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Subwoofer insight.

This is new territory to me. Current speakers are 2 way with frequency response of 60Hz-20KHz with +/- 2dB.  Sensitivity rated as 86dB. Chance to purchase a pair of REL 7 tis. I feel like I am missing something but will have to buy the subs to try out. My basic question is this. Does this purchase sound wise? I know what I am willing to spend but do you think I will notice an appreciable improvement.  I know that no one can listen through my ears but this is my first time doing this. Source is 75 watt integrated tube amp, McIntosh MA-2275. Thoughts appreciated. I am leaning towards going forward with the deal but would appreciate some feedback. Room is large and open, 28X38 feet with 9 foot ceilings. Thanks for any feedback.
ricmci
ricmci OP
219 posts
 
As they say, you only know what you know. So far I have been impressed with my results with the RELs.  I suppose I would need to move outside my comfort zone to take the advice what many are saying here.  I do feel like the air is moving.  The only thing that seems bothersome is having to readjust the volume based on what is playing.  Sometimes to boomy.  Seems to be album to album.  Not song to song. Maybe I am doing something wrong but only had them 1 day.  

For Elliotbnewbcombjr, I think what you are saying is to come out of the 4ohm taps that the main speakers are coming out of to the high level input of the RELs.  I could easily do as I have female banana spades on the REL high level cable.  However, REL says best to come out of 8ohm or 16 ohm taps.  Appreciate your insight.  
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I researched both REL and Rythmic.  I think either one is a good choice, but I think the high level connection designed by REL is genius.  The high level connection allows the subwoofers to play more like woofers.  The key is calibrate then to not play too loud.  If you can detect them you either have the volume turned up too high or you need to calibrate the crossovers to blend seemlessly.

I have a pair of Paradigm Prestige 85F towers.  Originally, I was going to buy a pair of REL T9i"s, but went with a pair of REL S3 SHO's.  Glad I went with the S3's.  No matter what you decide, go with a pair.  Much better sound than just one.  I would not get anything smaller than the REL t9i's.  Right now playing two bookshelf speakers is lacking an enormous amount of bass.  You could also purchase towers unless you have a space limitation.  If you are limited in space and have to settle for bookshelf's, spring for a pair of the REL S2 SHO's.  I can put you in touch with someone who can surprise you with a great price.  This was how I could afford the REL S2's.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 

For those in agreement with Larry about the superiority of a high level connection for a sub, know that Rythmik provides both line level connection (on RCA jacks) AND high level (on binding posts) on the company's PEQ and PEQ3 plate amps.

Rythmik drops the high level/binding post connections on it's XLR2 and XLR3 plate amps, in exchange for the XLR connections.

The choice of plate amps is an option on all the upper-tier Rythmik subs.

Everyone seems to know that REL offers high level inputs, but for some reason don't know the same about Rythmik. Why is that? It could be that REL makes that feature a bigger selling point than does Rythmik. 

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Why is a subwoofer high level connection genius?
IMO, it's as hopeless as trying to mate a whale with a mackerel.

Rolling the low end in the mains and properly integrating phase and level therewith blows the doors off padding the low end unless one is very, very lucky.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Ignore everything millercarbon says.

Unless you want your system to sound really, really, crazy good.

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