REL strata III vs Spendor Sub 3, which to use with S3/5?

A REL is the easiest sub on the market to integrate with any main speakers for music. If you can swing the extra $$$ take a look at the REL Storm III also.

I agree completely w/Sugarbrie--the REL's are the most musical subs on the market. They are by far the best for 2 channel audio. For HT, you can get away with a lot less than a REL. I have not heard the Spendor subs, but their speakers, floorstanders and monitors, are outstanding. I used to own a pair of BC-3s for years and couldn't believe how good they sounded, even w/the modest power amp I used at the time. They now reside w/my brother in St. Louis. I couldn't bear to sell them and take them out of the family. Because I know and love the Spendor sound, i am betting that they have voiced their subs in similar fashion, and a Spendor sub could be a great match. Are the Spendor subs a lot less expensive than REL? Are they just as adjustable via the fine-tuning control knobs for crossover points, etc., that REL has? If answers to both questions are yes, then I would seriously consider the Spendor. Is there any way you can listen to both subs, even if not in your own home system? REL provides such detailed, tuneful bass, it is immediately apparent on auditioning. See if the Spendors compare. Good luck!

I doubt you'll find anyone who has compared these two subs, which is what you requested. I, like those above, have had great success with REL products. However, I find the Strata III (which replaced a Storm II) to be superior to the vented design of the Storm. It is tighter and more controlled, although not quite as deep (although you must consider your room size to determine if this will make a difference - most mid-sized rooms (say, 15 by 20 or so) cannot support bass in the low 20's anyway, as a matter of physics)). If you're like me, you'll be surprised how low you need to set the crossover to work with a pair of main speakers nominally rated at, say, 45hz. Room interactions often lower this to a "real" 3db rating of 30 to 35 hz. Which means your crossover needs to be below this number. The Strata III starts the crossover at 22hz, so it has plenty of room to match your speakers as they really work in your room.
I would also point out that if you buy the Spendor sub and don't like it, well, good luck selling it. Buy the Strata III and you'll lose $100 on resale, and it will sell in a day.
Good luck with your choice!

To answer some questions, the Spendor sub has a bit more power, 130 watts instead of 100, has a continuously adjustable crossover from 50-90hz [instead of 22-90hz on the REL], has a vented box instead of a sealed box, and costs $1169 instead of $1495 [I think] for the REL. Unlike the REL, the Spendor does not have high level inputs.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Find a recent issue of Listener Magazine. They are comparing a REL to the Spendor (Although a more expensive model REL that you are asking about).

I am using two REL Storm III's with Spendor SP - 100 Speakers, and it is a marvelous match. The REL's were developed with the Spendor's, and the Quad's from past information received.

I believe it.

David