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Does a REL subwoofer make the speakers' job easier?

Gentlemen,

Let’s assume we are following REL’s recommendation by connecting the sub to the amp instead of the preamp through the high-level connection. Then which one of these two would be true?

1. The sub would make the speakers’ job easier by not sending the low bass signal (i.e., below the crossover point) to them.

2. The signal sent to the speakers would still include the low bass even when the sub is used. Therefore the speakers would still receive the full range signal.

If (1) is true, how is it accomplished electrically? I am asking this as someone who has little knowledge about how the signal flow between amp and speakers works.

Thanks in advance!

johnson0134
wlutke
726 posts
 

Does the REL high level connection make the speakers job easier?  Well, no.  Neither option 1 or 2 makes the speakers job easier.  Option 1 may make the amps job easier.   Option 2 may make the sub integrate more seamlessly.  

jl35
4,002 posts
 

speakers get full range signal with REL...JL is maybe what you are looking for...I prefer REL...crossover that doesn't degrade signal to main speakers is often quite expensive, though JL makes a great one...

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,590 posts
 

I was looking at both REL and JL Audio but ended up with Rythmik. I liked the fast servo sub and connect low level from my amp to the sub. My Parasound A21 has an RCA connection for both Left and Right channel and variable gain adjustment and connects directly to each stereo subwoofer(s). I push full range to my speakers and it seems to be easier to blend the low/mid low freqs between the sub and speaker.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,528 posts
 

I have owned both JL and REL. With JL, the integration was a nightmare (I did not try the external crossover). With REL, integration was seamless without compromising full range signal to my main speakers. The low bass extension with REL is just right (actually amazing), neither overpowering nor underwhelming in my system.  I can’t imagine my system without a pair of REL’s. For two channel system, always connect REL’s with High Level Neutrik Speakon connection, fine tune and enjoy! 

tablejockey
3,913 posts
 

You're thinking too deeply about it.

This is audiophoolery-buy one and try it. There are plenty of happy REL users. The one that aren't simply didn't hear what they were expecting, and went with another brand.

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