| Linn Sizmik 12.45 Subwoofer |
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| Home Theater Loudspeakers Subwoofers | |||||||||||||||||||
| Written by Bryan Southard | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday, 01 February 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||
Page 3 of 3 The Downside The Linn Sizmik has its controls on the back of the unit. This is not uncommon, as the manufacturers don’t want to ruin the aesthetics of the product. Most have attenuator knobs and buttons that are somewhat easy to manipulate when the sub is positioned in corners and against walls. However, the Sizmik’s controls are not so easy to use. It has a button that needs to be pushed to cycle through the adjustment modes. This cannot be done without physically looking at the small display, meaning that you will need to pull the sub out to make even a simple volume adjustment. Not an issue in some cases, but my system has been EQ’d by Bob Hodas and moving something that has been precisely placed is far from desirable. Additionally, the symbols used for each mode made little sense to me, which meant that the manual needed to be used for reference every time I needed to make an adjustment. There are a lot of adjustable parameters, so it is to be expected that there would be an additional degree of complication in adjustment, but in this case, I would prefer that these controls be located aesthetically in the front, where they would be most accessible. Many manufacturers are limiting the available veneer options to a select few to save on expensive inventory in these lean times. In the case of the Sizmik, you have only four options. They are great-looking but some may struggle to match their existing décor. The Sizmik has phase control, but only provides two modes, including in and 180 degrees out of phase. I prefer variable phase, as it provides better flexibility in matching a variety of rooms and sub positioning. I was able to achieve balance, yet missed the availability of added tweaking. Conclusion At nearly $3,000, the Linn Sizmik is not without competitors. Immediately coming to mind is the impressive Revel B15 at the same price and, most recently, the Revel Sub 30 at a considerably higher price. All three provide equalization for best integration into your room – a hugely important feature to gain optimal performance. Although I have never had the Revel subs in my system, I have heard them in other familiar reference rooms. My thought is that the Revels are capable of more energy and therefore could create more pressure in the largest rooms, but the Sizmik will match them in overall balance and agility. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Sizmik into the most high-performance A/V systems. The qualities that make a sub great are openness, balance, agility, power, transparency and quickness, and the Sizmik provided all of these effortlessly. Its finishes are great although limited. My opinion is that this sub can make an aesthetic mix in most homes. If you are looking for a blend of power and agility and are tired of hearing a sub stand out due to poor integration and performance, the Sizmik 12.45 is very likely your savior. From music to movies, this sub provided a blend of accuracy and control I had not before experienced in my system.
3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."
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