Set-up
I tested the LFM-2 in my small 1500 ft3 home theater room which is treated
with bass traps. After experimenting with a few different room locations, I
found that placing the subwoofer about one foot away from the front right
corner gave the best overall response. The sub was matched with an Infinity TSS 750 satellite system. I bypassed the LFM-2's low pass filter and set the
digital crossover on my receiver to 80 Hz with speakers set to Small. The
phase switch was set to the 00 position.
Frequency Response Linearity
Measurements were performed with a Radio Shack digital SPL meter six feet
away from the sub. The test was done with test tones at 1/12 octave
resolution. Radio Shack meter correction factors courtesy of Ilkka Rissanen
were applied. These correction factors can also be found on Internet forums. As can be seen in the graph below, the response was 20 Hz to 75 Hz
± 4 dB.
With Movies
I enjoyed testing the LFM-2 with action movies. I was really impressed with
the performance that this feisty little sub could deliver. It could reach
down and play the low notes like the heftier more expensive subs will, and
also had good projection in the midrange. Blending with the satellite
speakers was also very good, and in many cases seamless.
Star Wars Episode II – The Attack of the Clones (DD-EX 5.1)
In the scene entitled Asteroid Chase (Time Stamp 1:07:02 – 1:09:37), the
seismic charges and missiles hit their targets, and the sound coming from the
subwoofer delivered a strong full ranged impact. I was impressed with the
amount of bass that the LFM-2 could deliver.
The Arena (Time Stamp 1:45:20 – 1:49:50) is one of the coolest sequences in
the movie and has lots of bass information coming from the fights with the
various creatures and the percussive soundtrack. There was deep bass
extension from the movements and growls of the rhino creature, and the
driving strikes of the crab creature were quick and punchy with strong
impact.
The Incredibles – Dolby Digital 5.1
Mr. Incredible engages the Omnidroid robot for the first time in a explosive
action scene called Nomanisan (Time Stamp 37:31 – 39:56). There was good
impact and bass extension during the various impacts from the Omnidroid. The
performance from the LFM-2 made the scene as exciting as it was intended to
be.
During the climactic scene, Omnidroid Attacks (Time Stamp 1:33:35 – 1:34:07),
the LFM-2 belted out the deep sounds of the force beam holding up an
18-wheeler with good sustain and commendable output. In The Incredibles vs
the Omnidroid (Time Stamp 1:36:58 – 1:41:22), the room was filled with the
various crushing sounds of the Omnidroid colliding with its environment. The
LFM-2 kept pace wonderfully, playing the sounds with speed and accuracy.
With Music
The LFM-2 had nice dynamics and balance which make it suitable for many
different musical styles. It can play deep notes even down to 25 Hz which is
suitable for almost every type of music. The tonality and
articulation of notes was very good. There is a slight roundness to the
character of the sound, and it's also a little bit pronounced and forward. I
imagine that people who like the "in your face sound" will like this
subwoofer for these qualities.
Oysterhead's
The Grand Pecking Order, Elektra/Wea, 2001 takes three highly talented
musicians and sets them loose on a recording of amazing technical
performances combined with the freedom of being as far out and silly as the
musicians like. The band consists of Les Claypool (of Primus) on electric
bass guitar, Trey Anastasio (of Phish) on electric guitar, and former Police
drummer Stewart Copeland. This is a great subwoofer album, because Les
Claypool is a master of the electric bass guitar and tends to be very
experimental with use of subsonic material.
On tracks like "Mr. Oysterhead" and "Rubberneck Lions" the walking bass
lines were played smoothly and evenly, and the kick drum notes sounded tight
and punchy. The LFM-2 gave these tracks the kind of driving sound that a lot
of people who enjoy rock music will like.
On the tracks "Radon Balloon" and "Army on Ecstasy" the midrange subwoofer
notes were forward and pronounced and had a lot of presence. A sealed
subwoofer system is typically a little tighter or quicker when it comes to
playing high speed passages, but the LFM-2 was definitely no slouch, and it
kept pace with the high velocity notes that Claypool and Copeland dished
out.
On the title track "The Grand Pecking Order", the deep bass extension was
great, and there was plenty of impact. The LFM-2 was proving it could play all
the different ranges with evenness and accuracy.
Grant
Green's Standards, Blue Note Records, 1998. Grant Green on guitar, Wilbur
Ware on bass and Al Harewood on drums round out this trio for a recording
that is filled with genuine emotion and an approach to playing music where
less is more and every note counts. I found when I backed off the volume a
little bit, the LFM-2 gave a natural and smooth sound to this album. The
overall performance was relaxing and warm, which is the way jazz music is
intended to be.
On track 1, "You Stepped Out of a Dream", there was a very nice even sound on
the walking bass line. The acoustic bass material sounded natural with a lot
of warmth. Each bass note had proper balance and was projected cleanly onto
the soundstage.
On track 2, "Love Walked In", the LFM-2 played all the notes with good
tonality. Each note was precise and separate from the next, and there wasn't
any muddiness or excessive overhang.
I also tested the LFM-2 with some rap and electric music, and the performance
was very good from this small subwoofer. The deep bass extension of the
LFM-2 made the music of 50 Cent, Cypress Hill, and DJ Real sound powerful.
Conclusions
Bass lovers who are on a tight budget would find a lot to like about the
LFM-2. The subwoofer features strong output over a wide frequency range,
making it a suitable and entertaining choice for both movies and music. The
sound is forward and pronounced, but is also cleanly articulated, so it really
is a fine choice for those who wish bass to be a prominent part of the
playback material. Consumers can also utilize Outlaw Audio's 30
day risk free guarantee to take a little test drive (shipping not included).
When it comes to a performance subwoofer that is designed for small rooms
and modest budgets, the LFM-2 hits the mark dead on. It provides lots of
bass output, with a smooth response across the frequency range that belies
its size and price. I can't imagine many $300 subwoofers with the
versatility and output of the LFM-2.
- Adrian Wittenberg -