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REL subs with Acoustat 1+1s?

I've been searching on-line but my Google-fu is weak today apparently. I'm thinking of moving on from my RH Labs sub to a pair of REL subs. Two reasons:
  1. First, the RELs are self-powered. This should ostensibly leave more power for the ESL panels as my ARC VS-110 would not have to drive the RHL sub.
  2. The other is to have better distribution of lower frequencies in my room.
The problem is that I can't find a resource that tells me how crossover duties are handled for the full range speakers in the system. My current RH Labs sub acts as the crossover and does all of the lower frequency work while passing the mid and upper signals to the Acoustats. It appears the RELs have an adjustable crossover but that it only controls the sub itself. Does that mean that the ESLs would still get a full spectrum signal?
My other question is, how to I get signal to the RELs? Run another set of cables from the amp to each sub?
How do you folks with RELs and ESL panels do this?AdThanksVance.
Happy listening.
musicfan2349
audiorusty
314 posts
 
@daveyf 

I apologize, my vocabulary is failing me more than usual today. As with pretty much everything, personal preference is the determining factor but generally most people find that when integrating a sub into a system, the system sounds, for lack of better words here, cleaner, clearer and more detailed when using both high and low pass filters. You should also be able to, as Georgehifi states, run the system louder if you so desire.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,082 posts
 
REL has a somewhat unique stance, they believe ( as do I) that taking the signal off the amp terminals and not off the preamp allows the subwoofer to see exactly the same signal as the main speakers. This is where I think their subs are able to sound better. Issues can occur with hooking up the sub in this manner, all of which are mentioned in the manual, but if possible, that is the preferred manner.
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349 OP
258 posts
 
High pass filter. That's the term I was looking for! Yes the RHL sub does have that as it is fed from the amp then the panels are fed from the sub after the lower frequencies are filtered out. What's nice about that arrangement is that the ESLs are left to do the elegant work while the sub handles the heavy stuff. It actually works quite well. The problem, for me  anyway, is that the REL approach eliminates one of the features that I'm looking for which is taking advantage of a self-powered sub but they send the full spectrum on to the panels.
I don't know. I guess I'll have to do some more research. I DO appreciate the suggestions and will use those as a starting point. Thanks much!Happy listening.
audiorusty
314 posts
 
What's nice about that arrangement is that the ESLs are left to do the elegant work while the sub handles the heavy stuff. It actually works quite well.
Hi musicfan2349, that is why I mentioned the JL Audio "e" series earlier in the thread. The "e" series is a powered sub with both a low and high pass filter so the set-up would be the same as you currently have. JL Audio is the only sub manufacturer that I am aware of the offers this option.

Another option, if your ARC has preamp out and in connections, would be to purchase an external crossover like a Minidsp, DBX, Bryston, JL Audio CR-1 or XTA DP series, to name a few. All of these units will have both the low and high pass filters and in some cases, room correction tools, then you could use any sub you desire.
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349 OP
258 posts
 
@audiorustyYep! They're on the list! The potential bonus is that as my current RHL is 10" and seems to move plenty of air, I may only NEED one.

Thanks again!Happy listening
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