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REL Storm III or Strata III

I've read great reviews for both subs. I'm looking for the best complement for my main speakers (Thiel 22's) and listening room (15x16x7). I'm runniing plenty of power to my Thiels (400wpc) and they sound great. I am planning to add a sub primarily because of a recent addition to Home Theater but also want the best audio for my two channel. I'm leaning to the Strata III because of what I've read, they have a slightly tighter sound with no ill effects of a ported design to that of the Storm III. Also if I come to the conclusion that the Strata cannot kept up with my Thiels, I could always mortgage my home and get a second Strata. I really don't want to go that route if the Storm is all that I will ever need. Anyone who as owned or heard both in the same listening room, please give me some feedback. Thanks
islandflyfisher
alexc's avatar
alexc
265 posts
 
I own a Strata as well an use it in my 14 by 8 by 11 room. with the gain set at 50% of max setting, it is more than enough and integrates beautifully with my speakers. The system goes down clean to 20 Hz (using the Rat Shcak meter with correction factors and a test CD track). The 60 W power rating on the amp is deceptive. It puts out way more music than you'd think!
homosapien's avatar
homosapien
70 posts
 
Some time ago I was exactly in the same situation and read the same reviews. I had a chance to compare Strata III and Storm III at dealer room with different speakers and I can say that Storm sounds much much more natural and musical. Both of them are very nice, but Storm definetely just is one level up.
Now I have it in my 12x14x8 room and realize how much low musical info I had been missing without it. I don't think(at least for now) that I'll ever need second one.
perfectimage
406 posts
 
I use two Rel Stentors and the addition of the second sub made some suprising diffrences. It didnt just help the bass it actually opened the soundstage and increased stereo seperation. It cleaned the sound up and articulated fine detail through the whole frequency range.

That said I would buy the best Rel you can afford. You can always upgrade down the road and get a second one.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
The Strata III has 100 watts if I am not mistaken, I believe it is the Strata II that has 60 watts.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Correct, and the Storm II was 100 watts; the Storm III is 150 watts. Go to www.hifichoice.co.uk and read their reviews on both the Storm III and Stratus III. They are a mid-fi and budget audiophile magazine. The rated the Storm III their favorite of all subwoofers in the price ranges they review.
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