2. speakers
  3. 1205253720

REL Subwoofer Cable Upgrade?

I've read in various forums that upgrading the cable that runs from amp to REL subwoofer can make a substantial sonic difference. These discussion all reference cables in the $700 to $800 range.

I have to believe that one can achieve a substantial portion of this improvement for $100 or $200? Do any of you have experience with this and some recommendations?

Thank you.
Art
artmaltman
artmaltman OP
769 posts
 
"I would recommend trying something solid core as an upgrade to the stock stranded wire supplied from REL."

Aha - back to the "coat hanger" conversation?

Seriously, I'm tempted to call the Cable Company as a next step - I remember they had a great loaner service.

Have any of you tried soldering the Neutrik onto a cable? I'm pretty sold now on shorting the stock cord, I'd like to solder a Neutrik onto the second piece, for future flexibility.

Thx
Art
eldulcesol
197 posts
 
Art, for $200 you can achieve a big difference in bass quality for your REL sub. I tried an extra pair of Cardas Crosslinks I had and put the neutrik end on them for my MJ 200s. The difference was not subtle. Bass was tighter, cleaner and had more umph to it. The Neutrik end screws off with the wires clamped inside with a small set screw. It is also marked + and - for proper polarity.

I did keep this set up for a while then tried the SR PhaseIIs. It did require a bit more tweaking but it was worth it. If you have one sub, give the Cable Co. a call for a loaner or an affordable used one if available.
cathode
72 posts
 
Personally, I'd forget the cable. An audiophile friend of mine that replaced the rectifiers in the amp of his REL sub reaped better sonic benefits than any cable could ever hope to.
mlg
56 posts
 
I switched from the standard REL cable on my Strata III to a Synergistic Research Alpha II and found the bass to be tighter, a little deeper, and with a little more punch. Additional, similiar improvements were realized by upgrading the power cable to Audience, and by replacing the Strata's fuse with a HiFi Tuning fuse with ESST contact enhancer. I felt they each made very worthwhile improvements.
chickenism
1 posts
 
Hi Artmaltman,

First post from a new member in Australia.

I've recently purchased a Storm 5, and am using it for music only duties with a pair of Epos M22 speakers.

Currenty using the stock cable but have on order a Cardas Quadlink cable from Dedicated Audio. US$290 or thereabouts delivered.

Should arrive over the next few days so if you like I'll post some impressions in due course.

Regards, Dave
More to discover