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How do SVS subwoofers compare to REL?

I'm looking for subwoofers (one or two) that have a very "tight" natural sound and are not overly boomy. In the future I hope to pair them with some Magnepan speakers. Magnepans are known for having a natural sound, and I want to compliment that.

I've been told that the REL subwoofers (e.g.,T/9i or S/3 SHO, etc., are a good match for Magnepan speakers. However, SVS subwoofers have also been recommended to me.

I don't have any background in high-end audio, so I am interested in opinions of folks here. Are SVS subwoofers considered generally as good as REL in regard to the features I'm interested in? Is either clearly superior? (I had never heard of SVS before yesterday.)

Which subwoofer size (in REL or SVS) would be a good match for a pair of Magnepan 1.7i in an 18 foot x 15 foot room (ceiling about 10 feet) with carpet on floor?

I'm looking at these so far:

REL T/9i Subwoofer about $1300
REL Acoustics S/3 SHO Subwoofer (Super High Output) about $2100
SVS SB-4000 13.5" 1200W about $1600
Any other recommendations?

Total subwoofer budget is around $2600 max. ($2000 or less would be better.)

Also, I believe it is better to buy two smaller subwoofers, compared to one larger one, right? (I'm just not sure where I would put two. Placing one is easier in this room. And I plan to connect everything with speaker wires, not wireless.)

Thanks

lowoverdrive
ggc
178 posts
 
Hi lowoverdrive,
You have gotten some great feedback.
I have always associated SVS with Home Theatre Setups.

I included a link on the REL site to check out their recommendation on Sub Pairing for what you currently have. I would follow their advice at least for now and save yourself some $$ until you are ready upgrade to the next model Magnepans? 

Whenever you are ready, and want to continue to save some $$$ on the upgrade - The B-1/ B-2 are some of the best models REL produced. They are extremely musical. No longer produced but can be found on Agon and other sites from time to time.

Have Fun.
https://rel.net/speaker-pairing
axememan's avatar
axememan
279 posts
 
A pair of PC2000 SVS Cylnder Subs will make you smile.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I sold Rel for many years of time. I sold them to clients and even to some friends. Most of them now own Monitor Audio subwoofers which are superior in timing and speed. This is an important part of a subwoofer.

The SVS are also rather slow in response. I did win each shootout against a SVS subwoofer in the last 8 years of time. 


lowoverdrive OP
169 posts
 
@bo1972 - I had the impression that SVS and REL are both fast response.

Does anyone else agree that REL and/or SVS are inferior in timing and speed? That's news to me if true...

Thanks
chazzzy007
540 posts
 
@lowoverdrive 
Search YouTube for speaker demos at the major shows that incorporate a subwoofer. 99% of those demos choose a REL. 
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