Rel Subwoofer questions and help

@nicksgem10s 
 

I can’t speak to your specific model of REL speakers but if you go to REL’s website (rel.net) you will find that you can call for assistance with “Speaker Pairing” or use their “Speaker Pairing Tool” to find out based on what speakers you have and how well they will pair with REL models or REL to REL pairing.

I used to own a REL 305 sub  (discontinued) with a SS sytem and it sounded fine until I changed systems due to amp failure. So I upgraded my system (you can see in My Vitual Systems) and now I use 2 - REL S/812’s (also discontinued) and couldn’t be happier to have made the change from using 1 to using 2 subs. I find that there is a more balanced air charging when the subs are doing their thing…

I’m an old bass guitar player, so of course I’m looking for the clarity in bass notes in the music I listen to which spans the spectrum but lean mostly to Jazz and Contemporary Jazz (NOT SMOOTH JAZZ!)

I think a pair of REL’s Sub-Arrays are in my future!

Happy pairing!

I ran all the different B-series in my system years ago.  I always liked them.  I'd keep the B3 pair you have now.  The only issue with the ST and the B series (essentially the same amp layout) is eventually the amps fail and they have to be sent off for repair.  I only know of one shop in the Chicago area that repairs them from about $300.  They had to repair my Stentor III amp and a B1 amp of mine years ago.

Adding a B1 could be a nice addition.  If it's a good deal, you could just use it as a spare if the day comes when you need your B3's repaired.

I don't have subs, I just wanted to say:

I went to NY Audio Show, I never saw so many REL subs in my life, and they all appeared substantial, well made, and in the brief listening in those rooms, added extension without revealing their location.

I started with the T/7x and the now the Sire S 850s.  My experience is that REL has come a long way in the last decade. They sound so good I cannot believe I went 30 years without subs. 

One thing that really floored me was that I could listen to full, satisfying music QUIETER with subs. Before I would push my Wilson Sasha Vs hard to get full bass bloom. Now I don’t get listening fatigue from too much volume and even better my family isn’t subject to my loud music throughout the house. 

I have 4 REL B series subs and a couple of their newer ones (different systems).  I love the deep growl of the B series, especially the B3, the smallest but I think the tightest and fastest of the line.  I'm certainly happy with the sound -  you just have to be careful to dial them in right or any sub will sound too thick.

Main concern is they are getting long in the tooth.  I don't know that buying another one used is a great idea unless you are getting a serious good deal...like I just got one for like $250.  Otherwise I would suggest just keeping the two B3s that you have, and letting them run until death, then look at some replacement.