Probably a better way to go...BUT it is a lot more difficult to set up the blend and x-over with two subs vs one.
Two small RELs or One Larger Sub
What would you do?
Dedicated music/listening room -- 16 x 25, with 10 foot ceilings, no openings to other areas.
PSB Imagine T2s
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Strictly 2 channel system.
I'm looking to add air, space, realism. Ultimate bottom end is not as important as all the other stuff a good musical sub does for full spectrum floor standers.
I saw that Upscale had the REL S/2 on sale for $1k ea. I was thinking it might be prudent to go with 2 of these as opposed to going with one REL S/3 or S5.
Thoughts?
Dedicated music/listening room -- 16 x 25, with 10 foot ceilings, no openings to other areas.
PSB Imagine T2s
Powered by Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium
Strictly 2 channel system.
I'm looking to add air, space, realism. Ultimate bottom end is not as important as all the other stuff a good musical sub does for full spectrum floor standers.
I saw that Upscale had the REL S/2 on sale for $1k ea. I was thinking it might be prudent to go with 2 of these as opposed to going with one REL S/3 or S5.
Thoughts?
21 responses Add your response
I run two smaller REL R-328 subs with my mains. Because the RELs can run directly off the amp (rather than through the pre) they are easier IMO to integrate than tradition sub configurations. The stereo subs help address acoustical room issues in the bass region. I predict that you are more likely to get closer to what you are after with 2 smaller subs than 1 larger sub. |
astewart8944312 posts06-16-2018 4:11pmI run two smaller REL R-328 subs with my mains. Because the RELs can run directly off the amp (rather than through the pre) they are easier IMO to integrate than tradition sub configurations. The stereo subs help address acoustical room issues in the bass region. I predict that you are more likely to get closer to what you are after with 2 smaller subs than 1 larger sub.Actually they're designed to be connected THROUGH (which relies on the amplifiers ability to produce low frequencies) the amplifiers outputs and the speakers inputs using a proprietary Speakon terminated cable commonly referred to as speaker or high level connectivity. They do offer RCA or low level connectivity if one chooses to use the direct signal FROM preamplifier and/or an equalizers output the way most every professional subwoofer system is designed to perform its best. In a direct in home comparison my DSP subwoofers were much easier to connect and quicker to automatically integrate into the system. The result of which was a far better job of unnoticeable integration with a more desirable overall performance. Since every rooms acoustical make up is different results will obviously vary. In my experience using two subwoofers monaurally, locating them using crawl testing as a starting point usually results in irregular placement which provides better elimination of room modes and general room loading. I have never found stereo operation and locating subs next to the main speakers or in corners sonically desirable unless the crossover is set unusually high. Again, results can vary greatly with placement and the method of room optimization and/or setup. |
I use 2 RELs from an earlier era and they're amazing...a Q150e (10") and a Q108II (8")...bought them used for 200 bucks each few years ago. I also have a "pro-studio" monster sub (in my studio) that's flat to 19hz and I've dragged its 92lb high powered mass into the hifi room to see what's what...it worked fine but...meh...the 2 RELs are enough lowness...I don't like DSP as it seems to be somebody else's "electronic opinion in a box" (I'm a pro sound tech so I could simply be a Luddite) but they may be a useful shortcut for some. I think you can adjust REL's enough to make them easy to use and enjoy...2 are good... |
Thanks for the responses! It seems two two smaller or mid sized might be a good bet. I have a small Sumiko sub in another system—I think it’s an REL clone. It’s so musical. I’m definitely going to stay in the REL family because I like their philosophy of what a sub is supposed to do. Maybe ill I’ll start with one and see how it goes. |
I have done and read some on the subject manner. The following link was the information I found to most helpful in obtaining a well balance, flat frequency that closely matched the SPL of the main speakers and minimized frequency cancellations and bloom. The sound is omni directional and it sounds as though it is being broadcasted from the main speakers and correctly positioned in the overall sound stage This may be helpful to you http://www.decware.com/paper01.htm Brad |
I added a REL Q108II as I needed something I could put in a window out to my deck from time to time to add bass to a separate amp/speaker rig (signal from the same preamp however)...when not in the window the deck amp is off, and the 108 remains in the main rig getting its signal from the main power amp. In any case, that's how I wound up with 2 subs and somehow 2 really does seriously add a lot to the overall musical fun. |
