Rel T/7x sub sound improvement but…


I just installed a single Rel sub to supplement my b&w 805 d4, and the sound was improved quite a lot. However I follow Rel official instructions and place the sub behind the speaker (right), and now I feel like many of the bass dominant instruments location are shifting to the right side. Is it my illusion, or is it real distortion? I don’t want to buy 2 sub to pair!

randywong

I tried to lower the crossover frequency so mainly output the non-directional bass, but that suppose will break the smooth crossover from main speaker to sub. I really do not have enough space for another sub, so maybe I just place the sub at the middle of the main? (I did not see anybody doing that in yt)

When I only had one sub, I placed it just left of the right speaker and it worked fine. To me, it makes sense to put the sub between the two mains especially if you have to set the crossover frequency kinda high. But, I'm no expert. 

I too have a single REL T/7x that I am using with a pair of stand mounted Tonian Oriaco speakers.  I found that corner placement worked the best just as REL suggests.  The sub is to the left of my left-most speaker.  

If you have a sub adjusted properly you shouldn’t “hear” it at all.  You should simply hear more weight and lower overall extension.  I use the warble tones from the Stereophile Test CD and a SPL app on my phone positioned at my most common listening position to find the smoothest response and best extension, but there are many ways to set-up a sub.  

I enjoy the way the single REL T-7x enhances my listening.  I hope you will too once you get it properly integrated for your room and speakers.

The instructions are generic, not based on your room.  Experiment and adjust it how it sounds best to you.  Most subs are too loud, and crossed over too high.

The specs on the 805 D4 state a frequency response that might be -3 dB at 42, possibly dropping further on the way to 34. What you get in-room will probably vary a bit, depending upon room factors such as size or dampening with rugs and furniture. I’ve used a REL T/5x single in two different rooms, and have been satisfied by placing the sub about 18 inches from a corner, and adjusting from there. 
 

I’d start with the crossover set at 40, and then add 6-10 clicks on the volume knob. Then listen to something you know quite well. Play this song, and some others at a variety of volumes. Is it too much or too little for this song? People report best results overall when it’s nearly tough to tell whether the sub is in play. It’s only a starting point, because rooms and preferences vary.

Best of luck!