BADASS! REL HT/1003 MK II Subwoofer

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

I just bought my first good subwoofer the REL ht 1205 mk2. All I can say is Wow what a musical experience. Once everything is set up and blended together it brings a whole new experience. Smiles ear to ear sitting in my chair listening to multiple genres of music. You start to feel the music. 🙂 Pink Floyd Pulse (live) never sounded soooo good.

[@AHash5745]

Yes. Just bought this model to add to my towers.. never thought I needed them! Superb for music and movies..!

[@williamnow146]

I just added this SW to my LRS setup and am extremely happy with the results. I mostly listen to jazz and some classical music and to a lesser degree, rock. I was pretty much satisfied with the LRS bass for jazz but thought it would be nice to add a little for classical and definitely for rock. I am not a huge SW person but your statement that “this SW is made for people who don’t like SWs” convinced me! Excellent recommendation for pairing with the LRS.

[@yourdiytechlife]

I’ll never forget the first time I experienced a sub, it was a wow moment. Subs are common now but back then they weren’t. I noticed everything you described in this video. For me a sub properly set up is like an anchor or the base platform you build the system on. If you don’t get that right the rest just doesn’t come together. Awesome stuff.

[@martinjackson2431]

I’ve bought a used Rel storm 3 back in the early 2000’s best decision and improvement to my BW CDM Nt speakers and Rotel powered system. Love the musicality of the Rel subwoofers.👍🇨🇦

[@mike-js1jj]

Great video Steve. I added a REL T/9x to my Tannoy turnberry's and it just seemed to make it all sound complete.

[@gilesdavis6345]

Hi all, I use a rel strata three sub with Tannoys Cheviots . for me it definitely increases the sound stage and ads a great sense of effortlessness. I like it a lot. Great review again Steve, thanks very much.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Love this review. I have no idea how much better this new HT1003 MkII is supposed to be over the original HT1003. I have the first HT1003, and have no plans of upgrading. My HT1003 was first paired with my Revel M16 speakers about 18 months ago, and I loved it for both music and movies. These HT subs are fantastically under-rated for music. I've since sold my 18 year old Polk LSi15 speakers in my living room, and replaced those with the M16, then replaced the M16 with the Revel M106. ...So now I have the HT1003 paired with the M106, and THAT.... is just a beautiful match. When they're all dialed in, it's musical listening goosebump city.

[@gilliehead10]

Hey Craig - I’m thinking of pairing my M106s with the same HT1003. Still loving it?

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@gilliehead10 - Hell yes. If you do it, come back let us know what you think once you're dialed in.

[@ship4brains69]

@@craigjohnchronicles2504 Based on this review, and YOUR comment about the first generation sub, I just bought TWO of the GEN 1 subs.

[@GeneA.69]

I have the 1st gen HT 1003 and love it! It’s paired with my Klipsch RP 8000’s as my mains and I couldn’t be happier. And to tell the truth I know gen 2 1003’s are a refined version of the gen 1 but the gen 1’s are still a beautiful sounding sub, 😁👍 and when compared directed to each other (gen 1 vs gen 2) I don’t think the quality of the sound will be very noticeable. I know that gen 2 is definitely louder but the quality of sound difference between the 2 will only be minorly noticeable

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@ship4brains69 - How are those HT1003 subs working?

[@petrolfever]

I have a REL 1508 Predator with Klipsch Heresy IIIs. To control the sub I added a Schiit SYS between my Rotel preamp and the Predator. I agree with you that full range is the way to go, just have to make sure the phase is correct. In my room a sub crawl gave me great results. Love this sub!

[@bobb.9917]

Yeah…I got a sweet deal on a pair of REL T/5x subs shortly after they released around a year ago. I subtly blended them in to just extend the range of my DynAudio Contour 20s which are already great in the bass dept! The RELs are fantastic at doing just what I wanted…. I do not even know that the subs are there most of the time but when the recording calls for it, the RELs deliver in a very well blended way! I have no desires to upgrade…I am just happily looking for new music to play through my set-up! REL makes great products! I swear by the speaker-level inputs which really syncs my subs well to my speakers, though. Gotta have them!

