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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.
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b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,283 posts
 
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....
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,904 posts
 
IMHO, the whole point of adding in subs is to extend the bottom end response, the ease of the system to fill the room, the ability to extend the soundstage and to aid in the main speaker’s ability in the mids and top end. If you can hear the contribution of the sub, then IME something s wrong! In my system, using two(2) REL subs...it took almost a month to dial them in to the point that they are seamless with the mains, and simply supply that extra something I mentioned above.
Personally, in my room I don’t want a sub that calls attention to itself in anyway...and the REL"s do exactly that...once dialed in they are totally seamless. Luckily the REL’s are one of a few subs that actually do allow for this aspect...
You want to hear the sub???---YMMV.
bstatmeister
537 posts
 
I think he just wants to hear information below 35hz when it's present. I think we can all agree that integration with the mains is of the utmost importance
erik_squires
16,325 posts
 
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.



This is a great attitude, but I do want to say this: There are many great subs that when well integrated will knock your knickers off.  From everything you have described, these subs were not well integrated/
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,883 posts
 
Jim Salk builds the Rythmik Servo-Feedback Sub into his higher-priced speaker models. He also offers subs that feature enclosures of his own design and build, into which he installs the Rythmik DIY kit. The enclosures are the best designed and built I’ve ever seen, with extensive bracing, far better than those of Rythmik themselves. They are also beautifully finished in real wood veneers.
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