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I finally added a second REL Sub

It's taken me years to get to this point.  Subwoofers were 2-channel system blasphemy when I was coming up in the hobby.  As of today, I now have 2, REL T9is.  They are providing sub-bass and filling out the picture for Klipsch Cornwall IVs.  Even with a loudspeaker as massive and efficient as the Cornwall IV, they fill things out nicely.  

How pleasing it was to hear the two in unison.  I run them so low on crossover and volume that the only thing you hear is sweeter more extended highs against a fuller picture down low.  They are simply not audible in their own right.  Yes, it's true--good sub bass management helps treble and midrange.  

As a hack musician of 20 years or so, I can tune them by ear when I hear a well recorded kick drum, bass guitar and horns.  I tried tuning with mics and software but the good ol' ear does very well here.  

If you're on the fence about one or maybe a second you owe it to yourself to try it.  Is SWARM next? Doubtful.  This is, however, very pleasing indeed. 
jbhiller

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
For those in this thread who have tried one sub vs. two stereo sub, what did you gain by adding the second one? Was it worth double the cost?

But it doesn't have to be double the cost. That's the thing. The benefits of multiple subs are so great you will get better bass from 4 no matter what your budget. You simply have to recalibrate your thinking by looking at it differently.

For example, say you have one really really powerful great $4k sub. Will two at $8k be twice as good? I don't know. But I do know for certain you can get four subs for $4k that will walk all over any one sub, be it the $4k one or even $8k, or whatever. Doesn't matter. That is how much better four are than one.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The Distributed Bass Array concept at the heart of the Swarm subwoofer system was developed well over 20 years ago. More than likely it was around while you were coming up. Or at any rate it has been known a very long time. The sad, puzzling, perplexing part is why something so powerful and beneficial is still flying under the radar. Even now, you have two, when it would be so much better to have four. No not four as big and powerful, but whatever four you can buy for the same money. So the secret is still not understood.  

Sad. Puzzling. Perplexing.

Oh well. Two at least is better than one.
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