Which subwoofer should I get?

@gdaddy1 

There is no question that whatever sub I end up getting, it will be sealed.

@audiotroy 

The Elac subs look very interesting

@sunshdw 

.....and the Paradigm subs look very interesting as well. Definitely more expensive; in line with REL costs.

To all of you.....

I'm finding myself drawn to subs with app control. I don't understand why REL (with their great reputation and significant pricing) hasn't gone down this road yet.

@mwsl 

One of the things I’m concerned about is having the properly sized sub for my room, which is 19’x17’x9’ (peaked roof design)

My room is very similar with a 13' peak and a 12' dining room open to the LR where my system resides. I have 2 Rel S510 clones. which are Sumiko. They  were the importer for Rel for many years until Rel changed business model. They have the same specs as the S 5 rel. They fill my room easily.

I'm finding myself drawn to subs with app control. I don't understand why REL (with their great reputation and significant pricing) hasn't gone down this road yet.

Maybe they believe in the beauty of simplicity and eliminating possible interference. I'd rather adjust the sub while right next to the main speakers. Its easier to pick up all the subtleties while integrating the subs.

As for sealed vs ported, I think it comes down to design. One well designed of either design  will be better than the poorer or the other design. Good luck with your search.

I run two SVS SB4000 in my HT room and know the sound very well. I don’t think they would be ideal in a 2 Chanel setup. I don’t think they will have enough speed and you will wind up with bass overhang that muddies the two Chanel system. I think for your usage I would go for the REL. 

Also, as soon as possible start saving for a matching second sub. If you truly want them to disappear that is the way to go. Good luck and cheers. 

One very important point that should be considered IMO. The connection to a 'high level input' (Rel and Paul McGowen suggest this also).

This connection feeds the subwoofer the exact same dynamic level imparted from your amp. A punchy amp characteristic will be passed on to the sub. If you take the signal straight from your pre-amp your sub won't recieve the same dynamics that your speakers will recieve from the amp.

My experience has been the dynamic punch was considerably increased using high level input directly from the amp. BTW...this does NOT put any additional load on your amp. The subs plate amp carries the load.

Hope this helps!

I’m finding myself drawn to subs with app control. I don’t understand why REL (with their great reputation and significant pricing) hasn’t gone down this road yet.

my guess would be that, REL subs set ups are such an ease, the use of an APP would be frivolous.