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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
axememan's avatar
axememan
279 posts
 
DI800 additional info
Here are just two special features that differentiate the DI800 from most standard DI boxes:
  • Maybe you'd like to connect your guitar amp's speaker output to your mixer? Not a problem, the DI800 features a -30 dB attenuation switch, allowing you to connect to speaker outputs (up to 3,000 Watts!) and convert them to balanced XLR outs.
  • Got a weak incoming signal? The DI800 has a +20 dB switch, which really comes in handy for boosting low-level input signals.

Of course, the DI800 provides a LINK output for easy connection to other equipment, such as onstage amplifiers and monitor consoles. Servo-balanced performance guarantees ultra-flat frequency response, and the gold-plated XLR output connectors provide reliable, low-noise operation. Per channel ground lift switches eliminate ground-loop hum problems. The DI800 does everything a standalone DI can do - times eight!


wolf_garcia
6,726 posts
 
"PRAT" is another useless pseudo technical term I've not liked since it showed up some years ago. I'm simply a grumpy old man, and I like it.

mrdecibel
3,065 posts
 
@wolf_garcia What is technical about pace, rhythm, attack and timing ? If you do not believe ( as in speed ), that is ok, but, these are real, when dealing with live music, or reproduced music. I would think, with your background, you would " get it ". Peace out brother.
wolf_garcia
6,726 posts
 
I mix live shows for world class musicians, and if their "pace" or "timing" is off they may have been drinking, however that rarely happens (see "world class"). PRAT came along as a catch phrase implying "generates toe tapping" or something and I actually DON'T get it, illustrated by my discussions with impassioned Linn salesmen years ago (ironically I own a Linn)…if it sounds good, it's good, and pace, rhythm, and timing are the same damn thing to me (see Grumpy Old Man). Attack could possibly mean dynamics for which there is already a word…dynamics...unless it implies throwing beer bottles at the performers which may actually be necessary at times. I understand playing behind the beat, on the beat, rushing the beat, being in the pocket, being out of the pocket, pocket lint, mono dynamics (common among many modern guitar based bands), regular dynamics, and dynamos…and in comedy, timing is everything.
lowoverdrive OP
169 posts
 
@axememan Thanks for the suggestion. The BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI PRO DI800 looks lnteresting.
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