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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
 
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.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,875 posts
 
I just installed a T5 into my system. My room is very small...10'X11', but it is acoustically treated and has a 13' vault ceiling. The T5 is a great sub for this room, adding extension, punch and the ability to match seamlessly with my main speakers. It took a while to get the blend correct, BUT several other a'phile friends have now heard the system are floored by what the little 'mighty mite' can do. BTW, one of them owns a JL112 and while he likes this sub, believes that the REL is a better choice for a room of this size. YMMV.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
I just tracked down a later model Storm III at a good price. I've had this sub before and reluctantly sold it to free up some money for another purchase. I'm pretty confident this sub will fit the bill.

Thanks for everyone's input.
vladimir
346 posts
 
I would stay away from a used Storm III. I owned one and it was good while it lasted. It blew up and could have also damaged one of my Stello monoblocks, which began malfunctioning at about the same time.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Vladimir - Thanks for the buzzkill. I owned a Storm III for a few years with no problems. While it's always a possibility for gear to go bad and need repair, I get the impression that REL is quite popular and has a solid reputation for reliability. I'm also buying mine from an authorized REL dealer who got it as a trade-in for a new G1, so I'll have dealer backing should it ever need repair.
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