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Can anyone hear the difference when you add REL subwoofers when playing two channel

I wonder if anyone else has had problems hearing a difference when adding REL subwoofers to their two channel systems?  I have gone back to a reputable dealer in town to listen to a pair of Vienna Acoustic Mozart's paired with a REL S3 and I couldn't detect a difference when they added and subtracted the REL.  I wonder if this was because the Vienna Acoustic Mozart's are already can extend down to 30 Hz.  I have also read reviews on the Mozart's and they said one of their criticisms was they felt the Mozart's to be too boomy in the bass.  

The dealer keeps telling me I am expecting to hear a more punchy pounding bass sound and that is not what I should be listening to.  He keeps saying I should be listening for greater depth and space to create a larger sound stage.  He went on to say if I had a subwoofer that delivered too much bass, they would eventually drive me out of the room and spoil my enjoyment of listening to music.  I thought I had sensitive ears to sound, but in this case I wonder if I am tone deaf.  My fear is getting a pair of T/9i's in my home and my wife telling me I wasted our money because she could not hear a difference. 

There must be a reason why so many dealers have told me their first pick would be a REL because they are so musical.

I also question why REL manufactures their subs with such low wattage?  For example, their S3 delivers only 400 watts and their T/9i's deliver just 300 watts.  When comparing them to  subwoofers like JL, which deliver 750 watts to $1500 watts, maybe REL subwoofers are just too wimpy.
128x128larry5729
bstatmeister
537 posts
 
Great choice! Please let us know your thoughts after getting some time with them. Very interested in what you think (as I may be going down the same path). What's the lead time for delivery?
larry5729's avatar
larry5729 OP
1,008 posts
 
To  bstatmeister:

They have them in stock.  You need to talk to the owner Brian.  He knows sound and he created his speakers to hear the space and the full bass extension in recordings without sounding boomy.  Check them out.  I think you will make your decision after talking to him.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,274 posts
 
Sounds like Larry is trying to get a job at Rythmik...

kind of lame that this turned into a rel bashing thread.

i’ve heard plenty of Rel’s that sounded great...
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 
“In reality, the cost to build a REL is only about $500. REL manufactures their subwoofers off shore and they use the lowest bidder to manufacture them.”

“REL on the other hand advertises extensively. They can afford to do so because they have a lot more profit margins to be able to afford to do so.”

b_limo,

It certainly seems that way! As I recall, someone commented about Rythmik parts quality and the owner (Brian) went out of the way to challenged the poster. It’s a shame that OP picks one model out of the entire lineup and since T/9 won’t go down to 14Hz, he drags down the brand by dissing the corporate business model.

BTW, REL offers 60 days home trial and free returns plus 120 days price protection.


big_greg
6,623 posts
 
I have 3 Rythmik subs and am a fan, but if Brian was indeed bashing his competitors in that way, it's unfortunate.  Speak to your strengths and what differentiates you from your competition, yes.  Bash your competition - in my opinion that's un-called for and unbecoming.

I've never owned a Rel, but I've heard them in a couple of nice systems and was impressed.  We have a music club that meets at a local audio store and there's usually a smaller (10"? - not sure which model) Rel in the system and it has done a nice job filling out the bottom end in a large showroom paired up with Klipsch La Scalas, Tannoy Canterburys, along with some higher end Paradigm speakers.  

We met recently at one of our member's homes and he has one Rel (again, not sure which model) and a JL Audio sub and it was some of the punchiest bass I've heard, very dynamic and lifelike.  He has done some pretty extensive room treatment - bass traps in the corners, and diffusion and absorption panels, which I'm sure contributed to the quality of the bass and overall sound.

Not having ever had a chance to compare them in my home, this may be off base, but what the Rels seem to do well is the upper bass frequencies and to be very "tight", "punchy", and "dynamic".  I feel like the Rythmik's give you more of the tactile sensation of listening to live music while still being tuneful and musical.  I do think the Rythmik subs provide excellent value for the money, which may be in large part due to their internet direct model. 

Having said that, SVS has great products at reasonable prices and they seem to be doing well having a mixed distribution model - both internet direct and through dealers.  It seems that it is possible to build quality products and build in enough profit margins for dealers to make some money reselling them..
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