How to set up REL Subwoofer?

So the phono cable with .1/LFE input needs to be connected? The Neutrik Speakon cable is only a supplement? What does that mean, what does it do that the phono .1/LFE doesn't? What am I missing w/o it? Can you use the Speakon cable on it's own?

The Speakon connection routes from the speaker outputs on your amp, sending to the REL the same full-range signal that your main speakers get. The REL then applies a low-pass filter to that signal -- which you adjust on the REL for level and frequency -- and plays the lowest bass to supplement your main speakers. (Alternatively, you can send a pair of RCA interconnects to REL from a preamp output, but the Speakon is the preferred method.)

The .1 or LFE from your AV receiver is a separate channel in the mix, which contains Low Frequency Effects. While the Speakon connection is filling in the lowest octave that your main speakers may be missing, the LFE channel is supplying special effects created in the mix just for the subwoofer. You can hookup the REL with either the Speakon or the LFE, but the great thing about it is that you can hook them both up and they give you both bass supplement and LFE.

I know I haven't done the best job of explaining this. I hope it's clear.

If you think your main speakers would benefit from additional low end support from a sub then use the neutrik in conjuction with the .1/lLFE, if you feel your mains are adequate you can just use the .1/LFE by itself. The nice thing about the Rel you have is that you have separate gain controls for the LFE input and the neutrik/speakon input. You could always use the speakon connection for your center channel and use the LFE input for effects. Some people don't prefer this setup because of how the LFE track can interfer with dialogue coming from the center channel, experimentation in your system is the only way to know.

That helps... I thought the LFE connection did everything necessary for the sub. Adding the Speakon cable just added confusion even though I had a vague idea that it was supplementing the main speakers low end.

Since my speakers (Dali Motif LCR) don't reach very low (78-25,000 Hz) and would benefit from additional low end support then I should use both LFE and Speakon. And as suggested, I was going to try it all three ways.

Although another REL owner said I shouldn't use the Speakon with LFE unless my speakers are full range. More confusion. ;-)

What about dialog playing through the sub? I've read that with LCR speakers that don't have very low range, and depending on the x-over point, that low male voices could play through the sub. That just wouldn't sound right to me. How do you avoid that?

What about a better Speakon cable? I've come across a couple of them. Is there an improvement to be heard? My REL will be plugged into a BPT CPC HCF-30 via PS Audio PW AC5 power cord. That will give it some good clean power.