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REL Studio III vs. JL Audio Fathom 113

Anyone have real listening experience and advice for this comparison and final decision? I will be using two subs in a two channel system that includes the Hovland HP200, Pass Labs X350.5 and Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario. Room size is 20' by 15'. Looking for increased bass speed, slam, detail and recorded ambience.

I like the REL system connections to amplifier terminals and the dial up frequency cut off or filter features of the REL in that no cross over is necessary. Use what you need. After having heard these subs in two systems, I would like a little more of all the variables mentioned above. Seems a little slow and rich even when properly set up by trained installers.

I like the digital amp design for the JL Audio and the master/slave configuration. I also like the user friendly integrated set up process and microphone system. Though I have not heard these subs yet, I have been told that they can provide impressive speed, slam, detail and a tight bass that can compare to anything in the market. I don't like the need (recommended) for a crossover and the potential integration problems for best sound. I like the price. If the sound assumptions are true, it would be great if I could dial in a cut off frequency like the REL and without a crossover.

Any comments?
128x128audiothunder
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Seems a little slow and rich even when properly set up by trained installers.
I have never listened to the JL's but I do own a Rel B3. I thought the same thing and finally replaced the stock Rel cord with Nordost baseline (custom made by Nordost to rel specs). That made a huge difference. I hear things that the stock cable didn't reproduce like more information and decay. Speed got better too to blend in better with my Dynaudio C1's.
bikerduud
75 posts
 
I have not heard the REL, but I have had great success matching the F113 to my B&W 800 speakers without using an active crossover. I run my B&W 's fullrange and crossover the sub around 50 hz. This sub is so fast and powerful that even in my 40'x25' room, I have yet to find it's limits. BTW, the digital calibration with supplied microphone is a breeze to use. If you
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I had the F113, and thought it was fantastic; deep, very very fast and woderfully built. But I switched to another sub and eventually ended up with the Rel B1. I have never found it slow at all, could just be my set up, but I think it's the fastest sub I have ever had. It could be the crossover options are just so much better with the high level amp input. I played with that for a long time to get it right, and I have the Rel set a the lowest crossover point I have ever used with a sub, and it just integrates beautifully. I think the Rel is the best of the many subs I have owned. It's even faster than the Vandersteen 2wq, and that was always my standard for fast bass respose.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,212 posts
 
I'd be worried that adding one sub, let alone two subs to your wonderful system might overwhelm things. I have a room, almost identical in size as yours, and when I tried to use just one REL Storm sub with my previous full range speakers (Dyn C4's) the bass overwhelmed the room and muddied things up. However, I had good success in the same room incorporating the same sub with other speakers that where not quite full range. I recommend you get an in-home trial or 30 day money back deal before you commit.
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