REL vs JL AUDIO

I wouldn't advise either. 

If I were you, I'd give a good look at SVS.

Heard SVS. Junk. Nothing more than a boombox. I need quality not quantity. 

mijostyn,

thanks for the information and I agree. 
Integrating a sub without a highpass is a waist of time IMO and causes more problems than it fixes. 


The resistor idea is a good one for sure. Though I think a DYI sub with highpass and measurements is way over a lot of peoples heads (mine included). Understanding and doing are two different things. Baby steps lol. 

Any thoughts on a direct to consumer subs like JTR Captivator RS1. I heard about it on Audioholics and it looks interesting (great measurements).  Kind of a “DIY” value done for you. It would need a proper highpass of course. 

https://www.jtrspeakers.com/jtr-captivator-rs1

Heard SVS. Junk. Nothing more than a boombox. I need quality not quantity.

Almost there. 

Having owned both here are the pros and cons-

JL Audio
+Powerful, nice sounding bass with deep impact
-Cabinet resonance colored the midrange of my monitors- a deal breaker
-Difficult integration even with high level inputs and continuous phase control and REW measuring.  after over a year the integration still was not perfect
-High level snap in connector difficult to install and somewhat loose.  

REL
+Nice sounding bass, more subtle and very fast and musical.  Plays flat to 20Hz in room.  
+Solid cabinet with no resonance- midrange from monitors is perfect- no coloration.
+Extremely fast and easy to integrate, weeks vs. years.
+Level and crossover controls have "click steps" to document and adjust the settings.  
+High level input cables are long and of good quality.

Keepers in my audiophile system.