Back to the drawing board

I use 2 REL subs...one (a Q108MKII down-firing 8") is in a fixed position behind my left main speaker nestled in a corner created by a gas fireplace...sounds great...the second sub (Q150e 10" front-firing) is next to my right main speaker and it's using vinyl "spikes" that allow it to be moved around the wood floor easily and often...closer to the main speaker, further back toward a corner, stuck in a window for deck bass. etc. All work perfectly, and all tuned to my listening spot...standing waves or other unwanted bass anomalies in other parts of the room have zero impact on the sweet spot. I turn the sub levels up and down a little here and there, and they really compliment my Klipsch Heresy IIIs that have clear and coherent bass but only to 58hz or so.

I feel most people do not understand REL's technology.  I listened to a pair of Vienna Acoustic Mozart's at Soundings paired with one REL S3.  When he unplugged the S3, I was unable to hear much of a difference.  Then he asked me what did I notice.  I responded by saying the vocals sounded more 3 dimensional and clear.  He told me I finally got it.

What is nice about Soundings in Denver is they specialize on master setting speakers and adding REL subwoofers to every system they sell.  He demonstrated Master Set by moving one of the speakers out of place.  I suddenly heard both right and left speaker.  He also had to raise his voice significantly playing this track at the same volume level.  He then set the right speaker back into place and it suddenly sounded more relaxing.  The sound was being projected between the speakers and he was able to talk to me at conversational level.

We then went back to the REL S3 and I was able to hear a larger size sound stage.  It sounded more 3 dimensional.  I was not able to hear a heart pounding bass beat.  It just sounded seamless.

I contacted John Hunter at REL and I was totally surprised when he responded.  We had two other emails where he explained how his technology works.  I have a L-Shaped living room with dimensions 13.5 Feet x 18.5 Feet that opens to our dining room with room dimensions 195 feet x 12 feet.  He as well as Soundings told me instead of adding one REL S3 to my system, I needed to add two T/9i's located in the corners behind left and right front speakers and play them in stereo.

I now plan to have Soundings do the master set and add the T/9i's.  Fortunately, Soundings is considered to be one of the best at master setting speakers in the country according to John Hunter.  He also told me he considers Soundings to be one of his most accomplished REL retailers in the country as well.

Yep, great subwoofer integration is amazing.
 You don't need a very expensive sub, but you do need great configuration.

Well, we are home now after a long 10 HR day. Went 2 places about 10 miles apart.  First stop, JL e110 vs REL t9i. No doubt the Ms and I both agree we love the REL t9i.  Just disappears, 3d and just such a real musical sub.  I know JL is very well made, but for us, it's REL all the way.  They did not have the s3 in stock,  mid February which is fine for us, we will be back from vaka and settled in.  Before we left we did listen to Rockport, all I can say is WOW, but back to reality 36k my pockets don't go that deep. And the setup with was another 60k.  In my dreams. Next stop quick lunch, need to feed the furnace.  Stop 3, always my favorite place because the own and staff are just awesome and they just make it fun.  This is where the paradigm defiance x12 is, but after talking with John he always brings me back to reality, place that I prefer to stay out of. Lol. He said my weak link is my lexicon dc1. Which I totally agree. He also said i probably could use a little room treatment.  Throw rug on the wood floors.  So we discussed the anthem avm 60, mrx 720 and marantz 8805. He advised to go with the 720 and save some $$$. I already own a 2ch class A and 3ch amp. He stated for me to set up the 720 and then he will make a road trip to see the room, run arc on pc and go from there. He did say I could take a used fathom and x12 if i wanted. But i should just wait and do 720, then after we check everything out I should bring in the subs and demo in home. I said i like the REL.  Lol.  He said try it first along with others and then make my choice because every room is different and if I still like REL,  I should get them. That's the great thing about going there. He doesn't care if u buy from him, he wants u happy.  So this is my plan. And seriously my vandys 2wqs are way over my head, honestly I dont have that kind of knowledge. This room is music and HT.  I will eventually do atmos, but no sides do to room configuration.    Thanks for all the input, appreciate everyone's help on this and will keep u posted on my adventures.    Pete

Pete
put your 2wQup for sale here, lots of people want them :-)
help fund more music and the toys!!!!!