[@Totalplonker]

Is this strictly two channel, or is it by any chance part of a multi-channel setup. If so, have you considered adding the 1003 Mk II into the setup as well.

[@isaacestep3321]

I was on the fence between a REl T series and SVS SB series, I live down the street from Music Direct in Chicago and was able to pick up and audition both without too much hassle. I thought I'd prefer the rel, but having lower bass extension wound up making me happier. I could definitely see some folks prefering the tightness and speed of the t series. Trying out two different flavors of subwoofer? Highly recommended.

[@Roof_Pizza]

Totally agree. Having said that some impressive sounding speakers can become tiresome and you later find that they offer too much of a good thing. A bright speaker can sound fantastic but an hour later you gotta turn if off due to fatigue. The race down to 10 hz is hilarious to me as you'll need to buy 100 yards of double sided tape for your room fixtures.

[@isaacestep3321]

@@Roof_Pizza Totally. I'm not trying to go that low, but i definitely need a touch of that slam to the chest vibe. if i take the sub in and out of the system the impression i get from my heresy is that the speaker disapearing into the room a bit better with the sub. just feels more grounded to me.

[@FasterThanTheSpeedOfScience]

I recently tried the REL T/9x with my Zu DWs mkII. I just couldn't get the system to sound right. In my room the DWs provide ample bass down to the mid 40Hz or thereabouts and the REL Low Pass filter slope - I suspect, is to gradual so it was adding bass where it wasn't needed, even with the crossover knob set to minimum.. I just kept turning the volume down on the REL until it was off completely. Luckily I was able to return it for a refund.

[@greganderson1681]

I recently got a Rel T7/X to match up with my Maggie .7s. And what a matchup! I’m very glad it is so easy to adjust for different music, and especially with nasty noisy vinyl. Low-end rumble on less than perfect records (and I have a lot of those!) is way too gawd-awful unavoidable when the Rel is in the mix. Sometimes i have to turn it off cuz that kind of bass info is not welcome. With clean CD and streaming sources, it’s a whole new world.

[@Pentenfi]

To the question why the soundstage widens up with a subwoofer, I read the following: In case that the crossover is seamless, the brain has an easier task recreating the sound information, if the lower octaves of the sound aren't missing. Without the bass, our brain wants to "make sense" of the information and has to work to do so. So basically, a well integrated sub relieves the brain of its duty to recreate a full bandwidth. This might be very oversimplified, just something I read :)

[@robertmitchell6015]

I recently bought a pair of YG Acoustic Hailey 2.2 Speakers which sound fantastic but having an open plan room I felt like I was missing something I added 2 REL TX9 Subwoofers and it just transformed the soundstage, and added punch. I have the volume low as not too overwhelm the Bass, subwoofers should be seen and not heard in Stereo systems.

[@Wormdude42]

In the beginning, "it usually doesn't last" does not hold true for me. I upgraded my system 4 years ago and still look forward to going into that room and listening. I am older and hearing is somewhat damaged however my Marantz 5000 series pushing Polk LSIM 707 is an absolute joy to listen to. That's it. No sub, no surround. Perhaps I have simple tastes, perhaps I am thankful for the tastes I have. However, this review does make it very tempting to add some more to the lower end of very capable speakers already. Love the channel!

[@TheSaNiOnE]

Ohhhh, was about to buy the REL HT 1003. Nice I just waited a week and wait for MK II.

[@killifish13]

I have the original LRS paired with the original REL HT1003 and have been using them for a year and a half with fantastic results . Will I upgrade to the LRS + and the REL HT1003 mark 2 nope very impressed with what I have now .

[@sebastianbachert9528]

I'm so happy with my T7x! Got a complete new musical experience!!

[@spingarn]

It's corn! Love the shirt lol. Great review too 😉

[@skrasnitski]

Years ago, Cory Greenberg wrote a review of an REL subwoofer. I'll paraphrase his witty remark.... "half the people are looking for god, the other half are looking for bass." :)

[@acceler9]

Steve's shirt is pretty epic in this one!

