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SVS or REVEL Subwoofer

Hello all. I have a HT set up.  I use it for two channel music, multichannel music and movies/tv, in that order.

After 20 years, my Velodyne (1250  watts RMS ) sub blew yesterday and I’m looking for a suitable replacement.  I have B&W 804 speakers and a  B&W CC speaker which are driven by a Rotel Power amp, 200w x 5.

My room is 14 ft. long by 12 ft. wide.  I use Anthem’s ARC Genesis room correction software.  It works great.

My dealer carries a full line of both REL and SVS subs.  I would like to buy from him.  Looking for thoughts and recommendations from this group.  I’d like to keep the cost around $2K.

Thanks!

drlou77
pureclarity
80 posts
 

I don’t own Rel, but I’ve heard them in a set up running magnepan. The dealer was running 2 t5s and the bass was awesome. Not super low into 20 hz, but unless you plan on playing pipe organ or synthesizer music, I’m finding most times my own sub, which is rated down to 12 hz, never goes that low. The stuff we feel in our chest from subs is in the 30 hz range anyway. Rel does this well, and 2 subs is better than one.

ronboco
941 posts
 

 2 REL S510s should do the trick. Good luck!

fastfreight
952 posts
 

Definitely 2 REL subs.  They are not really expensive relative to your other gear.  2 subs disappear and blend much more easily than one. I own two pairs of REL subs in my 2 channel systems, Carbon Specials and Carbon Limiteds.  Listeners  don't even know where they are.

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
353 posts
 

I think many of the responders didn't fully read your query.  Your room is small and stuffing in two subs is going to be challenging.  I have two SVS SB4000 in my H/T room and they sound great for H/T but it's a much larger room.  The SVS subs are nice but they are down the performance chain from your main speakers.  Trying to get two subs for your $2K budget won't work.  You will be too far down the model lineups.  I would get the single best sub you can afford (now) and put bass traps in the necessary corners.  This will likely be the best bang for the buck and should sound very good in your small room.  If you're dissatisfied, you can always add a second sub later when funds permit.  I vote for a single REL T/9x and bass traps.  Good luck and cheers.

drlou77 OP
122 posts
 

@rick_n 

Thank you for your excellent input.  Great observations.

I am going to my dealer tomorrow and looking at the following models:

Within my budget:

- REL T9x  $1,299

- REL HT/1510  $1,699 (leaning towards this one)

Above my budget:

- REL S/510  $2,749

- B&W DB2D. $2,700 (floor model)

The B&W appears to be the best of the bunch and offered at 40% off retail.

I'm concerned that the B&W and REL S/510 may be too over powering for my room, which is 12' wide and 14' long.  Bass traps are installed in all four corners of the room.

If you care to weigh in, please do.  My appointment is tomorrow at 1:00 pm.  Thanks to all!

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