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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
a_shah's avatar
a_shah
53 posts
 
Hi,
one sub woofer nobody seems to mention is the Dr. Hsu VTF 15 MKII
I have the latest Magiie 1.7i, I took the advantage of getting SVS subwoofers on 45 day trial plus a Sumiko and the VTF 15 MK II which really is 5 subs in one with a 15 " driver. Maggies  are bit tricky to blend with any subs most owners  seem to prefer the REL but I have no experience with the REL's however I am very very happy with the HSU VTF II it can go down to 16HZ if you have the equipment to run it I use it in a sealed mode with Don Sach's DS-2 preamp and Odyssey Kismet Stereo amp custom made for 1.7i by Klaus for two channel listening   most of the time I can feel the sub it hits you right in the chest on low note very tight ! or you can feel the vibrations on your seat ! in a HT system it can rattle the windows without sounding boomy ,
lowoverdrive OP
169 posts
 
@a_shah Wow, the reviews on the Hsu VTF 15 MKII subwoofer are very positive. The price is great. I like this suggestion.

What is the cost of other components you mentioned (and where would I find them)?

1. Odyssey Kismet Stereo amp custom made for 1.7i by Klaus for two channel listening

2. Don Sach’s DS-2 preamp

Thanks

jtucker
79 posts
 
If you thought the PC-2000 were too big, you'll be shocked by the Hsu, about 5.8 times the physical volume.

Several years ago I had MG12s, slightly smaller than your 1.7i's.  I felt that a sub was a "must have".  I went with a REL, but mainly because I got a great deal on it.  It did work well with the Maggies though.  I did not have a particularly tough time setting it up.
axememan's avatar
axememan
279 posts
 
I had an HSU STF-1,no longer made, and was a very nice budget priced Sub!Their Products are well regarded.
lowoverdrive OP
169 posts
 
@jtucker

If you thought the PC-2000 were too big, you'll be shocked by the Hsu, about 5.8 times the physical volume.

OK, I better get out my tape measure and do some careful planning. :-)

I see the enclosure dimensions for the Hsu are 24" H x 18" W x 26" D. That is pretty big -- about 11200 cubic inches of volume.

The PC-2000 are 34" (H) 16.6" (W) 16.6" (D) . It's the height of these that makes them imposing in my room. Although their volume is a bit smaller, they still actually take up around 9400 cubic inches of room space, in my opinion, being that rooms and furniture are generally angular.

Now that I realize this limitation, which are the smallest of the recommended subs?

The B&W PV1D is only 13.5" x 10.6" x 14.1". Is that the smallest of the highly recommended subs? I do believe I have room for two of those as long as they can be close to a wall or corner.

I will also look creatively to see if I have room for one VTF 15 MKII in a corner.




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