REL R205 fab upgrade.

[Darren]

Just got myself a Christmas prezzie in the form of a REL R205 sub for my work system. The system was feeling a bit bass light compared to my home system so I thought a sub might be fun.
But I wasn't prepared for what a great upgrade the really rather cute REL would be. Sure I've got deep bass ( down to 25hz) but I've also gained massively in terms of system dynamics and maximum loudness. Brilliant!
Took me all of five minutes to dial the REL in and now you certainly can't tell where the bass is coming from and it is very funky bass.
Honestly guys this is the biggest upgrade to my work system for some time - far more of an upgrade than a new amp or cartridge has been in the past.
Has anyone else had similar experiences? I was afraid that the REL wouldn't integrate but it did, it sure did - it was easy too.

This is the sub I got:

http://www.rel.net/r205.htm

[valves]

Hi,

I use a Rel Quake, I set it so it's just audible, crossed fairly low.

Good thing is you can tune your bass.

Glad you like it.

Carl.

[keiths]

Yep. I have a REL Strata filling out the bass from my little Mission 771es. Gives great results in my small (3m x 3m) room.

[Ashmore]

+1

I've got the REL T3 to supplement the Spendors, which are wonderful little speakers but lacking in thump. My experience is similar to yours: the sub is easy to match, adds depth and dynamic and doesn't bloat. I also agree that low frequencies seem less 'directional', you'd swear the augmented bass is not coming from the box.

[morris_minor]

Got to agree with all of the above. My little AVI Neutron 5s are filled in nicely with a BK 10" plus passive radiator sub (can't recall exact model, XLS300PR?).

Everything is much clearer when the mains don't have to bother with the bottom octaves. Yes, I do use an AV amp with bass management. :eyebrows:

What's surprised me was how much better music with very little apparent bass content sounded with the sub on.

[icehockeyboy]

Ditto, I use a REL Quake despite having floorstanders, it just adds that French phrase that means " I do not know what!" :)

[Reid Malenfant]

Paradigm DSP-3400 this way ;) Only operates below about 27Hz though & fills things in nicely down to about 15Hz.

Wouldn't be without it until I get my new speakers built :)

[Darren]

Great to have so many good opinions guys. Im thinking very hard about adding a Pair of martin Logans for the rest of the frequency spectrum at work. But I'm a little concerned about their supposed limited loudness capability. How limited is limited.... anyone any experience?

[Reid Malenfant]

Electrostatics? You can make them go a lot louder simply by restricting the lowest frequency to the panel.

[Darren]

Electrostatics? You can make them go a lot louder simply by restricting the lowest frequency to the panel.

Thanks for the suggestion.... But that reeks of crossover surgery that is beyond my taste and ability.
Anyone used a pair of MLs?