Rel Subwoofer questions and help

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. 👍

I don't think it's a good idea to pair two different subs. Matching one sub to speakers is hard enough. You will add to your list of problems to solve not to your listening pleasures.

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.

Two is always better than one. 

I’ve owned a pair of REL T/9x and now have a pair of Arendal 17231S.

What I now know is adjustable phase vs. 2 position is a huge benefit, amongst the many other EQ settings available with Arendal, and an app is great to dial things in from any position in the room. 

I’m also impressed with the value proposition (Arendal only sells direct to consumer) and the customer service before and after the sale was absolutely stellar.    

Whatever you get, if you have variable phase, dial each sub in as follows:

-reverse the polarity of your mains

-play a test tone at the desired low pass frequency (LPF)

-adjust phase from the main listening position and set it where the test tone is the quietest, for each sub. 

-dont forget to put the speaker cables back to correct polarity

-if you change the LPF start over

Set gain/level so you hear/feel the bass but cannot hear localized bass. The system should sound like all the bass is coming from the mains even if you are sitting next to the subs.

If you do consider Arendal, vented might be better than sealed for surround sound or go for a pair 1723 2Vs if you have the budget.

Hope this helps, good luck!