Two small RELs or One Larger Sub


What would you do? 

Dedicated music/listening room -- 16 x 25, with 10 foot ceilings, no openings to other areas.
PSB Imagine T2s
Powered by Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium
Strictly 2 channel system.  

I'm looking to add air, space, realism.  Ultimate bottom end is not as important as all the other stuff a good musical sub does for full spectrum floor standers. 

I saw that Upscale had the REL S/2 on sale for $1k ea.  I was thinking it might be prudent to go with 2 of these as opposed to going with one REL S/3 or S5. 

Thoughts? 
128x128jbhiller

Showing 1 response by m-db

astewart8944312 posts06-16-2018 4:11pmI run two smaller REL R-328 subs with my mains. Because the RELs can run directly off the amp (rather than through the pre) they are easier IMO to integrate than tradition sub configurations. The stereo subs help address acoustical room issues in the bass region. I predict that you are more likely to get closer to  what you are after with 2 smaller subs than 1 larger sub.
Actually they're designed to be connected THROUGH (which relies on the amplifiers ability to produce low frequencies) the amplifiers outputs and the speakers inputs using a proprietary Speakon terminated cable commonly referred to as speaker or high level connectivity. They do offer RCA or low level connectivity if one chooses to use the direct signal FROM preamplifier and/or an equalizers output the way most every professional subwoofer system is designed to perform its best.  

In a direct in home comparison my DSP subwoofers were much easier to connect and quicker to automatically integrate into the system. The result of which was a far better job of unnoticeable integration with a more desirable overall performance. 

Since every rooms acoustical make up is different results will obviously vary. In my experience using two subwoofers monaurally, locating them using crawl testing as a starting point usually results in irregular placement which provides better elimination of room modes and general room loading.

I have never found stereo operation and locating subs next to the main speakers or in corners sonically desirable unless the crossover is set unusually high. Again, results can vary greatly with placement and the method of room optimization and/or setup.