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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
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
Good advice to OP. Spend an extra $3k to accommodate one album you don’t have. 
ricred1
2,005 posts
 
rwwear,
"The REL's just aren't real subs IMO. They don't even go down to 20hz. I have a friend with a pair of the REL Carbons. Even he acknowledges they don't perform like mine. I personally own Velodyne DD15s and I love them but would go for the SVS 16's if I needed a replacement. But you are right about personal preference Ric."
Have you ever heard SVS 16's or a REL in your system? 
We have different opinions about what's a real sub. I've owned SVS,  HSU, Martin Logan, JL Audio, and now REL. REL subwoofers don't thump like some subwoofers. In my system they provide different shades of bass and improve sound across the entire audio spectrum. In my opinion REL subs are very special with 2-channel, but they aren't the kind of subs that standout.   
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
The SVS subs are half the price of the RELs. And that's just one example.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
No. I haven't heard them in my system but I've heard them in systems I'm well aware of. Setup is the key to making a sub work without thumping. The REL subs are decent but overpriced for less in many educated opinions.
ricred1
2,005 posts
 
I think after 30 years of experience and actually owning several subwoofers qualifies me as educated. Again, there are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. So, I’ll continue to provide my opinion based on actual listening, but I won’t try to insult anyone that disagrees with me.
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