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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 5 responses by ricred1

ricred1
1,991 posts
 
rwwear,
"The SVS 16s are much better than the RELs for half the money."
There are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. I've owned the SVS 15 and SVS 16. I currently own REL Carbon Limited subs. I would never own SVS subs for 2-channel again. 
ricred1
1,991 posts
 
I have REL subs and prefer the low-level connection.
ricred1
1,991 posts
 
rwwear,
"The REL's just aren't real subs IMO. They don't even go down to 20hz. I have a friend with a pair of the REL Carbons. Even he acknowledges they don't perform like mine. I personally own Velodyne DD15s and I love them but would go for the SVS 16's if I needed a replacement. But you are right about personal preference Ric."
Have you ever heard SVS 16's or a REL in your system? 
We have different opinions about what's a real sub. I've owned SVS,  HSU, Martin Logan, JL Audio, and now REL. REL subwoofers don't thump like some subwoofers. In my system they provide different shades of bass and improve sound across the entire audio spectrum. In my opinion REL subs are very special with 2-channel, but they aren't the kind of subs that standout.   
ricred1
1,991 posts
 
I think after 30 years of experience and actually owning several subwoofers qualifies me as educated. Again, there are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. So, I’ll continue to provide my opinion based on actual listening, but I won’t try to insult anyone that disagrees with me.
ricred1
1,991 posts
 
  • Sorry to the OP and I won't respond again. 
I don’t listen to any music that has bass any where near 20hz, let alone below 20hz. "I just know the RELs are twice the money of the SVS subs while getting less." You make your statement as fact, but it’s your opinion. I don’t want to defend REL, because I don’t have a financial interest in them. I submit "we" do a disservice to the audiophile community when we make comments like, "I just know the RELs are twice the money of the SVS subs while getting less." The truth is they’re different and to my ears, SVS just don’t produce different shades of bass. If someone said they required a subwoofer for HT and didn’t want to spend a lot of money I would recommend SVS. If someone said, they want a subwoofer that produces different shades of bass for 2-channel , that improves everything across the audio spectrum, I would recommend REL. If I had to recommend a subwoofer to someone with a dual purpose system combining HT with 2-channel and price isn’t a concern I recommend JL Audio.
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