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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
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.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

You're not thinking too deeply. You're asking good questions. I had some of these, too. Have both REL and Rythmik. Like both, but Rythmik's adjustable phase is critical to getting room dialed in.

audiorusty
272 posts
 

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

This can be true as long as the crossover in question has high pass filter capabilities. A feature very few powered subwoofers posses. A couple of exceptions are the JL Audio “E” series and I believe the Audio Kinesis “Swarm” (actually passive subs with an external amp). The other option would be to use an external crossover connected to your preamp outputs, which would split the signal that feeds your main and sub amps. Some examples of these would be the JL Audio CR-1, miniDSP as well as units made by dbx and XTA.

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.

This is true with the connection method that you present.

Option 1 makes the job of your main speakers easier, option 2 does not.

gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 

The only sub that I know of that uses a high pass filter is Vandersteen.

And, yes, by utilizing the high pass crossover, the amp will be relieved of power demanding low frequencies.

B

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