REL doubtless still make, or have made for them, decent subs. Over the years I’ve had a couple of RELs and three SVS, and have in practice found the SVS better sounding and, last time I looked, at a lower price for any particular spec.
I have both REL and SVS subs. For music there is no contest. REL is way better (and probably way more expensive too nowadays) for comparable specs.
There's something that's worth pointing out here. There are two general groups of people here:I have no reason not to believe you. But I was directing my speech to the average layman that, including myself, doesn't posses golden ears. To us mere mortals there is no substitute to measurements, I'm afraid. ()
And as long as you haven't measured you don't know it might have been even better, do you?
Some speakers actually do a very good job with bass, my Klipsch Cornwall IV being a good example, reaching down to 32Hz. I don't want a relatively inexpensive sub to replace that well articulated bass, but merely to supplement the very low frequencies (perhaps 20-50Hz).
I don’t suppose either of us have used all models from both manufacturers in their systems but ime of 2 REL subs and 3 SVS I’ll spend my pennies on an SVS sub - ymmv.
There's something that's worth pointing out here. There are two general groups of people here:
These two groups are fundamentally incompatible, and will general view the other with derision and dismissal.
- The first doesn't feel it's possible to tune a sub with their ears, and probably wouldn't trust the results if they did. They prefer calibrated measurement equipment, and enjoy acquiring the gear and skills necessary to do the task. In the end, they feel that their approach is "correct", and therefore everyone should use it.
- The second isn't so keen to pull out the laboratory equipment. They're willing to experiment with the settings directly, gauging the result over time with their own ears and sensibilities. They typically achieve results which are satisfying to them, which is all that really matters with this hobby.
You’re probably right in that folk broadly fall into the “measure“ or “tune by ear” camps, although in practice there is another group that sets up with measurements and then fine tunes by ear. As always measurements are only of use if one knows how they correlate to the sound one hears. As someone in that third category I’m relieved to say that I feel no need to view anyone with derision or dismissal!There's something that's worth pointing out here. There are two general groups of people here:
These two groups are fundamentally incompatible, and will general view the other with derision and dismissal.
- The first doesn't feel it's possible to tune a sub with their ears, and probably wouldn't trust the results if they did. They prefer calibrated measurement equipment, and enjoy acquiring the gear and skills necessary to do the task. In the end, they feel that their approach is "correct", and therefore everyone should use it.
- The second isn't so keen to pull out the laboratory equipment. They're willing to experiment with the settings directly, gauging the result over time with their own ears and sensibilities. They typically achieve results which are satisfying to them, which is all that really matters with this hobby.
I certainly didn't use all the models. But I did listen to at least six from REL and five from SVS. We probably don't even value the same attributes in a subwoofer so what's best for you probably isn't best for me. Which is perfectly fine, of course. I was just giving my opinion based on first hand experience.
The main reason that some subwoofer companies offer two inputs, high level and low level is for convenience. A large number of preamplifiers, or integrated amplifiers don't come with 2 sets of pre-amp outputs so the only way of connecting to the sub(s) is via the high level speaker connections. I've used both very successfully. For 17 years I used the high level connections on all the Avantgarde Horns from Uno to Trios and this worked extremely well. For the last 10 years I have used the second preamp output connections to the Horn base in my Cessaro Liszts. Both options work extremely well. On the Cessaro's there are a good few more adjustments to get the best integration without the need for any DSP. The newer Avantgarde Horns now offer a similar level of controls.
Yes, but don't forget the subs are amplifying the low frequency harmonics in the music that goes to help make the instruments, voices etc sound more real, as well as reproducing the room acoustics where the recording was recorded in. This helps enormously to make the sound more realistic. Also helps soundstage width and depth, ambience, timbre etc in the recording too.
You have no idea what you are missing. Quite simply, buy the biggest, best sub you can afford, preferably two. I use REL's but I'm sure the other usual suspects work well too. Try to audition if poss.
Thanks for reply. So what am I missing?
Generally speaking, REL makes great subs to pair with 2-channel systems, so you won't go wrong with something from their T/x Series.Thanks for reply. So what am I missing?
Unfortunately I won't be going big, and will only be one sub and not two. I also won't be able to audition, but I guess the fact that most hifi dealers that I buy online from give you a 30 day money back guarantee I pretty much will be able to audition at least one or two at home with the option of returning them.
Budget?
Thanks. I had looked at REL T series earlier. I liked the look of the Tzero MKIII, mainly drawn to it's size. I was a bit confused about how to connect it to my Quad pre amp though. What is the High Level connector and where and how would I connect on my pre amp? There is a Low Level input and an 1/LFE input as well, where do they connect to on my pre amp? Sorry for the dumb questions but I just assumed I'd be running a pair of RCA cables from the Pre Outs on my pre amp to a couple of input connections on the back of the sub.
Thanks. I wouldn't want to go much more than £4-500 if I could manage it. Wouldn't rule out a used or refurbed sub either, especially if it was from a dealer on ebay which brought the price down a bit.
