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REL Magic

I have to report this finding as a breakthrough to a new plateau. For the past four years, I have been running two REL Strata III's, one behind each Maggie 3.6R. RELs have always been known for their hook up at the speaker outputs. By this method of integration, REL boasts that their subs somehow lift the entire system. I have always felt this to be true, especially with one for each amp.
But now, I have just completed DIY signal cables for each sub using the same Neutrik connectors into the subs. I used some 16-gauge OCC copper wire by Furutech in the same terminal scheme as the stock cords. As expected, the bass notes are more extended and better defined, but this phenomenon of improving the whole presentation has also appeared again as even more impressive. Everything across the soundscape is just a bit more sweet and clear. If you have not upgraded your REL signal cables, please do.
128x128jafreeman

Showing 9 responses by sabai

sabai
2,027 posts
 
Rockyboy,

I spliced Furutech speaker wire onto the amp ends of the Synergistic Research REL reference and the improvement made the SR wire sound pale in comparison.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Jafreeman,

I have to thank you for this information. I had some Furutech FS Alpha speaker wire in the closet terminated with Furutech rhodium spades. I made the connection you suggested by splicing the Furutech onto then ends of Synergistic Research REL cables -- and then making the Furutech connection into my power amp. You are absolutely right. Not only does the bass sound better but the whole sound stage is improved with improved detail, as well. This is actually like an upgrade. I am very happily surprised. Thanks again.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Nmmusicman,

I see you also have the SR REL cable. You might want to try the splice mod I detailed in my earlier post. It is well worth the effort. Quite amazing, actually. And my Furutech cables have not even burned in yet.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Jamfreeman,

I have to thank you for the information about your Furutech DIY cable. Coincidentally, I happened to have a 1-meter length of FS Alpha speaker wire with Furutech rhodium spades sitting in the audio closet. Since the length was too short to reach from my REL to my power amp I spliced the Furutech wire onto the end of my Synergistic Research REL reference cable. The improvement in the sound is amazing. For sure, the bass is greatly improved. But the whole sonic picture has greatly improved, as well. As you mentioned, the sound is more sweet and clear. Low level detail is greatly improved and imaging is superb. The sonic improvements are the equivalent of a component upgrade in my system. Thanks again.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Rockyboy,

You may be right. It is just that I only had a short run of Furutech. So, I did the splice.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Jafreeman,

I am an inveterate tweaker and tinkerer and have an open mind to most "fringe" ideas. Thanks for your helpful suggestions.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Sunnyboy1956,

I agree. But you don't have to go to all that trouble, especially since it is often a very long run from subwoofer to amp. You can splice a short length right onto the ends of the REL cables. If you use a high quality Furutech bulk cable you may be stunned by the improvement in SQ. Please see my description in the above post.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Sunnyboy1956,

You're very welcome. I suspect the stock cable would have rendered less impressive results. But, frankly, I was underwhelmed by the SR REL reference cable. The difference between it and the stock cable left me wondering.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Sunnyboy1956,

I learn a lot from others here. I am glad to pass on information I think can be helpful.
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