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Subwoofer Choice Question SVS, Majico, JL Audio, REL

I have a pair of SVS-3000 subs. I have enjoyed them and they offer  a lot of bang for the buck.  I recently purchased a pair of the Fleetwood Devilles which I like very much.  Looking to upgrade my subs to match really well with my Devilles. Will be used for 2 channel music only. Want musical and  articulate bass that enhances and integrates well with the Devilles.  

Options are :

(1) SVS only this time going to the SVS-4000. Relatively inexpensive and I love their setup app.

(2) Magico A3Sub-built like  a tank, expensive though I can get a reasonable deal on  a pair and Magico will assist with the setup through REW

(3) JL Audio Fathom F112 or 113 V2- Good bang for the buck, lots of fine tuning available

(4) Rel (any of their carbon based subs)-Biggest concern is no phase adjustment. I am limited to where the subs can go so don't understand why they provide no variable phase adjustment.

Thoughts and comments welcome.

 

 

fooolish1
avanti1960
1,474 posts
 

REL are the easiest subs to integrate perfectly despite not having a variable phase.  i had jl audio and martin logan dynamo and after months the integration still had occasional issues like peaks, midrange coloration from enclosure resonance and hard sounding lack of quality.  

Note, this is for 2.2 channel music.  HT is a different animal.  

RELs have solid non resonating enclosures.  Follow their break in and positioning guidelines and you can get an excellent integration in a few days.  

RELs play low in room despite the specs and have plenty of power.  Properly adjusted they offer depth, punch and do not color the midrange and are fast and non lagging.  

I believe they are not so critical about phase adjustment because they are so fast and have a down firing passive radiator (my T9is)  that balances the sound pulses.  

finally i like the sound quality of their bass, a nice pleasing tone that is not too dry and tight or loose and flabby.  

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

Rel (any of their carbon based subs)-Biggest concern is no phase adjustment.

I have a REL 328 and like it a lot. BUT the lack of phase adjustment is the Achilles' heel for anyone wanting to dial in the sub.

The direct-servo Rythmik line is excellent and completely adjustable. And you don't pay a premium for the name, as you do with REL. Better value.

 

 

missioncoonery
1,216 posts
 

You don't pay a premium for the name,,that's just silly at best. Whst you pay for is the best subwoofers in its respective price point made...IMO

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

@missioncoonery Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot that no one ever pays a premium for a name. Silly me indeed. Thanks for your help. 

OP, you DO pay a premium for REL, and some just think it's worth it. I like my REL. But numerous good subs are out there, and you want adjustable phase, which REL does not provide on most of their models. That was what diverted me from REL for further subs.

missioncoonery
1,216 posts
 

Yep silly you indeed....Rel is the one sub everyone compares their product to especially on this site.Just about every post on this site when talking subwoofers references Rel and for reason..you pay for that not the name...

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