REL vs JL AUDIO

Heard Rythmik, weak bass response.  Lack of dynamics . Like all servo subs I've heard there seems to be a delay in the sound, like the sub is CORRECTING the signal AFTER it happens. Started this thread as a REL and JL AUDIO comparison.  Not bashing other brands. It's a free country.  Buy what you want. For me it's REL and JL AUDIO. JL AUDIO might win because it's not made in China. 

I also sold my REL S812 and bought 2 Rythmik G22s, much better low bass, tremendously better integration, just as tonally accurate - or at least similar, but most likely due to the servo, a little less immediate.

Regardless the Rythmiks are a really nice step above the RELs for music, but I have different subs for HT as the G22s are just too clean and refined for those needed sonic movie thumps.

P.s. jeffvegas, I used to think like you, untill I did an A/B comparison. To each their own.

REL IS JUST AMAZING 

No servo subs. Ancient history.  REL and JL AUDIO info only. Looks like JL has the output and power, REL has the finesse.  For the same price as a JL F110 V2 I can get a REL CARBON SPECIAL.  REL is made in China though. That for me is a big problem. 

I know you are inquiring about REL and JL Audio, but you might consider looking at Rythmik Audio subs. They use servo driver technology. I have their FV18 for music and home theater. It's fantastic for both. 

Regards. 

I have a REL and like it a lot, but I chose Rythmik because it's good a great reputation and is a servo sub that is eminently adjustable.

My JL crapped out. Been meaning to send in the amp to fix for $400 but haven’t gotten around to it. I hear it was a round of bad caps in the 1st couple years models. 

I just switched from my Martin Logan Force subs and picked up 2 REL subs after demoing REL and JL Audio.  Extremely happy with the upgrade.

I have owned dual SVS SB15 and SB16 Ultras, HSU, JL Audio, Martin Logan Depth and REL subwoofers. I prefer the REL G1 mkII over every other subwoofer that I've owned. JL Audio subwoofers hit harder, but to my ears, in my room/system, no other subwoofer improved everything across the audio spectrum like REL. You can't hear my G1s when they're on, but turn them off while music is playing and I just shake my head.

I hav Jl audio,  rel  and M&k subs in my systems . All pairs.
IMO the sub choice  depend on the speakers you are matching them with . I use my Jl Gotham’s v2 pair with my magico M3 integrated with a cr-1 crossover and the integration and blend is seem less . The rel s812 pair  I use with my Charney horns using high level inputs . Good integration. Without an adjustable phase I feel  the integration is very good but not perfect . The ease of set up though is beyond compare .
 Took me with the help of bass guru Barry the Sounddoctor months the get the Gotham’s tuned in to perfection to the room with thr m3 . The Rels I could do it in an evening. They  sounded decent just plugged in  lol.
The M&k x12 pair I use in my home theater . Thundering sound effects . Set up using Dirac.
Each sub IMO is a diff beast . To compliment full range accurate speakers Jl audio,  if you take the effort will win. For just adding bass to a limited range speakers with ease rel would win.  Purely my experience. I have been a rel faithful from their st series . 

SVS is out. They are nothing but a big boom box. REL or JL AUDIO are the only consideration. 

That says nothing a empty statement- they sold there SVS sub ?,Svs has   Over 8 models , and both the3000SB,4000 and ultra 16 SB are loaded with accolades around the world .I have had both rel and JL audio and dumped them which were $1200 or less it all depends what model good and bad in all , I love  the SVS  sub app all adjustments from your phone or tablet.

@audioman58,

A close friend of mine just dumped SVS and switched to a pair of REL Carbon Limited. REL comes with 60 Day home trial and free shipping and returns!
https://rel.net/customer-promise/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-09-2...

Lots of rel are made in China ,except upper line  over$2-3k range 
on average , why no adjustable app ,? 
SVS makes  the excellent Ultra 16,
As well as the  3000 SB  that are every good if not better in their price class.
SVS have a great app for all adjustments ,Free shipping, 45 day audition 
if not happy they even pay return full refund ,5 year transferrable 
warranty , does Rel or ,JL do this -Not that I know of ,
And  a bunch of Excellent reviews !!

Appreciate all the input. I have a REL S2 and am upgrading so I wanted to know which way to go. Looks like I'll stick with REL. The Carbon Special looks like the one. 

I had a pair of JL Audio E-112s, very fine subs but I couldn't take advantage of the built-in XO...I replaced them with a pair of REL S/510's...and was able to get much better integration with my mains using the high level inputs. 

Rel gets my vote using high level inputs

Great thread.  I've wondered about the same question.  Having only owned a REL (528SE) and in the market for two subs, this is great information.  Reliability is important as shipping subs back and forth to the mfr for repair is not something I'd want to do.  My use is for music only.

There is nothing special about the Perlisten subs, just marketing BS. None of them include a high pass filter, a fatal mistake.

I have also been turned away from JL Labs products due to multiple reports of liability problems. I have personal experience with one failure.

There are many fine subwoofer drivers out there now and many digital processors with fine bass management capability. The best way to deal with subs is to get a processor, separate amplifiers and passive subs. The key to low distortion is using large and multiple drivers keeping the excursions short. With bass management sealed subs are best. As long as you have the power you can make the sub do anything you want. 

You would be surprised how inexpensively this can be done. Parts Express has great subwoofer kits that anyone with two hands can build.
As an example; Four Dayton Ultimax 12 sub kits + a MiniDSP DDRC 22D + 2 QSC QX7 amps = $3400.00 plus some elbow grease. 
A single JL Labs Fathom 113 is $5000.00. 

 

Oh no.....another "what's best" inquiry!

IMHO...More is better, ie you're better off with multiple subs arranged to manage room modes than looking for 1 mega buck sub.  With multiple subs each one only carries a fraction of the load.

Between those two, I prefer JL.  My new favorite though is Perlisten.  I think they make a better sub than both as the DSP is best on market that I am aware of.  

If I had to choose only between your two highlighted brands : REL

If I can select a best-of-breed choice that are true contenders and no pretenders : ATC or VANDERSTEEN

Martin Logan also makes some very musical subs so you might look into them also. My 212’s came with room correction. 

A pair of REL’s for music, JL for HT and I’ve owned both.

Rel ,imo...jl subs have too much reliability issues.

I've owned both....dual JL Audio F110 v2 with CR1; JL Audio F112 v2, dual REL Carbon Limited, and I currently own dual REL G1 mkII subwoofers. I submit like most things in this hobby it comes down to personal preference.

I believe the REL is either/ or.

For best sound with a sub you want to use a highpass. It can be in the preamp (most two channel preamps don’t have one) or external. 

 The JL “E” line of subs has a highpass built in but no EQ built in. The Fathom line does not include a highpass and you need an external one but has built in room correction. 

Without room correction you will have dips and peaks in the bass. 

With that being see I have two E112 subs that have both broken twice and need repaired. While JL did fix them once for free under warranty and once at my cost (pretty cheap to fix honesty) I can’t recommend them as a brand. But they sound great for music.