REL Quake or ACI Force for semi small room

Thanks, the DD technology sounds interesting but I'm priced out.

Anybody heard an Essex SW-1? Essex is the OEM from REL, Ruark, and Rega subs. www.essex-audio.co.uk

Matthew

It was my understanding that the rega vulcan is made by REL. Is it another sub you're referring to ?

I'm wondering why you don't want another strata 3 ?

I'd love to get a Strata again. The problem is that they are no longer imported to the US. Why, I have no clue. My local dealer says that the Q150e is more popular. Yeah right, the Strata III is universally reconized as a fabulous piece. Not the most impactful sub in terms of moving air, but tight and oh so musical. So, myself and lots of other 2-channelers will be wrestling over the few Strata III's that people sell used. I can't believe I sold mine initially. Stupid move.

Anyway I am referring to an Essex SW-1 (www.essex-audio.co.uk). This sub is a bit smaller (12 x 12 x15) than a Strata and uses a 120W amp. Essex builds the REL subs (and Ruark, Rega too). So supposedly, they're cutting out the middleman and selling direct trough a US importer. The SW-1 sells for around 1K and goes down to 18hz. It all looks good, I just haven't been able to find another enthusist who's heard one. I'm not going to drop the $, without a second opinion to the dealer.

So, anybody heard an Essex SW-1 out there?

Matthew

At what frequency did you have the strata crossed ?

I currently have my strata 3 set at 46Hz, but with my pervious speakers it was crossed at 28Hz. I notice that the Essex-audio sw-1 only crosses as low as 40Hz. That would not allow it to be partnered with anything more than a modest size standmount speaker, and almost certainly not with any floorstander.

It seems that the new RELS are very overpriced in the US, so the Velodyne DD series might represent a better buy here.

your right, that is a concern of mine. i can't remember where i had the Strata crossed. my Ruark floorstanders go down to 48hz so it will be cutting it close. i'll email essex and ask them why the 40hz. i noticed their super sub the SW-3 also crosses only down to 40? weird, maybe they have an explaination or the website is incorrect.

matthew