The REL Difference: A Virtual Bass Demo Like No Other.

[@yanickmantra]

I love the demo. I've tried to explain to people, friends and family, that they are missing the third dimension to their soundstage. That is what a good musical subwoofer does. I'm looking forward to seeing what REL has in store for 2025. Hopefully CES 2025 will be the platform for the announcements.

[@ciprianporumb693]

Just bought a Rel S812 last week, just stunning!

[@RELAcoustics]

Enjoy it

[@paulcridland5230]

More audio companies need to do videos like this. Top marks to you guys.

[@JR-ho5qm]

Yep I couldn’t agree more. It actually raises flags to me when someone says they arnt a subwoofer person. It absolutely changes the whole thing. Even with full range speakers.

[@tolgadabbagh1877]

it interferes the with the bass of the full range speakers in a bad way . i like the sub sound but the speaker bass must be filtered out .

[@pentoncm]

@@tolgadabbagh1877 most people set their crossovers way too high on sub. I start low around 40-50 to get seamless blend. Crossover and level of sub tweaked until just right.

[@JR-ho5qm]

@ it’s just a matter of dialling it in correctly. I have always preferred with a sub or multiple subs

[@chrisharris1522]

there are a lot of bad subs out there that I am sure put a lot of people off, I like RELs approach which is what convinced me

[@RELAcoustics]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. ❤

[@veteq101]

It makes a massive difference. I’m currently running two RELs in my setup, and I can turn them off with the push of a button. I’ve done this while demoing the subs for friends, and the difference is truly night and day.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your experience ❤

[@av24]

Well done! This can be very helpful for someone who is looking to hear the difference a great REL subwoofer can make in the spectrum of music. Need more videos like this! PS: 4k please

[@RELAcoustics]

Glad it was helpful and noted on the quality. 4k doesn’t really matter for mobile but I’ll mention it to the production team.

[@igorshouse5397]

I love companies like REL that focus on one product line. They're the best in the industry.

[@brucegarethgeorge]

Same here. I usually try to purchase from companies with one product line

[@RELAcoustics]

We’ve been at this a long time and appreciate your consideration

[@ajzepp8976]

I have always believed that the best way to compare the impact of audio gear is to start with the full presentation and then remove an element vs adding it. So I appreciate how John demo'd this, and feel it was very effective. I love Rel so much I put four 1003 mk2 in my home theater. Tight, punchy, clean, and can still hit good and deep.

[@RELAcoustics]

Well said!

[@bravo7797]

Holy $#&%! That's truly amazing! Thanks for setting this demo up. Very helpful!

[@RELAcoustics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barryarceo8079]

Okay, I'm convinced. I just ordered my first T9x here in the Philippines to be paired with my Elac UB51.

[@marcusskinner4150]

Great idea to do this John. Technically excellent job of recording the difference. This is exactly what I've been experiencing for several years but had taken it for granted. Good to be reminded of life before REL.

[@RELAcoustics]

Great to hear! We have a commitment to making gorgeous sounding and looking subwoofers and for many it’s hard to experience the difference. This was our shot at attempting to bring the demo home in a free and easy way.

[@CORVUSMAXYMUS]

Amazing work.Congratulation.

[@BrianShoaf]

got my first REL sub a few months ago. S 5/10. I am now saving for a 2nd one!

[@MrPRScollector]

Hey John. Didn’t want to unplug my two REL’s to give this a listen therefore I gave my iPhone a shot. It was quite obvious to me when the REL was engaged. Love the sound. Merry Christmas

[@kovrcek]

Yeah you can even hear it on tower speakers when you ran them as Large vs Small. The added bass when set to Large makes the sound much more full.

