I’ve been a live audio engineer for 40 years, there are 2 things that are needed no 1 bass players who are capable of playing defined notes and sound systems that are set up well . Most good hi fi speaker manufacturers get it right but the draw backs are you can’t get the extra octave that you need for the full audio spectrum, this is where the Rels come in all they do is make subs and boy do they get it right , so why would you not treat your self to one 😊
I never thought I would ever add a subwoofer to my system. I added a pair of T/5X’s to my current small system and I was completely blown away by the results. The depth ,width and over soundstage they added was game changing for me. Would never live without a Rel product now.
@@bobb.9917 SO you think two is the way to go? I guess so since you bought them. I have an opportunity to buy a T/7x for a great price or pay a few hundred more and get two T/5x's. Quite the quandary.. 1st world problem clearly..
@@RGMDG Hi Robert, Rel has a number of videos to help individuals choose between buying a pair or only one. In one of the videos, their CEO stated very clearly that if budget is part of the conversation, you are always better off buying the more powerful model vs buying a pair of lower powered subs even if the pricing works out to be the same. I mention this because I faced the same quandary - buy two R/9x or one S/510. I followed this advice and bought the S/510. My word, I am so glad I did! The power and musicality that sub brings to the table is utterly epic. I will never have a need for more bass nor another sub and I'm a bass fanatic (I have a large room - 20x30 and I only have it set at about 30% power - my room literally throbs with bass and yes, you can feel it in your chest). I found my forever sub. Hope that helps.
@@Artemis_Prix Thanks Stephen. I ended up with the T/7x and got ti dialed in. Wow, very impressive. I had it originally connected to some 3-Way ELAC UB52's but wanted to try my ProAC Tablette speakers. I prefer the Tablette's over the ELAC's hands down. Very happy. I just keep saying "WOW, this sounds so good". If budget allows I may add another T/7x some day.
I treated myself to an 8", 65W M&K sub way back in the mid nineties. I was then living in a brick-internal-walled semi, very well soft furnished, and it added tremendous depth and atmosphere to my set up. Over the years I've moved 3 times and everything else has changed, but the M&K sub now graces my very own music room alongside Q Acoustics system 20s. Using a remote mains switch with a button next to my listening chair I can compare music with or without the sub in play, and the difference is still remarkable. Without it, the sound is thin and lacking body; with it the sound takes on a completeness that is overwhelmingly satisfying. Okay, the sub is getting on for 30 years old and, as you intimated, can be improved upon, but I reckon it was £450 well spent!
I just added the T5X to my Rega/ProAc set-up. I cannot believe the difference. I listen to a lot of jazz... the left hand on the piano and stand up bass have a weight and richness that were lacking. Really amazing.
Thank you Tarun for the detailed review. I am currently investigating the t/9x and s/510 Rel subwoofers and have watched many reviews. You were the only reviewer who addressed and explained the knobs and switch on the back of the unit,crosser, gain and the phase switch. You have a wonderful ability to sound very knowledgeable, yet not overly”techy”. You give very practical knowledge to those of us in the hobby. Cheers
Your production values have reached the same exemplary level as your presentation. Kudos, in particular, for going so clearly through the connection options for those who may find them bewildering.
Thought i didn't need a sub, but recently added a REL T7/x to my Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX standount speakers. Stunning, gob smacking difference, esecially with OSTs like Interstellar. The sound just fills the room and makes the experience more vivid and emotional.
@@alan461 You mean you start listening more to the system when using the Rel? Very interesting if that's the case! I personally find everything is more relaxed and engaging and I'm more likely to be carried away by the music and forget about the system (unless I choose to be in analysis mode) with the Rel in the system
I run a stereo pair of REL T5/X and the best comparison I can come up with is that the difference with and without them is like an iced versus an un-iced cake. Thanks for the content and review!
Cake is good, but icing on the cake makes it better.. Except this icing costs a lot more. Arguably you will get more enjoyment out of it too. Thanks James..
I also run a stereo pair of t5/x subs, before i had stereo T/Zero's and the difference between them is night and day. The T5's are hooked up to my livingroom system coupled with dynaudio speakers and the T/Zero's now serve their duty in the bedroom system coupled with a set of modified Kef X300A speakers (officialy these speakers don't have subwoofer outputs) and they sound even more phenomenal in that smaller bedroom. I'm quitte happy with all four of them and i would highly recommend Rel subwoofers to anyone that is looking for a quality sub.
I have been using REL subwoofers for several decades, becoming a convert in the late 1990's. I previously hated subwoofers with a passion due to how they slowed the music and ruined the timing. That all changed when I heard a REL Q50. I currently use twin REL #31 subs with my main speakers which alternate between Proac K6 Sig and Magnepan MG20.7i. With each of these speakers they integrate seamlessly and not only improve the bass extension, but also (and more importantly to me) greatly extend the soundstage depth, width and height for a more spacious soundstage. This added space is accompanied by greater midrange details - a bonus that many REL owners experience and comment upon.
I have a Rel T5x . The best upgrade I have ever made to my system. It just fills that low end gap perfectly, and gives you flexibility when listening to many genres of music. The set up is time consuming, but great fun and well worth the effort. Will never have to change my main speakers ever again
I bought the REL T5x last November during the 10% off sale. $550. Love this little bottom feeder. Small, black, lightweight. Need one more. Like the 5 as you don't stare at REL all day. Agreed that corner setting was bad/boomy. Place next to a speaker or in the middle.
I recently added a sub to my system - I just put it in the corner and all the bass appeared to come from in between the speakers - I think I got really lucky - it's awesome.
Have a pair of T7i subwoofers. Would not listen without now. Change was like night and day. Larger sound stage and the feeling of being in a live performance. Like going from 2d to 3d. It was like discovering some secret that the hi fi industry was keeping from me.
I purchased a sub in 2008 and, for the past couple of years, as my listening skills have evolved, have thought it slow, ponderous and boomy; better for movies than music. Thank you for confirming the evolution in subs and changing my thoughts of what could be accomplished with a more musical one.
I run a pair of these T7x subs with my concept 500s from Q Acoustics. 1 of these was good but the second evened out the room so much. i could not go back to one. They are so good. I won’t repeat everything everyone already said about sound stage and impact but man. If anyone is reading this and wondering if you should grab a single higher up model REL… I’d suggest getting these in a stereo pair instead. Save some money and enjoy the stereo benefits that any singular sub cannot offer. Enjoyed the video :)
I started my system with the TZero MKIII. It was amazing what a 6.5” woofer can do and how big it made the music. Since then I got a T7i and an S5 for home theater
I use a mini DSP to filter my REL subs at 80hz. Above 80 goes to my Magnepan LRS speakers. And because there is Dirac, the integrations is a peace of cake.
I have a minidsp SHD and I do the same thing with my Elac Uni-fi uf5's and my Rythmik L12. Really happy with the results. Room treatment is king, but using dirac can get you that much better. I only run the dirac curtain up to 200hz. I found running dirac all the way up would make my system sound dull and boring. How well do the REL subs integrate with your Maggies? That's usually pretty difficult, but I'd imagine the miniDSP helps a lot.
@@imosolar I tested at 40, 60, and 80hz. In my room the elacs were a bit boomy and not as focused at 60hz. The Rythmik sub is incredibly hard to locate too, so I'm happy with where I have it set. That said, it is definitely worth playing with speaker placement and crossover points to see if improvements can me found.
I have the bigger T/9x - this really improves the presence of musical instruments and the upgrade is particularly striking with piano and with jazz music. Considering my system cost £15k, then £1300 for the sub bass unit represents a real ‘value for money’ upgrade.
I contemplated the T7x, reasoning being price point, and I never owned a subwoofer before and thought it would be similar to the booming noise as in car stereo. Then at the last minute I stepped up and bought the T9x. WOW! So glad I did and i too will never go back to a HiFi audio system without a (Good) Subwoofer.
Thanks for the excellent review again. I have added T7x into my 2 channel with Harbeth and Hegel. Initially i was not convinced that sub is a must have component for a 2 channel system but after listening for few months now i am fully convinced that a sub is a necessary component for a 2 channel system considering the completeness it adds to the music.
I've had an interesting journey with my REL T/7X. I own a pair of Harbeth 30.2XD speakers and their owner/designer Alan Shaw is emphatic that a subwoofer is not necessary. My amplifier is manufactured by a long-time friend of mine in California and he also said a subwoofer is not necessary. After much deliberation, I ignored both and went ahead with purchasing the T/7X .. and boy am I glad. Once I got the REL "dialed in" the audio performance of my system improved substantially. Once in a while I'll forget to the turn the sub on and I immediately notice a qualitative decrease in audio performance. Night and day. I can't stress enough, at least in my experience, the importance of the REL subwoofer even with very high performing speakers like Harbeth.
How did you dial the sub together with the speakers? Did you use the high level connection? Are the speakers working full range and the sub working just after the roll out of the low end of the speakers? I am interested to use Dirac to manage all including sub cross over point.
@@nunopimentapaiva Yes, I used the high level connection which is unique to REL subs. Naturally, I had to spend about a week to "dial in" the sub with adjustments to the crossover and volume settings. As a result, it should only be working after the roll out of the low end of my Harbeth speakers, as well as reduce low end burden on the speakers improving the quality of its mid and high frequencies. I don't have objective measurements, but can say subjectively that the audio quality of the REL-Harbeth combination is remarkable.
@@cbpersel Are planning to do a REW measurement on the system using a frequency sweep ? Would be great to see the results and if there is no bump or low near the cross over point
A few years ago I moved into a "post divorce apartment." It was a loft with the main room being 40'x20' with 16' high ceilings. My first purchase was a pair of Klipsch Forte 3 speakers. When connected to my 5 channel "high fi in a box" receiver it sounded bright and fatiguing. Next purchase was a cheap Reisong Boyuu A10 tube amplifier which made everything sweeter. My apartment was above a busy Mexican restaurant which meant that I could turn the volume up to 11 without any neighbor complaints. I quickly realized that I needed a sub-woofer. I got the REL T9, when it was being heavily discounted before the release of the newer models. The difference has been night and day. and not just in the ways that I imagined. Certainly, when I listen to New Order, BONES, Midnight Oil, or Aphex Twin, I can feel the floor rumbling through my feet. But more importantly, the whole sound feels richer, more complete and enveloping. I think that this purchase was probably the most impactful in increasing my enjoyment of music. Thanks for a great video.
I have tried svs pb4000, jl audio fathom f112V2 and dual e112's. Also tried paradigm prestige subs. Just purchased a REL S812 and it's by far the best I have had for music. My speakers are Neat XL10 and I have sim audio electronics and nordots V2 cabelling. This sub integrates seamlessly, keeps up with the speed and now that I've set it up properly I feel no need to keep playing with the controls. The other subs always sounded like there was a sub playing bass. The REL sound like my speakers are just playing insanely low bass. Highly recommend. Wouldn't want to listen to my system without now.
I looked at getting the T5X. 2 things stopped me. 1 - They don't 'do' a Matt Finish. 2 - As the 'purchaser' of the item, I would KNOW it's a REL. I don't need my eyes Bombarded with 'REL' every time I look in it's 'General Direction' ! ! ! ... Waaaay Too Much 'We Luv REL' from the Design Team ! ... I ended up with the B&W ASW610. A brilliant Sub for the money. I did own the KEF KC62 for a while but, after moving into a smaller listening room about 9 months ago, it just 'wasn't working' for me. The ASW610 works GR8 in a smaller space. Or, you could try the even cheaper ASW608. A absolute bargain for what it cost's. Nice channel. I am Sub'd.
