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REL subs with Rowland Amplifiers

I'm having issues connecting my REL Carbon limited subwoofer to my Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier via the high-level input. I connected my sub according to REL's instructions...yellow lead to positive on one channel, red lead to positive on the other channel, and floating the black wire(ground). I get minimum output when connected according to the instructions. When I use the low level input, the output is sufficient and the sub sounds great. Per my conversation with Jeff Rowland I need to ground the black wire by loosening a screw on the amplifier and connecting the black wire, but if it isn't properly grounded I may damage my amplifier. Is there anyone that owns a REL with Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier or other balanced differential amplifier? If so, how do you connect your REL via the high-level input. Is there an easier way to ground the wire than unscrewing the screw on my amplifier. I just don't want to unscrew the screw and prefer another method of grounding the sub.   
ricred1
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,871 posts
 

Richard, I am not suggesting that having two subs is a negative issue. In fact, I believe that two subs is quite beneficial. The second sub allows one to not only have a sub dedicated for each channel, but also seems to help in taming various room modes. OTOH, setting up two subs is far more involved and time consuming than just setting up one. IME.

@almarg Thanks Al, I might at sometime in the future hook up my two subs to my Rowland. I am currently only using this configuration ( twin subs) with my mono blocks..and using just one of the subs when I play the Rowland.

ricred1 OP
2,021 posts
 
I would also like to say thanks to astewart8944. He was the first person to suggest connecting both wires to the same positive terminal and floating the black wire. 



calvinj
2,320 posts
 
How is it sounding? Is what i want to know compared to the JL subs?
Post removed 
ricred1 OP
2,021 posts
 
calvinj,

My thoughts comparing the JL Audio F112 v2 to the REL Carbon Limited in my system/room. This has nothing to do with sound, but the JL Audio F112 v2 is built like a tank and is packaged significantly better than the REL.  My initial thoughts on REL vs JL Audio, comparing a single Carbon Limited to a single JL Audio F112 v2. The REL has more affect on the mids and highs than JL Audio. The mids and highs have more detail with the REL. I think JL goes a little deeper, but doesn't allow you to hear the different shades of low level information like REL. You can feel the JL a little more, but it doesn't provide the nuance of the REL. The REL totally disappears, but no matter what I did with the JL Audio I could tell it was there. I choose the JL Audio F112 v2 for a HT only system. For music only I choose the REL Carbon Limited. My system is a combination of 2-channel and HT. I listen to music 80% of the time, so I prefer the REL for my situation. If it was 50/50 or 80% HT I prefer JL Audio, because it has more bass impact. For now the REL is located in the same spot as the JL Audio was. I'll pickup my 2nd REL from FedEx today and start the process of dialing in both subs.
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