Which subwoofer should I get?

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.

@ Audiorusty - thanks for validating James633. It struck me as good advice as well

@ mylogic - truly appreciate your ongoing clarifications. I was originally thinking about the REL Carbon special. 

To all: I am now convinced that a pair of subs is the direction I will be going. My overall budget needs to be limited to $4k, which gives me lots of options. I’m still leaning towards Rhythmik (wish they had app control, but I’m a little less hung up on this as being a critical feature…..more of a nice-to-have rather than need-to-have). The Arendel 1723 S1’s looks like another very interesting option, given their app control and better aesthetics. 

Once again, very appreciative of the advice this group can offer. Will keep you apprised later this month post-construction (there’s going to be holes cut in our drywall to install a new window; don’t want to introduce new equipment until the construction dust settles).

@ fleschler - FYI the Shockwave subs are a Von Schweikert product. Definitely over my price point. FWIW Westminster Lab makes amplification and pre-amps.

Hello and Happy New Year, 

I’m very pleased with HSU (pronounced “shoe”)subwoofers, of which I have two.  My older HSU sub is their VTF-MKII. I recently added Dr. Hsu’s (MIT PHd -engineering) newest and most powerful model, the VTF-TN1.  Both are accurate or I like to say “tight and right”.   Dr.Hsu has been designing subwoofers for over 40 years at his small facility in Anaheim.Ca  

Rather than go into descriptive detail in this post I suggest that you visit.

https://HSURESEARCH.com

ps  I think you will also be very pleased with the prices.  Also if you call Dr  Hsu he frequently answers the phone himself.   He’s a brilliant engineer, easy to took with and is a subwoofer “whisperer”.   :)

Enjoy the music  

Just purchased a pair of SVS-SB-4000 subs to supplement the bass in my Matin Logan 11A impressions hybrid speaker. The subs are excellent and they add deep controlled bass to the sound. I crossover at 60 and volume is at 5. These settings work well for me. The built in amps are 1200 watts each. The Rel I was looking at had 300 watts. I have found that having extra power in reserves helps loudspeakers as well as subs really open up. Also, before I purchased the SVS I called SVS and we spent a considerable amount of time reviewing my system and how I could maximize my sound. SVS was very knowledgeable an helpful. They were easy to reach via phone. Hope this is helpful.