2 years ago, I seriously upgraded my system, with the lion’s share of my budget going on a substantial pair of floor standers. I also purchased a pair of Rel T9I subs. The floor standers arrived about 5 weeks prior to the subs, so I had plenty of time to familiarise myself with the qualities and virtues of my floor standers as stand alone units. They’re damned good and reach really low. My hifi has to fight for it’s right to be in our family lounge. So, when the Rel T9I subs arrived negotiations with the aesthetics committee, AKA the wife, determined that they were to be located along the same wall as my floor standers. Experimentation proved that for optimum results at the listening position, placing them on the inside of each floor stander worked best. I too followed Rob’s advice for setting them up ending up with both gain and crossover set very low. For months and months I experimented with the phase setting. Taking Rob’s advice definitely created stronger bass, but the opposite setting gave a much more emphasis on the initial attack of the bass notes and I couldn’t make up my mind as to which setting I preferred. Last June I updated our sofas. The new sofas killed the room, deadened the ambiance. I bought a third sub. A Rel T5X. I know this sounds crazy, but I placed it on the floor, in the centre of the wall behind the listening position. I had to play around with the settings and reduce the gain on the T9I subs even further, but after a bit of experimentation. It all clicked, even the phase settings. A huge improvement to all dimensions of the soundstage and seamless integration with my main speakers. I specifically chose the T5X as the 3rd suv because it was to be boxed into a restricted area. It’s smaller physical dimensions and single down firing driver, just work. When I first contemplated installing that 3rd suv, I was seriously considering the Kef KC62 because of it’s tiny size and high performance, but my dealer steeered me away from the Kef. I am content with the current speaker arrangement.
Definitely on the right track.Mine involves Meridian preamp centre analog sub stereo xover 60hz. Not everybody has a preamp to do this from both channels into one 10" volt centre sub. Mains are dsp too but blocked ports. .Results very tight blending .(you could use analog or dsp speakers ) I use this from my workstation. Thanks for bass tracks.
I added a T7X to my SF Lumina III, and it made a huge difference for me. I love my SF; however I felt them lacking in bass. The TX7 (1 unit) was seemless - I get the feeling the sound is coming from the SF. I must also mention - I find myself making adjustments to gain and the crossover from time to time. I would not hesitate in recommending the REL T7X. I love my sub and intend to keep it as long as Tarun has kept his REL :).
Hey Taren (forgive me if I misspelled your name), I just wanted to let you know I really enjoy your content. It seem as though reviewing can be somewhat subjective in deferent ways and dependent on context. It must be a balancing act to be fair and objective while still giving your opinion on a product. Sometimes it feels like reviews can err on the side of not giving their own personal feedback too much. I love your rating system at the end. I want to know what a reviewers personal take is and not just the objective facts of the product. Also, you just seem like a really nice guy and how you make your content is gracious and accessable for "lesser" audiophiles. That is huge. I may never be in a position to purchase many of the products you review but I still feel welcome to come along for the ride and learn. Thanks for the great channel.
Though I don’t own a pair of RELs I’m totally onboard with high impedance integration. Made my pair disappear. Seems so logical that feeding your sub(s) the same signal that you do your main speakers would be the ideal solution. I can only endorse doing so. I’ll never go back. Thanks for promoting this method.
I was recently at the stage of building my 2 channel system where it was time to add a subwoofer, and I chose the Dynaudio 18S. The reasons for this choice were that I wanted 2 channels of bass in a small footprint that could reach lower frequencies (16 Hz), at a reasonable price, and could work with my Hegel H90 Variable Line Outputs. I had tried the KEF KF92, but discovered a little talked about issue with the Hegel Line Outputs. The issue is that the power output from these outputs is VERY low. The Line Outputs did not provide enough power to drive the KEF. The Dynaudio 18S (and its cousin Sub 6) solves this Hegel Line Out problem by having an adjustable sensitivity for its Line Inputs. The adjustments are from +6 db (1 Vrms) to -14 db (10 Vrms). I set the sensitivity to +6 db and this works for me. I am also a fan of having adjustability of the input level from my DAC to the Amp. Having a DAC with a volume control (pre amp) allows for tuning the input volume from the DAC for best dynamic range for the Amp and perhaps other properties.
I know you like ATC speakers, and so do I. My dealer was so kind to lend me the ATC C1 mk2 sub, and compare it to the REL T7x. Quite the price difference, but what a great sub. In my opinion it perfectly extends the SCM19's in the low end. It arrived last week, and I already feel like I can't live without it.
Thanks for the bass tracks! 👍 I started with a REL T-zero mkiii then jumped to the T/9X…just recently upped it to the S/510. Each upgrade was a tremendous improvement. REL’s are superlative.
I followed the same road, from t/7i to S/510 because I went from Quad Z2 speakers to the bigger Wharfedale Elysian 2. And I use the S/510 for my home theater as well cause can connect REL subs to an stereo amp and AV receiver at the same time. Great sub. Saving up for a second S/510.
Wow thats major. You get the benefits of using high level inputs, without having to use an additional pair of speaker outputs. Massive win for me, since I was considering the kef kc62, which goes into standby when volumes are too low.
REL recommended that I buy an s510 to better match my Totem Tribe tower speakers but I did not want to pay that much for a sub and I didn`t want a 40 kg sub either. I opted for the REL t9x and I am very happy with how it sounds in my system and how it complements my Totem speakers. Thank you for posting.
I am currently using 6 x 12" powered subs in a 2 channel system. People say it's overkill, on paper "yes" in reality "no". Using 2 subs was excellent, 4 subs was definitely an upgrade, 6 subs is basically perfection. I got the idea from REL the way they stack their subs, it might look overkill but in reality that's far from the truth. It's all about getting the setup right and it takes time and effort but it really pays off, I cannot see myself ever going back. The subs are turned down really low and are very subtle and at times you think are they even turned on when listening to music but in movies when there is an explosion and it hits you in the chest , WOW, yes the subs are definitely on. If you ever get a chance to experience a well setup stack of subs it's almost a life changing experience and it's hard to pull yourself away. Personally, it was money well spent.
I purchased my first sub in 1980. It was a Swedish product called Audio Pro B250 to match with my LS3-5As. 20 years later I retired the Rogers for a more full range speaker, Symphonic Line Legatos but I always thought they struggled in our very large room. 3 years ago my dealer brought out a REL S5-SHO to audition. Wow! what a difference across the board, not just low frequency. Even vocals sound better. A much more open sound. I only wish I could have purchased two of them. Dialing in is very subjective it seems but worth the effort especially if you have a dealer who is trained to do it.
I have a REL T5i and it is so simple to set up and optimize, and makes a big difference in whole system sound quality across dimensions as you said. Great company, most likely would never choose anything else.
I have two SVS SB2000s paired with my SVS Ultra Bookies. One sub is placed in the front corner, the second is on the sidewall near my listening position. I use room correction limited to 250hz. My high and low crossovers are both set to 80hz. Gain is set to where I can’t hear the subs, only feel them. I added the second sub later. Huge difference. Made them melt into the overall sound. Whatever upgrades happen later will include at least two subwoofers.
Hi Tarun, Thank you so much for convincing me to buy a subwoofer, the Rel T7X to be more precise. It is now up and running and the musical improvements are quite something: wider and much deeper soundstage, much more separation between the instruments, piano’s sound like real piano’s, all string instruments come to life (not just bass or cello). All types of music sound much more musical. Some music which was just too harsh on the ears all of a sudden sounds perfectly balanced. Considering the price of one Rel T7X, the musicality improvements of my system is nothing short of sensational. Thanks again!!! I suppose this is bad news for high end speaker manufacturers: I’ve paired the T7X with my Rega Jura speakers of 22 years old. I don’t think I’m going to replace them any time soon (whereas I was contemplating buying the Harbeth SHL5plus XD). Rest of the system: Rega Mira integrated amplifier (also 22 years old), Roon on Mac feeding my Aurelic Aries (wirelessly), which is connected to the Chord Qutest with a linear power supply (the Farad Super3).
Dear Tarun, today I installed my hifi system in my new home including the second Rel T7X: OMG!!! I just don’t know what I’m listening to; It is utterly sensational. If I’m not mistaken you settled for just one sub. Based on what I am hearing now from my system, I can highly, highly recommend a second sub.
I can see clearly you are true music lover. The fact you have the same speakers and sub for so long proves you are not a reviewer who changes his hi fi as regularly as you change your undies. After many years of listening, changing bits in my hi fi here and there, for the past two years I have said no more, just enjoy the music. And that is what it is all about. Love your show and your knowledge is unbelievable.
Hi Tarun. I have had Rel T7 and currently own the T5. I believe subwoofer integration is fun and have played around quite a lot with placement and the dial in. The T7 excited room modes more and so was harder to work with in my case. I am very happy with my current T5 that seems to work better with my room. I could never live without my sub. I tend to adjust the gain depending on what time of day I listen to music and what type of music I listen to. Great video
Having owned both and settled on the T5 - any thoughts on the timing/extension between the two? I've heard the T5 is 'quicker' and more suitable to my MG 1.7 set up. I both listen 2-channel and use the speakers as fronts in a 4.2.x setup in a large open room.
I agree, i bought Arendal 1723 1s subwoofer it has completly change my mind on how i think about subwoofers its really good, i needed one with good power, and it is beast as much as it is musical
My wife caught me crawling towards my REL sub a few weeks ago. The look she gave me could never be confused with anything other than “regret” or “buyers remorse”. Nevertheless, I did achieve excellent placement per REL’s suggestions. Any advice on how to repair my marriage, Tarun? Excellent presentation, as usual. Thank you, again, for the highest quality content.
I assuming she has gone past the warranty period so returns aren’t possible? Great comment! Made my day. Just off to read it to my wife so she knows she isn’t the only one 👍😂👍
Very sensible, well explained and honest review. Thank You. I bought a REL T9X and it's surprisingly easy to integrate giving very tight and forceful bass. I placed it right next to the left speaker as a corner was not practical in my room. A great track IMO in addition to this mentioned to test subwoofer Integration is the Ennio Morricone composition "Come Maddelena" from the movie" Maddelena" which a solid repetitive bass drumline that helps set up, coupled with multiple complex percussion and vocals
I bought a T7x this week. Shame Tarun isn't on commission as I also bought a Willsenton R8 and Amphion Argon 1's based on his reviews. Wow, what a difference this sub makes. It's night and day when you switch this off and compare without. It just adds so much to the overall sound. Thanks Tarun.
The best bar none in terms of setting up a subwoofer. It can be difficult and you don't know how wrong you have it until you hear how it should be ! Average sounds fine until you get guided to the next few levels. Well done Andrew, clear concise and no padding or stuffing. Just the facts.
I appreciate all of your great, level headed reviews. I did locate my T7 in the corner as suggested and I do agree it might be a bit too boomy. I'm going to take your suggestion and see what a side wall might sound like, Thanks.
Very helpful review. I recently bought the Rel T0 for my bedroom setup powered by the KEF LSX. I love it but I know I haven't quite got it dialled in properly yet. This video will help with the tweaking. Newish to the hobby and this channel. Yourself and Darko are helping me along
Hi. (Maserati, Bremont, REL) I bought a REL Quake back in the early 2000s to supplement B&W L/C/R and KEF egg surrounds, and what a tiny cracker it was. So good that it is the last piece of kit to be upgraded. I have had a T/7x for nearly a year now and am completely in love with it, and my quake, it runs Hi level input from the centre speaker as suggested by the guys at REL. The customer support from REL Bridgend is astonishing; suggestions, advice, tips, and a chat! I’m getting a Tzero to replace the Quake, and the Quake will be moved into the study to support my PC speakers.