[@henni1964]

Love my two REL T-Zero MKIII so much. They are fast enough to fully complement my legendary BBC approved LS3/5A monitors for a very emotional musical experience in my all tube (single ended) system. Great demo.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for giving us a chance and is happy you are loving the REL Experience

[@jackhuang1434]

Awesome❤❤❤ demo, I am convinced 😃

[@Nigh7shad3]

I can hear the 'airiness' in the instruments! The soft decay of the drums and piano keys-very subtle effect but, it made a difference. The recording sounds great on the demo system without a sub too, but with the sub, it is like adding a layer of icing on the cake.

[@Trebor2024]

I have a REL and know how good they sound! Great demo, thank you John! 👍

[@RELAcoustics]

Rock on!

[@grahamprescott9426]

Completely on board with rel and how good their subs are. Just a question on this recording... the mics are pointing at mids and tweeters on floorstanders? Shouldnt there be a mic on the lower driver too? Would it also have been better to do a room mic rather than having mics next to each driver?

[@dornfelder88]

The mic cannot be close to the lower end drivers because of the wavelength of the frequency..there are likely mics about where the camera is located, more accurately intercepting the first waves of the lower end

[@richardardern171]

Really appreciated the demo. I don't have a Sub. I don't have headphones but do have a pair of Amphion 3s bookshelf speakers in a small room and certainly noticed the compression of the sound without the REL Sub when streaming this video via Bluetooth to my speakers, and listening near field (1.7m from the speakers). The Amphion speakers are not listed in your Sub select tool but I have been wondering about getting a REL T5x sub for them, and are fortunate to have a local REL dealer in my city.

[@robertreid2637]

Great demo. That’s exactly the same experience I have when disconnecting and reconnecting my T9i to demonstrate to friends 👍

[@spectrader5649]

So well done. Many thanks, John.

[@darrenmarshall7161]

Great video and hope it does the job of not only convincing folk to have a dedicated sub in their music/theatre system, but to definitely go demo a REL. I’ve had REL subs for 20+ years now - not big,expensive ones as my living rooms have never been large (similar size as to the room in this video). Q150E, Quake and during Covid, upgraded to a pair of T/5i and wow .. having a stereo pair made such a difference. So go get one (preferably two), you won’t regret it! 👍🏻

[@RELAcoustics]

Couldn't agree more

[@samidebs3559]

It’s a full sound with a full body!

[@RELAcoustics]

❤❤❤

[@rickvanenburg529]

Hi John, What an excellent idea to introduce music lovers to what a REL can add to your system :) I have a total of 8 Rel subs in my large living room 50 square meters for listening to music and home theater (REL 3D) I hope that in the future you will also make a nice topic about how you can use Rel 3D to its full potential :) Gr. Henrique (Netherlands)

[@toffe2ventil]

Maybe a stupid question from a beginner, but how do you tell if the Rel isn't just adding bass to a track that should not have that much bass in it? Perhaps the recording is not supposed to sound that full and heavy?

[@RELAcoustics]

Thank you for reaching out. A subwoofer isn't able to add low-frequency content that isn't already present in the recording, we do recommend tuning a REL using reliable and familiar reference tracks so that it is set to be equal in output level with your system's main loudspeakers. Once this has been set using a known reference, you will be able to trust that the subwoofer is not unnecessarily adding bass when you play a new recording.

[@thomasdix8453]

Incredible difference.

[@RELAcoustics]

Glad you could experience it. Thanks for watching.

[@Justwantahover]

I got big 10" woofers in my speakers and I can certainly hear the difference. My speakers go right down to 40 hz but I only hear that, way off axis against the wall. This is why a sub is still needed if you want great bass from the NORMAL listening position. Put the sub in an odd place, to get the effect from the sub.

[@jeffreypicciolo7706]

well done , it makes a huge difference

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

I run two 1205 mk2’s perfectly blended in with my Paradigm Founder 80f’s with the assistance of Anthems Arc Genesis which will properly phase align the RELs. Well set up subwoofers bring music to another level closer to live music.

[@peterkleinert8116]

Great Demo!

