How do SVS subwoofers compare to REL?

@lowoverdrive --

Using the SVS SB16-Ultra myself, but have no experience with REL. From what I’ve read of the latter they’re very musical subs, and integrate extremely well with the main speakers - depending of course also on ones ability to properly setup the sub - but all things being equal, and in that regard, I’ve heard mostly positive things on the REL’s.

As has been mentioned already though I do believe SVS is the better value in all aspects of the performance arc when considering the combination of integration, musicality, extension, sheer force, radiation area, ease of setup (with their new app), etc. There was a time, I gather, when REL was the go-to brand of subs if you sought the most successfully integrated, musical sub, but with the advancements in subwoofer development and technology these latest years I’d say you can have your cake and eat it too. And by that I mean they can be both very musical and immensely powerful as well - at a fair price, that is. REL, from what I can understand, somewhat lacks the second and third part here compared to other brands, like SVS.

Do you really need more power and radiation area, at the same price, than what a REL can provide? My opinion is that you can never have too much capacity, but you can overload a room with subs dialed in too hot, be they large or small. The more capacity you have however - all things being equal - the more ease, inherent power and proper fullness you have. Perhaps REL’s still have a smidgen of a lead in overall musicality and integration, I couldn’t say, but when you consider the other traits mentioned with a sub like SVS at a similar price, my bet would be for the latter to take home the price, so to speak.

JL Audio has also been mentioned, and they appear to be excellent subs. Still, these latest SVS models like the 16-Ultras and the new 4000-series I believe you’ll get an overall similar performance envelope, though at a much more reasonable price (sometimes even by factor 2). Another brand to consider would be Funk Audio (which I would favor over JL Audio), but prices may be too steep here.

My advice would be for you to invest in a single SVS SB-4000 to begin with, try it out thoroughly within the 45 day "trial period," and if you’re convinced of its merits I’d save up some extra coins and buy a second one at a later date. Buying two to begin with however I believe you’re granted a $200 discount, but that’s $3,000 to shell out at once.

I would have bought a second SB16-Ultra had space permitted, but sadly that’s not an option as is. Still it’s wonderfully capable being the lone brute (with velvet gloves) in my setup. Here’s the Stereophile review to give you an idea of the quality level and performance scope:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/svs-sb16-ultra-powered-subwoofer

@bi0drain --

May I remind you there are some Crazier Monsters out there now.. the Marianna 18/ 24 from Deep Sea Sound, the Quad 18 inch S-7201, JTR Capitvator 4000 ULF....

We are getting into some extreme subs... single digit output for all of them.... Someone had to sell a PSA s7201 due to structural issues in their house.

Indeed there are much crazier sub monsters out there that could bring down the house if one dared to stretch their legs a bit. I gather most audiophiles roll their eyes and scoff at such behemoths, while others may crave toying with them - perhaps mostly as an effect. In the face of it and under more "normal" circumstances it could rightly be regarded insane; why would anyone in their right mind want that much power and force in a domestic milieu?

Or, conversely, and perhaps controversially, one could ask why anyone would settle for less? If the objective is not to level ones house to the ground (or be just within reach of it), but to be on top of any sonic scenario imaginable - effortlessly; at any volume, with full force and frequency span - then the idea starts to make more sense. Less important here than to exploit the ability of maximum force and SPL capabilities is how this potential affects the presentation at more sane levels, with larger cones than needn’t move as much to generate the same SPL, and the further upside of a bigger radiation area this brings with it - all while being at considerable more ease.

In practical terms this means the inescapable addition of the subwoofers size, though the sealed iterations will be less physically intrusive compared to its ported siblings - not to mention horns. Price will also see an uptick, of course, but the question is how much will be beneficiary before the "law" of diminishing returns begins its influence. JL Audio’s Gotham series are considered by some among the absolute best subwoofers out there, but they’re also hellishly expensive, not least going by a "dollars per cone area inch" model. The PSA S7201 certainly is much cheaper and with a much bigger cone area to boot, added to a considerably larger footprint, but how will it face off against the Gotham’s in a head to head duel?

Myself I’ll go the DIY horn subwoofer route (with a 15" driver placed inside) later this year. This beast in its specific iteration will sport a mouth area (/effective air radiation ditto) approximately 5x that of a 15" unit, and placed against a boundary be 105dB efficient down to 25Hz. Add (variable) room gain and you have 105dB’s efficiency down to some 10Hz - placed in a corner add 6dB’s. Efficiency is a key word here; with only a few watts this bass horn will close to wreak havoc in a domestic environment, but more important is how this translates into its sonic imprinting at lower levels as well. A diaphragm that moves as little as it does here (for a higher given SPL) will carry with it a smaller degree of inertia, meaning a less smeared, smoother, more articulated and less distorted bass.