Love the channel! The one thing that REL subs do better than most any other subs, in my opinion, is that they disappear into your system. When I sit down to listen to someone else’s set up and can immediately identify the existence of a sub and even worse the position of the sub, I know we need to spend some time on set up. When a REL sub is properly set up, the resulting sound is an extension of base from your two main speakers. The best comment one can ever give a sub is that you must have a sub in the system because there is no way your speakers are producing that sound without some help. My REL in my two-channel system is located directly left of the listening position, certainly not a traditional placement, but I will wager most any amount that no one could identify its location. Thank you for all of your research and clever commentary.
Hi Tarun, Lovely review! Of course agree with you that the REL is still the Rolls Royce of subwoofers. I use the Sonus faber Gravis B1 subwoofer with my Sonus faber Cremona floorstanders painstakingly set at the correct settings for my 2 channel listening on both vinyl and cd. The Gravis B1 was one time the reference subwoofer of Ken Kessler who also wrote a rave review of it. A subwoofer definitely adds more body and definition to the music provided it is set up correctly. Fully agree with you on that. Please keep posting your sensible and well elocuted reviews as I love them as much as I like British HiFi gear.
Brilliant as always. I’m a REL owner and I found your analysis spot on. Subs require a very precise integration of trial and error but when done properly, add a dimension that is intoxicating and habit forming. Every system can be improved with a properly integrated REL.
My brother just bought this sub and really impressed but I've not heard it yet. He is running it with his b&w 704 s2 he loves it for both music and movies with music being his priority. He has a Roksan Attessa with with a Yamaha receiver can't remember the model but he paid over 2k for it. He has 707 s2 as surrounds
I have the same thoughts as you do here, Tarun. I think your room acoustics are not meant to host this specific subwoofer therefore the placement of it could be described as an equation with no solution (all other things equal of course). Maybe a couple of subwoofers (like the T5X or Tzero MKIII) that fire downwards may be a better match for your room as it is in this video. All my respects to your work as your reviews always guide me in a very positive way on my audiophile journey :)
REL are something really special and are made in my birthplace of Bridgend, S Wales. 😁 They will be my first choice of subs for my hi-fi system. I'm thinking of 2 T5x subs in my 16x11 foot room. One for each channel.
Thanks for covering this. My most recent experience with sub placement was with the REL T9x and Magnepan .7’s combined with components from PS audio. The result was wonderful in terms of creating greater dimension, depth and refinement to a wide range of music. Although interested in the smaller T5x and though they have been reviewed a great deal, I’m most interested in your assessment of the KEF Kc62 and the SVS micro 3000 for smaller to medium size rooms. More so now that I have a pair of Buchardt S400MKII’s and which already deliver well in terms of bass performance for a small speaker.
I'm also seriously considering the KEF KC62 subwoofer. In the reviews I've seen it usually is rated as better than the SVS Micro 3000. I certainly don't want a huge box in my living room as I already have my hifi and home theatre setup there.
@@VictorZubakin Though without many of the fine features of both the KEF and SVS, I wound up opting for the down firing T5x; which was a good match with my Buchardts, components and room.
I've just inherited a REL T9i today, part of my brother in law's legacy. Its a couple of years old and was a bit dusty, but sparkled after some TLC. The high gloss black finish can be further restored with very fine abrasive polish I believe, but I'm not game to try yet... I parked it where my diy sub used to sit and plugged it in. Only need one rca it seems, and it fired up right away. I spent some time setting the parameters and getting nowhere, so many thanks for this video, Tarun, it's given me a direction to follow... I didn't get any instructions or cables either, so I certainly need some guidance...
I recently picked up the T5x I have a small room and followed the recommended setup. But then moved the speaker to in front of and almost center of main speakers and the sound just opened up huge. I is almost against a credenza and think it helps the sound.
Hi Tarun I love how you include your technical knowledge, which seems above many other channels to compliment your subjective opinions. You're the first reviewer I have come across that actually opens up the. amplifier in reviews with a decent analysis of how well the product was designed. During the beginning of my journey into audio, I researched many aspects including room acoustics, and experimented with different setup topologies. All though I have forgotten some things the 5ms first reflection threshold is something that has always stuck in my mind and you are one of the first channels I have come across to mention it. I prefer live recordings when done well and try to replicate that feeling of being there. As such I found I prefer to include a 1 subwoofer or more plus a discrete center channel and these are the reasons I think this is the best setup. Bass interacts with the room differently therefore it makes sense to me that a full-range speaker is restrictive as the optimal placement is not the same as for the other frequencies and a sub gives you this tuning flexability in placement. In the early days moving from mono recordings to stereo, many advocated for 3 channels over two as the best solution for both recording and reproduction. In fact, many early classical and other recordings were done with 3 microphones to 3 tracks. Two-channel was adopted as the standard only because it was an easier prospect financially for many consumers at that time. In the quest for my goal, I settled on a unique setup to include 3 front channels plus subwoofer(s) for lower frequencies with a caveat. I use 1 surround sound receiver to upmix from stereo to multiple discrete channels for my center speaker. I run a second receiver in stereo mode for the left and right speakers. So basically I am combining a stereo phantom center image with a discrete center image. I like the soundstage and imaging I get in this configuration with proper speaker positioning and calibration. I think this works because as you mentioned previously as you toe your speakers in you get a better center image but reduce the width of the soundstage. In such a configuration, you can have a good wide soundstage and center image. It just seems more holographic to me this way as the stereo imaging combines with a real discrete center. And then of course add additional channels for cinema which I do not prefer for music listening. Also, have you any experience or opinion on an amplifier with Triple Darlington architecture? Do you have a preference for a Bipolar amplifier over Mosfet? My concern with running the REL from speaker-level inputs would be you are amplifying again any noise introduced from the first amplification. My understanding however is we may be less sensitive to it at the lower frequencies.
Hi Tarun - Really enjoying your channel. Have watched every episode since you started. Would really value more guidance on subwoofer positioning and integration either from yourself or the community. Would make a great subject of one of your tutorial videos which are excellent (I did see this video has been added to that playlist).
Same on guidance. I'm also aware that general, practical tips can be useful, but every room is different. So the important variable is the room, which can't be generally covered in a useful video for everyone. Seems like the name of the game is time. Taking time to experiment with placement. Learning what to listen for. Maybe doing measurements and learning REW to decode.
Thank you Gary. I appreciate your support. A more detailed setup video is difficult as everyone’s scenario is a bit different. I hope the general principles in this video serve as a bit of a guide but I will certainly think about how to do a more detailed setup one 😊👍
Thank you Eric. I agree, time and experimentation is key. The only thing I would add is that REW or other room measurement software is useful if you know how to interpret the measurements 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 absolutely. I know that just getting a solid useful understanding of measuring and using REW will be itself, a time intensive endeavor
Good job! Thank you….. I need to play around with my T7/x….. currently I have it all wrong 😂. Question is….. should I have 2 to listen in stereo 🤷♂️. I have Monoblocks. There are 2 distinguishing factors between reviews……. 1. The ones an audience skip through to get to the specific interest. 2. The ones you watch in their entirety because the content is salient in its entirety & you want to pick up hidden gems! You Sir are in the latter! Whatever your method be….. just keep doing it. We don’t want or need bells & whistles & self gratifying intro’s 😂.
There's no system that does not benefit a little to a lot by the addition of a good sub, or two! People often fail to understand how even full range floor standers will still benefit from a quality musical sub. The two early sub makers, that are still making quality musical sub, where REL and Velodyne. I have been using a Velodyne HGS 15 for 20+ years and it's still one of the best subs made and still running great. When the Velodyne finally dies, I will perhaps try a REL. As you say, once you had a quality sub correctly set up to the system (which is much easier to do than it was back in the day...), there's no going back.
Thanks Tarun great review. I have a subwoofer that we built ourselves and it sounds good. One of the best things we did was to integrate the subwoofer into my stereo system. This how I set mine up. My sub has a left and right high input so I connected that via speaker wire from each speaker. Firstly my speakers are bi-amped, I disconnected the top so it left the bottom end drivers playing, we then balance the volume of the sub with the other speakers so the sub did not dominate. we then played different tracks to set the crossover point and made sure the sub was not boomy. Then connected back the top end of the speakers and fiddled a little with the volume and crossover of the sub. Wow what a difference, it has enhanced both the bottom end and the mid range has also improved.
Hi Tarun, thanx for this- as always - great review. Had the T7X to try at home only recently and can confirm the effect you mentioned: It not only adds bass weight and extension but also soundstage width and depth leading to an overall nicer smoother tonal characteristic of the system. The only caviat is that I felt like it is not fully catching up with the speed of my main speaker (System Audio with 2 small 14 cm/5.5 inch woofers). Which lead to a reduced dynamic impact especially with electronic music. I wonder if you experienced something similar, as I would asume the ProAcs being quite fast speakers as well? So my quest for a Sub that does integrate even better (maybe the smaller T 5X, etc.) and would love to see you reviewing more Subs on this channel. Keep going with your great work. Cheers Bernd
Thank you Bernd. Much appreciated. The T7X kept up with my ProAcs pretty well. I think there are two things to focus on. Get the location right and then makes sure the gain is not set too high. Crossover adjustments can be tweaked over time 😊👍
Also were you using the high level connection or sub out and line level? You only get rels claimed 7ms or whatever with the high level. I'm very sensitive to the delay. I'm a drummer and I focus a lot on that section when listening. I can hear when the bass player seems slightly behind when I know that live they were tight TIGHT. I've pondered that 7ms claimed response. If that's true, can I add some kind of DSP or processor to delay my mains by 7ms and offset that difference so they're firing even more exact? I do a lot of electronic music too. Some funk glitch going right now and the rel love it 👍😘
@@abritishaudiophile7314 levelled the gain usign my ears and later on measuring with Room EQ Wizard. Can confirm, that first instict is, to set the gain a little too high. But measuring also shows, that room resonances are unfortunately also amplified. So I guess adding a DSP feature to the REL, like the SWS Subs have, would be beneficial.
The phase needs dialing in using REW and a Mic. If you dont have a processor you really need a Minidsp to fine tune what you are talking about. You will always have the room mode issues but the phase is what can make or break it : )
@@BoredSilly666 I'm looking at minidsp for experimenting with my setup. Dialing it in, dealing with FR and room mode among other factors such as delay and as you mention phase which I hadn't really considered yet. This can all be done on the analog signal post DAC correct? Is there a significant sonic penalty vs the minidsp that does it in the digital stage? I don't want to switch to their DAC though, having recently added a denafrips that I'm quite happy with
Re your question about our experiences i use a rel s510 with Quad 2805 electrostatics. It integrates perfectly and the result is utterly amazing. It is fast enough to work even with electrostatics! Great video thank you.
Nice review, after trying out a few subs I still have mixed feelings (only used for music). The 'perfect' placement and adjustment give me stress 😅 With one track it is perfect and with the next song I feel the need to adjust 'something'..
Recently added a stereo pair of these exact rel t7x. They are quite special, but being a newbie and this being my first time dialing in a stereo pair has not been simple or easy. I still need to do more experimentation with setup since I'm not summing mono (which would probably make it much simpler to choose a location and set gain/crossover with a single mono sub). Now I'm dealing with sbir that is mpacting the left and right sub differently. Also room gain and cancellation possibilities between the two. I'm getting better at improving the setup, but will ultimately do a reality check of my 'tune by ear' approach with measuring mic and REW. It's all a learning exercise and not so simple, but I see the potential reward as fully worth the time.
