Subwoofer Advice & Therapy :)

Well, since you’re in research mode maybe take a look at a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs. Before you panic, these are only around 13” square so visually unimposing yet will still get you down to 20Hz (-3dB) and include integration software. Most people here much prefer two subs to one and for very good reason, so if you can possibly sell two small subs over one bigger one to the wifeboss I’d at least give it a go. Another plus is that a pair can be had for as little as $1150 (depending on finish) and come with a 45-day and totally risk-free in home trial that includes shipping both ways.

https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000-pro-subwoofer

If ya gotta go one sub I’ll reiterate looking at the Rhythmic F12G (the one with the paper cone) and buying a used DSpeaker integration device like this one (retails for $1199 so at $600 or less here it’s a good value IMHO), but at upwards of 16” square the Rhythmik could actually be more visually imposing than the SVS subs — always trade offs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145216049992

Rhythmic subs offer very high performance/$ but lack integration software hence the DSpeaker unit, which is excellent, and you’ll still be under $1800 for both.

That said, I think you’d be very happy with a JL Audio sub as well although it’s relatively a bit pricier, and the Arendal sub looks very interesting as well but I’m just not familiar with it.  I don’t consider the REL T9/x to be a true subwoofer as it’s down 6dB at 27Hz so it’s more like a regular woofer, and there’s very important musical content below 30Hz that can provide significant improvements in areas like imaging and an expanded soundstage (subs are not just about added bass — not by a long shot). Anyhoo, as you’re in research mode I thought I’d just give you more options/info to chew on and hope it helps at least somewhat. And welcome to Audiogon! Great to have you here.

@norust       The other tradeoffs I know exist are in regards to the position of the sub and the size of my listening room. I only have one front corner location (with some room between the back and side wall). 

Welcome to the Gon and more importantly to the Deep End.

With room positioning being the most important first step I'd bank the simple crawl test would reveal a standing wave bass mode near your available side wall location. 

The crawl process takes the trial and error out of moving heavy things and would reveal all your rooms bass mode best subwoofer locations. It only need be done once so map them out for the future.

With a 30 day trial and what looks to be the most comprehensive remote processing on your short list the Arendal just might be the smart choice. All the best in your search.

@ohlala is absolutely right. Placement is paramount. But that's where phase helps a lot. Adjustable phase, esp with more than one sub, makes additional positions possible. We all have to work within the constraints of our rooms, furniture, etc. Adjustable phase plus placement gets you closer to optimal integration without having to put things in (possibly) crazy places in the room to deal with modes.

I agree that phase and frequency and LF filters can help but are not a complete substitute for sub placement. Your advantage is the latitude to place a bit away from the walls. Get the largest sub you can. I have owned undersized subs; it is not great. I would advise to work fast to get through issues. Sometimes people get lucky but the trial period ends quickly. Good luck.  

I am very pleased and also impressed as to the quality and number of responses to my questions and setup.  This is my first post here and I look forward to being an active and helpful participant in the future. 

First thing thats evident is I have more research to do.  Thanks to @audiorusty  for the link and all who have jumped in with their thoughts.  I did have a chuckle at the reference to my negotiating skills from @vonhelmholtz - we know that there is no negotiating with terrorists :)

I will revisit  Rythmik and intend to work towards finding a solution.  Many thanks to all that have contributed. 

As long as there is  trial period choose one with a phone app.Set up is a breeze.One issue that hopefully won't come up is if the corner you've chosen is a dead spot.In my room two corners are ideal for subs,the other two are bass dead zones.

I agree with Erik Squires about the difficulty of integration. For me, variable phase was very important to integration. I have Rythmik subs, but perhaps the other subs on your list do this. Here's a photo from the back of the Rythmik for your reference.

Before you purchase a sub you should read this.

https://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm 

This white paper was written by a former JL Audio engineer, hence all of the JL Audio product references, but there are other options that are just as good and probably cheaper.

As for the subs you have listed I would follow Eric's advice. Having said that I would not get the REL. Even though they sound OK, in my opinion they are not a good value.

I ordered my REL subwoofers through a major Internet vendor with a 90 day trial. There must be some creative way to fit a pair of subs in such a large room. You can use the search function to research sub system integration using a pair vs single sub.  Perhaps you need to improve your negotiating skills.  Many of us face the same issues, but one extra very small subwoofer is hardly an obstacle.  You can do it…

All good comments and I appreciate the insights.  I did consider the Rhythmik E15 vs the F12 and will revisit the specs. I like the idea of a home trial. 

+1 @erik_squires In your situation get the sub with the best integration software you can get.  An alternative might be to get a Rhythmik F12 sub and a used DSpeaker Anti-Mode Dual Core 2.0 DSP device that’ll help greatly with room integration and likely be even better than many onboard sub DSP programs.  Best of luck. 

I can only respond with regard to the 1723 1s. I have one in my HT set up so no experience in my 2ch rig. This is a very good sub and often surprises me as for it’s tunefulness for music and how powerful it is in HT. It’s a 13 inch driver/sealed box with a good phone app for integration. No XLR inputs. A good power cords helps too. I would not hesitate to try it since they do offer the home trail. I have been very happy with mine. I replaced a Velodyne FSR 15 I have for many years, no comparison.

The biggest issues with subwoofers are integration.  How will it integrate with your speakers and room in the acoustic sense.  My choice would be whichever is going to help you work around your room limitations and speaker configuration the best.