Subwoofer advice - REL, SVS, BK??

[Lippy]

Hi

Have done a few searches and has thrown up a number of threads on subs in use across our forum for the home AV enthusiast.

What I'm looking for is a 80% movie / 20% music sub to integrate with my Gallo 7 speaker setup (A Diva SE plus Micro SE).

I've trawled a number of forums and it's clearly a hot topic for everyone. I had looked at subs from REL (T5i/T7i), SVS and also BE Electric - a new brand to me

The REL's still appeal on paper as they look great and price wise are decent, but not sure if they have a better model suited for my requirements.

I'd appreciate any guidance and real expereiences from the forum before diving back into the world of AVForums!

Apprecaite any guidance as ever

Cheers

[subseastu]

I spent ages looking into this and in the end went with a BK P12-300SB-PR. It fits very well with my monitor audio 270 speaker set up and yamaha Av amp. I very very happy with it

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[Toddy]

Went for a BK as well, excellent spec and sound for the money.

[Vanguard]

My brother just bought a double Gem from BK and it's great little Sub, if your preference is mainly movies though I'd probably go with something ported, the question is how much space do you have and how much do you want to spend?

Arendal or SVS for ported Subs

[gavsw20]

BK XLS-200DF for me too and it's been great for the money. Loads of reviews on avforums.com.

Keep an eye on eBay as BK sell refurbished items which as far as I can tell are mint with full warranty but always 20% cheaper than RRP.

[The Hack]

The B&W PV1D is really good. :)

[LRB255]

The B&W PV1D is really good. :)

Yes, just bought this as a av speaker package. Really impressed

[carvass]

https://www.sunfire.com/

They seem to be very popular among the audiophile forum.

[SeanST150]

I have a BK Gemini II and I'm very happy with. It's compact and in gloss black it's not a hideous addition to the room.

[Andyp1973]

I’ve had a REL T5i for about three years and I’m happy with it. Not overpowering and adds to the experience for both film and music.

Now I must say that I’m not running anything like the equipment list that you are so the experience may not be like for like.

Mines connected to a Canton DM75 sound base and as a set up I’ve always been happy. This is something I’ve stated on here before.

I see that you are in Derbyshire. I’m just outside of Ashbourne. If you not in rush once restrictions are lifted you are welcome to come and have a listen.

Equally if you want me to unplug it and bring it to you I’m sure we can sort something out if you close enough to me.


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[Lippy]

That is very kind thank you. REL definitely look comprehensive

It’s a minefield and I’m sure all the options would suit perfectly I’m just want to make right choice, reading forums is a nightmare to read through people’s natural bias and usually gossip about brand XYZ, it’s also skewed between US and EU brands I think.

I spoke with BK earlier and they don’t expect stock until March for their 300 model

[Russ]

+1 for BK here. I’ve had a XLS200 MK2 for quite a while and it packs quite a punch.

[Rod]

REL are very good. The T series are great. I knew Richard Lord the man that set up the company. He used to come up to my hifi business and was so full of enthusiasm, one of the likes of Quad's Peter Walker.

[deejay]

BK if on a budget. REL or SVS if price less of a consideration.

[qaz4169]

REL has been excellent for me in a dedicated cinema room. We used 2 of them and it’s a really balanced output.


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[giblets]

Another BK fan here. Had about 5 years now xls200, not problems


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[Mj2k]

My old monitor audio SW-12 gave up the ghost just before Xmas, so replaced it after 13yrs with the newer model.

I looked at other options, but either size or looks got them removed from choice by the wife! I have to say though I’m really impressed with the quality of the sound vs the old one & it really rumbles well in movies when needed.

Peter Tyson had a great price on them at £799 which seemed a bargain.


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[Lippy]

Just to update all on this thread and extend thanks again for all responses

I ended up choosing SVS SB 1000 via American Audio, great service from them and just getting rest of the setup installed and tuned.

Will share report later once all settled

[deejay]

Just to update all on this thread and extend thanks again for all responses

I ended up choosing SVS SB 1000 via American Audio, great service from them and just getting rest of the setup installed and tuned.

Will share report later once all settled

Nice choice. That's what I have in my set up.

[mitch1956]

Just to update all on this thread and extend thanks again for all responses

I ended up choosing SVS SB 1000 via American Audio, great service from them and just getting rest of the setup installed and tuned.

Will share report later once all settled

if anything like my SVS streaming amp( just purchased week ago) , you will not be disapointed, they are well known for the speakers/ subs , lets know what you think

[Itsguy]

I’ve always sworn by MK (Miller Kreisel) http://mksound.com/, a niche but highly respected brand in home cinema. Ken Kreisel built some of the first subs in the 60s, and then designed the first self powered sub. They built director’s screening rooms in Hollywood in the 70s, really the first home cinema systems, and their equipment was used to mix some of the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings films.

The company disappeared for a while before being revived. You can often buy used on eBay for very good prices considering the quality, due to them not being all that well known as a hight street brand.

Clearly my post is too late for the OP! But someone else may be after one...

[julian2002]

Velodyne used to be very good, this was about a decade and a half ago though.