I had the same experience. First one subwoofer, crossover just under speakers roll-off and phase for the loudest sound at the crossover frequency (with tones). Relatively happy: some tracks perfect with good soundstage, others not so well with strong room modes. My small room height is the same than the width; really bad room. Then I got a second sub, each one close to the speakers. Less room modes and better stereo imaging (no shift) and soundstage. I started to move my chair, front and back: big big differences. With the listening position set, I find out that I had a strong resonances at 34/68/130 Hz related to room dimensions. Finally, some sharp equalization at these frequencies ("sox" in GNU/Linux). A lot of work, but I won't go back. Great great review of A British Audiophile. Thank you.
@@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez are your subs stereo or dual mono setup? I'm having the same thing if I move my listening position by a foot or less the 40Hz room mode is significant difference. (Probably as I'm seated right at a peak and have tried to tune the gain to that peak). It's less than ideal because I'm lacking in the other freq. I don't think my problem is related to dual subs as my single setup had the similar room gain issue at that frequency. Was just curious if you had better results dual mono or true stereo LR subs. I also have mine near the speakers for soundtage and stereo benefit purposes
Good evening Tarun you were right on the money when you told me start with 30 hertz with the Buchardt S400 MKII my system never sounds better thank you 🎸
Just added a REL T5/X to my vintage Musical Fidelity A1 Final Edition and Castle Chester combo. I had to re play this videos because it is so packed with information that makes sense now that I am working on optimal placement of the sub woofer, phase, gain and crossover points. I followed the recommended sequence and it is coming along nicely. REL comes with a nice booklet explaining all manner of connection options. This sub helps me get more our of my vintage system for a relatively small outlay. I do wish there was a remote control for gain. There are some tracks whose mix is so egregious that I have to walk over to the sub and turn it down. Once you have tuned the REL, it copes well with most recordings. This I believe is the magic in REL's proprietary filters. I find myself replaying all my favorite music and taking delight in finding nuances that I had never heard before. A question for the community. I can not find the album Sneakers track #4 'Cosmo...my friend' (1992 James Horner) on Deezer or Qobuz. Has anyone found it on a streaming service?
Love the channel, And though I don't have the Tx7, I do have the Tx9. I never bought into the idea of a Sub in a home HIFi.. Always thought it would sound like the garbage that is associated with automobile systems. Loud, booming, and annoying. I was able to listen a bit at my local Audio specialist and just a day or two after taking home and setting up my new Rotel/B&W system, I went back and bought the REL. The fact that it had a 60 day return policy,, no questions asked, made me take the chance. All I can say is, WOW. Not one regret, Not even the fact considering price. This Sub totally changed my mind about Subwoofers. It's not inexpensive, and I think that's the magic. That's what makes the difference. The entire soundstage sounds amazing. Your review to me is on point and very accurate. You said it much better than I could write it.
Having used studio monitors for most of my life my home set is now a hybrid of a pair of Adam A7x and a pair of Rel HT12005's, I went the these over the T7's because I can integrate them better going from the sound card to the subs and then to the speakers and utilizing the crossover on the way through, these subs dig very low and provide all the volume needed to match the Adams which run a bit louder than normal hifi speakers at 114db, meaning the at normal listening levels this system is phenomenal, although it needs good recordings to be at it's best as it can be far to honest about those that fall short.
I have 2 REL Q150's and can't imagine listening without them. I've had one for over 20 years and I bought a second at a bargain price of £100 last year. Everyone who listens to my system comments now on how deep and wide my system sounds. I believe 2 subwoofers with high level connections a far superior performance to a single Sub. I'm interested in the delay you mention as mine are the same Generation as your strata so I could imagine I'd find the same replacing mine, but £2000 pounds worth of improvement over what I have I'm not so sure. If I get issues or failures then maybe but I think that money would be spent more wisely elsewhere first on my system. As always a great review with some clear explanations of how things work 👌
I bought a Yamaha sub some 20 years ago. It has the frequency adjustment for crossover and can be powered from speaker terminal or sub out from an amplifier. It was initially great with my setup and would deliver plenty of slam in a multimedia context. Then tried it on a revealing system with Quad electrostatics - it showed here the shortcomings as it just provided a coloured bass without much detail. It now just gets used when watching a movie.
I have a T/5x hidden behind a corner chair. It’s downfiring so it’s fine back there. It adds a nice bit of clean bass to augment my KEF LS-50 Metas. It’s in my living room, that’s why it’s placed behind a chair. WAF approved. I now have an HT-1510 in my theater along with 2 Martin Logan Descent I’s with a REL HT-1205 on the way. All sealed subs, great for movies and music.
Thank you, as usual. Another great sub track as a reference is The Japanese House “Maybe You’re the Reason”. Listen especially for the low keyboard tone in the chorus. This should be just audible with a bit of that “room pressurization” you’ve heard of. I’ve used it for years now and all other music sounds great when I get that dialed in to taste.
Your price or should i say products are over and above my pricing. I have had a set of Mission 74i's and the 10 inch sub to go with it. Owned em for 20 years now and still makes me smile. Just bought the new Yamaha Aventage rxa2a and made a huge difference. Could i afford the Mcintosh 12000 not a chance at 15000 dollars., my car didnt cost me that. Great video
I still have an old Audio Pro Sub Focus, with a 400 watt class-d amp and 10-inch driver. With a bit of placement and phase tweaking and isolating it from the floor, it offers an additional dimension to my Quad S2s I would not live without. In short it gives the soundstage the... stage. Could also be noted that my room is at least partially treated, which I think makes the spatial benefits more clear.
With Subs today, and my age creeping up and up I value different values from when I was in my 20's. With that said with the advancement of Control Apps for your phone that you can dial in a sub without getting up and down while dialing in A Sub combined with DSP advances it is much easier to dial one in. I wouldn't buy a sub without some kind of Bass Eq that takes measurements from your room. Some new subs have choices of EQ settings, you can have Type A for one kind of music, and Type B for another all from your favorite chair. I really enjoy your approach to your videos.
Taron, I really enjoyed your overview on REL subwoofers and music recommendations. My three favorite things, 1) Porsche 991.1, 2) JLC Reverso and 3) A pair of Jl audio D110’s paired to MA gold 100 5g’s and driven by Yamaha AS 2100/ denifrips Pontus DAC/ Roon Nucleus with Farad Super 3 LPS.
Hi Tarun - My answers were: 1) Porsche, 2) Rolex, 3) REL. 😀 Go figure! I have been auditioning an REL S-510 the past few weeks as part of my 2-channel system and have decided to keep it. It really does enhance the sound field in a non-obtrusive manner. It just seems to fill up the room and makes the listening experience that much richer, without really knowing that its even there. I just came across your channel and am highly impressed. Really well done videos. Bravo! A bonus learning in this one: “a pain in the jacksy (-sie?)” 😂 This American is going to get good use out of that. Cheers!
Thank you for the review of the T7X. I have had mine for about a year now and I've been happy with the sound and the speed however I'm still trying to find the right placement as my room is fairly long but very narrow limiting where I can put it. I'm looking into new speakers and hope that I can reorganize my space to make them sing.
After a long search I found some inside pictures of the T9x...zero bracing in the cabinet, drivers use stamped steel drivers, cabling + connections cheapest stuff around, ´damping´ material again cheapest polyfill... And then they add heavy feet and a small ridiculous metal topplate to ´control´ vibrations 😂 now it all makes sense why in another review these sub had was travelling through the room. REL = 90% marketing and apparently it works 🥳
I remember that big REL. Amazing...listen to it at the shop...the owner didn't put it for audition anymore as he has to fix the cracks in the wall. He had some tracks with 12 hz tone. You could t hear it ( only the harmonics)...but boy did you feel it. Amazing sub
I'm running an SVS SB4000 in my living room setup with an NAD T777v3 for both 2.1 music (Roon) and 5.1 for TV. Speakers are Dali Rubicon LRC front, Dali Fazon LCR center and Dali Fazon SAT rear speakers. Maybe not the most audiophyle system, but it is discreet and I like the SQ (Dirac Live).
Hi Tarun, excellent piece. I have been using a pair of G1s with my rockport aviors since 2016. It’s the single most impactful addition to my system in my view. It’s transformational.
I’ve been a live audio engineer for 40 years, there are 2 things that are needed no 1 bass players who are capable of playing defined notes and sound systems that are set up well . Most good hi fi speaker manufacturers get it right but the draw backs are you can’t get the extra octave that you need for the full audio spectrum, this is where the Rels come in all they do is make subs and boy do they get it right , so why would you not treat your self to one 😊
I never thought I would ever add a subwoofer to my system. I added a pair of T/5X’s to my current small system and I was completely blown away by the results. The depth ,width and over soundstage they added was game changing for me. Would never live without a Rel product now.
Thank you for sharing Monty 😊👍
I have a pair of those as well and am just as thrilled with them as YOU!
@@bobb.9917 SO you think two is the way to go? I guess so since you bought them. I have an opportunity to buy a T/7x for a great price or pay a few hundred more and get two T/5x's. Quite the quandary.. 1st world problem clearly..
@@RGMDG Hi Robert, Rel has a number of videos to help individuals choose between buying a pair or only one. In one of the videos, their CEO stated very clearly that if budget is part of the conversation, you are always better off buying the more powerful model vs buying a pair of lower powered subs even if the pricing works out to be the same. I mention this because I faced the same quandary - buy two R/9x or one S/510. I followed this advice and bought the S/510. My word, I am so glad I did! The power and musicality that sub brings to the table is utterly epic. I will never have a need for more bass nor another sub and I'm a bass fanatic (I have a large room - 20x30 and I only have it set at about 30% power - my room literally throbs with bass and yes, you can feel it in your chest). I found my forever sub. Hope that helps.
@@Artemis_Prix Thanks Stephen. I ended up with the T/7x and got ti dialed in. Wow, very impressive. I had it originally connected to some 3-Way ELAC UB52's but wanted to try my ProAC Tablette speakers. I prefer the Tablette's over the ELAC's hands down. Very happy. I just keep saying "WOW, this sounds so good". If budget allows I may add another T/7x some day.
I treated myself to an 8", 65W M&K sub way back in the mid nineties. I was then living in a brick-internal-walled semi, very well soft furnished, and it added tremendous depth and atmosphere to my set up. Over the years I've moved 3 times and everything else has changed, but the M&K sub now graces my very own music room alongside Q Acoustics system 20s. Using a remote mains switch with a button next to my listening chair I can compare music with or without the sub in play, and the difference is still remarkable. Without it, the sound is thin and lacking body; with it the sound takes on a completeness that is overwhelmingly satisfying. Okay, the sub is getting on for 30 years old and, as you intimated, can be improved upon, but I reckon it was £450 well spent!
Definitely money well spent. Thank you for sharing Ian 😊👍
I just added the T5X to my Rega/ProAc set-up. I cannot believe the difference. I listen to a lot of jazz... the left hand on the piano and stand up bass have a weight and richness that were lacking. Really amazing.
