why go against REL setup recommendation?

A REL ST series sub is not a conventional subwoofer; it is a "sub bass system". Many that talk against corner placement are speaking in general. I believe the REL/Sumiko instructions start out by saying to forget all you've ever learned about subwoofers before setting up the REL. So they are probably aware of the "conventional wisdom" out there. There will always be a room where the corner does not work, however the instructions even have a couple possible solutions for boomy corners.

A REL ST series subwoofer is not designed for playing mid-bass along with, or in place of the main speakers. It is meant to play below the main speakers playing full range (a true sub bass unit). If you want to use a REL like a "conventional" subwoofer, then buy one of their Q Series models.

I read some Audiogon posts where the person goes against all the REL's and Sumiko's recommendations; and wants to use the sub against its design; and then complains the sub does not work well. We American's don't like to read instructions; we are too much in a hurry.

I own a REL strata3, and corner placement resulted in boomy bloated bass, and lots of it. Mine actually sounds best placed between the main speakers, nearer the right channel. That's not to say that corner placement cannot work, but in my case it sounded awful. I experimented with spikes and without spikes. It sounded better without spikes, much to my surprise.

And FYI my crossover is set at 27Hz ... hardly midbass, so I think Sugarbrie's assertion that low frequency rolloff allows it to work in the corner is not always true.

I think you'll have to experiment as there are no hard and fast rules. However, once it's placed correctly and dialed in it's a great sub, and really adds to the music.

Whatever.....It is not my assertion; it is REL and Sumiko's. I did say there will alway be a room it does not work (and so do they). It is more a case of folks (not Sean) who never even try the corner, because they have already been brainwashed to believe otherwise.

Thanks for all the responses. I do plan on listening and finding what works best in my situation. It was the exact debate I'm seeing here that caused me to ask the question.

Best to start in the corner, since REL recommends it, even if it does not work in the end. If it does work as intended, the corner is also usually good from a standpoint that the sub is out of the way of the system and other things in your room. Put a plant on it :-)