I really appreciate the callout of 30 feet being the practical maximum for RCA, it's surprisingly difficult to find that answer. Makes me feel much better about a planned 20 foot run.
Thank you John. I know that you position your HT subs specifically toward Home Theatre, but as an audio enthusiast (not an audiophile necessarily) over many decades, my recent purchase of your HT 1205 sub has fulfilled all my expectations for music-only playback: tuneful, authoritative, agile sub-bass performance. And I'm someone who knows what live music sounds like. Naturally, on Home Theatre, it delivers equally convincingly. Best wishes.
@@johnclark3067 Nice setup there John. I have mine setup with 7.2 revolution xt tannoy setup with tannoy xt6f being the front left and right. I also have proac signature 10 tablette in the same room. I keep switching between xt6f and proacs for music. These subs blend well with 60:40 music and cinema usage. Having one setting for crossover and level on these subs that go well for both music and movies is tricky. I set my crossover at 80 and level at 10'0 clock. This kinda is that one optimal setting for both in my use case
Thank you for the support, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of your HT/1205 subwoofer! While we do market these subwoofers with a focus on home theater performance, as you have seen they can perform very well for 2-channel music listening.
@@RELAcoustics Thank you. These subs are very musical. Once I got the first one, I didn't hesitate to get the second. One of the very few subs that do music and movies so well for my space and given the budget. I'm a convert from a no sub guy to rel l. I feel my speakers not only extend lows better but have more energy in the highs and mids. This has surprised me as I was expecting better bass performance only. One of the other great aspects of owning a rel is, the literature, training and documentation on the products. Understanding that sub level and crossover are inversely proportional and setting the crossover as low as possible enabling me to match the db of the subs with the speakers has taught me how to integrate a sub into a system.
My 212 SX is arriving this week. I wish my setup had XLR out but it doesn't unfortunately. I got a double shielded RCA cable from Blue Jeans Cables so I hope it works well.
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of the S/510 subwoofers and your Airship wireless system! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and we will be happy to help.
Thank you for the explanation in this video. I bought an T5X to pair with my KEF LSX 2. The LSX 2 has no options to connect any ground wire. Should I in such a case apply a ground-loop isolator, or just work with a decent RCA cable only. The place where my sub will be placed is in my office, there are quite a few power-cables ftp cables, outlets, etc. around.
Thank you for reaching out. While some RCA subwoofer cables have a separate ground wire attached, this wire is not necessary to connect for our subwoofers. When connecting the T/5x to your Kef LSX speakers, you can just use the RCA cable and tape back the ground wire so that it stays out of the way.
When adding an external ground wire to my existing cable should I attach it to grounding points on both the reciever end and subwoofer end? Or just connect one end of the cable leaving the other end unattached?
Thank you for reaching out. The RCA inputs on our subwoofers are designed to achieve a signal ground reference through the outer conductor/sleeve of the RCA cable. This means that it is not necessary to use a separate ground wire if you will be connecting to either the Low Level or .1/LFE input on a REL subwoofer.
I asked both Gene of Audioholics and Anthony Grimani in their recent videos and they both said DO NOT connect both Hi Level and LFE at the same time. I guess this setup only apples to REL subs.
We cannot verify the design and connection specificities for other manufacturer's subwoofers, though I can assure you that all REL subwoofers which feature the High Level input are designed so that both the High Level input and the .1/LFE input can receive signal and operate simultaneously. If you have any questions regarding connecting a REL subwoofer in your system, feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to help.
For a lot of brands, that is true... but not for all brands. Always ask the manufacturer, not a person who gives general advice (even if good) across the board ;-)
Thank you for reaching out. With this length of RCA run it can be difficult to avoid hum or interference through the cable, since RCA is an un-balanced cable. Ideally for this length of cable run it will be best to use a balanced XLR cable if possible, or to move the amp/receiver/processor closer to the subwoofer. Otherwise you can use RCA but will need to be very careful with how the cable is ran so as to avoid interference being picked up, meaning to not run it near power cords/connections.
Just purchased a 1205, my first REL subwoofer. Man it looks sexy. I thought the RCA cables that I needed would be included. I'm trying to make sure I buy the correct ones online now. I'll be using the sub mainly for home theatre but we also listen to quite a bit of music too. Should I only be connecting 1 cable to the LOW .1 / LFE and receiver, and then I connect the 2nd one only when I want to listen to music? Or can I have both connected simultaneously? Sorry because I feel like the documentation explains this but at the same time I'm kind of dumb. Appreciate any help. I can't wait to finally get this setup
Thank you for reaching out, and for choosing an HT/1205 for your home audio system. If you are connecting the HT/1205 to an AV receiver or preamp with a designated subwoofer output, then you can use a single standard RCA-to-RCA cable for connecting from the sub-out jack to one of either of the RCA input jacks on the subwoofer. If you are connecting to a preamp without a designated sub-out, then you can use two RCA cables and connect from the stereo left and right channel outputs on the preamp to the stereo RCA input jacks on the HT/1205. We hope that this helps, but if you have any additional questions about connecting the HT/1205 in your system then feel free to let us know and we will be happy to assist.