[@davidstein9129]

I have just purchased this model REL subwoofer. I will need to dial in the sub so it sounds great along with my set of Totem Accoustic Tribe Speakers that are located in the front of my room. What should I set the crossover to on my REL subwoofer? My Totem Tribe tower speakers go down to 20 Hzs. I will be using the REL sub for Both movies & for listening to music. Thanks!

[@TheFilletingfish]

Thanks Steve. Looking forward to the pure audio project review. really nice looking speakers.

[@mr.george7687]

Had a sub since the 80's. The M&K David & Goliath sub/satelite speaker system.

[@FOH3663]

Subjectively, the long wavelengths help delineate the size ... offering auditory cues to the dimensionality and volume of the space. Be it real or as a construct...

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

A sub is a big addition I can look forward to.

[@ulflarsson9693]

I also like the sound score/music from bram stoker's dracula then. Specially in the end when mina kills dracula so he change to his human form then. Very emotional then

[@ulflarsson9693]

I thinking of the rel ht 1003 mk2 or the 1205 mk2 then . I have xtz cinema m8 lcr speakers and s5 and s2 atmos speakers. 15 m2 room.

[@roybrolsbeak]

what did you go with ? im in the same boat now

[@ulflarsson9693]

​@@roybrolsbeakarendal 1961 1s.

[@kakskolm3670]

I have B&W 603 S2 AE with Bluesound Powernode n330. Which sub would be better for listening to music in an old apartment - HT 1003 MKII or SB-1000 Pro? Just for a chill quiet listening

[@hitechburg]

The frequency range from 20hz to 60hz contains all of the critical spatial information ( height width depth ). It feels like you have been transported to the recording venue.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

if you have a human-width head, then you cannot derive spatial information from 20Hz-60Hz tones. if you're an elephant then you can do it but not if you're one of us

[@GOjo_jo]

A year ago I bought two hogtalare speakers….. my QA is can it be pair with the two speakers?the two speakers are also Bluetooth connectivity? Please reply back 😊.

[@gjnbouwmeester5860]

Adding a sub changes the whole sound bc of the 'overtone' harmonicss produced, just like the supertweeters produce 'undertone' harmonics which change the midrange and even the low end of a system.

[@Peter144-zn7us]

Which size room do you have for this sub, also what amplifier source you use to power the speakers.

[@michaelp7185]

I just listened to Oscar's Unmistakable on my Ohm Walsh 3000's (No Subs) and it was awesome. Thank you Steve!

[@ericshutter5305]

Try 2 of the S/510 ... one on each of the main channels with high level connects ... 😁

[@WindomRettes]

Have you checked out the new RSL Speedwoofer?

[@healthynutster]

The RSL is probably the best bang for buck sub on the market

[@joemarz2264]

I like sealed subs, and this REL seems to be a nice sub at a very low price. I think its only real limitation is a lack of continuous phase control, which precludes it to do a perfect pairing with many speakers. Also, a low-pass slope control would be great, but that is reserved to better subs.

[@bluematrix5001]

Anybody know what is that crazy/cool acoustic effect why when you engage a sub feels that the bass is coming for the speakers and not from the sub?

[@varunagunawardane4816]

I have read many audiophiles stating that it's impossible to seamlessly match up a traditional sub with the maggies'. Their reasoning for this is that the maggies being a dipole speaker does not work with a traditional single driver sub. Even magnapans' own Wendell agrees that a regular single driver sub cannot be properly integrated with a maggie. Apparently Magnapan is just in the early stages of developing a dipole sub but, nowhere close to bringing it to market. I'm just curious how you go about integrating the sub to a maggie. A video on it will be very helpful. Thx

[@LloydCollie]

What was your power source for your speaker and subwoofer audition

[@rumporridge1]

May have to park one of these MKII’s next to my original MK1. Should be a nice pairing.

[@MsBL100]

This one or the svs 3000 micro for a multipurpose system? (movies/music)

[@jobe2080]

Does the volume automatically go up and down with the amplifier volume ? Do you think this would be a good match to B&W 603 anniversary? For music 90% of the time. Thanks

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes the volume goes up and down same as the speakers. And yes I think it would be a good match with the speakers.

