I've been through a few subs over the decades, my present pair of Rel T9x best integration of subs I've experienced. Certainly these Rels not earth/room shaking but that's not what I'm looking for. I want my subs to be invisible, simply be an extension of the main speakers, these Rels fit the bill. Now, there is an added consideration with Rels using class a/b amps vs class D, T9x use a/b. I run mine on same dedicated circuit as main amps, this 10 AWG cryo'd Romex, 20amp, Oyaide R1 receptacles, and use quality power cords, no power conditioning. The only reason I bring this up is class a/b amps far less efficient than the typical class D amp you find in subs. This means quality of AC being fed to subs will likely have greater affect on sound quality vs class D subs. For best performance you need to supply plenty of current with the REL T9x or any class a/b sub , greater impact and articulation is the result. For those who've experienced wimpy sound from class a/b Rel or any a/b sub, AC not up to need. Keeping high level cable length short as possible helps, and the quality of that cable makes a difference. Using twisted multiple runs of Duelund tin plated copper litz wire to equal 13AWG, this so perfect haven't experimented with others, I have VH Audio Airlock, a solid core wire ready to go if desired. This just to point out the high level cable used can make a difference. And all this not to say Rel a/b won't work without all this tuning, plenty using sans this. I'm just pointing out these Rels have potential some may not be extracting.
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!