Thanks for the video, John. In the early part of the video, you’re holding what looks like an RCA cable made by BlueRigger? Do you recommend that brand (I have an 8ft run between a turntable (without a ground) and an Edifier S3000 Pro powered bookshelf speaker) and need to buy a pair of RCA cables)-I know nothing about this brand. Thanks for the help.
The RCA cable shown in the close-up at 0:14 is made by BlueRigger. BlueRigger makes good quality RCA cables, though there are many other good quality options available from a variety of manufacturers. We have also had good experience using Audioquest and Kimber Kable RCAs.
@@RELAcoustics Which cable would be preferable from Audioquest? For example - copper, like "Black Lab", or containing silver, like "Irish Red"? In some REL video, I heard that you prefer to have silver when soldering the terminals of your wires for the High Connector.
@@vladvic5139 Thank you for reaching out. Both copper and silver cables can work well, and can have slight differences in their tonality and performance. Ideally it would be worth trying both options to see which you prefer, though in most applications copper wire will be fine. It is more important to make sure that the cables which you are using are well insulated and have sturdy connectors on both ends.
If your AV receiver does not feature XLR output connections, then you should still be able to connect using RCA cables to a REL subwoofer. For connection assistance specific to your system, please provide the model of AV receiver and subwoofer that you are using and we will be happy to help.
hi i got a qustion what type of amp or monoblock more better for 212sx..as you are saying in 1 of your video for woofer better to use XLR THEN RCA..not all amp have XLR BEHIND..most likely will be higher end maybe rotel or higher..
Thank you for reaching out. There are many different amplifier models which will work well with your 212/SX subwoofer, and each "type" of amplifier has different sonic characteristics. Typically it is best to purchase the best amplifier possible for driving your main loudspeakers, and then take care to follow the correct High Level connection instructions for that type of amplifier. The XLR or RCA inputs on the 212/SX are designed for connecting to a preamp or AVR, and while XLR does technically provide a lower noise floor, for most home applications you will get equivalent performance from either XLR or RCA connection.
Thank you for reaching out. It is tough to say why the R-100SW is humming when your main loudspeakers are powered off, though for resolution options it will likely be best to contact Klipsch's service department. If you have any additional questions then feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
Hi John, great stuff. Can you please help me with connections of Rel T5i. I own Denon AVC-X3700H and i am not exactly sure how to connect LFE cable. Where should i put the cable on AVR? Is it subwoofer on Pre-out section? So basicly the same conector as with Low-level imput? Thank you.
The .1/LFE input on the T/5i can be connected to one of the two designated subwoofer pre-outs on your Denon AVR. You can then also connect the High Level input on the subwoofer to the main front left and right channel speaker output terminals on the amplifier, with both inputs being able to be used simultaneously.
@@RELAcoustics I asked both Gene of Audioholics and Anthony Grimani in their recent videos and they both said DO NOT connect both Hi Level and LFE at the same time. I guess this setup only apples to REL subs.
Thanks for all your videos John. I haven't seen them all, but I've enjoined the ones I've watched. Just bought a couple of Rel 212/sx, and I'm very satisfied with them. One thing that strikes me every time I buy new speaker or try new sub woofer is the phase. All sub woofer I've tried so far I had to reverse the phase. Makes me wonder if I've did something wrong with when I connected my main speaker. But after checking multiply times it should be right. What the reason that I have to switch phase on my sub woofer? I'm sure there are other people playing with sound out of phase without knowing it. It took me a day before realizing it.
First, thank you for supporting REL, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of your 212/SX subwoofers. The ideal phase setting for a subwoofer is dependent on the room and how the subwoofer(s) are placed in the room relative to the main loudspeakers and room boundaries. As a result, in some systems the 0 degree setting will be ideal, and in others the 180 degree setting will be best, and you truthfully won't know which is correct for your system until you connect the subwoofer and begin playing signal. In any system, the correct phase setting will be whichever yields the loudest and deepest sub-bass output, as heard from your listening position.
I really appreciate the callout of 30 feet being the practical maximum for RCA, it's surprisingly difficult to find that answer. Makes me feel much better about a planned 20 foot run.
Thank you John. I know that you position your HT subs specifically toward Home Theatre, but as an audio enthusiast (not an audiophile necessarily) over many decades, my recent purchase of your HT 1205 sub has fulfilled all my expectations for music-only playback: tuneful, authoritative, agile sub-bass performance. And I'm someone who knows what live music sounds like. Naturally, on Home Theatre, it delivers equally convincingly. Best wishes.
