Maryland Subwoofer Listening Session

Maryland Subwoofer Listening Session

The Subwoofer line-up: Turbosound TSW-718, LAB12, Turbosound 21", Clair ML18, Peavey QW218, Danley TH-115, Danley TH-mini, JTR Speakers Growler, Yorkville UCS1, Yorkville LS-1208.

I like to thank Jim Bowersox for hosting the event and everyone that brought in or provided subwoofers for the event.  I would also like to publicly thank Yorkville for sending out an LS-1208, and Danley Sound Labs for sending out the TH-minis and new Danley Floor Wedge.

The frequency response tests of each subwoofer (and pairs of subs if we had them available) were measured using SMAART6 with an Earthworks measurement microphone connected through a USBpre interface.  The .zip archive of the tests is attached to this page at the link below.  Feel free to download them.  I will be posting the graphs here after I sort out some SMAART issues.

Other than the frequency measurements taken, the vast majority of the listening session was very unscientific.  We did not try to compensate for impedance or frequency response issues.  We also did not match SPL between the cabinets during the listening tests.  Most of the comparisons were made by quickly switching between up to four sets of cabinets at a time (only changing which cabinet(s) was connected to the amplifier). 

I was one of the attendees that mentioned decent performance could be achieved by any of the subs that were in attendance.  These were all quite capable subs and used for their intended purposes shouldn't let anyone down.  Now on to the dirt.  I didn't take detailed notes so I'm only going to comment on the boxes that I paid attention to:

JTR Speakers Growler 2008 - $895

I liked the sound of the Growlers before and think Jeff improved them even more in their latest revision.  They seemed fairly efficient and well balanced.  These are good options where portability and budget are concerned.

Danley Sound Labs TH-mini - List $1295 ($1425 for flyable version)

I was quite impressed with the amount of low-end that came out of these boxes.  They aren't much bigger than most computer towers and yet they would fill the room with a nice pleasing low-end.  Their response does drop off down really low but they should work incredibly well for anyone looking for super compact but great sounding subs.  As Ivan mentioned, these are geared for super portable systems or space constrained installs. 

Yorkville UCS1 - List $899

The UCS1's are not the loudest or deepest subs out there.  But what they do, I think they do pretty well.  I think they fit in very well with the Yorkville Unity line in regards to sound quality and value for the dollar.  Paired with Yorkville U15 top cabinets I think they make a great system.

Yorkville LS-1208 - List $1249

These are perfect for DJ's or bands looking to add a nice round bottom to their rigs on a budget.  I agree that they aren't the tightest subs out there but for a booming kick drum or modern dance music these work incredibly well for the money.  Their downside is of course their size and weight.   They are fairly easy to tilt back and roll though with their built-in wheels and handles.

Danley Sound Labs TH-115 - Pro Net $2255

During the listening sessions I remarked to Ivan that, "Every time I fire up the TH-115's, I'm reminded why I bought them."  To my ears the best sounding subs in attendance were the TH-115's and the LAB Subs.  Both models were designed by Tom Danley.  The TH-115's are tight sounding subs that reach down to the mid-30's without breaking a sweat.  I think they are very well balanced and handle most types of music well.  The TH-115's provide a great value when factoring in their size, efficiency, and scalability.

LAB Sub - Not available commercially - DIY

The LAB Subs are very large and very potent subwoofers.  If you're looking for high SPL bass, have lots of truck space, and aren't affraid to make some saw dust, these are your subs!  The LABs sound very good and effortlessly went down to the mid-30's.  Unfortunately their large size is their curse and makes them impractical for most potential end users. 

 Frequency Response Graphs of SINGLE subs:

Graph of two of each model of subs (when available):