Subwoofer insight.


This is new territory to me. Current speakers are 2 way with frequency response of 60Hz-20KHz with +/- 2dB.  Sensitivity rated as 86dB. Chance to purchase a pair of REL 7 tis. I feel like I am missing something but will have to buy the subs to try out. My basic question is this. Does this purchase sound wise? I know what I am willing to spend but do you think I will notice an appreciable improvement.  I know that no one can listen through my ears but this is my first time doing this. Source is 75 watt integrated tube amp, McIntosh MA-2275. Thoughts appreciated. I am leaning towards going forward with the deal but would appreciate some feedback. Room is large and open, 28X38 feet with 9 foot ceilings. Thanks for any feedback.
ricmci

Showing 7 responses by dave_b

A lot of overly complicated, unnecessarily redundant information being spread around here.  MORE IS NOT BETTER!  Insanity may dictate otherwise, but keeping it simple makes it easier to control the Q in your listening room.  Quality, fewest connections possible and patience with the setup will go far.  REL Speakon connections are THEE best way to add a subwoofer to your system for 2 channel quality sound reproduction.  Use “LIVE” recordings to dial in the presence and atmosphere that your system can deliver.  REL has very good placement advice, but experimentation is key...corners are bad!  Mine faces front and is roughly in line with the mid driver on my main speakers.  Your room will dictate which is best.  Use bass heavy acoustic music to dial the sub in, repeating familiar tracks till you are satisfied.  It’s actually not that hard and fun to do when you have some extra time to tweak:)
More stuff in the signal path means further degradation or alteration of the signal.  Simpler is better.  The mains and sub(s) should be receiving the exact same signal for maximum fidelity.  REL Speakon connections do that.  Adding EQ and crossovers and more wires and different levels with various impedance mismatches...ugh!!  For Cinema/HT?  Ok 👍. For purist 2 CH Home Stereo...keep it simple.
The REL’s are powered geniuses ...they draw almost nothing from the amp via the Speakon connection.  Mains run full range.  No X crossover needed.  No extra interconnects.  No extra boxes with crap in them for the signal to be degraded.  Simple!
I think some people in this hobby like to fancy themselves as engineers.  They get off on over analyzing everything in their systems.  Doesn’t matter really what it sounds like....they just love trying to control parameters to achieve a pre determined outcome.  For me, my ears are my guide and sometimes a tape measure.  Infrequently I may also consult the owner’s manual!