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REL subs with Acoustat 1+1s?

I've been searching on-line but my Google-fu is weak today apparently. I'm thinking of moving on from my RH Labs sub to a pair of REL subs. Two reasons:
  1. First, the RELs are self-powered. This should ostensibly leave more power for the ESL panels as my ARC VS-110 would not have to drive the RHL sub.
  2. The other is to have better distribution of lower frequencies in my room.
The problem is that I can't find a resource that tells me how crossover duties are handled for the full range speakers in the system. My current RH Labs sub acts as the crossover and does all of the lower frequency work while passing the mid and upper signals to the Acoustats. It appears the RELs have an adjustable crossover but that it only controls the sub itself. Does that mean that the ESLs would still get a full spectrum signal?
My other question is, how to I get signal to the RELs? Run another set of cables from the amp to each sub?
How do you folks with RELs and ESL panels do this?AdThanksVance.
Happy listening.
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Showing 5 responses by daveyf

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
REL subs use a high level connection at your amp and take the signal off the amp terminal. That is then adjusted at the sub with the x-over on the sub amp controls. You do have the option of using a lo level signal, but the preferred method is the high level, and this is what REL are known for. I believe it is an excellent solution. REL come with hook up cables that allow you to connect to the sub and the amp. With your 1+1’s, you should be able to get a nice blend. Probably be a good match up, so long as you pick a REL that is appropriate for your room size.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
 @james633   Please explain this..the REL will not limit the signal to the mains. Just the sub???? What are you talking about?
 If you buy a REL, it comes with the ability to adjust the x-over point.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
Lot of folk have not heard the new REL subs. The new models are able to keep up with almost all speakers, including stats. The smaller models are IME even better than the larger models, but all will work well with 1+1's. Using the high level connection is as I stated before, preferable. As George stated above, keeping the volume level down to make the blend invisible is ideal...although getting the blend if you acquire two subs is exponentially more complex and time consuming. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
@audiorusty Thanks, that makes sense. I am not sure why you would want to route the signal through the sub x-over and then to the mains vs. off the amp terminals to the sub, and thereby not impacting the main speaker signal...to the Acoustat 1+1’s. This would be preferred, which is what the REL manual suggests.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
REL has a somewhat unique stance, they believe ( as do I) that taking the signal off the amp terminals and not off the preamp allows the subwoofer to see exactly the same signal as the main speakers. This is where I think their subs are able to sound better. Issues can occur with hooking up the sub in this manner, all of which are mentioned in the manual, but if possible, that is the preferred manner.
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