Pair of Rel S510’s or Carbon Special’s?


I’ve been considering adding subs to my system and am considering whether to go with S510’s or Carbon Specials…. Any thoughts? Here is my situation:

-Very large open room (open concept) with high vaulted ceilings

-B&W 802 D2’s

-Gryphon Diablo 300 amp

-Looking for MILD and subtle bass support for my speakers in my big room. For reference I tried the new, larger B&W 801 D4 speakers with my amp and thought there was way too MUCH bass…

-Despite the large room, the layout makes large subs out of the question. Carbon Specials would work. But size-wise would prefer the slightly smaller S510’s

-Don’t care about home theatre

-I do care about speed and bass definition and quality.  The more bass nuance and detail the better.

-I don’t care that much about getting down to the very lowest frequencies. Just need a bit lower than what my 802’s do

-Subs will be positioned about 6” on the outside of each main speaker. This is the ONLY place they could go…

-I’ve invested heavily in quality cabling (Nordost Valhalla 2 speaker cables, AudioQuest Dragon power cord, etc) and have a USB reclocker and network isolation switch. Just pointing out as all these elements have added precision, ambience, clarity and space to the sound of my system.

Anyone with experience in both the S510 and the Carbon Special have any thoughts on which way to go?

 

 

nyev

@nyev REL makes fine products; they're also quite popular. I love my REL. But the issue for you is the constraint placed by positioning and whether REL's -- for their price and lack of flexibility with settings -- can get you where you want to go. You're hearing from those who love their REL and some (like me) who love their REL but don't think that a REL is necessarily capable of working in every situation.

when i get a notion to respond to the OP's slightly unusual goals or the entusiastic brand fans you chime in and I chuckle in agreement. 

I so empathize in dealing with the shear stoutly centerd weight of most subwoofers and ones ever diminishing abilities. My subs and Bass amps/cabinets are on wheels. I don't leave the house with anything bigger than my tom drum sized upshot 10" cabinet and cigar box sized switching amp. 

I'm enjoying a notcable differnce in the presentation of my two main system subs which are now on DYI foam topped platforms with large soft foam casters. A stunning reduction of low frequency energy migrating through our homes structure and slightly better definition at the listening position. 

Anyway, ask for help and bend those knees.

This reminds me of a Kamala Harris speech.

OP was particularly asking for comparisons and feedback for two specific REL models. That's why some of us stayed within the parameters of the initial ask. It doesn't mean we believe that REL is the only game in town.

Anyways, I still feel that driver speed is much more important than sheer bass output for subs dedicated to two-channel listening. This is exactly why REL is preferred over other HT-focused brands, despite much lower power output. But I agree that they need to do better to help with placement flexibility. I don't understand why they only provide 0 or 180.

macg9, as an Oakland, California native that's a fine complement. Thank you.