Product Review
 

Outlaw Audio LFM-2 Subwoofer

Part I

May, 2006

Adrian Wittenberg

 

Specifications:

● Ported Enclosure, Down-firing Driver
Driver: 8"
Amplifier Power: 150 Watts RMS; 800W Peak BASH
MFR: 25 Hz - 180 Hz ± 2 dB
Dimensions: 17" H x 11.25" W x 16.5" D
Weight: 37 Pounds
MSRP: $299 (2 for $549)

Outlaw Audio
www.outlawaudio.com

Secrets Home Theater and Audio Review - Vault

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.

© Copyright 2006 Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity

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