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New REL T7 / T9 vs. older REL Storm III?

I just got some new speakers and am missing some of the full bodied sound of my previous speakers (Harbeth M-40.1's). I'm allowing myself approx. $1,000 for a REL sub and would like user input on whether I should go with the newer REL T7 or T9, or go with an older Storm versions?

Even though the new "T" series retails for considerably less than the older Storm's, I'm thinking that it's possible that the T series may be a better value given the simpler cabinetry, and maybe there is "flow down" technology on the newer, albeit less expensive T series that make them a better buy than the older, used Storm model.

Any thoughts or first hand experience with both the T series and Storm models would be appreciated.
128x128pdreher
sksos1
387 posts
 
I found the RELs a tad booooomy and have switched to JL Audio subs which IMHO are far superior.
(dealer disclaimer)
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Mwheelerk - Curious as to which other REL models you have owned and how the T7 compares? My new speakers (Daedalus Ulysses) are relatively full range, rated down to 28HZ, but I like the idea of adding a sub to fill things out some more / add some body.

I liked my time with the REL Storm III, but not sure I feel comfortable going with an older sub from a reliability standpoint.

Ultimately, sound quality for 2 channel is my number one priority, even if it means going with the older "ST" series REL's.

Forgot to mention my room is 15' x 21', but with a short ceiling @ 6-7'.

I'm thinking I should have bought the Studio III listed, but the seller got a better offer, so I'm out of contention unless the prospective buyer does not come thru with payment.

Sksos1 - I've tried other subs with little satisfaction, including several from Velodyne, so I'm not interested in experimenting with the JL's even though they may be good. I know and like REL, so that's what I'm sticking with... and they are a better value on the used market than the JL's as I'm guessing the JL's are still new and have some fresh buzz about them. Not sure if JL will still have popularity 5 years from now.
missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
Pdreher ..
Good to see your off the Harbeths :)I havent heard your new speakers but Ive owned about all the older Rels.I was never a fan of the storm 3,I thought the Strata3 worked better for me.Ive havent listened to all the new Rel line but if me I would buy the newer stuff,I have yet to read a bad review.
wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 
I have a 10 year old REL Q150E that I think sounds better than a friend's newer REL, although his might have an 8" woofer so there's that. Bought mine last year VERY cheaply and all it needed was new cloth and a speaker bolt tightening. I think most RELs are pretty well designed and properly dialed in they make things better...all things...plants, attitudes, humidity, hair thickness....
sksos1
387 posts
 
Pdreher: JL Audio was founded in 1975 and is a privately held company employing close to 300 people in two U.S. facilities. A 140,000 sq.ft. facility in Miramar, Florida is home to company headquarters, loudspeaker manufacturing, cabinet assembly (wood and fiberglass) and speaker engineering.
I don't think they are going away anytime soon.
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