Short answer: the SVS SB16-Ultra. It ranks #63 of 97 subwoofers by sound quality at $2300; the JL Audio Fathom f113 ranks #64 and costs $2799, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the JL Audio Fathom f113 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 118.9 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 13.5” (343mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 501.6H x 419.1W x 488.9D mm cabinet and 59.0 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
What the SVS SB16-Ultra offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.1 dB at 20 Hz and 119.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 16” (406mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 508.0H x 495.3W x 510.5D mm cabinet and 55.3 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Buy the SVS SB16-Ultra. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JL Audio Fathom f113 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JL Audio Fathom f113 | SVS SB16-Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 | $2,300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #64 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #63 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 94.5 dB | 91.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 99.7 dB | 97.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB | 103.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.5 dB | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 112.8 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 117.0 dB | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.5 dB | 119.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.9 dB | 119.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.2 dB | 119.0 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.9 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Dimensions | 19.7"H x 16.5"W x 19.2"D (501.6 x 419.1 x 488.9 mm) | 20"H x 19.5"W x 20.1"D (508.0 x 495.3 x 510.5 mm) |
| Warranty | 3 | 5 |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen | Audioholics |
| Weight | 130.1 lbs / 59.0 kg | 121.9 lbs / 55.3 kg |
| Drivers | 13.5" (343mm) driver | 16" (406mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 86.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 119.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 119.8 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JL Audio Fathom f113: $2799 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 118.9 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 13.5” (343mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 501.6H x 419.1W x 488.9D mm cabinet and 59.0 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Full JL Audio Fathom f113 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.9 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 19.7"H x 16.5"W x 19.2"D (501.6 x 419.1 x 488.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 13.5" (343mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 94.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 99.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 117.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.2 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 130.1 lbs / 59.0 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
SVS SB16-Ultra: $2,300 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.1 dB at 20 Hz and 119.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 16” (406mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 508.0H x 495.3W x 510.5D mm cabinet and 55.3 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Full SVS SB16-Ultra review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 20"H x 19.5"W x 20.1"D (508.0 x 495.3 x 510.5 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 16" (406mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | 86.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 91.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 97.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 103.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 119.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 119.8 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 121.9 lbs / 55.3 kg |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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