That is great Andrew. Thank you for sharing 👍
My dad’s REL Strata 2 is still running my HT. It’s so good. And last forever. Lovely
Cool 😎👍
Thank you Tarun for the detailed review. I am currently investigating the t/9x and s/510 Rel subwoofers and have watched many reviews. You were the only reviewer who addressed and explained the knobs and switch on the back of the unit,crosser, gain and the phase switch. You have a wonderful ability to sound very knowledgeable, yet not overly”techy”. You give very practical knowledge to those of us in the hobby. Cheers
Thank you Thomas. Very kind of you to say 😊👍
Your production values have reached the same exemplary level as your presentation. Kudos, in particular, for going so clearly through the connection options for those who may find them bewildering.
This is very kind and much appreciated Howard 👍😊👍
Thought i didn't need a sub, but recently added a REL T7/x to my Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX standount speakers. Stunning, gob smacking difference, esecially with OSTs like Interstellar. The sound just fills the room and makes the experience more vivid and emotional.
@@rodjets8208 that is great 👍
I just added a pair of T7X's to a pair of Maggie 3.7i's. Just took an already amazing speaker to another level.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
I've got a pair of t9i's, could never go back & will be upgrading in a few years. It's not just bass, they make the soundstage enormous.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
This mirrors my experience! Makes the sound stage massive and improves imaging with that sound stage.
Got the same. Amazing but often find I’m listening to the system instead of the music
@@alan461 You mean you start listening more to the system when using the Rel? Very interesting if that's the case! I personally find everything is more relaxed and engaging and I'm more likely to be carried away by the music and forget about the system (unless I choose to be in analysis mode) with the Rel in the system
Also my experience with a pair of S5/10s
I run a stereo pair of REL T5/X and the best comparison I can come up with is that the difference with and without them is like an iced versus an un-iced cake. Thanks for the content and review!
I like the analogy. Thank you James 😊👍
Cake is good, but icing on the cake makes it better.. Except this icing costs a lot more. Arguably you will get more enjoyment out of it too. Thanks James..
I also run a stereo pair of t5/x subs, before i had stereo T/Zero's and the difference between them is night and day. The T5's are hooked up to my livingroom system coupled with dynaudio speakers and the T/Zero's now serve their duty in the bedroom system coupled with a set of modified Kef X300A speakers (officialy these speakers don't have subwoofer outputs) and they sound even more phenomenal in that smaller bedroom. I'm quitte happy with all four of them and i would highly recommend Rel subwoofers to anyone that is looking for a quality sub.
I have been using REL subwoofers for several decades, becoming a convert in the late 1990's. I previously hated subwoofers with a passion due to how they slowed the music and ruined the timing. That all changed when I heard a REL Q50. I currently use twin REL #31 subs with my main speakers which alternate between Proac K6 Sig and Magnepan MG20.7i. With each of these speakers they integrate seamlessly and not only improve the bass extension, but also (and more importantly to me) greatly extend the soundstage depth, width and height for a more spacious soundstage. This added space is accompanied by greater midrange details - a bonus that many REL owners experience and comment upon.
@@pauljoyquilter359 thx for sharing 😊
I have a Rel T5x . The best upgrade I have ever made to my system. It just fills that low end gap perfectly, and gives you flexibility when listening to many genres of music. The set up is time consuming, but great fun and well worth the effort. Will never have to change my main speakers ever again
Thank you for sharing Nigel 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314do you have downstair neighbours Tarun?
I bought the REL T5x last November during the 10% off sale. $550. Love this little bottom feeder. Small, black, lightweight. Need one more. Like the 5 as you don't stare at REL all day. Agreed that corner setting was bad/boomy. Place next to a speaker or in the middle.
Thank you Jeff 😊👍
I recently added a sub to my system - I just put it in the corner and all the bass appeared to come from in between the speakers - I think I got really lucky - it's awesome.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
Have a pair of T7i subwoofers. Would not listen without now. Change was like night and day. Larger sound stage and the feeling of being in a live performance. Like going from 2d to 3d. It was like discovering some secret that the hi fi industry was keeping from me.
Thank you for sharing 😊👍
I purchased a sub in 2008 and, for the past couple of years, as my listening skills have evolved, have thought it slow, ponderous and boomy; better for movies than music. Thank you for confirming the evolution in subs and changing my thoughts of what could be accomplished with a more musical one.
Thank you for watching and sharing Richard 😊👍
I run a pair of these T7x subs with my concept 500s from Q Acoustics. 1 of these was good but the second evened out the room so much. i could not go back to one. They are so good. I won’t repeat everything everyone already said about sound stage and impact but man. If anyone is reading this and wondering if you should grab a single higher up model REL… I’d suggest getting these in a stereo pair instead. Save some money and enjoy the stereo benefits that any singular sub cannot offer. Enjoyed the video :)
Thank you 😊👍
Subwoofers are a must for me. Once you have it set right, theres no going back.
Me too 😊👍
Being a bass player has helped me integrating subwoofers, usually using two smaller subs, a very in depth review tarun,.
Thank you Paul 😊👍
I started my system with the TZero MKIII. It was amazing what a 6.5” woofer can do and how big it made the music. Since then I got a T7i and an S5 for home theater
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
I use a mini DSP to filter my REL subs at 80hz. Above 80 goes to my Magnepan LRS speakers. And because there is Dirac, the integrations is a peace of cake.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
I have a minidsp SHD and I do the same thing with my Elac Uni-fi uf5's and my Rythmik L12. Really happy with the results. Room treatment is king, but using dirac can get you that much better. I only run the dirac curtain up to 200hz. I found running dirac all the way up would make my system sound dull and boring.
How well do the REL subs integrate with your Maggies? That's usually pretty difficult, but I'd imagine the miniDSP helps a lot.
Test crossover at 60 hz
@@imosolar I tested at 40, 60, and 80hz. In my room the elacs were a bit boomy and not as focused at 60hz. The Rythmik sub is incredibly hard to locate too, so I'm happy with where I have it set. That said, it is definitely worth playing with speaker placement and crossover points to see if improvements can me found.
All that hard work rel did to keep their subs as analogue as possible and with class ab is wasted if you use corrections. Better off getting a sonos 😂
I have the bigger T/9x - this really improves the presence of musical instruments and the upgrade is particularly striking with piano and with jazz music. Considering my system cost £15k, then £1300 for the sub bass unit represents a real ‘value for money’ upgrade.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊
I contemplated the T7x, reasoning being price point, and I never owned a subwoofer before and thought it would be similar to the booming noise as in car stereo. Then at the last minute I stepped up and bought the T9x.
WOW! So glad I did and i too will never go back to a HiFi audio system without a (Good) Subwoofer.
Thanks for the excellent review again.
I have added T7x into my 2 channel with Harbeth and Hegel. Initially i was not convinced that sub is a must have component for a 2 channel system but after listening for few months now i am fully convinced that a sub is a necessary component for a 2 channel system considering the completeness it adds to the music.
Thank you Chandana 😊👍
I've had an interesting journey with my REL T/7X. I own a pair of Harbeth 30.2XD speakers and their owner/designer Alan Shaw is emphatic that a subwoofer is not necessary. My amplifier is manufactured by a long-time friend of mine in California and he also said a subwoofer is not necessary. After much deliberation, I ignored both and went ahead with purchasing the T/7X .. and boy am I glad. Once I got the REL "dialed in" the audio performance of my system improved substantially. Once in a while I'll forget to the turn the sub on and I immediately notice a qualitative decrease in audio performance. Night and day. I can't stress enough, at least in my experience, the importance of the REL subwoofer even with very high performing speakers like Harbeth.
Thank you for sharing Craig 😊👍
How did you dial the sub together with the speakers? Did you use the high level connection? Are the speakers working full range and the sub working just after the roll out of the low end of the speakers? I am interested to use Dirac to manage all including sub cross over point.
@@nunopimentapaiva Yes, I used the high level connection which is unique to REL subs. Naturally, I had to spend about a week to "dial in" the sub with adjustments to the crossover and volume settings. As a result, it should only be working after the roll out of the low end of my Harbeth speakers, as well as reduce low end burden on the speakers improving the quality of its mid and high frequencies. I don't have objective measurements, but can say subjectively that the audio quality of the REL-Harbeth combination is remarkable.
@@cbpersel Are planning to do a REW measurement on the system using a frequency sweep ? Would be great to see the results and if there is no bump or low near the cross over point
@@nunopimentapaiva I am not planning on any technical measurements. Currently, I'm just relying on my ear. :-)
A few years ago I moved into a "post divorce apartment." It was a loft with the main room being 40'x20' with 16' high ceilings. My first purchase was a pair of Klipsch Forte 3 speakers. When connected to my 5 channel "high fi in a box" receiver it sounded bright and fatiguing. Next purchase was a cheap Reisong Boyuu A10 tube amplifier which made everything sweeter. My apartment was above a busy Mexican restaurant which meant that I could turn the volume up to 11 without any neighbor complaints. I quickly realized that I needed a sub-woofer. I got the REL T9, when it was being heavily discounted before the release of the newer models. The difference has been night and day. and not just in the ways that I imagined. Certainly, when I listen to New Order, BONES, Midnight Oil, or Aphex Twin, I can feel the floor rumbling through my feet. But more importantly, the whole sound feels richer, more complete and enveloping. I think that this purchase was probably the most impactful in increasing my enjoyment of music. Thanks for a great video.
Thank you for watching and sharing Peter 👍
I have tried svs pb4000, jl audio fathom f112V2 and dual e112's. Also tried paradigm prestige subs. Just purchased a REL S812 and it's by far the best I have had for music. My speakers are Neat XL10 and I have sim audio electronics and nordots V2 cabelling. This sub integrates seamlessly, keeps up with the speed and now that I've set it up properly I feel no need to keep playing with the controls. The other subs always sounded like there was a sub playing bass. The REL sound like my speakers are just playing insanely low bass. Highly recommend. Wouldn't want to listen to my system without now.
Thank you Mike 👍
I looked at getting the T5X. 2 things stopped me. 1 - They don't 'do' a Matt Finish. 2 - As the 'purchaser' of the item, I would KNOW it's a REL. I don't need my eyes Bombarded with 'REL' every time I look in it's 'General Direction' ! ! ! ... Waaaay Too Much 'We Luv REL' from the Design Team ! ... I ended up with the B&W ASW610. A brilliant Sub for the money. I did own the KEF KC62 for a while but, after moving into a smaller listening room about 9 months ago, it just 'wasn't working' for me. The ASW610 works GR8 in a smaller space. Or, you could try the even cheaper ASW608. A absolute bargain for what it cost's. Nice channel. I am Sub'd.
Thank you for your support 😊👍
2 years ago, I seriously upgraded my system, with the lion’s share of my budget going on a substantial pair of floor standers. I also purchased a pair of Rel T9I subs. The floor standers arrived about 5 weeks prior to the subs, so I had plenty of time to familiarise myself with the qualities and virtues of my floor standers as stand alone units. They’re damned good and reach really low.
My hifi has to fight for it’s right to be in our family lounge. So, when the Rel T9I subs arrived negotiations with the aesthetics committee, AKA the wife, determined that they were to be located along the same wall as my floor standers. Experimentation proved that for optimum results at the listening position, placing them on the inside of each floor stander worked best. I too followed Rob’s advice for setting them up ending up with both gain and crossover set very low. For months and months I experimented with the phase setting. Taking Rob’s advice definitely created stronger bass, but the opposite setting gave a much more emphasis on the initial attack of the bass notes and I couldn’t make up my mind as to which setting I preferred.
Last June I updated our sofas. The new sofas killed the room, deadened the ambiance. I bought a third sub. A Rel T5X. I know this sounds crazy, but I placed it on the floor, in the centre of the wall behind the listening position. I had to play around with the settings and reduce the gain on the T9I subs even further, but after a bit of experimentation. It all clicked, even the phase settings. A huge improvement to all dimensions of the soundstage and seamless integration with my main speakers.
