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 3 responses by wolf_garcia

The actual main issue is that you're assuming intermodulation distortions exist where they do not. I liked your comment just fine...need a hug?
Really? It's up to me?...that's comforting...I know exactly where my Heresy IIIs drop off because I have listening skills and use a simple test CD and actual music to determine this, I don't care much about anybody else's opinions on the sound of my gear heap unless they've actually heard it, and have professional bi-wiring, bi-amping, and frequency manipulation chops going back to the stone age. Full range from the Heresy IIIs, such as it is, with the RELs gently adding lows to a degree I adjust from time to time (mostly simply level here and there, but rarely do they need it) after insuring phase and crossover settings are right adds none of the "intermodulation distortions" claimed, and the system sounds better than most others I've heard anywhere. Ain't no high pass resister getting near my stuff as long as I'm around. Get back you pesky resister...
I've been using 2 RELs in my main listening system for years and recently bought another Q150e to match the one I've had...moved my previous 2nd REL (a Q108MKII) to a video system in another room. Suffice to say that running them mono as I do works beautifully to cancel standing wave issues, and I run them at the obvious point where the mains drop off (around 58hz for my Heresy IIIs, determined with test tones and my ears). I think leaving the main speakers at their full range sounds best with no high pass filter necessary...the cost for all three RELs bought used was less than one new one generally (about 700 bucks for all three).