[@ravington666]

Hello, what frequency did you crossover the kc62 ?

[@ThePupil]

How would this one compare to the SVS-SB1000 (pro)?

[@alanhiebert3548]

where did you set the crossover? I'm running two Tzeros set at about 30hz with focal aria 906's

[@SGTOldSchool96]

Can the T-zeros even do 30hz?

[@davids2214]

Steve you mentioned at the end that the T/Zero would have paired better with the Maggies but this with your other tested speakers. Do you have a theory for which types of speakers the T/Zero pairs better with and why that might be? I've got the T/Zero and like it, but for only $100 more this has a lot more power so wondering if it is worth an upgrade.

[@bengleason508]

What amplifier did you use with the REL & the KEF LS50 Meta?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Pass XA25

[@houghtonlee9945]

Steve, what preamp and low-level subwoofer connection did you use to avoid high passing to the speakers? I'm also wondering if using a high-low output converter is a good idea to overcome the lack of a speaker-level connection on the HT models?

[@thomaskahalepuna9604]

I love how all these guys have different opinions on high pass… a lot of well respected audiophiles and speaker designers will say by high passing and relieving the speakers of the lower frequencies and limiting the noise xcursion of said speakers , it enables the speaker to play mid bass and mids more accurately.

[@JC.LC.]

That makes sense as the cone will travel less when relieved from the lowest frequencies. That will allow other frequencies to come out cleaner.

[@harryburnett7086]

What about hooked up to the recenly reviewed Ohm speakers

[@rjzlwop3153]

Your opinion on Rhythmic, versus the rail subwoofers?

[@chebrubin]

Please review the Starke Sound SW15. What an amazing ported sub and has XLR inputs impressive.

[@SvenDowideit]

Idk if this is a hard question, but... What's the right sub for the Yamaha ns690? It seems to me like they'd love the help, but I'm pretty scared about how to match things across era's like that. (Small bad amp too, but they sound nice for the range they do have)

[@SvenDowideit]

NAD amp..

[@bobb.9917]

Those Duet15 Prelude Speakers look interesting! 👀 That review should be a fun one!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes it will be, I’m having a great time with them.

[@stuartboros7693]

I enjoyed your review. What crossover setting was used with the LRS+?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

60 or 70 Hz

[@idolhanz9842]

Dont see it available on Amazon...its cousin , the HT /1205 is available...

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

How does Devialet Phantom make such incredible bass in such a small enclosure?

[@TristanSchneck]

Steve, any chance of getting the new Pro-Ject Debut Pro S in for a review? Seems to be an intriguing belt drive choice given all the adjustability featured on it.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Im 100% with you on not high passing speakers I lose too much detail

[@willsullivan3]

Hmmm, Steve...who is that bust on the shelf modeled after? How cool. Got a good story about that (or did I miss it, somehow)?

[@cocoj3194]

Loudness over sound quality, that’s where we’re at 🤭 a REL subwoofer will match up well with just about any speaker

[@Roof_Pizza]

Even REL is calling this a HT subwoofer. Rather a 'musical' subwoofer for HT than a HT subwoofer for music.

[@healthynutster]

@@Roof_Pizza I own dual REL 1003’s and found that dialing them in with bassy music tracks made them work very well for everything, including home theater. They really do sound like an extension of the speakers and add foundation and scale to all content

[@cnhhnc]

This looks like a nice sub. Oddly the driver is vaguely reminiscent of the much cheaper, lower power Elac Sub1010-which is not carbon/glass but similarly textured (and A. Jones design). I haven't heard the Rel, which is MORE powerful and digs DEEPER than my Elac. But let me say, that if you have a more moderately sized or small room and some A. Jones Debut Elacs, this little sub WILL give you some decent low end and take the burden off the amp driving your Elacs for very little coin. Is the REL better! No doubt, but if you're strapped for cash you'll be surprised at what this 1010 will do for you.

