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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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,950 posts
 
ieales
There's nothing magical about SpeakOn.
IMO, they're just a $50 FanBoy addon.
Neutrik's Speakon  locking connectors are outstanding, don't claim any magical qualities and don't cost $50 ea.

I bought a Neutrik PowerCon connector when I upgraded the AC cable on an isolation transformer a few years ago. It cost about $5 plus shipping.
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
Speakon plugs lock into place, protect against moisture, and are simply a better idea than RCAs, phone plugs, binding posts, and other archaic hookup items. Note that Neutrik makes possibly the best cannon (balanced) plugs also. I'd be happy if more speaker companies (like ZU has already done) adopted them...guitar phone plugs are another thing that should be banned as they come from the world of early 20th century manual switchboards...I wrestle with these things every day as a musician and pro sound tech, and Speakon plugs are simply a great idea.
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
The $50 price comes from markup.

My company installed thousands of Neutric XLRs in the 80's & 90's in pro studios. IMO, Switchcraft is a more rugged connector. SS vs pot metal, but a royal PITA to assemble. SC will with stand a road case rolling over it. Neutrik not so much.

All the stage monitors where I produce our shows use SpeakOns. They are a great connector.


bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,801 posts
 
For home use, where constant plugging/unplugging is uncommon, the Speakon plug & jack just add another interruption/solder joint/connection to the signal path. Probably no harm for subwoofer use, but I wouldn’t use them with main speakers.
m-db's avatar
m-db
972 posts
 
I'm in agreement with the recent posts describing the physical robustness of Neutrik SpeakOn connectors and would add their ease of DIY termination. As a now stunningly unemployed Bass player I have yet to experience a problem with my amplifications SpeakOn connections while still enduring the bane of phone plugs and my lesser peeve, the female IEE power cable termination.

My short experience with using an amplifiers high level output used to source signal to a subwoofer, the audible shortcoming clearly seemed the inclusion of a third input/output between the source and the speaker system and /or the proprietary wire, not the SpeakOn. Wouldn't these various component combinations create a substantial potential of impedance issues?  
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