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

“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.

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..

Big_Greg:

Brian was not bashing the competition.  He was just explaining the profit margins build into their business model.  Because they sell direct, they can afford to use much higher quality components.

He concentrates on the reverberation delivered by their subs.  This he said is where you can really hear all of the frequencies a recording can deliver.  If you buy a sub that can only extend down to 35 Hz, any lower frequencies present in a recording will be lost as it will not play below the 35 Hz information in the recording.

Brian said REL makes a good product, but they are designed more like a woofer than a subwoofer which can go lower and fill the space completely.  Wonder what you like about your Rythmik's.

b_limo,

I was not bashing REL.  All I can say I just could not hear much of a difference when adding a REL to the mix.  I was expecting to go wow when I heard the REL, but they sure didn't immediately think they were worth the money.  If you can't hear a difference, why waste the money.  Just because many like REL doesn't mean everyone should.  

Sorry if I offended anyone.  This was not my intention.  I just think a subwoofer should absolutely knock you off your feet and be noticeably different when added.  

Im sure Rythmik subs are great, so are many others.  

I think which size sub, how many you get, where you place them, how you integrate / set them up (crossover, phase, volume), most importantly your room size / shape / acoustic properties all play a huge role.  Bass Traps and acoustic panels play big big roles.  I’ve also noticed that subs sound way better on concrete slab in basements.

Execution will get you far in this hobby. Thats part or what makes it fun.

Listening to as many other enthusiasts systems will give you a good basis for what sounds good.  I’m sure there are many $50,000 systems out there that don’t sound as good as a properly setup $15,000 system....