S5 provides the Juice!
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.
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.
Showing 12 responses by bstatmeister
I would try with a broad range of music, just to be sure. Also, RELs in that price range don't hit down to 20Hz (T/9i) drops off at 28Hz - that could be the reason why not hearing much difference - although, like I said - could be choice of demo material, too. Try different styles of music. I think you have to go to the S5 to get down to 20Hz or even the next model up from that. talking big $ if you want the REL to plumb the depths |
might want to consider a Rythmik F18 then (better safe than sorry :) ): http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F18.html |
I believe it will only Throb with bass if the REL's low pass filter is "listening" for such frequencies. If the REL is set at 30Hz, but the Throb frequency is happenging at 40Hz, then the REL won't play it. That hum may well be the reverb/transient information and could be normal. Play music that for sure thumps at 28Hz then check again. Probably wouldn't want to get your ear right up to it. |
Would any good card carrying audiophile introduce one of these high pass filters into the signal chain if they want to off load some of the heavy lifting of the amp? What I might end up doing if I can't find 2 used Vandy 2wqs (with X-over), is to mimic the Vandersteen method but without paying the Vandersteen prices. (New SUB 3 just too much unfortunately). Thinking is to get the HSU x-over: http://hsuresearch.com/products/high-pass-filter.html And pair it with a Rythmik F12 http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12.html Could this sound as good as a SUB 3 or maybe even surpass it? What are your thoughts? |
Although, I do like the idea of off-loading woofer duty from the mains amp (up to 80Hz). Currently I am looking for a cheap but great high pass filter - so far, a couple folks have told me to buy a resistor and a capacitor to build one myself, DIY style, but I might prefer an already made solution. If anyone has any ideas please let me know... |