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Recommendations for a new subwoofer?

I had a REL S/2 sub in my system that I bought new in 2014 but earlier this year it suddenly refused to power up. I checked and replaced the fuse (which actually wasn’t blown in the first place, but couldn’t hurt to try) which yielded no result, so I called up REL directly, as they’re actually located in Berkeley CA, very near to where I live. The person I spoke to was very cordial and helpful, but it turned out that they could no longer repair that model. She did, however, refer me to a tech nearby whom, she said, may be able to help. So after some communication with the tech, I made an appointment and dropped the sub off back in February. Well, I knew in advance that things move slowly with him--he makes that clear from the beginning--so I just waited to hear. Finally, last night (yeah, I know: 3 months later) he informed me that one of the boards was fried, and they don’t make that one any more, so essentially the sub is not repairable. 

So this sordid story brings me to my question: what would be a suitable replacement for that sub? It had a 10" driver, which, for my listening habits and the room where my system is, was plenty adequate. It was paired with my Ryan R-610 speakers. 

A few subs I am considering: Elac Varro Reference RS500, Paradigm Defiance S10, and the REL T/9X. One reason I’m favoring the latter, despite my previous experience with REL, is that it doesn’t rely on an app to get it dialed in to my system, and I still have a rather good after-market speakon cable I can use.  Whatever sub I wind up with will have to have speaker-level outputs, because my integrated (Modwright KWI 200) doesn’t have a sub-appropriate input.

The above list should give indication of what price-range I can manage, i.e. $1500 or less. Recommendations and suggestions gratefully received. Thanks!

cooper52

Showing 2 responses by m-db

m-db's avatar
m-db
1,021 posts
 

@cooper52: 1. "what would be a suitable replacement for that sub?" 2. "despite my previous experience with REL, is that it doesn’t rely on an app to get it dialed in to my system," 3. "Whatever sub I wind up with will have to have speaker-level outputs, because my integrated (ModWright KWI 200) doesn’t have a sub-appropriate input." 4."if I end up with a sub that has speaker level outputs but not a speakon connection, what would you recommend for cables?" 

1. As @deep_333 described, despite their use of the word subwoofer REL only manufactures Sub-Bass Systems (-6dB add on woofers).

From REL’s brochure "REL subwoofers (I still like our original term Sub Bass System for its more complete description of what we do)"

If you or any of the others here recommending sub-bass systems had the opportunity to experience an in home direct comparison between an actual -3dB subwoofer and a sub-bass woofer, the ability for the subwoofer to reveal the subtle recorded extra low frequency would be undeniably apparent. 

2. Since -6dB systems so dramatically roll off low frequencies their stated low frequency is only faintly audible regardless of how many units are used. Consequently they simply do not excite a rooms standing wave bass modes requiring only a gain adjustment at the expense of the recorded low frequency presentation.

3. & 4.Your ModWright KWI 200 is equipped with a pair of RCA Preamp outputs which you would use to connect to a subwoofer input. Blue Jeans or Monoprice Cable offer affordable custom length and type of subwoofer cable.

The recording industry more appropriately uses XLR termination interconnects. Not to be confused with the pro audio public address industries use of Neutrik Speakon termination at both ends between amplification and speakers. Always consult your amplifier manufacture (not REL) regarding REL’s three wire connectivity scheme to their amplifiers.

If you decide on an actual -3dB subwoofer I suggest its imperative to first preform the subwoofer crawl to locate your rooms standing wave bass modes for to proper subwoofer location options where the subwoofer will best integrate with the room, requiring the least amount of EQ adjustments followed by any further speaker integration adjustments. 

Good luck with your search.

m-db's avatar
m-db
1,021 posts
 

@mylogic  Thank you for your kind acknowledgment. 

During my time with a new top of their line end table sized $9K beautifully hand veneered British made Studio III, the benefit from repositioning it to a crawl tested standing wave location was barely noticeable at best. 

The benefits of a -6dB sub-bass woofer are the simplicity of their controls and its ability to function well in most any room location due to the inability of its dramatically rolled off low frequency to excite the rooms bass modes. For the uninitiated subwoofer user, perfection. 

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