I love my REL. That said, when I wanted to get additional subs, I went with Rythmik. Why? REL is limited in the controls it offers to completely dial it in. For example, the phase is either 0 or 180; Rythmiks have a phase dial which can range in between 0 and 180. There are also a number of other features on a Rythmik —not least, their servo approach in the sub design — which you can read about, here: http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12SE_features.html

Here’s a photo of the back of my two Rythmiks. I’m not saying that other subs don’t have this, only that this is why I chose Rythmik over additional REL’s.

I will continue to enjoy my REL in conjunction with the Rythmiks. But I have learned how hard it is to make bass work in my room, and the lack of flexiblity on the REL sets them below my Rythmiks. Phase has been my key to making everything work perfectly in 0-300hz.

How does a REL subwoofer add dimensionality and depth to a sound system?

Wow, the OP’s original question was pretty quickly forgotten. I hope this does not turn out to be a thread for REL haters and owners, but some seem itchin’ for a fight.

I’m a bit like @hilde45 on subs these days. When I bought my Britannia B1 and Storm III it was years ago and most of these new subs either did not exist or were not known by anyone. REL was one of the most musical subs offered, period. My B1 with my mains was fantastic and tight, running very low bass only.

That said, the most recent three subs I bought were two SBS SB-2000s and one SB-3000 and all three sealed subs are now in my audio room. The B1 went into the home theater (with an old DefTech PF1500) and the Storm III audibly lights up the 14x18 ft TV room now.

I believe in the DBA concept now, but feel that poster missed the OP’s question as well, even though good points were made on why DBA works well. As for the rest, why not start an “REL sucks” thread and have your own fun.   :-)  

I agree with hilde45. I went with JL Fathoms over Rel. They offer much more flexibility in set up. They have full adjustable phase to adjust for proper placement. They also have built-in room correction via eq. Another point for me was that they are built in USA which makes service easier if it is needed for me. 

The whole high level input is over rated imo too. There are also more than a get folks that have damaged amps by not having the high level connected properly. 

Unless you are using a sub array, the settings on the back of subwoofer, even a basic EQ function, is in my mind, while not worthless, not that far off.

IF you are going to go the sub route, please invest in a microphone and learning something like REW. For the most part, you are wasting your money if you don't.

If you are an analog "purist" let it go. Sub bass management is best done with DSP. Your hearing acuity is low, and speaker distortion high at bass frequencies. Nothing an ADC / DSP adds to the system is going to impact the SQ, other than in a positive way.

If you go the way of @oldhvymec , treating the room significantly, then there is less need for EQ/DSP, but it can still get you that last bit of tuning. I have both. DSP gives you more flexibility with placement.

Seems like every thread becomes contentious anymore. If you don' like the word "Rel": in the title, then instead of seeing red and getting you panties in a wad why not look at it this way

How does a REL subwoofer add dimensionality and depth to a sound system?

The video is put out by REL. Do you REALLY expect them NOT to put their name on it?

I get it. You like the flavor of the month. It's Rythmik now. It was SVS previous. Before that Rel. And as has been pointed out, when I bought my 1st REL neither of these brands were in existence. The point that I got out of watching this video is that the bass itself is the very thing that makes the dimensionality and  depth. So IF that is the case then the bass of the Rythmik & SVS are also instrumental in this task

@oldhvymec I understand that you are knowledgabe. but how many times do you need to hear that the REL subs are NOT DESIGNED TO DECOUPLE NOW DON'T THOSE CHICKENS NEED TO BE FED? And LET THE DOG CHASE THAT RABBIT FOR A WHILE. hE NEED THE EXERCISE.(sorry. Didn't mean to holler...stupid caps lock)