Rel Subwoofer questions and help
Hello,
I recently returned to the audio hobby after years of using a modest system of Kef LS50 meta speakers driven by a high end home theater receiver. Now I'm pretty far along in my journey of assembling a home audio system where I can relax and be immersed in music (as well as tv shows and movies).
I'd love to know if any of you can comment about Rel Brittania subwoofers compared to Rel's current lineup. I own a pair of Rel B3 subwoofers now and just recently put them in my system using high level connections from my integrated amplifier. Stereo subs appear to be the biggest opportunity for significant improvement in my system today.
Will the Rel B series hold back the performance of my system? I have an incredible local audio dealer that I'm grateful for. I have heard the T9x in their room several times. Without buying a pair I don't know if there is a way for me to find out. I'm hoping some of you either own or have owned the Rel B series and can comment on using them in 2026 vs the modern lineup of T9x, Classic, S series.
Is running different Rel subs together can work well or is best to run a pair of the same model. The primary reason I'm asking is there is a Rel B1 for sale in my area but it is a single subwoofer. I am curious about pairing the B1 with one of my B3 subs. Might be a bad idea but I'm curious if that is actually true.
Thank you for your help!
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. |
As @lanx0003 mentions- "It may feel a bit rounded or thick." That MIGHT be the result of B series ported cabinet vs modern REL passive radiator design-closer to acoustic suspension/sealed design? Settup/location might fix that. I use 2 cherry finish REL B3’s with satisfying results. When they die(nearing 20 years), they’ll get replaced with new REL’s. The fact you have 2 REL’s and not just a single sub is more important to SQ than be concerned about not having current models. Location/setup is paramount. If your B3's are cherry finish, I have a home for them. Been longing for a SWARM array. 👍
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You should talk to REL about stacking/coupling subs together. They don’t need to be set up in a stereo location One left/ one right. They can be placed near a corner to start. I even see PS Audio has their new subs on display in a ’stacked’ formation. SVS also. Stacking is the best tweak i’ve done for bass improvement. By far. It gives an automatic boost of 6 db. This requires the gain levels to be turned down. The subs have LESS excursion to produce the same level. The voice coil stays closer to the sweet spot. Less distortion with tighter, cleaner bass. Once you stack, you’ll never go back. Don’t take my word, take a minute and talk to the people at REL. |
