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REL Quake or ACI Force for semi small room


Rega Planet, P3, Mira (old clamshell style)
Ruark Prelude R's (gorgeous speaker and midrange)
QED Silver Ann / Quect 3's

Looking for a musical sub to fill out bottom end in a semi-small room with hardwoods. Owned a Strata III and Rega Vulcan and loved both. I'm torn between REL Quake (smaller, british synergy, 23hz-6db) and ACI Force (return policy, more air movement from 10in driver, 20hz-3bd). Both are around $750.

Any suggestions? I know, both will work beautifully but maybe someone has some other insight.

Thanks,
Matthew
Seattle

britergy
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Neither, Velodyne DD10. But if you must have one of those, the ACI definitley.

Is it raining?
vladimir
346 posts
 
I agree; I love RELs and ACIs are good too, but the room correction of the Velodyne DDs is too good to pass.
britergy OP
5 posts
 
Thanks, the DD technology sounds interesting but I'm priced out.

Anybody heard an Essex SW-1? Essex is the OEM from REL, Ruark, and Rega subs. www.essex-audio.co.uk

Matthew
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
It was my understanding that the rega vulcan is made by REL. Is it another sub you're referring to ?

I'm wondering why you don't want another strata 3 ?
britergy OP
5 posts
 
I'd love to get a Strata again. The problem is that they are no longer imported to the US. Why, I have no clue. My local dealer says that the Q150e is more popular. Yeah right, the Strata III is universally reconized as a fabulous piece. Not the most impactful sub in terms of moving air, but tight and oh so musical. So, myself and lots of other 2-channelers will be wrestling over the few Strata III's that people sell used. I can't believe I sold mine initially. Stupid move.

Anyway I am referring to an Essex SW-1 (www.essex-audio.co.uk). This sub is a bit smaller (12 x 12 x15) than a Strata and uses a 120W amp. Essex builds the REL subs (and Ruark, Rega too). So supposedly, they're cutting out the middleman and selling direct trough a US importer. The SW-1 sells for around 1K and goes down to 18hz. It all looks good, I just haven't been able to find another enthusist who's heard one. I'm not going to drop the $, without a second opinion to the dealer.

So, anybody heard an Essex SW-1 out there?

Matthew
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