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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!

nicksgem10s
parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

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.

gdaddy1
485 posts
 

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.

rivington66's avatar
rivington66
87 posts
 

Two is always better than one. 

macg19
1,320 posts
 

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!

 

wolf_garcia
6,885 posts
 

Unmatched REL subs work fine, and I've been using them for decades. Currently my main system uses a new Classic 99 with an old Q150e...superb results, and the simple phase adjustment also works like it should.

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