I have finally made my decision. After a lot of research, I am going with two F12 Signature Rythmik subwoofers. The owner I talked to at Rythmik explained the way a REL T/9i is designed. REL claims this subwoofer can get down to 28 Hz. They test their subwoofers at -6 db. In reality, they are really lucky to get down to 35 Hz. This is subwoofer territory. Orchestras get down way lower. Rythmik on the other hand tests their subwoofers at -3 db.
The owner from Rythmik also said he sells direct because he is not willing to compromise the quality of their drivers and cross overs. In reality, the cost to build a REL is only about $500. REL manufactures their subwoofers off shore and they use the lowest bidder to manufacture them. The difference is Rythmik concentrates on the reverberation of sound and that is why their F12 Signature can get down to a bass extension of 14 Hz. This does not mean they are boomy. They are just able to seamlessly create bass extension without the listener detecting the subwoofer has been added to the system.
I like most of us probably have not heard much about Rythmik because they sell direct and do not advertise. REL on the other hand advertises extensively. They can afford to do so because they have a lot more profit margins to be able to afford to do so.
The problem with Rythmik is you either listen to them at audio shows or you have to take a leap of faith to buy them without hearing them. However, when you talk to Brian at Rythmik, you can tell he understands sound at a much higher level. I compare him to the knowledge Jim Salk has. These two individuals are the real McCoy's. Both develop their speakers to create an extremly flat sound curve.
The bottom line is, if I honestly cannot hear a noticeable difference when a REL sub is plugged in, why bother to spend the money. I want to be able to hear all the frequencies a recording delivers to a speaker. I want to it all not just what a speaker is capable of reproducing. If the T/9 REL can only deliver 35 Hz and the recording delivers a bass extension to 14 Hz, the RELL stops at 35 Hz and the Rythmik can deliver the sound the recording was designed to deliver. I am glad I didn't make another mistake with my next purchase. At least I have a 45 day period to decide the Rythmik speakers do what they claim they can do and return them if they don't. What do I have to lose? At least this will give me an opportunity to hear how they sound compared to the REL.
I am sure I will hear some interesting responses. However, have they heard a Rythmik to compare?
I appreciate everyone's input. You all are more knowledgeable than me that's for sure and I am grateful to learn from all of you.
The owner from Rythmik also said he sells direct because he is not willing to compromise the quality of their drivers and cross overs. In reality, the cost to build a REL is only about $500. REL manufactures their subwoofers off shore and they use the lowest bidder to manufacture them. The difference is Rythmik concentrates on the reverberation of sound and that is why their F12 Signature can get down to a bass extension of 14 Hz. This does not mean they are boomy. They are just able to seamlessly create bass extension without the listener detecting the subwoofer has been added to the system.
I like most of us probably have not heard much about Rythmik because they sell direct and do not advertise. REL on the other hand advertises extensively. They can afford to do so because they have a lot more profit margins to be able to afford to do so.
The problem with Rythmik is you either listen to them at audio shows or you have to take a leap of faith to buy them without hearing them. However, when you talk to Brian at Rythmik, you can tell he understands sound at a much higher level. I compare him to the knowledge Jim Salk has. These two individuals are the real McCoy's. Both develop their speakers to create an extremly flat sound curve.
The bottom line is, if I honestly cannot hear a noticeable difference when a REL sub is plugged in, why bother to spend the money. I want to be able to hear all the frequencies a recording delivers to a speaker. I want to it all not just what a speaker is capable of reproducing. If the T/9 REL can only deliver 35 Hz and the recording delivers a bass extension to 14 Hz, the RELL stops at 35 Hz and the Rythmik can deliver the sound the recording was designed to deliver. I am glad I didn't make another mistake with my next purchase. At least I have a 45 day period to decide the Rythmik speakers do what they claim they can do and return them if they don't. What do I have to lose? At least this will give me an opportunity to hear how they sound compared to the REL.
I am sure I will hear some interesting responses. However, have they heard a Rythmik to compare?
I appreciate everyone's input. You all are more knowledgeable than me that's for sure and I am grateful to learn from all of you.