Introduction
Outlaw Audio sells all of its products exclusively through the Internet. The
company consists of a group of engineers, product designers, and marketers
who design their products and then outsource them to be manufactured.
Through this process, the costs necessary to run a factory or to operate a
fancy brick and mortar store are cut and the savings can then go towards
selling the unit at a lower price. The final result is a product which is
intended to deliver more bang per buck to the consumer.
Outlaw Audio carries
four different receivers, five different amplifiers, two subwoofers, as well
as some cables and accessories.
The LFM-2 subwoofer, reviewed here, is a smaller, less expensive alternative to the
popular
LFM-1 subwoofer reviewed by Secrets in April 2004.
The LFM-2
features an 8" driver, a ported cabinet, and at $299 is almost half the
price of the original LFM-1.
Outlaw Audio designed this subwoofer to be
ideal for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, or dorms. While I was reading over
some of the Outlaw Audio literature, I noticed that they had considered
calling this product the LFM Junior, but decided against the name based on
its performance. After experiencing this product first hand, I have to agree
with their marketers; there isn't really anything junior about it, at least
sound wise. Let's take a closer look.
The Design
The
LFM-2 looks like a smaller version of the LFM-1. The cabinet is rectangular
with rounded edges and is finished in a smoky satin piano black. I was very
pleased with the finish, and it was smooth and seamless along all the edges
and sides. The cabinet measures 17" x 11.25" x 16.5" and weighs about 37
pounds. The size of this subwoofer make it an easy fit in just about any small
room.
Mounted on the top of the subwoofer is a glossy piece of smoked Plexiglas
that's shiny enough to give a reflection. Overall, the shiny top combined
with the smooth finish of the cabinet gives the subwoofer a classy
appearance that will integrate well into any decor.
Four threaded spikes and four dimpled discs are included for placement. The
heavy duty spikes measure 1.75" and keep the long-throw driver from
interfering with anything below the sub (heavy carpet for example). The
dimpled discs are included so the subwoofer can be placed on hardwood or
linoleum floors without scratching the surface.
The LFM-2 is a vented design, and both the 8" long-throw driver and single
port are mounted on the bottom of the cabinet. Mounting the port on the
bottom of the sub helps to reduce the audibility of port chuffing,
especially if the subwoofer is mounted on carpeting. The plastic port
recesses into the cabinet about 11" and is about 3" in diameter. The port is
flared on the outside, and the flare diameter is about 4". The LFM-2 has MDF
construction, and Polyfill is used inside the cabinet.
The
BASH amplifier is flush mounted on the rear of the sub, and all the controls
and connections of the sub are neatly arranged. The BASH amplifier is rated
at 150W continuous with an 800W peak.
The amplifier features are;
-auto on/off power switch
-0/180degree phase switch
-Low Pass Filter - 30 Hz – 90 Hz. with bypass switch
-line level input
-high level inputs and outputs
-replaceable fuse
-detachable power cord.
Overall, the build quality of the subwoofer is very good. I was satisfied
with the nice weight and comfortable feel of the knobs; the auto on/off
feature worked flawlessly, and the included power cord is heavy duty. I
thought the instruction manual was well laid out, and I found the included
suggestions on how to improve the response helpful. Outlaw Audio did a
really good job with their attention to detail, and the little extras that
they included with the subwoofer were a nice touch.
Click Here to Go to Part II.