2. amps-preamps
  3. 151159-126

REL subs with Rowland Amplifiers

I'm having issues connecting my REL Carbon limited subwoofer to my Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier via the high-level input. I connected my sub according to REL's instructions...yellow lead to positive on one channel, red lead to positive on the other channel, and floating the black wire(ground). I get minimum output when connected according to the instructions. When I use the low level input, the output is sufficient and the sub sounds great. Per my conversation with Jeff Rowland I need to ground the black wire by loosening a screw on the amplifier and connecting the black wire, but if it isn't properly grounded I may damage my amplifier. Is there anyone that owns a REL with Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier or other balanced differential amplifier? If so, how do you connect your REL via the high-level input. Is there an easier way to ground the wire than unscrewing the screw on my amplifier. I just don't want to unscrew the screw and prefer another method of grounding the sub.   
ricred1
107 responses Add your response
ricred1 OP
2,043 posts
 
After talking to Jeff Rowland via email today I decided to continue to use the low-level input of my RELs with RCA cables. My only question now is how much of a difference subwoofer cables make? I'm going to call my local dealer for a home audition of Audioquest's Wolf subwoofer cable to compare against Audioquest's Boxer and Wireworld's Equinox.


On a side-note, I just have to say what a class act Mr. Jeff Rowland is and he provides outstanding customer service.
ricred1 OP
2,043 posts
 
Based on the recommendation of a fellow Audiogon member I purchased Aurelex SubDude-HT subwoofer isolation platforms to put under my REL subs. In my opinion it’s a relatively inexpensive way to improve the overall sound of a system with subs...money well spent.
ricred1 OP
2,043 posts
 
Changed from REL Carbon Limiteds to dual REL G1 mkII. I'm going to compare the high-level connection to the low-level connection to see which one I prefer. 
ricred1 OP
2,043 posts
 
I don't know why, but with the G1 mkII there's a big difference between using the high-level and low-level connections. My wife and I prefer the high-level because it sounds more natural. The orher difference is the REL Carbon Limited's sounds better when placed on  the inside of the speakers.  The G1s sound better behind and to the outside of the speakers...much more open. 
flame
13 posts
 
How would you describe the difference in sound between the G1 and the CL?
ricred1 OP
2,043 posts
 
The G1 pressurizes my room better and I can "feel" the music more with the G1 compared to the CL. I think the CL is a great subwoofer, but the G1 is a better match for my 20’ x 26’ room and my Monitor Audio PL500 ii speakers.
ricred1 OP
2,043 posts
 
I received the REL Baseline Blue cables. I don't want to exaggerate, but to simply say that the REL Baseline Blue cables makes a difference would be an understatement. Everything and I mean everything is improved relating to detail across the entire audio spectrum. Adding the second subwoofer improved space and equalized my room. I'm willing to say as it pertains to improving detail, adding the Baseline Blue is more impactful than adding the second subwoofer. I guess the stock speakon cables that come with REL subwoofers are either really bad or the Baseline Blue is very good. 
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