JL Audio Gotham V2 G213

The JL Audio Gotham V2 G213 is a subwoofer designed for the most demanding home cinema installations. Its enclosure is made from 52 mm thick fibreglass, a construction whose rigidity is comparable to that of a partition wall, intended to limit unwanted cabinet resonances under high loads.

The stated power output reaches 4500 W RMS in short-term operation, a figure that reflects the ability of the built-in amplification to respond to the dynamic peaks of a sound programme without limiting the level. The frequency response extends from 14 Hz to 150 Hz (measured at –10 dB), placing the unit among the deepest infrasonic bass performers, beyond what most domestic subwoofers offer.

This type of subwoofer is aimed at high-end home cinema installations, where the objective is to reproduce low-frequency effects with an extension and control that more modest speakers cannot achieve. The weight of 163 kg and the dimensions of 546 x 867 x 610 mm (W x H x D) call for careful consideration of the listening space, this format being suited to a dedicated room or a large home cinema lounge.

When buying this type of unit second-hand, several points deserve attention. It is worth checking the condition of the built-in amplification, a critical element given the power delivered, as well as the proper functioning of all the signal processing controls on the top panel. The integrity of the fibreglass cabinet should also be checked, particularly for any absence of cracks or deformation linked to the unit's considerable weight and to any impacts during previous handling.

It is also recommended to test the available inputs, whether the unbalanced RCA connection or the balanced XLR connection, as well as the XLR output intended for daisy-chaining with a second subwoofer in slave configuration, to ensure that no connector has suffered from intensive use.