Sub Confusion


I've decided to add a REL sub to my in-den 2-channel system. My room is 12'-0 x 15'-6 x 10'-0h with PMC Fact 12 speakers 3'-0 out from the short wall. I have GIF corner base traps (43"h) in the front corners. My integrated is a DarTZeel LHC-208, and my DAC is an Aqua Formula xhd rev 2. When I go to REL's website to match a sub to my speakers, they recommend a 212SX (at $4,999). For my space, these seems to be overkill. Why not a single S510 (at $2,749) or two T7X (at $1,099 each)? Or? My goal is not more base- I'm looking to free my PMCs from having to expend energy to produce sound below 80 Hz and increase depth. Looking for input from our members. Thanks

128x128thebingster

Showing 2 responses by blisshifi

I agree with just about everyone’s posts. That said, 80Hz high pass might be a bit high for your speakers considering they can dig down to 26Hz. If your goal with subs is to clear up the frequency spectrum and deepen the soundstage, you likely want them performing largely below audible frequencies and will want two or more in the room.

Even without a high pass, you will be surprised what two good subs crossed over at 65Hz or lower will do to the rest of the spectrum and to the sound stage. Should you still want to combine this with a high pass for your speakers, I suggest looking first at a 60Hz high pass as 80Hz may be too high.

While the Rel 212 is a wonderful sub, it is a lot of a single sub for that room. The others you mention though do not dig deep enough. I would probably opt for two 812’s, and if that’s too much money, the SVS SB-4000 is a worthy competitor at a fraction of the price and offers better integration with its mobile app.

In full disclosure I run a hifi business but do not carry Rel or SVS. 

@thebingster IMO that last Hz matters more than it appears. Those measurements  are at -6db. In reality, the S/812 is likely more like 24hz at -3db and the S/510 is probably 29hz at -3db. Both are not great measurements compared to many subs that dig much deeper, but Rel is known more for its speed than its ability to dig deep (aside from its reference products).