Energy Speaker Systems ES-12XL Subwoofers
Energy Speaker Systems ES-12XL Subwoofers
USER REVIEWS
[Jul 12, 2007]
Silverti
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
longevity. Excellent quality professional box. Still works great in 2007..
Weakness:
I have heard it bottom out on hard core rap songs such as Sir Mix-a-lot Testarosa. I've had this sub for at least 7+ years now. Its gone through a lot of upgrades on my HT. Im ust say that I have had very few problems with it in any way plaing music or movies. I have taken it with me from my old house to my new house (which is very sound proof). In my first house, from the bonus room upstairs, it would rattle dishes in my neighbors house (not attached, 40 feet away) In the new house with much better sound proofing, my neighbors have complained that they can hear it in the middle of their house (40 feet away through multiple walls). I still absolutly love the thing and have no plans to replace for some time.
Similar Products Used: none for some time. |
[Jan 21, 2003]
jamey
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
fit and finish, value, low frequency response, very adjustable, (4 different settings)phase, level, cross over, ect
Weakness:
none noticed, maybe physical size? I just recently upgraded to this subwoofer from an old toshiba 10'. I was looking for something in this price range ($600 cdn) or $400 us. The energy sub that i bought is actually the e:xl-s12 which is a ported 12' subwoofer with a 150watt (rms) amplifier. The frequency range rated by the company for this subwoofer is 20hz- and up which, if its honest, is quite a bit lower that most of the subs in this price range. Although it is not servo-controlled (i.e. electronic feedback of the subs performance to a control circuit) it has so far handled everything ive thrown at it with aplomb. It is probably too much sub for my 2 bedroom apartment, but i will not be here forever so... The fit and finish is excellent, the finish on the cabinet is miles ahead of subs 3 times as expensive. Energy is a respected brand and a good canadian manufacturer. I have not noticed any problems with excessive port noise, in fact i have never heard any port noise at all. One thing about subwoofers, its hard to demo in the store as they sound completely different at home due to the acoustic signature of your space. I am completely happy with this sub so far, its sublime when it has to be, but is capable of the gut wrenching bass required with the higher output LFE tracks of todays home theater systems. It also comes with screw in carpet spikes to give it a firm footing, also important for crisp response |
[Jul 22, 2002]
Jeff
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Great sound, good looks.
Weakness:
Older sub, may be better ones out there for $600? I got this on clearance; $200 off. Compared with other subs costing much more from Velodyne, etc. Looks great, classy polished top. Great for movies, music (alternative, classic rock / world music / classical). Comes with spikes to replace the rubber feet; helps a bit on carpet. With phase and crossover settings can be made to match with any speakers or room accoustics. I have had it for four years now and am still impressed! Similar Products Used: Infinity |
[Nov 16, 1999]
Timothy Kriebel
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Clean powerful lows, particularly with Movies
Weakness:
None Replaced a Velodyne 1012 with this to integrate with my Take 5 system, and the results were incredible. This sub is extremely flexible, and powerful. It is even subtle enough to handle small punches that may be present. Great with music as well. Energy makes a solid, well performing product. Similar Products Used: Velodyne and KLH Subs |
[Mar 18, 2000]
Bryan
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Great construction, plethora of inputs, not overwhelming, beautiful cabinet
Weakness:
It's big? If your looking for a good sub, at a not so outrageous price check this one out. There is a difference between the ES-12XL and the Exl-S12. The latter has a bigger magnet, smaller box, and is ported to get the bass a touch deeper. I have the 8in version of the ported design (demoted to second room bass support)as well and on sequences of extreme bass, you could hear air rippling out of the port as that little 8incher flailed away. Don't get me wrong the Exl-S8 is a good little sub, but compared to the ES-12xL there's a night and day difference. The enclosed box makes placement a little easier. It also handles whatever you throw at it. Since I have large main speakers (go down to 30Hz on their own) I only use the sub for movies. If you want a good sub test try DAS BOOT:the director's cut. I guess the best way to describe the difference between my old sub and my new sub is to compare a boom to a shake. Deep explosions take on a whole new character, but no, your house won't fall apart. Give it a test drive if you can find one. Similar Products Used: ExL-S8 from Energy |
[Dec 16, 2000]
Bob
Casual Listener
Have debated over and over again on whether this was a good buy. I have come to the conclusion that it was. |
[Nov 28, 2000]
Peter
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
solid, nice cabinet, deep bass
Weakness:
not as loud as expected for price. I bought this sub a couple of weeks ago and i like it but i'm still woundering if the velodyne ct-120 would be a better buy. i've heard so many things about it that are good about it, but it is and extra 200 can. can somebody who has heard both email me and tell me if it is all that much better and worth the extra money. |
[Dec 01, 2001]
JOE GARCIA
Audiophile
Strength:
ITS THERE
Weakness:
NOT GOOD WITH MUSIC, JUST MOVIES I GOT THIS SUB LAST WEEK. HAVING B&W SPEAKERS, I EXPECTED THIS SUB TO BE ON PAR. WRONG. I LIKED IT ON MY MOVIES, BUT WHEN I PUT ON CD'S IT LACKED THE REFINEMENT THAT I AM USED TOO. I WAS ONLY USING IT FOR MOVIES AFTER, AND SHUTING IT OFF FOR MUSIC. I REALLY DID NOT CARE FOR IT. BUT THEN, A THOUGHT HIT MY MIND, I HAD A LEGACY 12" SUB IN MY CATS BEDROOM. IT IS A 4OHM KEVLAR (YELLOW TOO LIKE MY B&W'S!) MONSTER, THAT I SWAPED OUT THE ORIGINAL. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! THE BASS HITS DOWN NOW TO A TRUE AND TESTED 23HZ, AND IT IS TWICE AS FAST AND ACCURATE. IT HAS CHANGED THE SOUND COMPLETELY. I RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE SUBS, TO TRY SOMETHING LIKE THIS, AND SEE IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE TO YOU. LIKE I SAID, I NOW CAN USE IT FOR MY MUSIC, WITHE THE SPEED AND CLARITY HITTING THE BASS STRING NOTES, AND ACTUALLY FEELING EACH ONE AND HEARING THEM NOW! WELL I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT IT IS STILL A ENERGY AMP, BUILT IN, AND THAT IS FINE. A GREAT SUB (NOW). Similar Products Used: B&W |
[Jun 14, 1999]
Sean Chau
an Audio Enthusiast
This is a great subwoofer. The bass sounds really tight.I like it very much for music as well as HT. |
[Jul 03, 1999]
S.West
an Audio Enthusiast
I recently picked up this sub for a great price and love it! Originally I was looking at the EXL 10" sub, however I got such a great deal that I am glad I stepped up. Compared to the 10", this sub has the additional crossover controls that let you tweak the tightness and crossover. The casing is very nice and I know that this sub compared very well against the very expensive Velodyne 15" sub. It in a nut shell, it is 5 speakers all the way: Price, performance, and looks. |