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Has Rel fallen out of favor with audiophiles?

I own a Rel Storm 3. which I've had for 10 yrs or so. My new hardwood floor has really opened things up, especially in the bass area. much more pronounced bass and excellent sound stage.  I was planning on upgrading my sub after completing the floor. My Rel Storm 3 is pushing at its max to keep up in a 5k+ cu ft  room. Ten yrs ago the Storm 3 was one of the best on the market. It integrates very wall into the 2 channel system. Now, there is SVS, Rhythmic, PSA  etc which have much better specs than the Rels for less $$$. But the question for me is whether they actually integrate with the main speakers as well as the Rel? I use mine  for music 95% of the time. Music doesn't need to plumb the 16hz range as much as HT does. And most of the reviews seem to come from HT sources, IE AVS forum and the various HT magazines. From what I can tell, then Rhythmic seems to cater to the audiophile more than HT. But how about a sealed  SVS ?. And will they both integrate as well as the Rel with the high level speakon input? 

So, for audipophiles, do you sacrifice the ultra low hz for the good integration of the Rel? Or do you go with then SVS, Rhythmic, etc with their lower octave output? IOW, do the integrate as well?
Thanks for your help

arte
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Artemus_5, I haven’t read the rest of this thread, but re your last post Dave could very well be right. The input impedance of the high-level inputs of REL subs is very high, 100K in the case of many models. An unconnected high impedance input is inherently susceptible to hum pickup, that might even be coupled into the input from the sub’s own amplifier.

The input impedance of the line-level inputs of most REL subs is much lower, 10K in the case of many models, which reduces that susceptibility somewhat, but may not eliminate it.

What you can do for test purposes is any one of the following:

1) Connect shorting plugs to the sub’s RCA inputs, if you have them.

2) Alternatively, connect the sub’s high-level cable to the sub, and connect its yellow, red, and black wires together, to each other. That will result in a near zero impedance at the sub’s high-level input, which is not much different than the impedance a power amplifier would present to it.

3) Alternatively, connect the sub’s line-level inputs to the line-level outputs of a preamp or source component, with that component being powered up but not processing a signal. And with its volume control, if it has one, set to minimum. That will result in the sub’s line-level inputs being forced to a relatively low impedance.

Obviously, have the sub turned off while you are implementing these connections.

Regards,
-- Al

smer319's avatar
smer319
138 posts
 
A Hi-Level connection, Proper placement and model selection, REL's installed in pairs are very strong practices as REL can benefit any speaker system.
We are a REL Dealer and choose REL as they are a true Sub-Bass System. Powered by a truly audiophile quality amplifier and lightning fast drivers, they are designed by John Hunter who is a musician, a lover of home systems and passionate in creating amazing experiences with systems at any price. Look us up and come by the store www.sunnyaudiovideo.com
626-966-6259.
m-db's avatar
m-db
971 posts
 

smer31936 posts09-09-2017 8:15amA Hi-Level connection, Proper placement and model selection, REL's installed in pairs are very strong practices as REL can benefit any speaker system. 
We are a REL Dealer and choose REL as they are a true Sub-Bass System. Powered by a truly audiophile quality amplifier and lightning fast drivers, they are designed by John Hunter who is a musician, a lover of home systems and passionate in creating amazing experiences with systems at any price. Look us up and come by the store  
I'm having good results with optimal placement (for my room) and using multiple DSP subwoofers which reduce room nodes and load the room in a way that produces a subjectively more desirable low frequency experience.

I have a question and its not my intention to be challenging you or REL's claims but I'm simply not getting it. 
You used the phrase regarding REL subwoofers and their preferred  "Hi-Level connection" a "true Sub Bass System." I've read brochure description of their unique transformer design and the claimed superiority of the Hi-Level proprietary connectivity yet I've been unable to understand or hear the benefit of either. When comparing a Studio III the Hi-Level connection audibly interfered with my main speakers presentation. 

What is/makes a true Sub Bass System compared to other conventional systems and why aren't other manufactures using it? 

A question for everybody. What is an example and benifit of a fast subwoofer driver? Is there a measurable specification accompanying these drivers?   





artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,926 posts
 
Dlcockrum. mine makes the sound without being hooked up to anything except the power outlet

Almarg, I appreciate your information. However, being and electronics illiterate, I will have to get a friend to decipher. Still, I suspect the info is good and he will understand. Whatever, it seems that maybe the sub isn’t bad after all, which will be great IMO

BTW, thanks to all. 
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
With amplifier turned off, securely connect the individual hi-level wires of the REL cable to amp’s speaker terminals per RELs instructions and plug the connector on the other end into the REL’s hi-level input. Turn on amplifier, plug the REL’s power cord into the AC receptacle, and switch on.

Dave
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