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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.
128x128larry5729
jl35
3,980 posts
 

a single REL S5/SHO immediately made a nice improvement to my large tower speakers...I added another a year later, and also an immediate benefit...I used a T/9i with Magnepans in a smaller room and also, immediate quite noticeable improvement...have also used the REL T/Zero lll with small monitors and they add a nice bit of lower frequencies, though not typical "subwoofer" but quite enjoyable...

m-db's avatar
m-db
971 posts
 

dadork, clearly, your not a dork.

The improvements I think your seeking can be accomplished with the sub and room relationship, third party monitoring and equalization products using your subwoofer low level inputs. Unfortunately your subwoofers low frequency response has its limits in comparison to many other brands. 

Regardless, there aren't many low frequency rules. Your satisfaction is everything. Good luck with it.

solsticemuzix
4 posts
 

Recently purchased a REL T5x to replace a PSB 125 sub. So far, the difference is that my front (and center) speakers are much more resolute and prominent. Best I can describe it is that it’s almost as if I’m finally hearing my front speakers for the first time ever. They’re way more prominent n’ present than before. It’s bizarre & mind bending. The REL enhances the fronts in a way that has me completely confused. Nonetheless, the PSB is ported, so I do kinda miss it’s longer & bolder bass extension, I think? 🤔

larry5729's avatar
larry5729 OP
1,008 posts
 

I can’t believe such an old discussion started up again.  At the time I first listened to a REL t9 matched with a pair of Vienna Acoustics Mozart speakers.  The Mozart’s already played down low and the small REL t9 was not able to be detected.  Right now I am pairing two REL SHO’s with a pair of Paradigm Prestige 85F speakers.  I can’t believe what the REL’s added.  The trick is to set the REL’s at the correct volume with the right crossover settings.  REL’s high level connection technology is genius.  The moment you can detect subwoofers they are too loud.  They need to act like additional woofers to seamlessly blend in.  My sound stage suddenly appeared.   

dmbwire
44 posts
 

It is obvious while reading through this thread that some expect subwoofers to create unrealistic low-end bass that is beyond what was created in the recording; similar to a car stereo. The other half realizes that subwoofers support the system and play the low end extension that the mains are incapable of producing. The synergy between the mains and subs should be seamless; not noticeable. Some of the best sounding two channel systems I’ve ever heard had REL sub(s). I can certainly attest to the dramatic difference a single REL T7x made in my 2 channel office setup in a small room (13’ x 11’ x 9’). Another huge benefit of a sub(s) is the full sound at low listening levels. Lastly, I’ve owned SVS 2000 and JL Audio e112’s and neither were close to providing the sound quality of the REL. 

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