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Can anyone hear the difference when you add REL subwoofers when playing two channel

I wonder if anyone else has had problems hearing a difference when adding REL subwoofers to their two channel systems?  I have gone back to a reputable dealer in town to listen to a pair of Vienna Acoustic Mozart's paired with a REL S3 and I couldn't detect a difference when they added and subtracted the REL.  I wonder if this was because the Vienna Acoustic Mozart's are already can extend down to 30 Hz.  I have also read reviews on the Mozart's and they said one of their criticisms was they felt the Mozart's to be too boomy in the bass.  

The dealer keeps telling me I am expecting to hear a more punchy pounding bass sound and that is not what I should be listening to.  He keeps saying I should be listening for greater depth and space to create a larger sound stage.  He went on to say if I had a subwoofer that delivered too much bass, they would eventually drive me out of the room and spoil my enjoyment of listening to music.  I thought I had sensitive ears to sound, but in this case I wonder if I am tone deaf.  My fear is getting a pair of T/9i's in my home and my wife telling me I wasted our money because she could not hear a difference. 

There must be a reason why so many dealers have told me their first pick would be a REL because they are so musical.

I also question why REL manufactures their subs with such low wattage?  For example, their S3 delivers only 400 watts and their T/9i's deliver just 300 watts.  When comparing them to  subwoofers like JL, which deliver 750 watts to $1500 watts, maybe REL subwoofers are just too wimpy.
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Showing 4 responses by b_limo

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
Quote from Larry... “I have finally made my decision. After a lot of research, I am going with two F12 Signature Rythmik subwoofers”

What did he end up with? 2 REL S3’s, lol.

Maybe he could answer his own original question!  Hey Larry, can you actually hear a difference?

And by the way, Rel T9i’s can llay really friggin’ low.  Not below 35hz is a joke
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
One Rel T9i absolutely rocks my friends 13’x14 room!  Bass that you can feel and hear as well.  Nice defined bass that adds a ton of dimensionality.

My brother picked up a pair of Sumiko S9’s for $1100 from Wally at Underwood HiFi and paired to the same Kef LS50 wireless as my friend with the Rel T9i and they are okay...  room dimensions, flooring material, and placement will play a huge role in how your Rel, or any sub for that matter, will sound.

When setting up the Rel, you should be able to tell just a slight difference in sound.  Fuller, more air and dimensionality, etc.  I can actually hear the difference a Rel makes to vocals, which seems strange to me, but I think there are many underlying deep bass notes that we don’t miss because we don’t know that they are even there, until they are.

I think you’d be happy with either a pair of T9i’s or Sumiko S9’s.  I usually prefer 2 subs over 1 since they seem to be easier to integrate in my experience.  But then again, that 1 Rel T9i absolutely rocks my friends smaller living room in a way I’ve never heard a home stereo sound.  Its quite engaging.


b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
Sounds like Larry is trying to get a job at Rythmik...

kind of lame that this turned into a rel bashing thread.

i’ve heard plenty of Rel’s that sounded great...
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
Im sure Rythmik subs are great, so are many others.  

I think which size sub, how many you get, where you place them, how you integrate / set them up (crossover, phase, volume), most importantly your room size / shape / acoustic properties all play a huge role.  Bass Traps and acoustic panels play big big roles.  I’ve also noticed that subs sound way better on concrete slab in basements.

Execution will get you far in this hobby. Thats part or what makes it fun.

Listening to as many other enthusiasts systems will give you a good basis for what sounds good.  I’m sure there are many $50,000 systems out there that don’t sound as good as a properly setup $15,000 system....
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