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Add another sub or go with F30's?

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

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

Listening preferences are rock, folk and blues mostly.

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

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

Thanks,
Gary
garyb6

Showing 3 responses by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If you like how your system sounds in general, then dual subs should make a nice improvement without changing the character of your system.

There is also something to be said that maybe one Statium III might be better than two Stratus III, ie, upgrade instead of having two. The Stratus is a nice sub in its class, but the Stadium is a nice step up..
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Yes Gary, it is a tough call which way to go.

I still kind of lean towards one Stadium, and then save up for two Stadiums if you want, which would then let you get almost any high-end full range speaker with future upgrades.

At some point two Status will not improve a high-end full range speaker very much. It goes to 18Hz, the Stadium to 12Hz and a more tuneful 12hz at that. The Stadium also has double the watts in the amp over the Stratus.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I bought one of my REL's from David.

I am using the standard Vansevers power cords on the subs. Have not played around with cords on the subs too much; just something better than the OEM "black thing". I am not currently running double subs. I have separate audio and HT systems.
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