[Ethos]

I've been looking at subs to extend the bass response on my Arcoustic speakers as well. Tempted by this one at the budget end - had good reviews from What Hi. Anyone got one?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wharfedal...MAAOSwKnddgktT

[Gareth-W]

I’ve always sworn by MK (Miller Kreisel) http://mksound.com/, a niche but highly respected brand in home cinema. Ken Kreisel built some of the first subs in the 60s, and then designed the first self powered sub. They built director’s screening rooms in Hollywood in the 70s, really the first home cinema systems, and their equipment was used to mix some of the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings films.

The company disappeared for a while before being revived. You can often buy used on eBay for very good prices considering the quality, due to them not being all that well known as a hight street brand.

Clearly my post is too late for the OP! But someone else may be after one...

Another vote for M&K here.

“Discover Deep Bass” on the bass driver tells you everything!!

[Vanguard]

Another vote for M&K here.

“Discover Deep Bass” on the bass driver tells you everything!!

M&K Subs are very nice, as are their speakers, THX certified as well

I've just ordered a pair of these which should be interesting, downward firing passive driver makes 4 per unit.

[Rod]

^^^^^ you know your subwoofers!!
Fantastic, enjoy. 😁

[Mj2k]

M&K Subs are very nice, as are their speakers, THX certified as well

I've just ordered a pair of these which should be interesting, downward firing passive driver makes 4 per unit.

Dear lord, you know them well!

Please share the rest of your system, am assuming you have purchased an Odeon during lockdown.

Wow, I love my films and only 5.1 as the wife will not allow any Atmos speakers, but even my modest set up at the 70-75db 'listening volume' is intense, yours must be astounding, love it.

[Lippy]

They look awesome! You must have some setup to accommodate them?

M&K Subs are very nice, as are their speakers, THX certified as well

I've just ordered a pair of these which should be interesting, downward firing passive driver makes 4 per unit.

[nick h]

They look awesome! You must have some setup to accommodate them?

i have a movie based system and run two subs - a BK and a Loewe

the Loewe is shite and basically does not a lot - the BK Monolith (df) rules the roost

i'm about to upgrade my whole system and am looking at Rel/Kef

[Dr Wolff]

My sub has given up the ghost, but it is over 15 years old and probably not well suited to the job in hand - my living room is 5.25m x 5.25m with a high ceiling topped with a large lantern (don't talk to me about light pollution!) and it is also open to the kitchen/breakfast room. The floors are wood with a central rug and any sub needs to be at the front of the viewing space, within a metre of the corner. I have a Marantz SR6013 powering the 7.1 set-up, using KEF eggs, 2 front height, 4 rear/surround, and single centre. TV is 55" Panasonic and there is a 10ft drop down screen, JVC projector.
I am quite confused about the best sub option for this room. I suspect that downward firing might be easier to set up, although I quite like that higher end RELs are front and down firing, but I seem to read that it may not make a difference which way the speaker points. I'm going to need some power for a room of this size, but also want some agility, as volume isn't everything.
What are the best options? REL T7x or T9x? SVS? Others?
Thanks in advance

[Vanguard]

My sub has given up the ghost, but it is over 15 years old and probably not well suited to the job in hand - my living room is 5.25m x 5.25m with a high ceiling topped with a large lantern (don't talk to me about light pollution!) and it is also open to the kitchen/breakfast room. The floors are wood with a central rug and any sub needs to be at the front of the viewing space, within a metre of the corner. I have a Marantz SR6013 powering the 7.1 set-up, using KEF eggs, 2 front height, 4 rear/surround, and single centre. TV is 55" Panasonic and there is a 10ft drop down screen, JVC projector.
I am quite confused about the best sub option for this room. I suspect that downward firing might be easier to set up, although I quite like that higher end RELs are front and down firing, but I seem to read that it may not make a difference which way the speaker points. I'm going to need some power for a room of this size, but also want some agility, as volume isn't everything.
What are the best options? REL T7x or T9x? SVS? Others?
Thanks in advance

Always better to have twin subs even if they are smaller than one huge one for a more even response in the room, do you have a budget in mind and is it just for movies or music as well?

[qaz4169]

REL is always the best bet.


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[Vanguard]

I have a pair of these Rel 212/SX, I have no complaints about bass quality.

[Dr Wolff]

Blimey! Like the PMCs. I assume that is a hi-fi system, not HT

[Vanguard]

Blimey! Like the PMCs. I assume that is a hi-fi system, not HT

Its actually both 2 channel and home theatre, 2 channel is just both Subs and L&R main speakers, HT is then all speakers in the room, the PMC were the PB1i but I recently upgraded those as to the Audiovector R3 Arrete and matching centre speaker, the detail in these is just another level as well as the output for such a compact speaker. All driven by a Lyngdorf MP-40 processor and NAD M28 Amp

[Dr Wolff]

It's just for TV and HT. The hi-fi system is in another room.
The cinema room has wiring for 2 subs, but unfortunately Mrs W won't have it as it's too prominent. I have had a difficult time just keeping the projector and screen, so I am limited to a single sub, although it doesn't need to be small. Perhaps not the size of yours though!
Budget up to £1500, although AVF have given very favourable reviews of BK at half the price

