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Anyone Experienced With Revel Gems and Sub15/LE1

Hi All. I have a pair of Revel Ultima Gems and I am going to be purchasing a matching set of the Sub15/LE1 sub and amp combo in a few months.

I would like to know what my best option would be in hooking up the system. I believe the two ways are:

1. use either an integrated (with pre-outs) or pre/power amp for the Gems and run interconnected from the pre-outs to the LE1 inputs; or
2. use an integrate (without pre-outs) or pre/power amp for the Gems and run a speaker cable to the LE1 line-level inputs.

What would be the best in terms of a) sound quality and b) convenience. Also, which of these setups will allow me to use the LE1's filter (so that the Gem's only get higher frequencies)? Or is there another setup needed to use this filter?

Thanks in advance,
X
xenithon
beemer
444 posts
 
Do yourself a favor and if you need a sub with the Gems buy the newer sub30. Far more reliable. Revel had nothing but trouble with the LE1 amps, not to mention when running through the LE1 crossover, the sound was "not so good".

A friend had the Gem/Sub15/LE1 some time ago, and we always enjoyed the Gems direct, than with the sub and crossover. The crossover added a noticeable sibilance to the Gems which was not there without it.

I have Gems alone in a second system in a smaller room. When I bought them used I thought that low frequency extension may be problematic however as they are I have been quite pleased.

A dealer I know sold 8 sets of the Gem/Sub15/LE1 combo some time back. He told me 7 of the 8 LE1 amps went sour.

So, that's what I know. To this day I consider the Gems to be an outstanding speaker on their own. Boogie factor and midrange that many others can't touch. I wish I could say the same for th Sub15/LE1.

Best,

Paul :-)
xenithon OP
130 posts
 
Hmmm...thanks for the info, I had no idea. The Sub30 is out of my price bracket unfortunately. The LE1/Sub15 I could get at a good price from the person I originally bought the Gems from. I am also fairly limited in terms of choice as I am in South Africa, not the US or EU.

Would you perhaps recommend getting an alternative powered subwoofer to match with the Gems? If so will I still be able to use some form of crossover to limit the low frequencies sent to the Gems (I assume that the crossovers would be part of the subs)?

If so, what would be the best way to connect the system together? I will be getting amplification too so I now have a choice of either getting an integrated amp or a pre/power amp. Would it make much difference which I go for (other than the added cost of going separates)?

X
beemer
444 posts
 
Unless you are really playing LOUD, I would run the Gems full-range.

Most subwoofer on-board crossovers do more to degrade the sound than improve it.

You would need a preamp with two sets of outputs to run the Gems full range. One set of outputs to the amp for the Gems, and the other set of outputs to the subwoofer. The lower you set the high pass control on whatever sub you get the better.

These are my thoughts, others I'm sure will have different suggestions. Best of luck no matter how you do it!!

Paul :-)
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