[@bradkohler7966]

I had the same experience adding the SUB1010 to my Debut 2.0 5.2s. The bass in the speakers is well defined but without much extension. The SUB1010 added some extension but also gave some weight to the bass without making it muddy or boomy. No, it didn't do much for those deep organ pedal tones, but that would be expecting a lot from a sub-$400 speaker setup. I used the bass management in my receiver to cross over at 80 Hz. Very satisfying!

[@iancameron1495]

Does it make any sense to add a 10" sub to a set of speakers that contains 10" woofers in each speaker? My system has vintage 3 way speakers (Leek 2060s), and I just don't feel it has enough umph!! My old speakers were Akai that had 15" subs but don't fit in the space, but I do have room to add a sub.

[@healthynutster]

The short answer is a quality dedicated sub will benefit any speaker. First, because it’s a single purpose box and can be optimally positioned (unlike speakers where the best position for bass is seldom the best for the higher frequencies and for imaging). Also, most subs have their own built in amplification and it’s dedicated solely to the low end.

[@rumporridge1]

@@healthynutster couldn’t have responded any better. Kudos.

[@healthynutster]

@@rumporridge1 Thank you sir

[@mikecees2230]

REL HT, as you mention the HT tells me this is aimed at Home Theater more than in a 2.1 music application. The fact there is no speaker level connection (contrary to REL philosophy) also tells me this model is aimed at movie sound effects and not so much for music. I owned the original T-Zero and had a hell of a time dialing it in with both speaker connection and line level. It was OK for large sweeping orchestral music or electronic/ambient but for anything with a driving rhythm/beat it always called attention to itself. I ended up selling it out of frustration and have been wary of subs for music ever since.

[@Totalplonker]

How long did you actually own the subwoofer for. The reason why I ask, it took me awhile before I got my dual rel t5is subs integrated properly! I play my sonus Faber speakers with and without and I still prefer them with.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

You'd be surprised how well the HT1003 is for music, and it was easy for me to dial with my Revel M16 speakers, and now with my Revel M106 speakers. The musicality is fantastic.

[@mikecees2230]

@@Totalplonker I can't remember exactly but it wasn't very long, maybe 1-2 months. I even tried an Anti-Mode 8033 room correction for subs. It probably corrected room modes but did nothing to help with the timing. As I mentioned this was the original T-Zero, maybe the newer version is faster. I remember contacting someone at REL who basically told me that what I really needed was a T-7 (preferably 2) to obtain the ''true'' REL experience. There's no way I could get the WAF committee to approve a honking big sub in our living room, let alone two. I might be tempted to try a KEF KC-62 or SVS 3000 micro if I can arrange a home demo with flexible return policy.

[@jonathanluttrell1380]

@@craigjohnchronicles2504 I was looking at this for my Revel M16 too! Good to know it pairs well. I like the price better than the T7x.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@jonathanluttrell1380 - I liked that price better as well. I was also eyeing the T5x, and but the HT1003 dug quite a bit deeper.

[@Halkerik]

Какая площадь помещения рассчитана под этот REL HT/1003 !?

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

i would like one day to have had as much experience with subwoofers as Steve has had with amplifiers

[@Grampadrummer]

If low bass is mono and u shouldn't be able to identify where the sub is placed in the room ( where the bass is coming from) Why does every one saying get 2 subs? Steve are 2 subs better than 1 ?

[@ShamuXEagleDriver]

Two subs are better than one for two reasons. The primary reason is to even out the bass response across the room. Two subs, when properly placed, will decrease areas in the room with bass nulls (low SPL). Secondly, in larger rooms, two subs increase the available SPL without straining the subs SQ (i. e. getting into regions of higher distortion). Cheers.

[@healthynutster]

I would add that my experience is bass is somewhat directional even below 80hz, so judicious placement and calibrating is necessary for best results.