[Vanguard]

It's just for TV and HT. The hi-fi system is in another room.
The cinema room has wiring for 2 subs, but unfortunately Mrs W won't have it as it's too prominent. I have had a difficult time just keeping the projector and screen, so I am limited to a single sub, although it doesn't need to be small. Perhaps not the size of yours though!
Budget up to £1500, although AVF have given very favourable reviews of BK at half the price

This would be my pick for £1500 if it was just for movies/TV and you have no issue with size on a single unit, I'd go ported over sealed for ultimate depth on the .1 effects

https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/svs-pb3000-subwoofer

[Dr Wolff]

This would be my pick for £1500 if it was just for movies/TV and you have no issue with size on a single unit, I'd go ported over sealed for ultimate depth on the .1 effects

https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/svs-pb3000-subwoofer

Looked at and seriously considering its 2000 series brother which has good reviews. I wasn't sure if the 3000 series was a bit of a stretch budget wise, but you've got me salivating now!

[Vanguard]

Looked at and seriously considering its 2000 series brother which has good reviews. I wasn't sure if the 3000 series was a bit of a stretch budget wise, but you've got me salivating now!

You could dry your washing in front of the 3000

[subseastu]

I have one of these in gloss black and am very impressed with it. I couldn't justify spending more for probably very small gains.

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofe...20P12-300SB_PR

[Dr Wolff]

I have one of these in gloss black and am very impressed with it. I couldn't justify spending more for probably very small gains.

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofe...20P12-300SB_PR

How is the finish on these? Gloss black is likely preferred option if I were to go this route

[Captain Morgan]

Have you seen the chap selling a pair of new rel subs on SC?
I think they might also be on avforums at a slightly lower price so perhaps so room to negotiate?

Found the ad
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...highlight=Pair

[subseastu]

How is the finish on these? Gloss black is likely preferred option if I were to go this route

I am completely happy with it and I do check these thing pretty well. It arrives in a large heavy box that is well protected. I was in contact with the guys off the webpage and they answered all my questions. There was a bit of a delay from ordering to receiving but that was due to the start of the pandemic. I have no issues with recommending them.

[Mj2k]

https://petertyson.co.uk/monitor-aud...gh-gloss-black

I bought this after its predecessor have you the ghost just before Christmas.

Have been really impressed with what it can deliver & it’s auto calibration for the room was a huge step forward vs the older model.

I’m amazed what parts of my house in other rooms it can make rattle when it gets cranked up.

I’d love a second sub too, but my wife is also not willing to have a second one in the lounge. Mine isn’t placed perfectly, it’s too near a corner & on the rear speaker axis vs the front, but until I have a cinema room, it’s about compromise.

[Dr Wolff]

https://petertyson.co.uk/monitor-aud...gh-gloss-black

I bought this after its predecessor have you the ghost just before Christmas.

Have been really impressed with what it can deliver & it’s auto calibration for the room was a huge step forward vs the older model.

I’m amazed what parts of my house in other rooms it can make rattle when it gets cranked up.

I’d love a second sub too, but my wife is also not willing to have a second one in the lounge. Mine isn’t placed perfectly, it’s too near a corner & on the rear speaker axis vs the front, but until I have a cinema room, it’s about compromise.

Well worth considering, thanks

There's always a compromise, but on the positive side, the other half has agreed to upgrading the 55in plasma to a 77in OLED. Hope to get that sorted before the autumn internationals start...

[Dr Wolff]

After much procrastination, the sub arrived today. Well, not sub, but subs. Mrs W acknowledged that one huge sub would look much worse than 2 smaller ones. So two Rel T7xs and I have spent a very enjoyable day setting them up. The set up for Rels is a bit complex as they have to be calibrated and wired in twice, once for two channel/music and again for multichannel/home theatre. Very strange, but their YouTube videos are excellent. Rel have also solved my dilemma about front firing versus floor firing by having both! The home theatre calibration will have to wait till tomorrow when the new RCA cables arrive. So far, very impressive and tuneful with two channel music, although it was never my intention to use it for this.

[Rod]

^^^^^ Excellent, worth spending time positioning them. I have a REL T Zero with Falcon Acoustics LS/35A's. The bass is just there when the music calls for it, natural and unforced.

[Vanguard]

After much procrastination, the sub arrived today. Well, not sub, but subs. Mrs W acknowledged that one huge sub would look much worse than 2 smaller ones. So two Rel T7xs and I have spent a very enjoyable day setting them up. The set up for Rels is a bit complex as they have to be calibrated and wired in twice, once for two channel/music and again for multichannel/home theatre. Very strange, but their YouTube videos are excellent. Rel have also solved my dilemma about front firing versus floor firing by having both! The home theatre calibration will have to wait till tomorrow when the new RCA cables arrive. So far, very impressive and tuneful with two channel music, although it was never my intention to use it for this.

REW (free) software, a Microphone and a laptop if you really want to get them calibrated and set up properly, I at least recommend using their room simulator software to get some idea on the placement to get as even a response as possible

https://www.roomeqwizard.com/