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks you

[@haroldbrooks4235]

They sound great to me without the sub, but it sounds even better with it😊

[@brentcollins9727]

The demo starts at 4:28 You’re welcome to

[@RELAcoustics]

🤣thanks for the quick link

[@SUde-vd1qo]

Clearly it's fuller sounding...I'd love it if you would pull the mics to the listening position and (not) mic the sub directly. That said, I own a REL sub and do like appreciate how it gracefully extends the range.

[@RELAcoustics]

We need better mics for that kind of recording but I’ll let the production team know 🎉

[@ashvarma2486]

Great demo. Please post a video on your room construction and perhaps a video showing difference between using 2 subs and 1 sub? Many thanks

[@ericelmore887]

Will an upgraded high level input cord improve the sound, also vibration control under the feet?

[@RELAcoustics]

A Bass Line Blue cable will improve the sound quite a bit however will not improve an vibrations, that has to do with the construction of your home. We're good but not that good. If you are talking about the feet of the subwoofer simple blue tact under the feet works wonders if on a hard surface.

[@ericelmore887]

@ ok thank you. I really wanna maximize my two rail subs running into my integrated.

[@MrL7552]

Wow. Great difference. But my speakers already have good bass, Wilson Alexia 2, will that sub improve the sound? It will be fast as my speakers bass is?

[@RELAcoustics]

The bass on those speakers are great. Our subs can keep up with those speakers and will definitely improve your bass response. Email us at [e-mail] if you are considering a recommendation.

[@MrPRScollector]

Yes. They have a tool on their website that matches the proper sub for your speakers

[@craigforeman903]

The difference is night and day. Nice demo. What were the models used? Speakers and sub?

[@erics.4113]

They look like my Sonus Faber Toy Towers! I run mine with a pair of T/7x and it's such an enjoyable full-sounding, complete system.

[@RELAcoustics]

@@craigforeman903 toy towers and a s/510

[@brentcollins9727]

I love my two REL’s

[@RELAcoustics]

[@EricCabrera-x2e]

To listen to this demo, I used a brand new set of Adam Audio H200 headphones with a frequency response of 2 Hz to 23.5 kHz. There's unquestionably a clear and distinct difference in bass performance particularly; of course, I was not at all surprised. However, for the main speakers, microphone placement very close to the midrange driver & significantly further away from the bass driver is not ideal. Depending of course on the type of microphone, this may not convey the full range performance capability of the mains. In the future, I would like to see this same demo with only two microphones placed at the LISTENING position. Doing so would include the acoustics of the room and would likely show how much better those SF speakers are in real world settings. It would also convey the full scale of bass dynamics from the Rel Sub just as much if not more. As an owner of a pair of Rel HT/1510 Predators, I can attest to the differences with and without; there's no way to really appreciate how much better both music and home theatre is in full frequency range inclusive of a really good pair of subwoofers!

[@igo723]

Dear John, thank you indeed. I wonder if you can upload these tracks or alternatively provide the link for the original file. It is really not so easy to locate it at amazon or/and apple music.

[@RELAcoustics]

The track used in this video is called "On my Mind", by Pierre Antoine Sylverstre, Frederic Dubois & Alvin Amaizo. It's track 7 on their album "Soul Taste".

[@Shepard557]

Thanks John, enjoying that demo track and the album on Quobuz 👍

[@MrPRScollector]

What is it please.

[@Shepard557]

@ Check the end of Johns video for album name…. Its called Soul Taste by Pierre Antoine Sylvestre 👍

[@MrPRScollector]

@@Shepard557 Thanks for the reply.

[@paulburke9198]

some (unbiased) advice please , I have Dynaudio Emit 20 's in a room about four square'. any suggestion for "the right" sub. and would it even make much difference.?.

[@MrPRScollector]

This info can be obtained from their website by entering speakers, room size and primary use.

[@blue6point62]

I had another brand sub and thought it was good until I got a REL. Turned out my old sub played one note. With the REL I now know what instrument is making the bass and with incredible realism.