I specifically chose the T5X as the 3rd suv because it was to be boxed into a restricted area. It’s smaller physical dimensions and single down firing driver, just work.
When I first contemplated installing that 3rd suv, I was seriously considering the Kef KC62 because of it’s tiny size and high performance, but my dealer steeered me away from the Kef. I am content with the current speaker arrangement.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing Howard 😊👍
Definitely on the right track.Mine involves Meridian preamp centre analog sub stereo xover 60hz. Not everybody has a preamp to do this from both channels into one 10" volt centre sub. Mains are dsp too but blocked ports. .Results very tight blending .(you could use analog or dsp speakers ) I use this from my workstation. Thanks for bass tracks.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
I added a T7X to my SF Lumina III, and it made a huge difference for me. I love my SF; however I felt them lacking in bass. The TX7 (1 unit) was seemless - I get the feeling the sound is coming from the SF. I must also mention - I find myself making adjustments to gain and the crossover from time to time. I would not hesitate in recommending the REL T7X. I love my sub and intend to keep it as long as Tarun has kept his REL :).
Thank you for sharing Nino 😊👍
I still run an old RELStrata 3 in my 2 channel system. Still does the job! You are correct I bought one with black finish for £600 over 20 years ago
Ditto! Mine is still preforming well too 👍
Hey Taren (forgive me if I misspelled your name), I just wanted to let you know I really enjoy your content. It seem as though reviewing can be somewhat subjective in deferent ways and dependent on context. It must be a balancing act to be fair and objective while still giving your opinion on a product. Sometimes it feels like reviews can err on the side of not giving their own personal feedback too much. I love your rating system at the end. I want to know what a reviewers personal take is and not just the objective facts of the product.
Also, you just seem like a really nice guy and how you make your content is gracious and accessable for "lesser" audiophiles. That is huge. I may never be in a position to purchase many of the products you review but I still feel welcome to come along for the ride and learn. Thanks for the great channel.
Thank you David. Getting feedback like that makes this very worthwhile. You are right it is a balancing act 👍😊👍
Though I don’t own a pair of RELs I’m totally onboard with high impedance integration. Made my pair disappear. Seems so logical that feeding your sub(s) the same signal that you do your main speakers would be the ideal solution. I can only endorse doing so. I’ll never go back. Thanks for promoting this method.
Thank you Eric 😊👍
I was recently at the stage of building my 2 channel system where it was time to add a subwoofer, and I chose the Dynaudio 18S. The reasons for this choice were that I wanted 2 channels of bass in a small footprint that could reach lower frequencies (16 Hz), at a reasonable price, and could work with my Hegel H90 Variable Line Outputs.
I had tried the KEF KF92, but discovered a little talked about issue with the Hegel Line Outputs. The issue is that the power output from these outputs is VERY low. The Line Outputs did not provide enough power to drive the KEF.
The Dynaudio 18S (and its cousin Sub 6) solves this Hegel Line Out problem by having an adjustable sensitivity for its Line Inputs. The adjustments are from +6 db (1 Vrms) to -14 db (10 Vrms). I set the sensitivity to +6 db and this works for me.
I am also a fan of having adjustability of the input level from my DAC to the Amp. Having a DAC with a volume control (pre amp) allows for tuning the input volume from the DAC for best dynamic range for the Amp and perhaps other properties.
Thank you for sharing John 😊👍
I know you like ATC speakers, and so do I. My dealer was so kind to lend me the ATC C1 mk2 sub, and compare it to the REL T7x. Quite the price difference, but what a great sub. In my opinion it perfectly extends the SCM19's in the low end. It arrived last week, and I already feel like I can't live without it.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
Thanks for the bass tracks! 👍 I started with a REL T-zero mkiii then jumped to the T/9X…just recently upped it to the S/510. Each upgrade was a tremendous improvement. REL’s are superlative.
Thank you 😊👍
I’ve also gone to the S5/10. Amazing subwoofer. T7i before that.
I followed the same road, from t/7i to S/510 because I went from Quad Z2 speakers to the bigger Wharfedale Elysian 2. And I use the S/510 for my home theater as well cause can connect REL subs to an stereo amp and AV receiver at the same time. Great sub. Saving up for a second S/510.
Wow thats major. You get the benefits of using high level inputs, without having to use an additional pair of speaker outputs.
Massive win for me, since I was considering the kef kc62, which goes into standby when volumes are too low.
That is cool 😎
I recently added a rel t5x to my ls 50 meta,
They integrated so well.
Previous sub always sounded slow and boomy.
Rel was a large improvement.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
REL recommended that I buy an s510 to better match my Totem Tribe tower speakers but I did not want to pay that much for a sub and I didn`t want a 40 kg sub either. I opted for the REL t9x and I am very happy with how it sounds in my system and how it complements my Totem speakers. Thank you for posting.
That is great 😊
I am currently using 6 x 12" powered subs in a 2 channel system. People say it's overkill, on paper "yes" in reality "no". Using 2 subs was excellent, 4 subs was definitely an upgrade, 6 subs is basically perfection. I got the idea from REL the way they stack their subs, it might look overkill but in reality that's far from the truth. It's all about getting the setup right and it takes time and effort but it really pays off, I cannot see myself ever going back. The subs are turned down really low and are very subtle and at times you think are they even turned on when listening to music but in movies when there is an explosion and it hits you in the chest , WOW, yes the subs are definitely on. If you ever get a chance to experience a well setup stack of subs it's almost a life changing experience and it's hard to pull yourself away.
Personally, it was money well spent.
Overall kill or not, this hobby should be all about musical satisfaction. Seems to me that you have that sorted 😊👍
I purchased my first sub in 1980. It was a Swedish product called Audio Pro B250 to match with my LS3-5As. 20 years later I retired the Rogers for a more full range speaker, Symphonic Line Legatos but I always thought they struggled in our very large room. 3 years ago my dealer brought out a REL S5-SHO to audition. Wow! what a difference across the board, not just low frequency. Even vocals sound better. A much more open sound. I only wish I could have purchased two of them. Dialing in is very subjective it seems but worth the effort especially if you have a dealer who is trained to do it.
Thank you for sharing Jim 😊👍
I have a REL T5i and it is so simple to set up and optimize, and makes a big difference in whole system sound quality across dimensions as you said. Great company, most likely would never choose anything else.
Thank you Michael 😊👍
I have two SVS SB2000s paired with my SVS Ultra Bookies. One sub is placed in the front corner, the second is on the sidewall near my listening position.
I use room correction limited to 250hz. My high and low crossovers are both set to 80hz. Gain is set to where I can’t hear the subs, only feel them.
I added the second sub later. Huge difference. Made them melt into the overall sound. Whatever upgrades happen later will include at least two subwoofers.
Thank you for sharing 😊👍
Hi Tarun,
Thank you so much for convincing me to buy a subwoofer, the Rel T7X to be more precise. It is now up and running and the musical improvements are quite something: wider and much deeper soundstage, much more separation between the instruments, piano’s sound like real piano’s, all string instruments come to life (not just bass or cello). All types of music sound much more musical. Some music which was just too harsh on the ears all of a sudden sounds perfectly balanced. Considering the price of one Rel T7X, the musicality improvements of my system is nothing short of sensational. Thanks again!!!
I suppose this is bad news for high end speaker manufacturers: I’ve paired the T7X with my Rega Jura speakers of 22 years old. I don’t think I’m going to replace them any time soon (whereas I was contemplating buying the Harbeth SHL5plus XD). Rest of the system: Rega Mira integrated amplifier (also 22 years old), Roon on Mac feeding my Aurelic Aries (wirelessly), which is connected to the Chord Qutest with a linear power supply (the Farad Super3).
Thank you for letting me know Evert. That is great feedback. Sound like that sub is dialled in 😊👍👍
Dear Tarun, today I installed my hifi system in my new home including the second Rel T7X: OMG!!! I just don’t know what I’m listening to; It is utterly sensational. If I’m not mistaken you settled for just one sub. Based on what I am hearing now from my system, I can highly, highly recommend a second sub.
I can see clearly you are true music lover. The fact you have the same speakers and sub for so long proves you are not a reviewer who changes his hi fi as regularly as you change your undies.
After many years of listening, changing bits in my hi fi here and there, for the past two years I have said no more, just enjoy the music. And that is what it is all about. Love your show and your knowledge is unbelievable.
Thank you Earl. That is very kind 👍😊👍
Hi Tarun. I have had Rel T7 and currently own the T5. I believe subwoofer integration is fun and have played around quite a lot with placement and the dial in. The T7 excited room modes more and so was harder to work with in my case. I am very happy with my current T5 that seems to work better with my room.
I could never live without my sub. I tend to adjust the gain depending on what time of day I listen to music and what type of music I listen to.
Great video
Thank you for watching and sharing Alex 👍
Having owned both and settled on the T5 - any thoughts on the timing/extension between the two? I've heard the T5 is 'quicker' and more suitable to my MG 1.7 set up. I both listen 2-channel and use the speakers as fronts in a 4.2.x setup in a large open room.
I agree, i bought Arendal 1723 1s subwoofer it has completly change my mind on how i think about subwoofers its really good, i needed one with good power, and it is beast as much as it is musical
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍
My wife caught me crawling towards my REL sub a few weeks ago. The look she gave me could never be confused with anything other than “regret” or “buyers remorse”.
Nevertheless, I did achieve excellent placement per REL’s suggestions. Any advice on how to repair my marriage, Tarun?
Excellent presentation, as usual. Thank you, again, for the highest quality content.
I assuming she has gone past the warranty period so returns aren’t possible? Great comment! Made my day. Just off to read it to my wife so she knows she isn’t the only one 👍😂👍
Same situation here too
Very sensible, well explained and honest review. Thank You. I bought a REL T9X and it's surprisingly easy to integrate giving very tight and forceful bass. I placed it right next to the left speaker as a corner was not practical in my room. A great track IMO in addition to this mentioned to test subwoofer Integration is the Ennio Morricone composition "Come Maddelena" from the movie" Maddelena" which a solid repetitive bass drumline that helps set up, coupled with multiple complex percussion and vocals
Thank you for watching and sharing 😊
I bought a T7x this week. Shame Tarun isn't on commission as I also bought a Willsenton R8 and Amphion Argon 1's based on his reviews. Wow, what a difference this sub makes. It's night and day when you switch this off and compare without. It just adds so much to the overall sound. Thanks Tarun.
Thank you Simon. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
The best bar none in terms of setting up a subwoofer. It can be difficult and you don't know how wrong you have it until you hear how it should be ! Average sounds fine until you get guided to the next few levels. Well done Andrew, clear concise and no padding or stuffing. Just the facts.
Thank you Anthony. Who is Andrew?😉
I appreciate all of your great, level headed reviews. I did locate my T7 in the corner as suggested and I do agree it might be a bit too boomy. I'm going to take your suggestion and see what a side wall might sound like, Thanks.
Thank you. Please let me know how you get on 😊👍
Alpha, Omega REL I've used REL over the years, always been happy with the sound.
Thank you Paul 😊👍
Very helpful review. I recently bought the Rel T0 for my bedroom setup powered by the KEF LSX. I love it but I know I haven't quite got it dialled in properly yet. This video will help with the tweaking. Newish to the hobby and this channel. Yourself and Darko are helping me along
Thank you for watching 😊👍
Hi. (Maserati, Bremont, REL)
I bought a REL Quake back in the early 2000s to supplement B&W L/C/R and KEF egg surrounds, and what a tiny cracker it was. So good that it is the last piece of kit to be upgraded.
