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Gain level on a REL sub

Hi. I have purchase a REL R 218 sub to compliment my system and as far as sounding musical, I am happy. However, the gain is almost all the way up and I don feel that punch and slam I am looking for. Musically I am impressed with it but I still dont feel that level of impression overall. When I had the HSU STF-2, it was in a different league with in terms of impact and punch but for detail, the REL was better. My question now, Do you think I should try getting a another REL with the same model for a stereo pair or go with a different sub? My room is pretty small but it is treated with acoustic panels.
highend64

Showing 2 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,086 posts
 

My REL r305 is very similar and I’m running it speaker level from a 40 watt Integrated amp and I only have the volume 5 clicks up from zero and a low crossover and it is plenty loud and keeps up with a pair of 88dB sens speakers easily.   Just a few clicks up and it is way too loud.  12x 14 room , well treated 

it almost sounds like it’s not getting enough signal from the amp   For troubleshooting purposes I would strip it down to its most basic elements, no EQ    Just the amp, speakers, sub , and a good line level source  

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,086 posts
 

Correct, most REL especially any with Speakon connections are meant to be an extension of the speaker.  They call it a Sub bass system.  With careful tuning it does no harm to the Mid bass and mids.  You're only supposed to hear that low when called for.   For home theater it's a different story.  

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