Rel Strata III versus Rel Britannia B3


Hi all,

I am looking to match a pair of Spendor S5e's (powered with Simaudio I5.3) with a subwoofer and was trying to figure out if anyone has experience with the Strata III and its new "replacement" the Britannia B3. I believe that the B3 is a ported design from a structural perspective versus non-ported for the strata. (sidenote: I have heard good things about the B1 comparable or even better to the Storm in the ST series).

Anyone have any experience out there with both?

Thanks!
froodyguy
Hi all, figured I would provide a few remarks as an after action report. I ended up with the B3 and have been listening to it in my primary system over the last 5-6 months. While I have not been able to directly compare it to other subs in this system, there are a few definite things that I have noticed. First, as others have mentioned (and when properly set-up) the B3 simply "disappears" in the room. Aside from the borderline small appliance size, you would never know it was on unless you actually turned it off. However, when it is off, you immediately notice the difference. Lack of depth, dynamics, and sound stage. Don't get me wrong, the S5e's can sing on their own, and are well known for their disproportionate "bigness". The B3 simply takes this to another level. After 6 months, I still simply sit here and listen to the music and marvel. For someone as OCD as me, this is a small miracle. Setting it up took sometime, but if you follow the excellent REL guidelines and are not afraid to experiment with various locations in your listening room, you will not be disappointed.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts - definitely appreciated!
Froody,
That's real HOOPY!
I have had the same experience with the REL q150e,  t3 & t2 I own.
Maybe one day I'll get a B3 ;-)
Ive owned both and currently run a T7 Rel...IMO the Strata3 is easier to setup and run.The B3 seemed to me to be slower in responce.I ran both with Dynaudio,Focal.Having said that the new series is much better,much better IMO
FYI.
I just saw your thread regarding the B3 vs the Strata3. Thought you should know that I just listed my B3 in Audiogon classified.
I don't have direct experience with the Strata 3 but I do know that the B3 is a great sub