Martin Logan 13A's with Rel subs? A match?


Hi , has anyone with the 13A's have them hooked up to REL subs? How do they sound? Was it a satisfactory jump? Are you using a single sub or a pair?

Was it easy to hookup? and how did you ground the negative wire on your amp? Floating? Chassis? etc

 

thanks 

mike

128x128mikepaul

I have set several REL up with REL Speakon type connector.  Typically you will connect the Red lead to the Right Positive post , the Yellow to the Left Positive post .    If the Amp is a true balanced differential Do Not connect the Black lead to a speaker post, float the ground. Not all balanced amps are fully differential , ATI amps are and they make amps as an OEM for several companies it's.  If in doubt check with mfg.   You can damage an amp by connecting the Black.   If the Amp is single ended RCA and you get hum with the Black lead connected to a binding post.  Float the ground.  Ground to chassis with Black wire if in doubt, but check with Amp mfg

REL is usually a safe bet,   the key is not setting the crossover too high.  I just set up a S/510 for my Dad and it is a great sub.    The T series are good too , especially for the money.   

I have an older REL r 305 in my second system and it has been in use every day for the past 15 years. 

With your speakers I would recommend one of their carbon subs or an S/812.    Or two! 

 

oddiofyl , thanks for the info. my goal is to hook up a pair. i have a krell duo 300xd amp. not sure if it's a truly balanced differential though

 

thanks

 

mike

My experience with stats is that they always sound more coherent without a sub. At that price point, I would hope the 13A's aren't failing in that regard. If so, you have my sympathies for buying Martin Logan. Move on.

@mikepaul   To your question of one or two subs, I think the answer lies in the amp you are using.  If you have a single stereo amp, the REL connection will capture all the bass.  However, if you are running monoblocks, you absolutely require two subs.  I run a pair of REL S/812s and I'm very happy with them.  As noted above, the wiring of a REL sub is very dependent on whether or not the amp is truly balanced.  You'll know right away if you get it wrong as your speakers will be trying to jump out of their enclosures.  🤣   Cheers.

I am confused, am I correct in thinking the Logan 13A has room correction in their powered subs and go down to 24hz? I bet they go as low or lower than most of the rels minutes top few models. 

james633 yes they do and it works well. The speakers are exceptional.

But that won't prevent me to contemplate building up my system.

I'm still on the fence regarding subs. They might muddy up the sound or take it to another level.  That's the gamble. And an expensive gamble.

 

I would guess they would make it worse. Adding an active or passive highpass and using a really good sub would do the trick. Honestly that might not be rel. I would look at large subs (15” or more). With as low as your speakes go you will really need to highpass to avoid overlap. Then you need dynamic subs (big) to surpass what you have. Anyway, just my opinion as someone who has been using subs for 15+ years in my two channel. 

It's voice coil is bigger than most woofers.   2 X 10,000 watt amps included

thanks. can you recommend any particular sub? or manufacturer?

If you can’t high pass, you will atleast need a sub with full phase control to work youself in. Get a Rythmik F18, it will lay down the law. 

I don’t have time to write a comprehensive review at the time. Below is a pretty good video. I have/own the JTR RS1s and JL E112s mentioned in this video and I pretty much agree with what is said about them  

The JTR is more detailed and less damped sounding than the JL. It is a significantly better sub for music and also plays lower and louder at the same time.