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REL speakon connection to amp vs speakers

I will be connecting 2 T/9x's to my system (B&W 805 D4) driven by a NAD M33. I am wondering if there is any audible difference between connecting them to the amp or to the speakers directly and am guessing somebody here has tried it.

 

I only use the system for music and I listen relatively quietly, the "room" is 16 by 16 but open concept so the total space is 16 by 50.

pbomberg
jl35
4,016 posts
 

a number of manufacturers make their own version on the "REL" Cable...

corelli
1,000 posts
 

@pbomberg 

Funny you should ask.  I spent some time last weekend making some custom cables for a pair of REL subs I just bought.  The subs are to the outside and just a bit behind my speakers, so it made sense to make a short cable to hook up to my speakers, not the amp.

The result?  Dead silence, no humm, great integration.

And , yes, the manual is very poorly written (or NOT written) for stereo subs!  Good grief REL.  You can do better.

bolong
621 posts
 

I have never had hum with my REL S 812’s, but have wondered if leaving the Speakon ground unattached to the Audion monoblocs might confer some subtle improvements in addition.

newfzx7
59 posts
 

 I have not found any difference between connecting at the amps vs speakers with my pair of REL T5x on several different amps except for my Naim. For some reason the volume output was reduced when connected at the amp.

 With stereo pairs, REL recommends placing the subs next to and slightly behind the front of the speakers. If you place them like this you can use a shortened cable to the speakers, rather than one that has to go all the way back to the amp.

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