Using a Rel Sub with a dedicated center channel


Anyone using a Rel subwoofer with their dedicated center channel in a home theater? Rel has a video on their youtube page from a couple years ago on how to do this and talk about the benefits a little. Someone in the comments makes the case that any channel in a HT can benefit from a subwoofer being added but it does have me intrigued. So much of the sound comes for a HT comes from the center channel it makes me think it might benefit. I am already running 2 SVS SB4000 in my setup. The Yamaha CX-A5200 I am using sets my B&W HTM 1 center channel at 120 hz for crossover and the Vandersteen 2ce sigs that are my are RL channels to 80hz. I actually really like the sound of everything right now but think maybe this can take it to the next level?
chief4425
I have seen only a very few movies where deep bass effects are mixed into the center channel.  Most movies will mix bass into left/right or the .1 LFE channel.  A subwoofer attached to the center channel signal won't really make any difference in most scenarios. I think the more important choice in a center channel is to choose a speaker that can play low enough (like 45-50 Hz).  Then run the center channel full range as LARGE or cross it over very low (such as 40 hz).  I have found that it's important for the center channel speaker to reproduce the lower octave.  A LOT of detail occurs here in male voices and running center as LARGE or 40hz crossover will give you a better cohesion on the low male vocals.  It's actually much better than shunting that to the subs.
Could the sub potentially fill in the 60-120 hz range for the center channel though? The vocal clarity is so good on my center I would fear trying something else. I've tried a few centers in the $1200-1600 range and I definitely like this one the best.
Could the sub potentially fill in the 60-120 hz range for the center channel though?


You mean like your two existing subs are now??

I'm not sure you understand how this works in HT. The HT processor is already sending this to your existing subs. You aren't losing anything.
The B&W HTM 1 should have no problem going down to 50-60 hz.  I would set the center to LARGE in your situation and just live with that.  It's gong to be much better for male vocal and other things.