Hi ,
Best thing is to contact Rel and ask . I know a few people who have done this and had a great response .
cheers
Adding an Sub that doesn't go well below speakers?
The backbone of my setup is based on a couple of Canor Monoblocks that feed a pair of Marten Oscar Trio. The trio are rated for 27hz (-3db), but I still feel that the system would benefit of having one or two subwoofers that help both of below 27 while also allowing more breathing space for the speakers.
I was considering a couple of REL T5X because of the little footprint as well as the high line connections (the amps don't have a dedicated low-level sub out). But just before pulling the trigger, I saw that the T5X is rated at 37hz (-6db).
Would it make sense to add them to the system? Doesn't sound right. I know probably the Martens roll off above 27, but perhaps 37hz sub is too high for my system.
Perhaps a T9X that goes to the same 27hz? Or do I definitely need to splurge and do for an S series, like the S510 that is rated at 20 hz? If I do an S510 I will do just one and add a second once my wallet recovers.
Well, would love to hear from you.
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Dialing in a room is tricky. Typically, multiple subs are helpful. In addition, having adjustable phase on those subs is helpful. I have both REL and Rythmik subs, but only Rythmik’s adjustable phase makes it possible to get the room dialed in. The last piece of the puzzle is DSP. I run all three subs through a miniDSP and that completes the integration. A response from 20-300 Hz within +/- 4db of flat. Bass is full and also articulate. What’s great about the Rythmik phase control is that it allows one to position the sub where one wants it in the room (to avoid locations where room modes exist---peaks or nulls, a consequence of room dimensions); then, the phase control is used to align the sub with the main speakers. Many of use would not own a sub without a continuously-variable phase control. The 0/180 phase switch on many subs, including the REL, is far too crude to be of much value in a high performance system. REL is clearly a good product and they have a very vocal and earnest fan base. As I said, I love my REL sub, but the ability to adjust phase in a variable way is an absolutely crucial feature for anyone without a dedicated listening room and the dozens of hours it takes to get a sub without variable phase placed. It is ridiculous for REL not to include this feature, but they don’t. Yes they have a "high level" way to connect to the amp, etc., but that’s not very important if they task is achieving a blend with both room and subs. |
Roll the bottom out of the mains from at least 40Hz with a passive first order filter to the main amps 2x Martin Logan 800x or better. Any similarly capable sub with multiple XO slope, 180° continuous phase, polarity inversion. OR miniDSP 2x4HD if using digital source or analog active XO. Note the analog inputs on the 2x4HD are not acceptable for HiFi. The advantage of digital XO is time delay. With analog XO, you have to shift the woofers about more for the best integration
NEVER EVER use the high level inputs on a subwoofer if you are serious about sonics.
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I can tell you from my experience with REL subs. I first considered both the T5X and the T9X but finally settled on the S510 with the thought of doing the same and getting a second one when my wallet recovered, the only problem with that is the recovery is still on going so I still have only the one. I can tell you for certain that I am glad I went with the S510, it add enough to the low end that sometimes I don't feel the need for another one that I would have to find room for. Oh well, maybe some day. |
@hilde45 "then, the phase control is used to align the sub with the main speakers." How do you do this? Are you using your ears or a mic and software? I don't think my ears can pick it up phase difference between a main speaker and a sub (let alone two subs). Sometimes I feel like a fat guy that can't cook. |
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