Bottom line, watch the REL videos on how to tune, and follow what's on there web site. You'll adjust them differently than you expect, and the SQ will definitely satisfy!
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.
Showing 9 responses by soundermn
I have a large room too. It's not as large as yours, but larger than many. Anyway, I have a pair of T/9i and Revel F208 mains. I got a T/9i, but in the large room, it wasn't enough. So, I changed to one R528 (moved from the HT room). The R528 was good, but I really felt that 2 subs would be better. I decided to put the R528 back in the HT, added a second T/9i to the stereo setup, and now I have spent some time with it. My advice is to use the high level inputs as described in the REL manuals. I have the mains plugged into the 4 ohm tap on my Primaluna HP Integrated, and the RELs are connected as stereo (see REL setup instructions) using the 8 ohm taps. This is the way REL recommends, if you read up on their installation instructions from their web site, or in the manual. Once it was all connected, I spent some time tuning everything. Then listened. And tuned some more. And listened. After doing this for a few days with a variety of music, I have it dialed in. At first, I thought it would be better to crossover at a low freq, but then I found that it worked better if I raised the crossover, which is what the manual recommends. I also found that it was better with the volume levels set higher than I expected. Overall, the sound has improved for all frequencies. Everything smoothed out, and the system sounds better than ever. The subs energize the room, but are not boomy, and they don't overpower the main speakers. IMO, the T/7i may not have enough power for your room. But, then again, I don't think you need to jump to major subs, like 18 or 21 inches, as some suggested... unless you want hip-hop bass. |
Actually, the SVS 16s that you recommend start at $2000 each. The question from OP wasn't about which sub to choose. It was how to make the best use of RELs, which he bought. That said, the T/7i that he bought currently retails at $900. Bringing the discussion back to OP, in my experience, the RELs are good for stereo. I'm happy with mine, and honestly think that since adding dual REL subs, by system is better balanced at all FR and sounds better than it ever has. We'd like to hear what you think after you get it all tuned in. I will also say I"m a big fan of SVS. My father asked me to help with his HT setup, and we got him a full set of SVS Ultra speakers and a pair of SVS 2000 subwoofers. His system sounds fantastic, too. For HT. |
I don't think OP started this discussion for you guys to come in and bash his system or his choice of equipment, or for you to argue with each other. Really, this forum has become such a slug-fest it's unbelievable! If some of you actually knew as much as you think you know, you could save the world! You even have him believing that you know more than the engineers and designers at REL, who designed these subs! OP has nice equipment! His choice of Mac is great, and it's not underpowered. 75 tube watts from a Mac is a lot of power. They use excellent transformers and excellent design. They will power those 86db speakers just fine. The RELs are good subs. No, they don't go to 10 Hz, but neither does the music! Sure, a new amp, 4 big subs (or is it 5 now, MC?), new, more efficient speakers, and tweaky fuses, cones and power cords would make it sound different (not necessarily better). But, that's not what he asked. His question for you guys was whether or not he will see improvement by adding the RELs to his system. He isn't living in an anechoic chamber, and isn't looking for perfect, world class sound, and he isn't building a studio or trying to spend tens of thousands of dollars! The answer to the question, @ricmci is YES! It will definitely improve things for you, and I think you have already discovered that. IME the RELs are very musical. They integrate very well with your speakers if you take your time in tuning them, and I recommend following the OE instructions to connect using the high inputs. Are they the best available? No. Are they junk? Far from it. In my case, I have Primaluna HP Integrated with Revel F208 speakers and a pair of REL t/9i subs. The SQ is fantastic! Some of the forum regulars need to grow up. It's like OP came in asking if he should paint the walls blue. And, then this group gets hold of him and tries to convince him blue is wrong, and he should move walls, raise the roof, and move to Colorado where the power grid is more reliable. If he's happy with what he's got, then let him be happy! He is taking a journey, as we all are. Instead of encouraging his walk up the hill, you want him to go to the moon. Sheesh. |
You guys won't give up. MC you have a one track mind!! I don't see any comment in this thread saying you only need one sub. The OP actually has 2. Then ieales insists on something super complicated, or it's not even good enough for him to discuss (making me wonder why he keeps discussing it). Since when does a logo and chrome foot (actually mine don't have chrome feet, they are aluminum) have anything to do with the quality of the product? You two should get together to talk about how right you both are. |
He is trying to say the REL subs are junk and that I have them hooked up wrong, even though I did it exactly as shown by the designer. Obviously he knows way more than the engineers at REL. You can tell by his mastery of language. https://rel.net/how-to-connect-your-rel-to-a-tube-amplifier/ https://relsupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005872647-Stereo-RELs-Tuning-Guide It is common for vacuum tube power amplifiers to have three sets of output connections. Since the REL high level connections draws no current, it is best to use it with taps intended for driving higher impedances such as 8, or even 16 ohms. We suggest starting by connecting the RED and YELLOW “hot” wires of the REL high level cable to the 8 ohm speaker outputs. This is recommended even if your main speakers are connected to 4 ohm (or 2 ohm) outputs because the gain of RELs is designed to follow the longstanding industry practice of using 8 ohm as a standard. Selecting a lower impedance for the REL connection will result in MUCH lower output. |