What is the order of rel subs?

Yes, there is a pecking order. The "ST" series is no longer available in the U.S. new except for the highest end models (Studio at $9,000 and Stentor at $5,000). The Britannia series is next (B1 at $3,000, B2 at $2500, and B3 at $2,000 with some variation for finish). Check out the Sumiko website referenced above for more details. I am most familiar with the "B" series as I own the B1 (12" driver and 500 watt amp) as compared with the B2 with a 10" driver and a 300 watt amp and the B3 with a 10" driver and a 200 watt amp). However, size of driver is not everything as the Stentor is only a single 10" but has a huge enclosure and the Studio is dual 10" drivers with a huge enclosure as well. The B and R series are the newest in the line with the R series made in China and the B series made in England. The older "ST" series subs were all downward firing and downward ported whereas the new B series is forward firing but downward ported.

That is certainly the order BUT does not include the new B series nor the fact that all of the above except the Stentor and Studio are discontinued in the States. There is some fudge factor, but it is probably about right that the new B3 goes in between the Storm 5 and the Stadium III, the B2 is probably close either above or below the performance of the Stadium III and the B1 is between the Stadium III and Stentor III. Certainly when I spoke with Sumiko about the models, they felt that the Britannia line represented a step forward from the "St" series and indicated that the B1 would stomp all over the Stadium III. I have not compared the two directly, but it seems as though the B1 does not have any advantage over the Stadium in absolute extension (13 versus 12 hz) but certainly has more power with a 500 watt versus a 200 watt amp. Unless the price was great or the appearance important, I think the Britannia line represents a "sweet spot" in the Rel lineup. I believe the B3 was the Absolute Sound mag's subwoofer of the year for 2006 which is pretty high praise for its musicality.

Can't tell you as I am only repeating what they told me. Obviously, they have purchased the company and can sell what they want where they want. If they felt the Stadium III were better than the B series, they could sell it or offer it in addition to the new series. I have heard the argument that the B series might be "less musical" or "more for home theater" but it seems like most who hear the B series like what they hear. I do, and find it quite musical--far more so than my old Velodyne (which I only used for HT), but you have the advantage of direct comparison. Seems like good subs can be build downard firing or forward firing. I wish there were more reviews out there from independent sources. The only one I know of is the Absolute Sound Mag which raved about the B3, but I have not seen a single review of the B1. For me, the measure was whether I could integrate the sub relatively seamlessly into my two channel listening (which I could). The fact that it also works well in my HT setup is a bonus. I imagine the higher power levels of the B series may allow for better integration into HT, but I am not convinced that having more power in reserve is necessarily a detriment for two channel. Still, it is interesting to read of someone that prefers the Stadium to the B1 in direct comparison.

Hi Piet,

I will not be able to shed much light, I am afraid. Given the high quality of your main speakers, and if cost is not a major factor, I would suspect that the venerable Studio III would likely be superior to the newfangled B1 in your application. I have no facts to justify this opinion, but given that Sumiko still offers the Studio III, and given its much higher price tag and lower extension, I cannot imagine that it would be inferior to the B1.

Having said that, I remain pleased with my B1 and it fit my budget better than a Stentor or Studio. I am not sure that downward firing is "better" than forward firing woofers nor do I believe that home theater woofers are always forward firing. Look at the fairly inexpensive, but hugely powerful SVS line of subs made to shake rooms in HT. They have downward firing woofers and are ported to the side. "Directionality" or the ability to locate where the sound is coming from is, I believe, related more to the pitch than whether the woofer is forward or downward firing. I set my B1 on two channel music to only engage around 38 hz. At that pitch, it is not "directional" to me. Also, some claim that forward firing woofers are easier to "dial in" location wise than downward firing.

Lastly, I would like to point out that the company that bought Rel is Sumiko. Sumiko is the U.S. Importer for Vienna Acoustics and Sonus Faber. They sell very high end gear. Seems like Rel is in pretty good hands. I would be very surprised if they did not want to sell subs that complemented high end speakers like the SF Amati Homage and others they sell. Also, they were pretty responsive when I called. You might do the same and see what they tell you. At least you will be talking to them directly and may be able to get some useful information/insight. I was trying to decide whether to buy a Stadium II or III or get the new B series. I did not ask many questions relevant to your higher class inquiry. :)