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Adding a Subwoofer - REL T/9x?

I have a combo 2-channel and home theater setup. The 2-channel setup involves B&W 801s (gen 1 circa 1980), Krell KAV-250p pre-amp and Bryston 9B-SST 5 channel amp. While the woofers in the 801s are big, I thought adding a sub would give the system a little more oomph.

At the same time, I have an Integra DRX 3.4 hanging off it all for home theater (HT) only. I use the home theater bypass on the Krell to access the mains. I was looking for a sub that would pair well with the 801s and even be able to be used both with the 2-channel listening and HT. AI kindly suggested the REL T/9x with dual simultaneous connection capability.

Budget-wise I would say trying to stay under $1.5k and thinking only 1 sub at the moment. I had a massive sub previously that I sold (was never really happy with it) - a Power Sound Audio XV15. My room (non-sound corrected, plain old living room) is 15'x23'. I am not wed to the T/9x and used/older is perfectly fine. I like the idea of a dual hookup to use with either 2-channel or HT. I don't want another piece of furniture - an overall smaller sub is in order.

Hit me with those ideas!

olfac87
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
6,018 posts
 

My two cents: 

The Rythmik F12 deserves a serious look here — available new around $799  and frequently turns up used in good shape. The F12SE (servo-controlled) pushes closer to $1,100 new but is worth it if you can find one used.

Why it might work: The 801 Gen 1 woofers go low, so you don't need the sub doing heavy lifting but integration. Rythmik's sealed servo design  tight and will blend well, I think.

The adjustable phase is genuinely useful. With large speakers that have output below nominal rolloff, fixed 0°/180° phase switches are often a blunt instrument and you end up with either cancellation or reinforcement at the crossover point depending on your room placement. Rythmik gives you continuous 0–180° phase adjustment, which lets you dial in. 

The REL T/9x is fine but you'd be paying a REL premium for roughly equivalent performance. Used F12 or F12SE in the $500–900 range is a better move.

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
1,053 posts
 

This may be a dollar or two over your budget, but it has the WAF seal of approval. 
https://share.google/lUWrpgFTC14gHwAKl

 

olfac87 OP
27 posts
 

Thank you for the input. @gkelly that link seemed to go to REL’s home page. You have me curious as to what you were suggesting. I was able to borrow a T/9x and play with it a little today. First impressions are very positive. 

microdude
21 posts
 

Had one. Great sub. Should be relatively easy to integrate. I’d buy from Crutchfield or Music Direct. Both have audition, full money back guarantee. if you don’t like (maybe too small for your room size and HT use), you can always return and try other options. BTW, I think it should suffice for 2 ch. music but only you can decide.  Good luck.

olfac87 OP
27 posts
 

@microdude I appreciate it. I installed one last weekend and so far so good. I’m still tweaking the levels a little bit. I have it on the lowest crossover possible 30Hz). I like what it is doing sound-wise in both 2 channel (high pass) and the home theater via rca interconnects. I can’t listen as much while the family is home - have to wait for them to go out. :-)

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