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REL T7x or T5x for Small Room

I am looking to add subwoofers to my system.  My listening room is approximately 10' X 10' and I have a pair of Harbeth P3ESR XD's.  The room has wall to wall carpeting with padding.

The T7 is really overkill for the room, but has a front firing driver and passive below.  The T5 is a better fit for the room but only has a bottom firing driver.  I am concerned that I may lose some potential imaging with a bottom firing sub.

Are my concerns valid?

wlp3
tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,036 posts
 

+1@ghdprentice 

My room is 12" x 18" x 9.5" and I use 4 subs.

Two Rel T5's, one Rel T7 and an SVS SB2000. 

There is no such thing as overkill unless you crank up the subs too much.

Just like you really can't have too many watts.

erik_squires
16,056 posts
 

It won't affect the imaging, but bass in a small room is a beast. 

My honest recommendation is:

 

  • Forget a sub
  • Add an EQ
  • Use floor to ceiling GIK tri-traps or soffit traps.
rcalderon
19 posts
 

REL recently released a new small sub  I believe it’s called the Zero, don’t know much about it but something to consider. I think the T5 will suffice your needs and make it easier to double up in the future if you desire. 
Yes with proper placement the T5 will be enough for your room…

jl35
3,980 posts
 

the REL T/Zero lll is a terrific little sub for a small room

 

oyie2000
13 posts
 

Pair of REL T5/Xs works quite well with my 10'x16' room.  These accentuates just enough bottom end of the SHL5+. I've got the RELs about 8" off from each corner walls. No need to aim towards MLP since they are down-firing drivers. This was confirmed by REL support. I'm amazed how nice they complement the overall soundstage. Unplugging the speakons on both subs during playback tells you right away that something is missing. They just sound right with them on. No bloat. 

Once you run them in with the recommended track from Sneakers ST, stream John Williams' album At The Movies - the album tracks will help you exhibit the clarity and musciality of bass done right.

That said, don't expect the bone-shattering effect like a 15" HT sub would do, but there are certain tracks that the T5/Xs - to my surprise - rattled the windows.

Enjoy the new gear!

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