[@gjnbouwmeester5860]

Is this new sub a Isobaric-type sealed speaker system or is it a single speaker unit? Btw, yeah Steve, your interviews with people from all kinds of music and industry's sideways is very entertaining, great stuff to hear others speak about the marvels of audio!🙂

[@efrainl]

It's a single 10" driver in a sealed box. I have 1 HT/1003 mk2 paired with ELAC Unifi 2.0 fronts and other ELAC's for a 9.1 Atmos system in a small home-office and the bass is tight and punchy in both music and movies, integration with my fronts is also outstanding. Makes bass seem to come from the fronts most of the time. Coming from 1 SB-2000 Pro that probably had a bit more oomph in the 15-25Hz region (so, a bit better for movies) but was no were near as musical or as "invisible" as this little REL. I'm now torn between buying a 2nd one and be done with it or... trying out the HT1205 too. Or maybe a used 1508... xD

[@ianloschiavo3630]

Steve, I'm a big fan of SVS subs for 2 Ch and HT. How, in your opinion, does this REL compare to an SVS SB 1000 Pro?

[@markstewart3501]

Hey Steve did you try this Sub with your Cornwalls?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry no.

[@Rock-Pirate]

Some amplifiers have lost there tone controls, however we all need a subwoofer?

[@josefbuckland]

KRIX SEISMIC still holds the crown made in South Australia just like me sorry I’m biased but seriously DAMN they get it so right. Commercial to domestic they know sound just like Bloke in the shirt lol

[@welshrarebit9238]

That 10 inch woofer looks identical to the Energy RC 10 inch sub driver

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

heh, i had that subwoofer. it was not bad, tight and responsive, but its performance envelope wasn't sufficient for my needs

[@Guitar387]

I have the ht/1003 sub whoofer I’m happy with it , 👍

[@fungt89]

Ohhhhhh... That's why there was a 15% off sale recently. Tough choice between svs and rel ht line

[@lukikerndl]

Do you guys think the REL HT1205MK2 or the Arendal 1961 1S is the better Subwoofer?

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

Arendal all day

[@MasterofpuppetsBS]

@@WeeWeeJumbowhy

[@idolhanz9842]

I have a almost same sized JBL sub...I bet a good REL will be a better quality system once dialed in..

[@romeroflores7576]

Hi Steve, I'm relatively new to the world of vinyl music. I just bought a dozen 45's ready to go... I have two Audio Technica LP120's, with a Numark DJ-M6 mixer in the middle and a pair of Klipsch RP -600M bookshelf speakers still in the box. Is it a good idea to get a tube amplifer? If so, could you tell me what would be the perfect tube amplifer of any kind under or around $400.00 with great punch that you recommend? Or should I stick to a reciever? Your advice is appreciated! Thanks Steve 🔥💥🎵🎧

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Romero, you’re on your way! Stick with solid state. NAD c316BEE.

[@romeroflores7576]

One more thing Steve....Will I be able to connect two turntables and a Kilpsch subwoofer through the NAD? Thanks again!

[@jerrysussman9277]

You grew up in Rockaway??!! I grew up on B149th St. Were we neighbors? Went to JHS 180 & graduated FRHS in 1973. Might we have known each other?

[@marksymons1967]

What are you on about "designed in the US". This is british mate, designed in Bridgend, Wales!

[@mototom9086]

Thank you !

[@Octocoupler]

Long live the rel storm mkiii

[@Roof_Pizza]

I've never heard this sub but I must say that I don't really care for other subs much below this price point, to me this should be considered roughly as an entry level point. Forget those opened box $99.00 subs from Best Buy that get 4 1/2 outa 5 star ratings. Too expensive? Don't get a sub at all until you can jump in with a decent one, saves you from buying twice so it's still cheaper in the long run.

[@healthynutster]

Good point: I agree 100%. It’s not cheap to construct a cabinet and amp that can go low and clean

[@donmonroe6805]

Blaa, blaa, blaa

[@idolhanz9842]

Hahah....Still Life album finally sounds good? Try Leeds 1982 or Wembley 82 stones concerts..

[@martybousum1010]

Check out HSU Subwoofers! The doctor has serious skills! Bang for the buck! Super customizable! Servo amp!

[@gordthor5351]

Steve, do you plug the ports on the LS50s when using with a subwoofer? If not, you should try it.

[@asan1050]

Thanks Much !..

[@MOOeymania]

CORN!!!

