Little help with REL subwoofers, please?


I'm not especially knowledgeable about subwoofers and I'd appreciate some advice. I've got a pair of Magnepan 1.7i placed in a small (long, rectangular) room. I had a hefty JL sub that shook the house but that I could never fully integrate. On a whim, I switched it out for a pair of the diminutive REL Tzero subs and the sound is vastly better. On some music, though, such as classical organ, I miss the growl and thunder. I don't feel like I need to boost the "upper bass" and I definitely don't want to muddy things up; it's really the deep rumble that I occasionally want.

If it helps, I'm thinking of a piece of music like Max Richter's "On the Nature of Daylight," which about halfway through delivers a broad, deep sweep of musical sound that I want to *feel.*

I'm mostly pleased with the setup and I don't want to reinvent my room's wheel or break the bank. And I'd like to stay with at least two subs and likely stay with REL. So I'm thinking I might: 1) add a T/9X or maybe a T/7X and perhaps keep the crossover low; or 2) swap out the Tzeros and replace them with a pair of T/7Xs. For now, a pair of T/9Xs is a budgetary stretch that I'd like to avoid (and it is a small room).

Would it be weird having two Tzeros combined with the much bigger T/9X? Would the T/7X produce that deep, enveloping bass? I'm not particularly good at reading specs but -6dB at 30Hz doesn't sound especially deep to me. (The JL was -3dB at 23Hz.) Or am I misunderstanding how bass works and would a T/7X go plenty deep in a small room?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

northman

@northman 

As I mentioned previously, I'm not seeking a sub that brings attention to itself, have had that in previous subs, my take is that type of sub is for home theater setups or bass heads. I want my subs to be invisible, simply an extension of my main speakers, so far this is exactly what the two Rel T9x are delivering. Totally seamless bass delivery is what I'm getting, couldn't be happier at this point. Right now I have the T9x crossover at aprox. 43hz with volume at 3 clicks (monoblock setup so volume aprox. double stereo amp), initial setup was aprox. 46hz, 3 clicks, this with modified Klipschorns. Room is 13'W x 30'L, absolutely no bass boom, and more importantly bass keeps up with Klipschorn bass. I've previously owned big subs, 15" to 18" woofers with and without dsp, while the Rel's don't reach down as deep as prior subs, and may not be as impressive with certain kinds of music, lets say EDM (electronic dance music), they outperform those subs in the ability to play fast, tuneful, and most importantly coherently with my main speakers. The Rel philosophy is maximizing coherency with main speakers, this is by far the most important single aspect I desire in subs, these Rel's are delivering thus far. I am using power cords specifically chosen for max transparency, speed, Oyaide R1 AC receptacle on same dedicated circuit as monoblocks, I will be experimenting with diy high level wire, already have some tin plated Duelund copper wire I need to hook up to Speakon connector, may try some Mundorf silver/gold wire in future, dc cables I made are awesome with this wire. Experimenting with PC's and high level cabling is worthwhile according to many Rel users.

 

My suggestion would be to try a pair of the X series, if you like Rel philosophy and sound qualities stick with them. I thought about the S series vs X, but they seem more oriented towards dual use as home theater and music system subs. I'd only add, the second Rel sub is a necessity for me, experimenting with running a single results in incoherent or un-centered sound stage, (monoblocks require the second for both channel bass). Adding the second also both speeds up and fills out bass.]

Thank you all--really. I value this site for the experience and knowledge of the community but sometimes there's too much talking and not enough listening. However, each of you in this thread has been thoughtful, insightful, and very helpful. Rather than feel overwhelmed, I am left with the conviction that there are a number of viable paths and workable options--even for the conundrum of Maggies + subwoofers.

@mijostyn -- thank you. I've spent a couple hours now learning about dsp, with particular attention to MiniDSP. "Idiot proof" is apparently what I need. I'm definitely interested. I will say that the explanations get very technical, very fast. 

@jeenam -- I hear you on Rythmik, and the appreciation/criticism of REL. I've read both many times, and I know that Rythmik has a stellar reputation out here. I'm going to look into them more, definitely. Thank you.

@sns -- yes, certainly, 95% of the time that philosophy is just exactly what I want. My experience with subwoofers is very limited but I'm inclined toward a pair as well. I know that the T/9X isn't really big in the world of subs, but I still wonder if a pair of them would be too much in my small room. (Also ... small budget.) For what it's worth, REL recommends the T/9 (single or double) with the 1.7is, the S series for the bigger Maggies. 

I've been smiling about @jjss49 's suggestion to get the T/7s and "be done." I know he's right, at least in the short term. But part of me wants to let this percolate a bit, try a few subs, bang my head against the DSP wall, and enjoy the ride a bit longer....

Again, thank you all!

Good subwoofers that have been properly set up will never call attention to themselves. The point of purchasing JL/Rythmik/Rel is they disappear and make it seem as though speakers simply have proper low end fullness and extension.

Please let us know your thoughts once you’ve decided on and configured whichever sub you do end up purchasing. The last Rel I had was the T7. It was paired with PMC OB1 speakers and it sounded fantastic and integrated seamlessly with plenty of kick/punch for my tastes. Drum n Bass, techno and house are among the genres I listen to so you best believe I’m critical and demanding when it comes to subsonic performance. Drum n Bass producers tend to know a thing or two about bass ;)

to my earlier comments i would add, or should i say, re-emphasize:... to me, for maggie 1.7i (or up) owners, dual subs are a must if one intends on extracting the best musical qualities these truly wonderful speakers can produce

so 2x t7’s >> 1x t9 or 1x s510 as an example

 

I use 2 "Q" series RELs in my main system...a Q150E and a Q108MK2. Each cost around 200 bucks each (used of course) maybe 10 years ago and are great sounding. If they die REL won't fix 'em but meh...they were so inexpensive I've really got my money's worth out of them. Made cables (easily) out of Canare and Neutriks.