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Rythmik or REL Subs to pair with Totem Element Metal V2?

I'm looking at one REL S/810 or two Rythmic F12SE subs as that works out to be about $3k total which is my budget.

What I'm looking for is more low-end growl, weight, and visceral punch - in proper proportion.   I want a bass guitar to sound like a real bass guitar and I want to fill in the bottom end.   The Totems are awesome from about 60Hz up, but they just don't move the air at the lowest end.

My current rig is:

Xfinity Modem ->AQ Vodka-> LHY SW8 switch ->AQ Vodka-> NAD M33 ->Cardas Cygnus Biwire-> Totem Element Metal V2.   Power cables are AntiCables L3, AC filtering is a Panamax 5300.

My room is 32' wide, 17' deep with the speakers along the long wall. with the front baffles about 18" out from the wall.   Some spousal-approved room treatments are in use.   Also, and importantly, I'm in a high-rise condo, so I don't want to be inadvertently massaging my neighbors with pounding bass.

Any recommendations or thoughts?

noodlyarm
mofojo
2,172 posts
 

Not sure the punch of the Rel. I have an F12 G with the GR research driver. It’s a good sounding sub….. but it does not have a lot of punch but blends well. Seems to do lower bass much better than mid bass. My JL Fathom F113  amp is being fixed right now. Night and day for punchiness. Depends on what you are looking for I guess.  

sfgak
97 posts
 

I have a pair of the F12G with GR drivers. Paired with DALI Epicon 6’s crossed over at 50Hz. They are authoritative, and plenty loud for my tastes. Be aware that if you use a Y-splitter to split the input signal to both inputs of the F12G, you will get a 6 dB gain over using a single line level input. No in-home experience with the REL.

jackd
1,037 posts
 

Rythmik without a doubt as you pay no middle-man or dealer markup and if you have an issue you can deal directly with the owner. There is a reason you can buy two instead of one. I own two pair.  

noodlyarm OP
90 posts
 

Great feedback, thank you.   So far, that’s 100% for a pair of Rythmik subs!

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,796 posts
 

Two subs over one, Rythmik over REL. I have both. In my opinion, REL is good but overpriced, given (a) the flexibility of control available on Rythmik (adjustable phase, especially) and (b) the premium paid for REL. REL fanboys will disagree, but having completely solved the bass in my room (using analyses of room modes, placement, and every possible adjustment), there is no substitute for the control offered by Rythmik.

Compare:

The *adjustable* phase on Rythmik and the various toggle switches make a huge difference for dialing in subs and getting the bass correct.

 

REL Acoustics S/812 Subwoofer

 

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