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 2 responses by stevehardy1

I have 2  Sumiko S.9 subs which share the same technology as the Rel Ti9. Sumiko owns Rel & they're remarkably similar in design, specs & sound.  Paired with my Maggie 1.7i, one unit made a big improvement. Adding a second unit was markedly better. I have both subs on a wall switched outlet, so I can turn them on & off simultaneously to instantly compare the Maggies with & without the extended low end. The difference is huge.  The name escapes me now but I bought them from a retailer advertising the Sumikos for sale here on audiogon. I pushed hard & was able to get them fir $650 each shipped. I think the dealer is in Michigan. I'll try to find the paperwork & post their name. I got them about 3 months ago.
The Sumiko dealer I mentioned before is Paragon Sight & Sound. Sumiko isn't making subs any longer so the prices were low due to them being discontinued. I believe the Sumiko designed subs are now being made by Sonus Faber with a big price increase.