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REL Strata III with Paradigm Studio 40 V.2

I bought the REL this Saturday and since then trying to find the optimum crossover and level setting for the room and to blend it with the Paradigms.

I have concluded that a setting of cut off frequency of 28 Hz (Coarse on A and Fine on 5) is the maximum I can go to before muddiness creeps in. Seems this setting is "just under the main speakers". The current setting of the level on the REL is about 1 o'clock. I will continue to fine-tune it in the next days and maybe weeks to come to try to have as close to perfect match as possible.

The frequency response specified for the Paradigms is 59-22,000 Hz (+/- 2 dB) with low frequency extension down to 34 Hz (+/- 3 dB, in a typical room). The Paradigms are on a rigid metal stands with 6 inch center post filled with river sand and decoupled from the flooring by spikes. REL is positioned on the far left corner of the room 3 inches out from side/rear wall and its mode button on 4 (180 deg).

My room dimension would make an audiophile run like hell, W 13'-3" x L 13'x H 9'-6", but this is what was available for exclusively setting up my system.

The overall sound quality is very much listenable with good low frequency extension that was missing before the REL was put in.

Opinions and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
128x128quadophile
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Agree that setting the crossover low is key. I think it is more acceptable to have a slight dip in the bass than a hump caused by excessive overlap (which then sounds boomy).

Corner placement didn't work at all for me ... far too boomy. It sounded better positioned just to the inside of the main speakers (i.e. well out into the room, next to my right hand main speaker). Main speakers are positioned 3 feet from rear wall and about 2.5 feet from side walls. My room is approximately the same size as yours.
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quadophile OP
418 posts
 
As per REL/Sumoko setup procedure the recommended placement as you already know is in the corner, but yes, they do acknowledge that if it does not suit you you can place the sub anywhere. In my case the sub is certainly not sounding boomy. They may be other variables at play I guess.

I have been listening to the LS3/5A and REL combo for the last two days and I just do not feel like connecting the Paradigms back. The sound is so open and fatigue free! I am afraid that if I continue listening to this combo I may waste the Paradigms. The LS3/5a seem to be having the voice coils of God (courtesy B&W ad :-))
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Hmm ... I borrowed a pair of Spendor S3/5 (the latest incarnation of the LS3/5) from a friend for a week, and, while I agree that the REL/S3/5 combination works well, my Spica Angelus speakers sounded much much better to my ears. I was really surprised as I had expected to be really impressed with the Spendors, but in imaging, low level detail and general "liveness" the spicas won easily.
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quadophile OP
418 posts
 
Do the S35 sound worse that your spica's when it comes to vocals? Very curious to know!
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Yes ... worse on everything. It may be my taste, or that I'm used to the sound of my spicas but my wife agreed that my big ugly speakers sounded a lot better than the cute little speakers (to her dismay .. she hates my speakers).
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