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Martin-Logan Descent or Rel Stadium Subwoofer

I have heard great things on both subwoofers. I do have ML SL3's for which the Descent is made for(electrostatic speakers). The Rel's can adjust the mid-high frequencies for a seamless blend and are great on all types of designs so I have heard.. I believe the Descent cannot, only tuning for low frequency. Any opinions out there on these two subs considered for my speakers? The price point is about the same. Retail $3000. Thanks, Steve
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sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Skip the Stratus III. It is a great sub for what it costs, but is a closed box design and does not go nearly as deep as the Storm III or the Stadium III (which is deeper still).

I am not sure what Karls is saying. All REL subs have High-Pass adjustments. Their high-pass side is what makes them great for audiophiles. If he is running off the amp speaker terminals, then he is running high-pass and I assume he adjusted it to blend/integrate it with his system. (Maybe not?)

karls
332 posts
 
Sugarbrie, in filter design the term "high-pass" refers to a filter which "passes" the "high" frequencies, i.e., blocks out the low frequencies. Similarly, "low-pass" is a filter which blocks out high frequencies. Thus the RELs have no "high-pass" filters whatsoever; they allow the amp signal to run full-range to the mains without any interruption or filtering at all. They do, of course, have the best low-pass filters on the planet.
joej
2 posts
 
I have the Descent and it seems to match very well with my ML Reqeusts, Areius I's and Cinema. Once I put it in the room it just disappeared.

It puts out a ton of bass, I think I have the volume set to around 2.5 and it is not corner loaded.
jd798ff8
55 posts
 
Haven't yet heard the Descent. I have heard the Stadium III and good as it is, I'd suggest you also add the ACI Titan II to your short list. You could get a pair of Titan IIs for less than a Stadium III. The Titan II produces superbly accurate bass and integrates seamlessly.
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gtejr
17 posts
 
Well I just finished listening to the Rel Stadium and the Descent. I took the Descent home. It matches seamlessly with the Ml-Requests. The boys at ML did their homework.
The depth is fabulous and it is quick as can be. I highly recommend picking one up if you have the means.
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