I have two HT 1205s. Couldn't be happier
@@GavinMarkable Me too! I am running them with my Focal Solo6 Be studio monitors right now. They are keeping up really well!
@@johnclark3067 Nice setup there John. I have mine setup with 7.2 revolution xt tannoy setup with tannoy xt6f being the front left and right. I also have proac signature 10 tablette in the same room. I keep switching between xt6f and proacs for music. These subs blend well with 60:40 music and cinema usage. Having one setting for crossover and level on these subs that go well for both music and movies is tricky. I set my crossover at 80 and level at 10'0 clock. This kinda is that one optimal setting for both in my use case
Thank you for the support, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of your HT/1205 subwoofer! While we do market these subwoofers with a focus on home theater performance, as you have seen they can perform very well for 2-channel music listening.
@@RELAcoustics Thank you. These subs are very musical. Once I got the first one, I didn't hesitate to get the second. One of the very few subs that do music and movies so well for my space and given the budget. I'm a convert from a no sub guy to rel l. I feel my speakers not only extend lows better but have more energy in the highs and mids. This has surprised me as I was expecting better bass performance only. One of the other great aspects of owning a rel is, the literature, training and documentation on the products. Understanding that sub level and crossover are inversely proportional and setting the crossover as low as possible enabling me to match the db of the subs with the speakers has taught me how to integrate a sub into a system.
REL Acoustics the finest subwoofer’s in the World!
Not for movies svs all the way
Jl audio is the best
My 212 SX is arriving this week. I wish my setup had XLR out but it doesn't unfortunately. I got a double shielded RCA cable from Blue Jeans Cables so I hope it works well.
My twin REL S/510s are only connected with high level cables for the front channels. For LFE I already had an Ultra 13 SVS subwoofer. Works great!
I absolutely love my s510, I just upgraded the rca cables between the airship and the sub and it did improve the bass a bit
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of the S/510 subwoofers and your Airship wireless system! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and we will be happy to help.
Thank you for the explanation in this video. I bought an T5X to pair with my KEF LSX 2. The LSX 2 has no options to connect any ground wire. Should I in such a case apply a ground-loop isolator, or just work with a decent RCA cable only. The place where my sub will be placed is in my office, there are quite a few power-cables ftp cables, outlets, etc. around.
Thank you for reaching out. While some RCA subwoofer cables have a separate ground wire attached, this wire is not necessary to connect for our subwoofers. When connecting the T/5x to your Kef LSX speakers, you can just use the RCA cable and tape back the ground wire so that it stays out of the way.
When adding an external ground wire to my existing cable should I attach it to grounding points on both the reciever end and subwoofer end?
Or just connect one end of the cable leaving the other end unattached?
Thank you for reaching out. The RCA inputs on our subwoofers are designed to achieve a signal ground reference through the outer conductor/sleeve of the RCA cable. This means that it is not necessary to use a separate ground wire if you will be connecting to either the Low Level or .1/LFE input on a REL subwoofer.
I asked both Gene of Audioholics and Anthony Grimani in their recent videos and they both said DO NOT connect both Hi Level and LFE at the same time. I guess this setup only apples to REL subs.
We cannot verify the design and connection specificities for other manufacturer's subwoofers, though I can assure you that all REL subwoofers which feature the High Level input are designed so that both the High Level input and the .1/LFE input can receive signal and operate simultaneously. If you have any questions regarding connecting a REL subwoofer in your system, feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to help.
For a lot of brands, that is true... but not for all brands. Always ask the manufacturer,
not a person who gives general advice (even if good) across the board ;-)
Hi, What can you do to avoid hum noise when you want to run a 72 feet RCA cable because the subwoofer only has RCA input
Thank you for reaching out. With this length of RCA run it can be difficult to avoid hum or interference through the cable, since RCA is an un-balanced cable. Ideally for this length of cable run it will be best to use a balanced XLR cable if possible, or to move the amp/receiver/processor closer to the subwoofer. Otherwise you can use RCA but will need to be very careful with how the cable is ran so as to avoid interference being picked up, meaning to not run it near power cords/connections.
Just purchased a 1205, my first REL subwoofer. Man it looks sexy.
I thought the RCA cables that I needed would be included. I'm trying to make sure I buy the correct ones online now. I'll be using the sub mainly for home theatre but we also listen to quite a bit of music too. Should I only be connecting 1 cable to the LOW .1 / LFE and receiver, and then I connect the 2nd one only when I want to listen to music? Or can I have both connected simultaneously?
Sorry because I feel like the documentation explains this but at the same time I'm kind of dumb. Appreciate any help. I can't wait to finally get this setup
Thank you for reaching out, and for choosing an HT/1205 for your home audio system. If you are connecting the HT/1205 to an AV receiver or preamp with a designated subwoofer output, then you can use a single standard RCA-to-RCA cable for connecting from the sub-out jack to one of either of the RCA input jacks on the subwoofer. If you are connecting to a preamp without a designated sub-out, then you can use two RCA cables and connect from the stereo left and right channel outputs on the preamp to the stereo RCA input jacks on the HT/1205.
