Which subwoofer should I get?


Hi - I have the following system:

Magico A5 speakers

Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated

Merging Nadac + Player + Power DAC

Purist Audio cabling

I love my system......but I had the opportunity to use an SVS PB-2000 pro (home theater subwoofer) for a few weeks, and it really improved the overall experience.

I have the opportunity to purchase a REL Carbon Special sub (used) or purchase an SVS SB 3000 Pro. I really like the fact that the SVS subs have so many user adjustable features, and can be adjusted on the fly from an app. I've been told over and over that the sonic qualities of the REL far outweigh the advantages of the SVS subs. Would love to hear from you regarding this issue.

So, in brief, should I go for the REL, the SVS, or some other sub (if so, why?)?

Thanks - Matt

mwsl

I've used Rel subs for 20-25 yrs and have never seen a reason to change. I'm also a drummer who has sat near the bass amp for a long time. I know what a bass guitar (or stand up) sounds like. Rel produces that sound. But more importantly, its the ease of integration and the effect the Rels have on the main speakers. The sound from the mains becomes as if you had upgraded them. It give more of all the good things you now hear from them

I haven't listened to all the subs available. But I don't need to do so because of my extensive time spent listening to and playing live music. I can heartily recommend the Rel. One sub is adequate but two subs are better. You will need to size them properly for your room  & system.

 

I use two REL S/510 for two channel.  My mains are rated fairly flat down to 28hz, but the subs still produce a notably fuller sound. They're punchy, not boomy. A few days ago, I moved my gear to a new rack. When I turned it on to test everything, I could tell that I had forgotten to turn the subs on.  The gain is set quite low as is the crossover frequency. They blend well with my mains.

I have a larger, ported SVS sub for home theatre.  It wouldn't work well for two channel. I'm sure SVS has better subs for music. Mine shakes the house when watching movies. 

Much better to get two subs than one, especially for music. I’d take two SVS SB2000 subs over one SB4000, and with their risk free trial period that might be a good option to try. If you liked one PB2000 then two SB2000s would be a significant improvement over that. The Rhythmic F12G offers big performance/$ but doesn’t have integration software like SVS but does offer speaker-level inputs like REL but much higher value as they sell direct. REL is expensive for what you get and better to go with Rhythmik IMHO (compare the specs to REL). Best of luck.

https://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12G.html

 

I have 2 one for each channel, MK-70B’s dual 8" drivers (push/pull) that are super fast. You can go up the ladder for the larger cones, & resale would be no problem if they don’t match. YMMV

I’m also limited for space & could have got a set of 125s to match my Klipsch Lascala bins, but the location wouldn’t let them breath, so I stepped down the ladder a few notches.