I have had a T/7x for nearly a year now and am completely in love with it, and my quake, it runs Hi level input from the centre speaker as suggested by the guys at REL.
The customer support from REL Bridgend is astonishing; suggestions, advice, tips, and a chat!
I’m getting a Tzero to replace the Quake, and the Quake will be moved into the study to support my PC speakers.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Love the channel! The one thing that REL subs do better than most any other subs, in my opinion, is that they disappear into your system. When I sit down to listen to someone else’s set up and can immediately identify the existence of a sub and even worse the position of the sub, I know we need to spend some time on set up. When a REL sub is properly set up, the resulting sound is an extension of base from your two main speakers. The best comment one can ever give a sub is that you must have a sub in the system because there is no way your speakers are producing that sound without some help. My REL in my two-channel system is located directly left of the listening position, certainly not a traditional placement, but I will wager most any amount that no one could identify its location. Thank you for all of your research and clever commentary.
Thank you Michael. Sounds like those subs are perfectly integrated 😊👍
Hi Tarun, Lovely review! Of course agree with you that the REL is still the Rolls Royce of subwoofers.
I use the Sonus faber Gravis B1 subwoofer with my Sonus faber Cremona floorstanders painstakingly set at the correct settings for my 2 channel listening on both vinyl and cd.
The Gravis B1 was one time the reference subwoofer of Ken Kessler who also wrote a rave review of it.
A subwoofer definitely adds more body and definition to the music provided it is set up correctly. Fully agree with you on that. Please keep posting your sensible and well elocuted reviews as I love them as much as I like British HiFi gear.
Thank you Mahes. That is very kind 😊👍
Brilliant as always. I’m a REL owner and I found your analysis spot on. Subs require a very precise integration of trial and error but when done properly, add a dimension that is intoxicating and habit forming. Every system can be improved with a properly integrated REL.
Thank you Michael. Very kind 👍😊👍
My brother just bought this sub and really impressed but I've not heard it yet. He is running it with his b&w 704 s2 he loves it for both music and movies with music being his priority. He has a Roksan Attessa with with a Yamaha receiver can't remember the model but he paid over 2k for it. He has 707 s2 as surrounds
Thanks for sharing 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 finally got round to hearing it yesterday. Safe to say I'm seriously thinking about buying one
I have the same thoughts as you do here, Tarun. I think your room acoustics are not meant to host this specific subwoofer therefore the placement of it could be described as an equation with no solution (all other things equal of course). Maybe a couple of subwoofers (like the T5X or Tzero MKIII) that fire downwards may be a better match for your room as it is in this video. All my respects to your work as your reviews always guide me in a very positive way on my audiophile journey :)
Thank you Alex. Much appreciated 👍
REL are something really special and are made in my birthplace of Bridgend, S Wales. 😁 They will be my first choice of subs for my hi-fi system. I'm thinking of 2 T5x subs in my 16x11 foot room. One for each channel.
Cool 😎
Thanks for covering this. My most recent experience with sub placement was with the REL T9x and Magnepan .7’s combined with components from PS audio. The result was wonderful in terms of creating greater dimension, depth and refinement to a wide range of music. Although interested in the smaller T5x and though they have been reviewed a great deal, I’m most interested in your assessment of the KEF Kc62 and the SVS micro 3000 for smaller to medium size rooms. More so now that I have a pair of Buchardt S400MKII’s and which already deliver well in terms of bass performance for a small speaker.
I'm also seriously considering the KEF KC62 subwoofer. In the reviews I've seen it usually is rated as better than the SVS Micro 3000.
I certainly don't want a huge box in my living room as I already have my hifi and home theatre setup there.
Thank you Wolf 😊👍
@@VictorZubakin Though without many of the fine features of both the KEF and SVS, I wound up opting for the down firing T5x; which was a good match with my Buchardts, components and room.
I've just inherited a REL T9i today, part of my brother in law's legacy. Its a couple of years old and was a bit dusty, but sparkled after some TLC. The high gloss black finish can be further restored with very fine abrasive polish I believe, but I'm not game to try yet...
I parked it where my diy sub used to sit and plugged it in. Only need one rca it seems, and it fired up right away.
I spent some time setting the parameters and getting nowhere, so many thanks for this video, Tarun, it's given me a direction to follow...
I didn't get any instructions or cables either, so I certainly need some guidance...
Thank you. Glad you found it useful 😊
I recently picked up the T5x I have a small room and followed the recommended setup. But then moved the speaker to in front of and almost center of main speakers and the sound just opened up huge. I is almost against a credenza and think it helps the sound.
Thank you Robert 😊👍
I purchased a BK Electronics double gem subwoofer. It has two 10inch drivers and I love it.
Thank you for sharing 😊
I'd really like to see you review the KEF KC62 and compare it directly to REL T7X.
Thank you for the suggestion 😊👍
Hi Tarun I love how you include your technical knowledge, which seems above many other channels to compliment your subjective opinions. You're the first reviewer I have come across that actually opens up the. amplifier in reviews with a decent analysis of how well the product was designed. During the beginning of my journey into audio, I researched many aspects including room acoustics, and experimented with different setup topologies. All though I have forgotten some things the 5ms first reflection threshold is something that has always stuck in my mind and you are one of the first channels I have come across to mention it. I prefer live recordings when done well and try to replicate that feeling of being there. As such I found I prefer to include a 1 subwoofer or more plus a discrete center channel and these are the reasons I think this is the best setup. Bass interacts with the room differently therefore it makes sense to me that a full-range speaker is restrictive as the optimal placement is not the same as for the other frequencies and a sub gives you this tuning flexability in placement. In the early days moving from mono recordings to stereo, many advocated for 3 channels over two as the best solution for both recording and reproduction. In fact, many early classical and other recordings were done with 3 microphones to 3 tracks. Two-channel was adopted as the standard only because it was an easier prospect financially for many consumers at that time. In the quest for my goal, I settled on a unique setup to include 3 front channels plus subwoofer(s) for lower frequencies with a caveat. I use 1 surround sound receiver to upmix from stereo to multiple discrete channels for my center speaker. I run a second receiver in stereo mode for the left and right speakers. So basically I am combining a stereo phantom center image with a discrete center image. I like the soundstage and imaging I get in this configuration with proper speaker positioning and calibration. I think this works because as you mentioned previously as you toe your speakers in you get a better center image but reduce the width of the soundstage. In such a configuration, you can have a good wide soundstage and center image. It just seems more holographic to me this way as the stereo imaging combines with a real discrete center. And then of course add additional channels for cinema which I do not prefer for music listening. Also, have you any experience or opinion on an amplifier with Triple Darlington architecture? Do you have a preference for a Bipolar amplifier over Mosfet? My concern with running the REL from speaker-level inputs would be you are amplifying again any noise introduced from the first amplification. My understanding however is we may be less sensitive to it at the lower frequencies.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Hi Tarun - Really enjoying your channel. Have watched every episode since you started. Would really value more guidance on subwoofer positioning and integration either from yourself or the community. Would make a great subject of one of your tutorial videos which are excellent (I did see this video has been added to that playlist).
Same on guidance. I'm also aware that general, practical tips can be useful, but every room is different. So the important variable is the room, which can't be generally covered in a useful video for everyone.
Seems like the name of the game is time. Taking time to experiment with placement. Learning what to listen for. Maybe doing measurements and learning REW to decode.
Thank you Gary. I appreciate your support. A more detailed setup video is difficult as everyone’s scenario is a bit different. I hope the general principles in this video serve as a bit of a guide but I will certainly think about how to do a more detailed setup one 😊👍
Thank you Eric. I agree, time and experimentation is key. The only thing I would add is that REW or other room measurement software is useful if you know how to interpret the measurements 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 absolutely. I know that just getting a solid useful understanding of measuring and using REW will be itself, a time intensive endeavor
Good job! Thank you….. I need to play around with my T7/x….. currently I have it all wrong 😂.
Question is….. should I have 2 to listen in stereo 🤷♂️. I have Monoblocks.
There are 2 distinguishing factors between reviews…….
1. The ones an audience skip through to get to the specific interest.
2. The ones you watch in their entirety because the content is salient in its entirety & you want to pick up hidden gems!
You Sir are in the latter! Whatever your method be….. just keep doing it. We don’t want or need bells & whistles & self gratifying intro’s 😂.
Thank you. I would go with trying to get one subwoofer properly integrated with your system first 😊👍
There's no system that does not benefit a little to a lot by the addition of a good sub, or two! People often fail to understand how even full range floor standers will still benefit from a quality musical sub. The two early sub makers, that are still making quality musical sub, where REL and Velodyne. I have been using a Velodyne HGS 15 for 20+ years and it's still one of the best subs made and still running great. When the Velodyne finally dies, I will perhaps try a REL. As you say, once you had a quality sub correctly set up to the system (which is much easier to do than it was back in the day...), there's no going back.
Thank you Will 😊👍
PS, my Velodyne finally died, just ordered a REL T/9x. I hope it does the job the Velodyne accomplished, if not better? @@abritishaudiophile7314
Thanks Tarun great review. I have a subwoofer that we built ourselves and it sounds good. One of the best things we did was to integrate the subwoofer into my stereo system. This how I set mine up. My sub has a left and right high input so I connected that via speaker wire from each speaker. Firstly my speakers are bi-amped, I disconnected the top so it left the bottom end drivers playing, we then balance the volume of the sub with the other speakers so the sub did not dominate. we then played different tracks to set the crossover point and made sure the sub was not boomy. Then connected back the top end of the speakers and fiddled a little with the volume and crossover of the sub. Wow what a difference, it has enhanced both the bottom end and the mid range has also improved.
Thank you George. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Hi Tarun, thanx for this- as always - great review. Had the T7X to try at home only recently and can confirm the effect you mentioned: It not only adds bass weight and extension but also soundstage width and depth leading to an overall nicer smoother tonal characteristic of the system.
The only caviat is that I felt like it is not fully catching up with the speed of my main speaker (System Audio with 2 small 14 cm/5.5 inch woofers). Which lead to a reduced dynamic impact especially with electronic music. I wonder if you experienced something similar, as I would asume the ProAcs being quite fast speakers as well? So my quest for a Sub that does integrate even better (maybe the smaller T 5X, etc.) and would love to see you reviewing more Subs on this channel.
Keep going with your great work.
Cheers Bernd
Thank you Bernd. Much appreciated. The T7X kept up with my ProAcs pretty well. I think there are two things to focus on. Get the location right and then makes sure the gain is not set too high. Crossover adjustments can be tweaked over time 😊👍
Also were you using the high level connection or sub out and line level? You only get rels claimed 7ms or whatever with the high level.
I'm very sensitive to the delay. I'm a drummer and I focus a lot on that section when listening. I can hear when the bass player seems slightly behind when I know that live they were tight TIGHT.
I've pondered that 7ms claimed response. If that's true, can I add some kind of DSP or processor to delay my mains by 7ms and offset that difference so they're firing even more exact?
I do a lot of electronic music too. Some funk glitch going right now and the rel love it 👍😘
@@abritishaudiophile7314 levelled the gain usign my ears and later on measuring with Room EQ Wizard. Can confirm, that first instict is, to set the gain a little too high. But measuring also shows, that room resonances are unfortunately also amplified. So I guess adding a DSP feature to the REL, like the SWS Subs have, would be beneficial.
