Introduction
The Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer is the flagship model in Perlisten's Reference series of subwoofers. Designed to deliver exceptional bass performance and low distortion, this subwoofer promises an immersive and powerful audio experience. With its cutting-edge features and stylish design, the R212s aims to elevate your home theater setup to new heights. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of this subwoofer to determine if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality
The Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer boasts a sleek and high-end design with its gloss black squared cabinet. The clean lines and modern aesthetic make it a visually appealing addition to any home theater setup. However, it is worth noting that the lack of a front grille may not be suitable for those who prefer a concealed driver cone. Additionally, the gloss finish tends to attract dust and reflections, which might require periodic cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance.
In terms of build quality, the R212s impresses with its well-built enclosure made from high-density fiberboard. This sturdy construction not only enhances durability but also minimizes resonance and unwanted vibrations. The subwoofer feels solid and robust, ensuring that it can withstand the test of time.
The size of the R212s might be a consideration for some users. While its dimensions make it suitable for larger rooms, it may not be the ideal choice for smaller spaces. However, for those with limited room to spare, the R212s offers performance comparable to larger subwoofers, making it a viable option for luxury apartments or bedrooms.
Features and Controls
The Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer comes equipped with a 2.4" LCD color touchscreen, providing easy control and adjustment of settings. The intuitive interface allows users to navigate through various options with ease, ensuring a hassle-free user experience. The touchscreen adds a touch of modernity to the subwoofer's design and simplifies the process of customizing audio settings according to personal preferences.
One of the standout features of the R212s is its extensive controls and fine-tuning options. With a 10-band parametric equalizer, users have the freedom to shape the sound to their liking, allowing for precise adjustments to match their specific audio preferences. This level of control is especially valuable for audiophiles and enthusiasts who demand a tailored audio experience.
In terms of connectivity, the R212s offers multiple input and output options, including unbalanced RCAs and balanced XLRs. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio systems, making integration into existing setups a breeze. Whether you prefer wired connections or require balanced outputs for optimal audio quality, the R212s provides the necessary flexibility to meet your requirements.
For added convenience, the Perlisten subwoofer control app allows users to control and manage the R212s remotely. Compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems, this app provides a seamless and intuitive interface for adjusting settings, accessing additional features, and streamlining the overall user experience. The app expands the functionality of the subwoofer, offering an alternative control method for those who prefer the convenience of their smart devices.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer truly shines. It delivers a tremendous performance with impressive bass output and low distortion levels. Thanks to its innovative push-pull design, even-order harmonic distortions are significantly reduced, resulting in cleaner and more accurate bass reproduction. This design feature sets the R212s apart from its competitors, ensuring a more immersive and enjoyable audio experience.
The high-quality drivers equipped in the R212s further contribute to its outstanding performance. With glass fiber composite cones and an advanced suspension design, these drivers are capable of delivering precise and articulate bass response. The combination of exceptional driver construction and thoughtful engineering leads to a well-balanced and impactful soundstage.
Powering the R212s is a powerful 1.3kW RMS class-D amplifier. This robust amplifier not only provides ample power to drive the dual 12" drivers but also integrates sophisticated signal processing capabilities. With a 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor and a 48-bit data path DSP, the R212s offers advanced signal processing, resulting in enhanced clarity, accuracy, and overall audio performance.
One of the standout qualities of the R212s is its ability to maintain excellent long-term output compression and low distortion levels. This ensures that the subwoofer consistently delivers consistent and precise bass response, even during demanding listening sessions. Whether you're watching an action-packed movie or enjoying your favorite music, the R212s excels in reproducing deep and impactful bass frequencies with minimal distortion.
The Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer is suitable for room sizes ranging from 3,000 cubic feet to 5,000 cubic feet. This versatility allows it to cater to a wide range of home theater setups, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. However, for larger rooms, users may need to consider additional subwoofers or opt for a higher-powered model to ensure optimal bass performance.
THX Certification
The Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer has achieved Dominus level THX certification as a two-unit system. This certification signifies that the subwoofer meets high-performance standards and maintains low distortion levels, ensuring an immersive and theater-like audio experience. THX certification assures users that the R212s has undergone rigorous testing and meets the stringent criteria set by THX, a reputable authority in audio and video quality. This certification adds an extra layer of assurance for those seeking top-notch audio performance.
Price and Value
While the Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer undoubtedly offers exceptional performance and a range of advanced features, it comes with a relatively high price point of $5,000. This places it in the premium category of subwoofers, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
However, it is essential to consider the value proposition of the R212s. The subwoofer delivers high-end performance and advanced features that justify its price for those who demand the best audio experience. The combination of accurate sound reproduction, indestructible construction, and the convenience of extensive controls and fine-tuning options make it a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
That said, for users with more modest budgets, there are alternative options on the market that offer similar subjective performance at a lower price. While these alternatives may not match the R212s in terms of build quality or advanced features, they can still provide a satisfying audio experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer offers exceptional performance, impressive bass output, and low distortion levels. Its innovative push-pull design, high-quality drivers, and powerful amplifier contribute to its outstanding audio reproduction capabilities. The extensive controls, fine-tuning options, and compatibility with the Perlisten subwoofer control app further enhance its versatility and convenience.
The R212s' THX certification adds an extra layer of assurance for those seeking high-performance standards and low distortion levels. However, the subwoofer's high price point may deter some potential buyers, especially those on a budget. While it delivers excellent performance and advanced features, users with more modest requirements may find alternative options that offer similar subjective performance at a lower price.
Overall, the Perlisten Audio R212s Subwoofer is a top-tier offering in the reference subwoofer category, delivering accurate sound reproduction, powerful bass, and a solid build quality. Its compact size and high-end performance make it a suitable choice for those with limited space who still desire a premium audio experience.
