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Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

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Old 21-03-2009, 4:05 PM   #1
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Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Reviewed by Russell Williams
No subwoofer has proved so adept at blending movie bombast with musical finese, whilst occupying so little space in my room. The consistent ability to blend in so seemlessly across all program types often had me forgetting I was supposed to be listening to a subwoofer and I found myself suddenly at the end of a film I had meant to just watch a clip from, or similarly, several tracks through a CD when I intended only one. When enjoyment takes over from the actual process, then you know you are listening to something special.
Read the full review...

Last edited by Stuart Wright; 21-03-2009 at 5:20 PM.
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Old 21-03-2009, 4:51 PM   #2
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Nice review Russell. Shame it's so expensive
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Old 21-03-2009, 5:19 PM   #3
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

I spent 4 months with this beast of a subwoofer and have to agree with everything Russell says in his review. The performance levels are sublime and for a custom installation product it ticks all the right boxes for integration control. It is expensive, but the build quality and both music and movie performance is sublime. Yes some will go slightly lower, but not with as much discipline in every area.
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Old 21-03-2009, 5:21 PM   #4
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Fantastic review Russell

Sounds like a great subwoofer, I bet you didn't want to give that one back eh ?
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Old 22-03-2009, 9:13 AM   #5
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

As usual Russell outstanding review, and what a beautiful sub it is, by all accounts Aerial Acoustics make some excellent speakers and subs, very high end indeed
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Old 22-03-2009, 8:17 PM   #6
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Quote:
Originally Posted by paulst10 View Post
Fantastic review Russell

Sounds like a great subwoofer, I bet you didn't want to give that one back eh ?
I ducked, I dived, I failed to return PMs for nearly 3 months, but eventually it had to go.

Thanks for the kind comments chaps. I was a bit nervous about my first official review, so it's nice to know the effort is appreciated.
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Thanks from:
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Old 23-03-2009, 9:49 AM   #7
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Russell you have talent. I hope more companines take notice and pass you some gear to review.

ps... I enjoyed your xtc review ... and was pleased you pulled no punches when comparing to M&K
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Old 23-03-2009, 12:05 PM   #8
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Can you please try and get a Dynaudio sub to try out soon Russ.... i really want a review to get an honest opinion that actually goes in to detail!!!!

That looks a beast though!
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Old 03-04-2009, 9:27 AM   #9
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Great review Russell, you pretty much nailed the SW12 IMO. An absolute gem of a sub, shame I couldn't get it to sing as well in my room

One thing that you really notice with this sub is how much more detail there is within soundtracks. The infamous Flight of the Phoenix crash scene is such an assault on the ears (and body) but the AA picked out subtleties I hadn't noticed with other subs.

Adam

Last edited by AngelEyes; 03-04-2009 at 9:30 AM.
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Old 08-08-2009, 6:27 PM   #10
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Re: Aerial Acoustics Model SW12

Hi Russell,

I concur. Being a happy SW12 owner since 2003, it stands the test of time.

Unless they've changed it since then, I believe the high-pass filter is not actually continuously variable as reported, but has click stops at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 Hz. It's the 4th-order lowpass that is continuously variable from 30-100 Hz.

Cheers!
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