[@davidstein9129]

Would you characterize this model REL subwoofer as being both 'fast & punchy?" Thanks!

[@meshplates]

Without a speaker level input, it's not a typical rel. Why?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

HT stands for home theater

[@ecyfoto]

Speaker level inputs are the only way to go especially when using twin subs. My own experience was one of those “ah ha” moments. Subs disappeared completely. I’m not exaggerating. For a 2.1 system I’d go for something else that REL has to offer like a pair of T5s.

[@Totalplonker]

I agree, besides it's HT for a reason.

[@Roof_Pizza]

Whenever companies omit a 'must have' item I tend to laugh at posts like yours.

[@FOH3663]

My opinion, just the opposite. I'd characterize it thusly; Line level inputs are the only way to go, the exception being the rare instance whereby speaker level inputs works as effectively as line level.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@Totalplonker - Yet, that belief would be a mistake. The HT1003 blends very well and easily into a 2.1 system.

[@Roof_Pizza]

@@craigjohnchronicles2504 Many people tend to agree with him. Seems even REL is willing to drop it to save money. So much for a main selling feature that sets their products apart from the competition.

[@glenncurry3041]

Imagine when they invent musical instruments that actually produce frequencies subwoofers operate in!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Synths

[@vallanddess]

Maybe a 5 string bass, 30ish Hertz.

[@glenncurry3041]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Forgot to include "acoustic" but did not want to dismiss electrified versions. Even with synth music except as the occasional special effect (or lacking actual musical talent?) there is usually little below 40Hz. Most "Bass" people love is actually the mid bass bump 50-80Hz.

[@glenncurry3041]

@@vallanddess Because so many recordings use them? And those that do did so well in capturing that low end? Yes I agree there are some sources actually down there. 38' from the speaker to the back wall, you get standing waves, nodes, .....

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

stop hating and learn to love deep bass. join us. the water's fine

[@kloss213]

Swarm those subs.

[@xilebat]

that's the corniest shirt I've ever seen Steve wear.

[@palmal3542]

The product design and branding of REL puts me off... visually it's a bit clunky

[@artyfhartie2269]

Hope you interview me one day. I am a beer guzzler, a burrito muncher, joint smoker and an audiophile

[@Curi0u50ne]

No need for any sub when you’ve got transmission lines.

[@twiiii1]

If you invest in good full range speakers with a response below 20 HZ using modern woofers with less than 2 % distortion and enough cone size and physical extension, you don't need subs. Using subs to mix the bass to be revealed as a mono signal screws up the bass even further. So no subs for this guy. As the music director of Michigan state told us in the 60's music is built from the bottom up and not from soprano instruments and voices down. So there is always be a very noticeable improvement with speakers that are full range. Your Cornwalls are not full range. If you want full range you will have to try the Jubilee. How come you didn't mention this sub would not keep up with Cornwalls.

[@healthynutster]

In a normal sized space, you’re always going to have peaks and nulls in the bass, positioning them for best imaging. To confirm this, run REW sweeps on your mains and see what the bass response looks like. A dedicated sub can be properly positioned for best bass response and the speakers free to what they do best (and it’s not subwoofer range bass)

[@JohnTwo1]

The number one reason you get a subwoofer is to get that full range sound. REL completely fails to deliver on this because of their weak frequency range that can't go down to 20hz.

[@TheJarnojarno]

That's why I am using a 12" or bigger sub, but closed. Musically you don't need 20hz really. At least not for my music taste, most bass region is far above 20hz. For HT, movies, I agree you could need the output.

[@JohnTwo1]

@@TheJarnojarno I too am using a closed 12 inch sub. This rel sub in particular is a home theater sub :/ I have a dual purpose system, music and home theater.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@Totalplonker - oddly enough the REL HT1003 can deliver both boom for movies, and beautiful blending for music.

[@bryanmorgan758]

Rythmik F12 here. It's a beast

[@healthynutster]

In a perfect world, it’d be great to have subs that go to 20 hz and lower, but most music doesn’t dig that deep, and while there’s some movie content in the 20hz (and even below) range, it’s relatively uncommon