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Subwoofer Choice

I am in the process of building out my system. I have the end goal in mind, and ticking off the equipment as I get them. I do need some advice in the subwoofer category.

I am currently driving Monitor Audio Silver 500s with a Michi X5 integrated amp (600w @ 4Ohms RMS). This is way overkill for these speakers. But my purchase (coming in August) will be the Focal Sopra No. 3s.

That being said, I am looking also to add a subwoofer and I’ve settled between two (2) REL T/9x’s or one (1) REL S/510. T/9X is $1,249 vs S/510 at $2,749.

There is a REL youtube video from their chief designer comparing (briefly) the two and actually stating that "just because one S/510 costs twice as much as 2 T/9x don’t think you can equate them with 2 vs 1". I paraphrased a bit.

But the below is only 3min long please watch and let me know!

What are your thoughts. Obviously 2 subs are better balanced than 1, I get that. But given the specs here am I better at buying up for the better 10"?

Listening room is carpet, 16’ x 24’. 384sqft. 8ft ceilings. What info did I leave out?

 

bound4h
grislybutter
2,211 posts
 

I would also add, I had way better results with down firing subs. Much easier to match and place them.

soix
8,597 posts
 

Hey, congrats on your new purchase and I’m sure you’re gonna be thrilled.  Can’t go wrong with Rel IMHO.  Let us know how it goes. 

lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,528 posts
 

@bound4h Congratulations on your new purchase, I'm sure you are going to be very satisfied. The videos available on YouTube that REL make are very helpful regarding break-in, placement, and tuning. Please let us know how the music is sounding once you complete the setup.

m-db's avatar
m-db
930 posts
 

Dude, when did JL Audio become a consideration?

You'll be just fine with a sub-bass speaker. What you don't know can't hurt you. 

 

All the best.

 

dmbwire
44 posts
 

 

soix

6,498 posts

 

As much as I might respect Rel, I think you should take a hard look at a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro sealed subs.  They’ll do 20Hz (-3dB) as opposed to the Rels only going to 27Hz (-6dB), and the SB1000s, like the Rels, also accept speaker-level inputs.  Plus, the SVS subs come with integration software and a 45-day, risk-free trial with shipping included both ways so you can see if they work for you.  Now, in addition to all this, here’s the kicker — you can get a pair of SB1000 Pro subs for $100 less than ONE T/9x.  I’ll take two good subs over one 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.  Hey, it’s your money so spend it as you wish, but to me the choice couldn’t be clearer, especially since you can try the SVS subs at home totally risk free.  Best of luck. 

You must be kidding? Those SVS subs aren’t allowed in the same paragraph as the REL’s mentioned. 

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