2. speakers
  3. 194831-180934

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
drlou77 OP
122 posts
 

Thanks to all for your comments.  Will make a decision next week.

ned1000
28 posts
 

go for a GR research dual open baffle 12" servo sub kit it is about the best you can get for about $2K avail as kit too an easy build or they have someone who will build it tif you wish/ need it will smoke all the others mentioned considered! ck them out 
 

Open baffle subwoofer kits, particularly those from GR Research, are designed for DIY enthusiasts seeking high-quality, customizable bass reproduction. These kits utilize open baffle designs, known for their spatial sound and reduced room interaction, often incorporating servo technology for enhanced control and accuracy. 

Key aspects of open baffle subwoofer kits:

  • Open Baffle Design:

    Unlike traditional sealed or ported enclosures, open baffle designs allow sound from the front and back of the driver to interact, resulting in a unique spatial sound and potentially reduced room modes. 

  • Servo Technology:

    GR Research's servo subwoofers utilize a coil feedback system, where a sensor on the driver compares movement to the input signal and adjusts accordingly, resulting in fast, accurate, and articulate bass. 

  • DIY Friendly:

    These kits come with all the necessary components, including drivers, crossovers, and sometimes flat-pack cabinets, allowing for a rewarding DIY experience. 

  • Customization:

    Many kits offer flexibility in terms of baffle size, driver selection, and amplifier choices, allowing for fine-tuning to individual preferences and room acoustics. 

  • Potential Benefits:

    Open baffle subs are often praised for their spatial sound, reduced room interaction, and ability to integrate well into various listening environments. 

  • Considerations:

    Open baffle designs can have lower efficiency and may require more amplifier power than traditional designs, and some may find them more challenging to integrate into a room than a sealed or ported box. 

  • Kits from GR Research:

    GR Research offers a range of open baffle subwoofer kits, including their "Double Trouble" and "Servo" series, known for their high performance and customization options. 

rjinaz86323
24 posts
 

I realize I am talking about old equipment from 25 years ago, but I think it is still appropriate.  We had a home theater room (roughly 20x20) with Linn speakers, Marantz power, and a 3 gun Runco projector.  For the bass we used a 15in downward firing Mirage 500 watt sub.  The was on the second story with wood subfloor.  We insulated the 'hell' out of all the walls (double offset studs) and floor.  The power of this system was unbelievable, while barely hearable downstairs in the family room.  This thing rivaled any movie theater in realism and effect.  Keep in mind though that this was for movies only as we had a separate system in the family room for 2 channel.

willy-t
173 posts
 

I have a reel S812 in 12.5X13  sized room and the S812 is incredible. 
I have it set so good that I never get room overload or a flabby bass

in have considered getting  2 S510s but 2 subs in a small room would be harder to accommodate.  Put one S812 in a corner and your done 

I think you would be happy

Good luck Willy-T

 

 

 

jb1
101 posts
 

I have been a REL owner for 25 years. I have used the ST series Stadium III &Storm III. They lasted 24 years of great service. I currently have 3 S812’s. They do double duty for HT and 2ch on 2 independent systems. In most cases, 2 s510’s would be better than a single s810. The blend would be better and eliminating dead spots makes a huge difference in 2ch. The s812 will play louder and lower but it could overload the room. It’s difficult to get 1 sub no matter how big to completely disappear. My room is 15 x 20. It’s not huge but 1 s810 does. not completely disappear. Unfortunately, the room nodes win with only 1. I was lucky enough to attend Sumiko’s Master class for REL and Sonus Faber 25 years ago with John Hunter. To help with the complexity of speaker & subwoofer matching  to room size, They provided a chart which had multiple speaker brands and what REL or REL’s would match to the correct room size. On Rel’s website, they still have a modernized version of this chart. I would highly recommend that you check that out. You can email or call  their customer support. They have helped me many times over the last 20+ years. Happy Listening. 

More to discover