REL is dead. Long live REL

I'd just like to report that the rumors of my death, if not greatly exaggerated, are at the very least, mostly untrue.

And while Richard Edmund Lord's claim to the initials REL likely predates mine by quite a few years, I still lurk proudly here on the 'Gon, posting now and again as time allows and the spirit moves me (although the moderators have seen fit not to post my last three entirely innocuous submissions for some reason).

And for those of you who might be curious--no, my (primarily non-audiophile) friends do not refer to me as the "Sub-Dude"!
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Good Riddance! IMHO Rel subs are the most overhyped, over priced piece of audio gear on the planet! Because of the sheepish nature of so called "audiophiles" REL has achieved legendary status. Of course REL sold out. $$$ What did you expect from a legendary fascist like "Sir" Richard Edmund Lord? How many people know that REL got their start designing sound weapons for her majesty's secret service? The same sound weapons used on American citizens who protest the WTO, world government, and the destruction of national soviernty.

Drubin .... I don't think I'm being naive. There has been a steady move towards brand recognition ABOVE ALL ELSE. Of course a quality brand will develop a following over time. But if that brand becomes simply a name, completely divorced from what created the original brand name recognition, then that is where I see a problem. Perhaos that will not happen with REL, but there is a danger that is exactly what will happen.

You are correct, that could happen. Look at Marantz, for example (though there has been some improvement in the past few years). So this is where the integrity and goals of Sumiko come into play.

Justmy two cents.---Firstly I have owned many Sumiko products over the years,and all have been fine products.I cannot see them suddenly lowering the apparent cache of REL.It just makes no sense.
More importantly,to me,I own a REL Stentor series two,which is doing exactly what I had hoped it would,when considering the purchase.In the owners manual there is a paragraph describing long term maintenance,and lenghth of design integrity.It states "don't worry about aging of sub,as it will most likely outlive it's original owner".Well,as I'm considered middle aged,I really have NO concern as to the Sumiko takeover!Unless my multi vitamins are really doing I hope they do!!

PS--to those thinking these are overpriced.Take a look at the rediculous pricing on the "industry darling" Kharma sub,and some other cache types.I paid 3200 bucks for my Stentor,new(admittedly not cheap),to mate with my Avalon Ascents.They are a superb match,allowing me to keep all the wonderful advantages of this sealed design,while allowing for a truly perfect blend,with real depth,and clout.I have never felt the desire to upgrade from this fabulous combo(and I am a bit of a fanatic),so instead of the common buy,and sell syndrome I have saved money.I'm sure other designs are superb too,but I have no regrets regarding my purchase.

Best to all!