Is There A Big Difference Between Subwoofers From Different Manufacturers

@larry5729 , it is painfully easy to beat Rel subs. The problem is the only commercial manufacturer to do it is Magico. A private citizen that is a competent wood worker can do it with their hands tied behind their back. You use balanced force design like Magico and make the enclosure even stiffer.

@parker65310 , I used DIvas for 6 years or so and I could never get subs to match perfectly. This was before DSP came along. I returned to ESLs and with DSP have no issues with integration so, I am sure with proper digital bass management it will be easy and a huge benefit. Like ESLs ribbons do not like making deep bass. They can do it but they do not like it.

@ieales , Rel subs are made as well as any commercial subwoofer. If you are comparing them with other subs on the market. They have two issues. I hate their method of integration and it is easy to get better subs if you build them yourself. I can do things that are totally impractical if you want your sub to come in at a reasonable price and take less than a century to build. I am not trying to pump up my ego either I mean this in all sincerity. I can do better than the subs I have now but the fellow that calibrated my projector (this is his real profession not a side line) related it was the best bass he ever heard. Frankly, I think they are ugly and a bit soft. It was a good performance for 20 years ago but I have learned a lot since then and am in the process of building a new set. Unfortunately, they are competing will things I have to do for the wife and the wife always wins. It is going to be a little while yet. I was hoping this Summer. Time Waits For No One. 

“Rel subs are made as well as any commercial subwoofer. If you are comparing them with other subs on the market. They have two issues. I hate their method of integration and it is easy to get better subs if you build them yourself.”

@mijostyn It appears you have no direct experience with REL subs in your system and that’s quite ok. No disrespect to DIY’s community, but every DIY bloke thinks whatever ‘they’ can do, I can do it better. And please define better, what’s better or best to you or your fellow could easily be ‘good enough’ in someone else eyes. As humans we often tend to judge things based on our personal experiences and express opinions driven by our personal biases :-)

In my 30 years of audiophile journey, I have gotten my hands dirty in quite a few DIY projects. My experience have taught me to recognize and appreciate the differences between DIY and commercial grade builds.

@lalitk , I have played with several Rel subs but not in my system. Their version of sub integration is designed for the lowest common denominator and it performs like the lowest common denominator. Sorry for being harsh but this is the honest truth.

Many people think DIY projects are second rate at best. It depends on the intelligence, experience and skill of the people involved. The ability of companies to get subwoofers to market include a bunch of economic factors that do not apply to the DIY individual.

“Sorry for being harsh but this is the honest truth.”

@mijostyn Don’t we all have our own version of truth?

“Many people think DIY projects are second rate at best. It depends on the intelligence, experience and skill of the people involved.”

I am looking forward to your new set of subs, please do post good pictures before you hide them in the corner. My best to you!

Rel subs are made as well as any commercial subwoofer.

Don't think I said anything about their build quality. My objection to them is the direction the company took. More bling and flash rather than useful features. WAF vs HPF