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Add another sub or go with F30's?

My current setup is a Cary 303/200, Levinson 383 and Revel M20's with a REL Strata III.

The room is 13x19' with the speakers 5' in from the short wall. Listening distance is 8'. The room has 2 open 36" doors, one on the back wall the other on the side wall slightly behind the listening area. The sub currently sits just to the left of the left speaker. The floor is carpeted, walls are plaster. No drapes or wall coverings. I'd describe the room as lively.

Listening preferences are rock, folk and blues mostly.

I love the way the M20's sing but you know how it is when one starts to thinking about how it may be improved. Some recordings can be a bit bright though others are fine. I'd like more bottom end without boominess. The REL is set at next to the lowest crossover setting, volume is at 12 o'clock.

My question is whether to add a second REL or upgrade to the F30's? Perhaps sub placement could be better but I'm doubtful that one Strata, in this size room, has enough output for what I'd like to hear. Corner placement seemed too muddy. My experience with setup is admittedly very limited so maybe someone could help me with that. Auditions are many miles away so I usually buy used and then try it. All suggestions and comments are welcome!

Thanks,
Gary
garyb6
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
From all the wisdom I've read on Audiogon and many other sources, buy another sub, and work on placement. There is lots of advice out there on placement. I don't think you'll here a big difference in the mids and highs m30 vs the M20. The big difference would be the bass between the two. With the subs you are biamping and your Levinson 383 should sound its best. I'll bet it will be killer. You could also check into buying the model above the Rel Sub you have too.
Another option would be to pick up Revels B-15 sub.It sounds great with your speakers as I've heard it with them. It has great setup directions with a 15 inch woofer.
As I'm thinking that might be the best way to go.
Steven
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If you like how your system sounds in general, then dual subs should make a nice improvement without changing the character of your system.

There is also something to be said that maybe one Statium III might be better than two Stratus III, ie, upgrade instead of having two. The Stratus is a nice sub in its class, but the Stadium is a nice step up..
moemoney's avatar
moemoney
158 posts
 
I have own the REL Storm 111s and at first I had them placed between my two speakers, which at that time were the Dynaduio 1.3SEs, but when I change this up and moved the REL to the rear corner of the room the bass improvement was BIG. Also you will get a big improvement if you place a stone slate under the sub.
garyb6 OP
25 posts
 
Steven: I'll look at the B15. Anyone have experience with using this with 383 and M20 combo?

Sugarbrie: I never could find a consensus on whether to use 2 Strata or 1 Stadium. The answer is probably system dependent.

Moemoney: I forgot to mention that I have the Strata sitting on a 2 1/4" slab of bedford limestone. I've wondered how it might sound behind listening area. Lazy of me not to have tried it yet but I will now.
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