The phase needs dialing in using REW and a Mic. If you dont have a processor you really need a Minidsp to fine tune what you are talking about. You will always have the room mode issues but the phase is what can make or break it : )
@@BoredSilly666 I'm looking at minidsp for experimenting with my setup. Dialing it in, dealing with FR and room mode among other factors such as delay and as you mention phase which I hadn't really considered yet.
This can all be done on the analog signal post DAC correct? Is there a significant sonic penalty vs the minidsp that does it in the digital stage? I don't want to switch to their DAC though, having recently added a denafrips that I'm quite happy with
Re your question about our experiences i use a rel s510 with Quad 2805 electrostatics. It integrates perfectly and the result is utterly amazing. It is fast enough to work even with electrostatics! Great video thank you.
Nice review, after trying out a few subs I still have mixed feelings (only used for music). The 'perfect' placement and adjustment give me stress 😅 With one track it is perfect and with the next song I feel the need to adjust 'something'..
I feel your pain Michelle. Thank you for sharing 😊👍
@Baba Ganush I have the same feeling, I decided that without sub my life is easier 😅
Recently added a stereo pair of these exact rel t7x. They are quite special, but being a newbie and this being my first time dialing in a stereo pair has not been simple or easy.
I still need to do more experimentation with setup since I'm not summing mono (which would probably make it much simpler to choose a location and set gain/crossover with a single mono sub).
Now I'm dealing with sbir that is mpacting the left and right sub differently. Also room gain and cancellation possibilities between the two. I'm getting better at improving the setup, but will ultimately do a reality check of my 'tune by ear' approach with measuring mic and REW.
It's all a learning exercise and not so simple, but I see the potential reward as fully worth the time.
I had the same experience. First one subwoofer, crossover just under speakers roll-off and phase for the loudest sound at the crossover frequency (with tones). Relatively happy: some tracks perfect with good soundstage, others not so well with strong room modes. My small room height is the same than the width; really bad room. Then I got a second sub, each one close to the speakers. Less room modes and better stereo imaging (no shift) and soundstage. I started to move my chair, front and back: big big differences. With the listening position set, I find out that I had a strong resonances at 34/68/130 Hz related to room dimensions. Finally, some sharp equalization at these frequencies ("sox" in GNU/Linux). A lot of work, but I won't go back. Great great review of A British Audiophile. Thank you.
@@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez are your subs stereo or dual mono setup?
I'm having the same thing if I move my listening position by a foot or less the 40Hz room mode is significant difference. (Probably as I'm seated right at a peak and have tried to tune the gain to that peak). It's less than ideal because I'm lacking in the other freq.
I don't think my problem is related to dual subs as my single setup had the similar room gain issue at that frequency. Was just curious if you had better results dual mono or true stereo LR subs. I also have mine near the speakers for soundtage and stereo benefit purposes
Good evening Tarun you were right on the money when you told me start with 30 hertz with the Buchardt S400 MKII my system never sounds better thank you 🎸
Thank you Sami. Glad it worked out 👍
I got one just like this, it's probably not setup correctly, but o boy what a difference it makes! I love my Rel T7/X :)
Thank you for sharing Henrik 😊👍
Just added a REL T5/X to my vintage Musical Fidelity A1 Final Edition and Castle Chester combo. I had to re play this videos because it is so packed with information that makes sense now that I am working on optimal placement of the sub woofer, phase, gain and crossover points. I followed the recommended sequence and it is coming along nicely. REL comes with a nice booklet explaining all manner of connection options. This sub helps me get more our of my vintage system for a relatively small outlay. I do wish there was a remote control for gain. There are some tracks whose mix is so egregious that I have to walk over to the sub and turn it down. Once you have tuned the REL, it copes well with most recordings. This I believe is the magic in REL's proprietary filters. I find myself replaying all my favorite music and taking delight in finding nuances that I had never heard before. A question for the community. I can not find the album Sneakers track #4 'Cosmo...my friend' (1992 James Horner) on Deezer or Qobuz. Has anyone found it on a streaming service?
Thx for sharing 😊
Love the channel, And though I don't have the Tx7, I do have the Tx9. I never bought into the idea of a Sub in a home HIFi.. Always thought it would sound like the garbage that is associated with automobile systems. Loud, booming, and annoying.
I was able to listen a bit at my local Audio specialist and just a day or two after taking home and setting up my new Rotel/B&W system, I went back and bought the REL. The fact that it had a 60 day return policy,, no questions asked, made me take the chance.
All I can say is, WOW. Not one regret, Not even the fact considering price. This Sub totally changed my mind about Subwoofers. It's not inexpensive, and I think that's the magic.
That's what makes the difference. The entire soundstage sounds amazing.
Your review to me is on point and very accurate.
You said it much better than I could write it.
Thank you Jeffrey. Much appreciated 😊👍
Having used studio monitors for most of my life my home set is now a hybrid of a pair of Adam A7x and a pair of Rel HT12005's, I went the these over the T7's because I can integrate them better going from the sound card to the subs and then to the speakers and utilizing the crossover on the way through, these subs dig very low and provide all the volume needed to match the Adams which run a bit louder than normal hifi speakers at 114db, meaning the at normal listening levels this system is phenomenal, although it needs good recordings to be at it's best as it can be far to honest about those that fall short.
Thank you for sharing 😊
I have 2 REL Q150's and can't imagine listening without them. I've had one for over 20 years and I bought a second at a bargain price of £100 last year. Everyone who listens to my system comments now on how deep and wide my system sounds. I believe 2 subwoofers with high level connections a far superior performance to a single Sub. I'm interested in the delay you mention as mine are the same Generation as your strata so I could imagine I'd find the same replacing mine, but £2000 pounds worth of improvement over what I have I'm not so sure. If I get issues or failures then maybe but I think that money would be spent more wisely elsewhere first on my system. As always a great review with some clear explanations of how things work 👌
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences James 😊👍
I have a JL that I am completely satisfied with and it’s quite flexible with its setup.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Quality subwoofer reviews are rare on RUclips, I'm ooking forward to more.
Thank you 😊👍
I’ve got a pair or RELs - T9x and an HT1205. A heavenly pair and digs super deep. Amazing!
Cool 😎
How is it that you have two different models and do you feel you loose anything with them not being the same model?
I bought a Yamaha sub some 20 years ago. It has the frequency adjustment for crossover and can be powered from speaker terminal or sub out from an amplifier.
It was initially great with my setup and would deliver plenty of slam in a multimedia context. Then tried it on a revealing system with Quad electrostatics - it showed here the shortcomings as it just provided a coloured bass without much detail. It now just gets used when watching a movie.
Thank you for sharing Wouter 😊👍
I have a T/5x hidden behind a corner chair. It’s downfiring so it’s fine back there. It adds a nice bit of clean bass to augment my KEF LS-50 Metas. It’s in my living room, that’s why it’s placed behind a chair. WAF approved.
I now have an HT-1510 in my theater along with 2 Martin Logan Descent I’s with a REL HT-1205 on the way. All sealed subs, great for movies and music.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you, as usual. Another great sub track as a reference is The Japanese House “Maybe You’re the Reason”. Listen especially for the low keyboard tone in the chorus. This should be just audible with a bit of that “room pressurization” you’ve heard of. I’ve used it for years now and all other music sounds great when I get that dialed in to taste.
Thank you Ben 👍
Your price or should i say products are over and above my pricing. I have had a set of Mission 74i's and the 10 inch sub to go with it. Owned em for 20 years now and still makes me smile. Just bought the new Yamaha Aventage rxa2a and made a huge difference. Could i afford the Mcintosh 12000 not a chance at 15000 dollars., my car didnt cost me that. Great video
Thank you for sharing Dave 😊
I still have an old Audio Pro Sub Focus, with a 400 watt class-d amp and 10-inch driver. With a bit of placement and phase tweaking and isolating it from the floor, it offers an additional dimension to my Quad S2s I would not live without. In short it gives the soundstage the... stage. Could also be noted that my room is at least partially treated, which I think makes the spatial benefits more clear.
Thank you Filip 😊👍
Thanks sooooooo much for the Sub-Woofer tuning music…your choices were THE BEST!!!
Thank you Bob. Much appreciated 😊👍
With Subs today, and my age creeping up and up I value different values from when I was in my 20's. With that said with the advancement of Control Apps for your phone that you can dial in a sub without getting up and down while dialing in A Sub combined with DSP advances it is much easier to dial one in. I wouldn't buy a sub without some kind of Bass Eq that takes measurements from your room. Some new subs have choices of EQ settings, you can have Type A for one kind of music, and Type B for another all from your favorite chair. I really enjoy your approach to your videos.
Yes! Between moving 70-80lb amplifiers and 60lb Subs,it gets a little much after awhile lol.
Thank you Gregory 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 You've earned all of your accolades😎 I've been following you since around when you started!
Thank you again for your no nonsense review. I sure wish REL would tone down the advertising on their products. It is so cheap looking.
Thank you Paul. I agree, I am not a fan of excessive branding on hifi, clothes, etc… 👍
Taron, I really enjoyed your overview on REL subwoofers and music recommendations. My three favorite things, 1) Porsche 991.1, 2) JLC Reverso and 3) A pair of Jl audio D110’s paired to MA gold 100 5g’s and driven by Yamaha AS 2100/ denifrips Pontus DAC/ Roon Nucleus with Farad Super 3 LPS.
Thank you Michael 👍
Hi Tarun - My answers were: 1) Porsche, 2) Rolex, 3) REL. 😀 Go figure! I have been auditioning an REL S-510 the past few weeks as part of my 2-channel system and have decided to keep it. It really does enhance the sound field in a non-obtrusive manner. It just seems to fill up the room and makes the listening experience that much richer, without really knowing that its even there. I just came across your channel and am highly impressed. Really well done videos. Bravo! A bonus learning in this one: “a pain in the jacksy (-sie?)” 😂 This American is going to get good use out of that. Cheers!
Thank you my friend. I look forward to “Jasksie” being included in the US urban dictionary 😂👍
Thank you for the review of the T7X. I have had mine for about a year now and I've been happy with the sound and the speed however I'm still trying to find the right placement as my room is fairly long but very narrow limiting where I can put it. I'm looking into new speakers and hope that I can reorganize my space to make them sing.
Keep at it. It will be worth it in the end 😊
I have REL HT/1003 and It’s surprisingly good for music too
Cool 😎 thank you 😊👍
After a long search I found some inside pictures of the T9x...zero bracing in the cabinet, drivers use stamped steel drivers, cabling + connections cheapest stuff around, ´damping´ material again cheapest polyfill... And then they add heavy feet and a small ridiculous metal topplate to ´control´ vibrations 😂 now it all makes sense why in another review these sub had was travelling through the room. REL = 90% marketing and apparently it works 🥳
I remember that big REL. Amazing...listen to it at the shop...the owner didn't put it for audition anymore as he has to fix the cracks in the wall. He had some tracks with 12 hz tone. You could t hear it ( only the harmonics)...but boy did you feel it. Amazing sub
Cool 😎
I'm running an SVS SB4000 in my living room setup with an NAD T777v3 for both 2.1 music (Roon) and 5.1 for TV. Speakers are Dali Rubicon LRC front, Dali Fazon LCR center and Dali Fazon SAT rear speakers. Maybe not the most audiophyle system, but it is discreet and I like the SQ (Dirac Live).
Thank you for sharing Win 👍
Hi Tarun, excellent piece. I have been using a pair of G1s with my rockport aviors since 2016. It’s the single most impactful addition to my system in my view. It’s transformational.
Thank you Sujay 😊👍