We hope that this helps, but if you have any additional questions about connecting the HT/1205 in your system then feel free to let us know and we will be happy to assist.
Thanks for the video, John. In the early part of the video, you’re holding what looks like an RCA cable made by BlueRigger? Do you recommend that brand (I have an 8ft run between a turntable (without a ground) and an Edifier S3000 Pro powered bookshelf speaker) and need to buy a pair of RCA cables)-I know nothing about this brand. Thanks for the help.
The RCA cable shown in the close-up at 0:14 is made by BlueRigger. BlueRigger makes good quality RCA cables, though there are many other good quality options available from a variety of manufacturers. We have also had good experience using Audioquest and Kimber Kable RCAs.
@@RELAcoustics Which cable would be preferable from Audioquest? For example - copper, like "Black Lab", or containing silver, like "Irish Red"? In some REL video, I heard that you prefer to have silver when soldering the terminals of your wires for the High Connector.
@@vladvic5139 Thank you for reaching out. Both copper and silver cables can work well, and can have slight differences in their tonality and performance. Ideally it would be worth trying both options to see which you prefer, though in most applications copper wire will be fine. It is more important to make sure that the cables which you are using are well insulated and have sturdy connectors on both ends.
What if my receiver don’t have the XLR connectors? Is there a way to convert.
If your AV receiver does not feature XLR output connections, then you should still be able to connect using RCA cables to a REL subwoofer. For connection assistance specific to your system, please provide the model of AV receiver and subwoofer that you are using and we will be happy to help.
hi i got a qustion what type of amp or monoblock more better for 212sx..as you are saying in 1 of your video for woofer better to use XLR THEN RCA..not all amp have XLR BEHIND..most likely will be higher end maybe rotel or higher..
Thank you for reaching out. There are many different amplifier models which will work well with your 212/SX subwoofer, and each "type" of amplifier has different sonic characteristics. Typically it is best to purchase the best amplifier possible for driving your main loudspeakers, and then take care to follow the correct High Level connection instructions for that type of amplifier.
The XLR or RCA inputs on the 212/SX are designed for connecting to a preamp or AVR, and while XLR does technically provide a lower noise floor, for most home applications you will get equivalent performance from either XLR or RCA connection.
will the sound quality between a 1ft and a 10 foot rca cable be noticeable?
1.6 foot vs 10 foot
@@thecanadiandavid600 Thank you for reaching out. There will likely not be much audible difference between these two different lengths of RCA cable.
i have klipsch sixes and klipsch r-100sw sub when i turn of the sixes the sub sounds grounded.. what do you think is the problem.. ?
Thank you for reaching out. It is tough to say why the R-100SW is humming when your main loudspeakers are powered off, though for resolution options it will likely be best to contact Klipsch's service department.
If you have any additional questions then feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
Hi John, great stuff. Can you please help me with connections of Rel T5i. I own Denon AVC-X3700H and i am not exactly sure how to connect LFE cable. Where should i put the cable on AVR? Is it subwoofer on Pre-out section? So basicly the same conector as with Low-level imput? Thank you.
The .1/LFE input on the T/5i can be connected to one of the two designated subwoofer pre-outs on your Denon AVR. You can then also connect the High Level input on the subwoofer to the main front left and right channel speaker output terminals on the amplifier, with both inputs being able to be used simultaneously.
@@RELAcoustics I asked both Gene of Audioholics and Anthony Grimani in their recent videos and they both said DO NOT connect both Hi Level and LFE at the same time. I guess this setup only apples to REL subs.
Thanks for all your videos John. I haven't seen them all, but I've enjoined the ones I've watched. Just bought a couple of Rel 212/sx, and I'm very satisfied with them. One thing that strikes me every time I buy new speaker or try new sub woofer is the phase. All sub woofer I've tried so far I had to reverse the phase. Makes me wonder if I've did something wrong with when I connected my main speaker. But after checking multiply times it should be right. What the reason that I have to switch phase on my sub woofer? I'm sure there are other people playing with sound out of phase without knowing it. It took me a day before realizing it.
First, thank you for supporting REL, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of your 212/SX subwoofers. The ideal phase setting for a subwoofer is dependent on the room and how the subwoofer(s) are placed in the room relative to the main loudspeakers and room boundaries. As a result, in some systems the 0 degree setting will be ideal, and in others the 180 degree setting will be best, and you truthfully won't know which is correct for your system until you connect the subwoofer and begin playing signal. In any system, the correct phase setting will be whichever yields the loudest and deepest sub-bass output, as heard from your listening position.