I wonder how many of you that are dissing or recommending other than REL have heard a REL Sub-Bass system properly set up in a good two-channel system with full-range loudspeakers?
RELs are not designed to work as fixes for speakers with poor bass response or with crossovers that alter the cutoff frequencies of the main speakers. They are designed to load the room and augment the bass response of the mains, therefore providing a lower and fuller low bass extension with more slam, as well as enhancing the soundstage size and sense of air around performers. Additionally, they can be used in out-of-phase mode to help alleviate room bass node issues.
AFAIK, they are the only sub system (other than the Sumiko knock-offs) that use a high-level signal from the amplifier’s outputs such that they see the same signal (and thus the upstream gear’s sound character) as the main speakers.
Although a few of the best "digital" subs outperform RELs in HT slam(movie explosions and such), nothing integrates better into a good two channel system than a REL unless it digitizes the signal and uses DSP to measure the room and alter the signal digitally. Even then, only the TOTL $$$ digitalizing subs better the RELs for seamless integration and positive sound enhancement of a two channel system.
REL has been around a very long time and there is a reason for that despite the higher price vs many newcomers...
Dave
RELs are not designed to work as fixes for speakers with poor bass response or with crossovers that alter the cutoff frequencies of the main speakers. They are designed to load the room and augment the bass response of the mains, therefore providing a lower and fuller low bass extension with more slam, as well as enhancing the soundstage size and sense of air around performers. Additionally, they can be used in out-of-phase mode to help alleviate room bass node issues.
AFAIK, they are the only sub system (other than the Sumiko knock-offs) that use a high-level signal from the amplifier’s outputs such that they see the same signal (and thus the upstream gear’s sound character) as the main speakers.
Although a few of the best "digital" subs outperform RELs in HT slam(movie explosions and such), nothing integrates better into a good two channel system than a REL unless it digitizes the signal and uses DSP to measure the room and alter the signal digitally. Even then, only the TOTL $$$ digitalizing subs better the RELs for seamless integration and positive sound enhancement of a two channel system.
REL has been around a very long time and there is a reason for that despite the higher price vs many newcomers...
Dave