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Should I upgrade from REL/510 subwoofer to REL/812 subwoofer?

Hello all. I have a two-channel/HT set up in my man cave.  I use it for two channel music, multichannel music and movies/tv, in that order.

I have B&W 804 speakers and a  B&W CC speaker which are driven by an Anthem MRX 540 Pre-amp/receiver (100w x 2) and an Anthem MCA 325 Gen 2 power amplifier (225w x3).

My room is 14 ft. long by 12 ft. wide.  I use Anthem’s ARC Genesis room correction software.  It works great.  My room is acoustically treated with GK Acoustics bass traps,GK Acoustics panels at first reflection points, and GK Acoustics panels located behind my listening position.

My dealer sold me a REL S/510 about a year ago and I love it.  I have an opportunity to trade in my REL S/510 and upgrade to an REL S/812.   My net cost after trade-in will be around $1,500.

Looking for recommendations and opinions from REL owners as to whether I should pull the trigger.  Not entirely focused on the net cost, but rather the bang for the buck, value for the money, etc. While it is a great subwoofer, I am not considering the REL Carbon Special for many reasons, not the least of which is that I would like to stay happily married!

I don’t have room for two subs, and no disrespect meant fans of other subs, I would like to stay within the REL line.

Thanks!

drlou77
rbstehno
1,541 posts
 

that is a pretty small room. I just went thru this process in my new 16 x12 room, and rel told me to get the 500 series subs for my small room to match up with my Revel's. Way over kill, I bought 2 of their t7x subs and they are perfect for my room for 100% audio. For a smaller room than mine, I would be looking at a pair of t5x subs. 

My room is fully treated with ASC tube traps in the corners and a mix of absorption and diffuser panels for the reflection points. Good bass without hearing the subs.

pennfootball71's avatar
pennfootball71
282 posts
 

510 is fine JL Fatham's are better if you can swing the 10 k for the 12's 

m-db's avatar
m-db
1,028 posts
 

 

@drlou77  I wouldn’t. 

What are your expectations with this switch?

With an actual $600 price difference you’re paying $900 for 300 more switching amp watts and a 2" larger woofer (the radiators are both 12") and a manufacture rated 1 lower -6dB Hz all for a subjectively small 15’X12’ room. Would this dust up some potential significant other aggravation? 

I’m fairly certain there’ll be a very slight difference but a $900 improvement? That’s your consideration. 

After my experience with a top line REL the only rational for remaining in the REL -6dB sub-bass woofer Eco system is incredibly restricted location space. 

 

@awise1961  Were your Grotto’s positioned in the same location as the pair of 212/SX’s pictured?

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
406 posts
 

I am sure this is just a pipe dream. if you could possibly legitimately see yourself someday doing a Six pack of subs. And you’re getting a good deal on the first 812…

https://rel.net/blogs/learn-and-explore/rel-six-packs?srsltid=AfmBOorCdN6orrDQsZfhkUiFLKn2phm-pDUATTzYaS573yNXiSBpY1d4

wolf_garcia
6,786 posts
 

I've been using 2 older REL subs for years, and just swapped one out for a new REL Classic 99. Largish room, killer sound.

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