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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
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I use 2 Stadiums in my 12.5' x 35' room. I have replaced the cables and power cords but the biggest improvement was using Ready Acoustics panels. They are reasonable and good looking, even my wife likes them. The corner bass traps are essential in my opinion.
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
I owned a REL Stentor III prior to buying two Fathom F113's for my room which measures 20'Lx15'W. Loved the REL as it has been mentioned blends seemlessly once the proper setup has been obtained. Both are great products. My plan originally was to buy a second Stentor III but had a problem with the internal amp.I called Sumiko who shipped out a replacement and it was fine after that incident.

I have lived with the Fathoms for awhile now and have no desire to return to the REL. Not saying it was a bad sub but with the sheer output of the Fathom's amplifiers alone sold me. Musically they are similar with the nod going to the JL due to it's ease of setup and the ARO feature that helps tame the nasty peak most subs emit in some rooms.I also feel that the Fathom's are faster than the REL. But now we're back to the sealed vs ported debate!
bflowers
80 posts
 
Interesting and timely thread as I just replaced a REL studio III with a pair of Fathom F113's. I was ready to go to stereo subs and had to decide what route to take. I loved the REL and felt it was the most musical bass that I had heard. My challenge was that it was very large, thus more of a challenge to get a second one. I also never was quite sure I had it set up correctly as it related to the amplifier connection (no place to ground it). I also had the synergistic cables which are active and thus required electrical outlets. I ultimately grew weary of the funky connection and I perceived the ability to use room correction would be a benefit. Plus I have speakers going down to 30Hz easily anyway. I also like the smaller footprint. The Fathoms have been in for just a week and they are fantastic. I am able to cross them over very low (40hz) and turn them up pretty loudly. They provide a very solid foundation and my bass is nothing short of astonishing. Great pitch and slam. I'm a believer. The REL could be better, but it may take more than I was able to give to get it there.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Statman

I see your system is tilted towards home theater rather than 2 channel. Movies must sound great.

I would hope the JL's would blend into your HT system a lot easier and better than the REL Stentor's which are designed primarily for 2 channel audio.
maab
27 posts
 
I have owned a dual Rel, Stentor III. I my room they sounded nicet and roomfilling. The pitch definition was utterly pleasant to listen, but many times it seemed artificial to me. So. I plunged into JL and I now have dual f113. To me they sound more natural, more cotrolled and when, I say when really the score demands it the JL delivers with aplomb more so than Rel. I Never looked back. JL in my room is way better.
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