Which subwoofer should I get?

mwsl

l would say the RCA outs for sub connection from your amplifier would probably be low level not hi. Stick with hi level for pure Hi-Fi stereo.

Rels hi level Neutrik connection is for direct connection to your speaker out terminals (or from your speakers inputs if is easier to wire up if you have a stereo pair of subs)

mwsl

l have the manuals for various Rel subs but it is so difficult to post photos on Audiogon.

l started with a Rel Quake in the early 2000s and over this time since then l now have two T9i’s in my latest set up. Rel are more expensive than the competition but l believe they achieve what they are best at….hi level Neutrik connectability.

lf you just Google Rel Neutrik hi level input this will get you started on how to connect to amplifier and their philosophy on this method over low level RCA.

ln my opinion hi level for hi-fi and low level for home theatre only.

Easy to part fools from their money….

l mean $20k for a sub?

Anyhow this platform is for giving advice as we see it and opinions and beliefs.

Horses for courses, you pays your money and takes your choice. My advice opinion was directed to ‘mwsl’ who has shown his intention to buy a Rel and as most will realise on here, they do not stretch to a $20k overkill sub for a domestic environment.

My personal evaluation of Rels Neutrik hi-level input application is based on 25 years of ‘personal’ knowledge. I am still currently using two Rel T9i’s so my opinion is they work exceedingly well for me using hi-level for hi-fi.

soix

l have heard a few Paradigm subs many years ago.

l think you have misunderstood my comments on Rels….. All their models offer hi-level AND low level inputs!

l use hi-level for two channel hi-fi and that’s the end of story for me. For home theatre that is a different story because you can only accept multi-channel via RCA line in so l have nothing against low level. Hi-fi 2 channel via Neutrik hi-level is just a better option. Adopting that input method passes on the amplifiers harmonics so the sub receives your amplifiers signature characteristics. You do know the signal is relayed from the amps speaker out terminals?

Rel were the first sub manufacturer to offer this to the market place and some other manufacturers adopted the technology and the reasoning. Rel by offering the two input options allow you to use the sub for two channel hi-fi via hi-level Neutrik (often referred to as Speakon) and low level line in RCA for cinema multichannel. That has to be TWO good reasons to audition the Rel range.

mwsl

Hi Matt. Just to clarify what audiorusty advised you. The Rel T5x you were originally recommended (in your first post l believe) would not cause concern with your A5’s. The T5 range do not have the passive radiator, just a single down firing driver. Move up the T range and they do have the passive radiator.

My only concern would be if the T5x could be too small for your room but if you are thinking of a stereo pair then that is a different situation. Try one and if needed buy a second….they are not that expensive.

In one my of my replies to your post l stated that l started with a Rel Quake the basic 100 watt budget end of their range. It was very impressive with Hi-Fi and Cinema so l bought a second. They integrated so easily and once set up there was no need to endlessly fiddle. I kept them for over ten years. The T5x is about the same size as the Quake but from memory has a 150 watt amp. T5i’s are a cheaper option on the 2nd hand market too and maybe not a lot difference to the T5x.

l believe you may have moved up the Rel range in your considerations now but thought this may still be of help. The Rels are well made and the cabinet finish is exemplary.