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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
128x128artemus_5
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,926 posts
 
Thanks to all who have responded. From the responses I would conclude that Rel is still a player in the audiophile subwoofer market. However, like all things audio, they have their adherents and their detractors. And they have a lot of competition now, unlike 10-15 yrs ago.
It almost seems foolish NOT to try SVS because of their satisfaction guarantee. They pay for return shipping also. Customer reviews seem to point out the musical advantage of Rythmik. Both these companies offer return policies while Rel & Sumiko do not (unless you buy from a store which has a return policy

At this point I may be leaning towards a DIY Rythmik 15" sealed box. I have limited space. The sealed box fits where I need it to fit. I can build 2 and have 2 very good subs for the price of one factory assembled. I am a woodworker with all the necessary  tools. So that hurdle is conquered. Now for the time & $$$. Aren't they always the biggest hurdles?
m-db's avatar
m-db
971 posts
 
Wood tools? Not only do I own digitally controlled servo subwoofers I own a SawStop. You wanna talk controversy? 

 http://www.dspeaker.com/en/products/anti-mode-8033.shtml

Wear a mask and have fun with it.

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Best wishes for success, Arte. Let us know how it works out.

Dave
norton
83 posts
 
I bought a REL Stentor3 years ago and think the company has the worst customer service I've ever dealt with.

I think Sumiko owned them when I tried to get a new amp for it and they gave me the run around so I stuck it in the closet until recently.

Wrote the current owners and they never even wrote me back. Tired of this hunk of junk taking up space.The dealer I bought it from wasn't much help either.
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
Are the REL's of today only REL by name and not what REL used to be with Mr Lord at the helm? The studio sub was eye candy to me back in the day. Then again the whole REL range were the mutts nuts when it came to bass, bass and more bass. Not heard any of the new breed of subs from REL though.
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