ws all around. I will look into B&Ws subs as well.
No doubt, JL Audio and REL make good subs. That said, the B&W DB1 is very highly rated as well. I used one with my 804D2s. It sounded great, was very easy to ingrate with my speakers and room, and had opposing drivers which cancel vibrations. Only a select few subs have the last feature.
No, the CR1 is not required tho it makes life much easier switching between 2 channel and home theater with the touch of one button. I originally bought for that purpose at first and I was shocked on the difference it made with two channel. Once dialed in and I’m still tweaking but eliminating the low frequencies to the main speakers is a game changer and the seamless blend of the subwoofer disappears in the system and makes the speakers sound great! I do believe from experience IMO the REL’s blend easier with main speakers with the way REL connects them into the system.
Thank you Nortonkp and Paul for the insights. I will see if there are dealers near I live (Phoenix, AZ) that have these subs for demo.
I am also using that one.