Outlaw ICBM-1 Review + 2ch sub integration story (56k warn)

[meuge]

History

For the past month or so I've been trying out various options for integrating my
HSU VTF-2 subwoofer into my 2-channel system. My RF-3IIs reach pretty deep, but
their bass just lacked the musical reach or the punch I was looking for. I
originally purchased the subwoofer about a month ago and had done so out of
impulse when I found one for only $300 shipped on Audiogon. I didn't give much
thought to integrating the subwoofer into the system, since I fully intended to
use it in-line with the speakers, using high-level inputs and outputs.

When I received the subwoofer, constructed the
additional pair of speaker cables, and connected the setup I was very
unpleasantly surprised. The sound became boxy, the low end was loose, and to my
dismay, my pride - the huge soundstage provided courtesy of the Aragon 28k and
B&K amp, had shrunk to a 3-foot area in the middle between my speakers.
Furthermore, it was clear that there was also a significant loss of detail,
including higher frequency detail, such as backup guitars/keyboards.
Essentially, the sound went back to quality similar to when I was using a cheap
receiver.

Obviously I was not satisfied with this
outcome. After a few days of experimentation with phase, gain, crossover
settings, and etc. I had gotten back much of the soundstage, but did nothing for
the detail. Since this was unacceptable, I decided I was going to try something
different. I connected the subwoofer to the alternate pre-out of my Aragon 28k,
in parallel with the speakers. To prevent large peaks in overlapping
frequencies, I rolled off the low frequencies at the source (using Foobar2000 EQ),
then set the sub crossover to 40Hz, and raised the gain to compensate for the
rolloff (since the sub received the same signal as the mains). This was sort of
a duct-tape type of a solution, but it did gain much of the detail back.
However, even after days of experimentation, the sub was still clearly
distinguishable from the speakers and the integration was still far from
complete.

I was very frustrated, and was looking at
external crossovers. During that search I came upon a very interesting product
from Outlaw Audio - a company that is virtually synonymous with 'value hifi'.
The ICBM-1 is a rack-type 6.1ch purely analog crossover.

Build Quality/Overview

The ICBM is seen here, sitting on top of my MSB Link III DAC. The box is
standard 18" wide and is fairly shallow, at around 8-9" deep. Build quality
appears to be excellent. Connections on the back are gold-plated and far enough
from each other to allow use of very large cables if one wants to. There
are 7 inputs - for 6 speaker channels as well as LFE, as well as filtered
outputs of all 6 speaker channels, as well as 2 subwoofer outputs. There are
small rubber feet under the unit that look sturdy and allow it to safely rest on
top of other equipment.

Here's another look at the unit sitting in my
rack:

Configuration Options

Crossover options can be set in increments of 20Hz from 40Hz to 120Hz. The
settings can be independently adjusted for every channel. Furthermore, there are
two more knobs at the front, which allow the user to set the gain on the LFE
outputs as well as the relative mixing of LFE and the rest of the signal. Behind
the unit, there are 3 additional switches. One allows the user to select whether
they want to use mono or stereo LFE outputs (there are L/R jacks available). The
other allows switching between a gentle 12dB slope or a special sharp 36dB
curve. And finally, the third switch allows for LFE info to be passed to mains
as well as to the subwoofer, for those situations when you want bass
reinforcement, not replacement.

Sound Quality

I have to admit that I continue to be surprised by this unit. The reviews I read
all suggested that the unit produces a very low level of insertion loss and
noise and I can testify to that. Even at 1 o'clock on my preamp and a mean SPL
of about 100dB, I cannot hear ANY noise from the very sensitive tweeters of the
RF-3IIs over the ambient noise of the room. This was my chance to test out some
new interconnects* (see below) and like I said - there was no audible noise.

The unit does its job of managing the bass
exquisitely well. After some experimentation I had settled on using the sharp
36dB slope and crossing the subwoofer at 40Hz. The high frequency detail was
back, as well as the soundstage, which became all the richer. The low end detail
is wonderful - the drums especially, since not only can I feel their impact, but
I can also hear the note being played. With some experimentation I was able to
get rid of using Foobar's EQ altogether, by compromising to having 25Hz-17.5kHz
@ +/-6dB (+/- 3dB most of the way). I initially intended to run the crossover at
60Hz, but I found that my speakers provided somewhat better detail for the 20Hz
between 40 and 60, and 40Hz turned out to be the better setting. Using the
subwoofer level knob I compared the sound with the subwoofer at -10dB vs 0dB
(one can boost it to +5dB). I also turned the subwoofer on and off during the
same piece several times to ensure that I could tell the difference. Turning off
my amp, I could hear the subwoofer playing alone and it was doing a great job
with the lows.

Conclusion

Overall I am very pleased with this $250 piece of equipment. For the money it
does a great job and provides bass management options akin to the more expensive
receivers/processors. Furthermore, since the crossover is done in analog, there
is no quality loss due to an extra analog->digital->analog conversion. I highly
recommend it to anyone who wants to integrate a subwoofer into a pure 2ch
system, as well as to those who want to upgrade the bass management features of
their receiver/processor.

Addendum

*This was a great opportunity to try out new interconnects. This has nothing
to do with the ICBM-1 (except maybe for keeping the signal intact between pieces
of equipment), but I felt like showing off.

The cable is based on a twisted pair design.
Two 22-gauge OFC conductors are covered with a 95% coverage copper braid shield,
and 0.7mm PVC tubing, as well as a mylar braid, both of which are terminated at
the source end of the cable (seen in the inset). The RCA plugs are Dayton Audio
from partsexpress.com and WBT 4% silver-bearing solder was used throughout. For
cosmetic reasons, the entire cable is enclosed in white TechFlex, and the ends
are sealed with adhesive-lining heatshrink. The DC resistance of the cable is a
mere 0.1 ohms, compared to a set of Monster interconnects my friend paid $100
for, which measure at 0.7 ohms. Yes I know that DC resistance of this cable
probably doesn't mean much, but I do not have the equipment to measure impedance
or capacitance, and I wanted to see some numbers (the scientist in me speaking).
I replaced all of my previous cables with these and I fully intend to keep them
forever (or at least until I get curious enough to try silver). These work
really well, and provided a noticeable improvement when A/B'd against
RadioShack Gold patch cables.

-------------------------------------------------------

Phew... this was undoubtedly my longest post,
and I'd love to hear your replies.

[Q-Man]

It is a nice piece. I've been using one for about 3 years now in a home theater set up. I used it between my receiver and power amps. My receiver only had one fixed x-over point and it was way to high for my liking. The ICBM allowed me to use 40Hz. x-over points. Since it is between the receiver and power amps, it also works great for SACD's & DVD-Audio.

I'm now getting a new AV/Processor that should be able to do the same. If it doesn't then the ICBM will be going back into the chain.

[meuge]

*bump

after all that typing, and there's only one reply?

~sniffle~

[mark1101]

Nice review and very interesting. Where did you buy the ICBM?

[meuge]

I bought it directly from Outlaw. It was about $270 w. shipping and I received it within 48 hours of my order.

[Chris Robinson]

Meuge, don't you hate it when someone throws a party and no one shows up?

I, for one, thought it was a GREAT post. I've had this issue myself and found it to be an informative post worth filing into the archives (my Pilot ... Darn, I have a LIBRARY in there )

The reason for the small post count is that this is a specific issue that addresses a smaller audience, but many have read it and made a mental note. Take comfort in that.

Again, thanks for an informative post!