[@martinolson761]

I'm about a month into incorporating dual T/9x's into my system. Just as John alludes to here, the soundstage opened up, got bigger yet more precise. Awesome improvements from everything to the mellowest track all the way to mind blowing pressurization and power in something like old school Genesis....could not be happier, unless I had more budget...LOL.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for your business and we are very glad you are able to experience the difference our subwoofer can make to a system.

[@louv4437]

Great demo thank you! Do most high end amplifiers both tube and solid state have connections for two sub connections or just one? Also do you recommend two or just one for the best sound? Thanks!!

[@RELAcoustics]

Thank you for watching. When possible we do recommend running two subwoofers in a stereo pair configuration, though you can still get great performance when using a single subwoofer. Most amplifiers have RCA pre-outs which can be used for connecting to a single or pair of subwoofers, though to get the best possible performance we recommend using our High Level input to connect the subwoofer, which is a proprietary speaker-level connection. The High Level input allows a single or pair of subwoofers to connect to practically any amplifier, since it connects to the same output terminals as your main speaker wire is connected to.

[@louv4437]

@ thank you for taking the time to reply! One last question in your S series you have a model that is a double stack, is that as good as two individual subs or works differently because it’s in one chassis? Thank you!

[@RELAcoustics]

@ I believe you are referring to the 212/SX. That model has one crossover knob and one volume control so it’s acts as a single unit driver both drivers the same. A stacked set of S/812 has 2 different set of controls because they are 2 units so each unit can be timed individually. They are very different in application. The 212/SX is for tons of output in larger rooms. A stacked set of subs is for line arrays. Go to our site and search line array and read up on them.

[@louv4437]

@ thank you for taking the time to educate me! Happy thanksgiving to you and yours!

[@floz9718]

I don't quite understand the parameters of that test. If you just unplug the subwoofer without changing the setting on the crossover, you loose the whole frequency spectrum, the subwoofer was playing, so of course it would sound incredibely thin. Or was there no crossover implented whatsoever? So the sub actually played the same signal as the speakers, which were operating full range? Could be of course but it sure sounds like there was a XO implemented and they just didn't bother to let the speakers play full range. Also, was there another mic recording at the listening position? Because if you take the sound from right up against the speakers, like the mics we see, it won't capture what you'd hear at the listening position sinec bass frequencies are vastly different depending on where you are in the room realtive to the speakers(subwoofers).

[@RELAcoustics]

The speaker are playing a full rang signal. The rel came in underneath and extended the range. That’s what we were trying to highlight

[@floz9718]

@@RELAcoustics Thx for the explanation. So the mics we see in the video are the ones which recorded this track?

[@RELAcoustics]

@@floz9718 That is correct, the audio you hear in this video was recorded at the same time as the picture/video, using the microphones shown in front of the speakers and subwoofer.

[@RELAcoustics]

@ the mics in the video were used to record the output from the speakers and the subwoofer not the actually original recording

[@L7F0X]

i cant go back to my system listening without a pair of REL

[@RELAcoustics]

Same here. Even the most expensive speakers benefit from a pair of REL subwoofers.

[@gingerninja7187]

Great video, definitely shows the difference between subwoofer on and of ,yes makes a huge difference when on , but some may say with any subwoofer you would get this result, I have rels myself, and using the high level cable the speakers and subwoofer are in perfect time with each other,

[@RELAcoustics]

The High Level connection just makes logical sense.

[@gingerninja7187]

@ yes it’s just the perfect match, no messing about

[@msizemore1487]

I have 80k n a 2-channel system...two T/x9's and it finally makes sense.

[@RELAcoustics]

So glad you found us.

[@chrisharris1522]

Just ordered my T-zero it was sitting in my cart for a couple of months hoping for a Black Friday deal, no luck heh. I am looking forward to seeing what difference it will make for me

[@wr7629]

i was a non believer at first and thought the REL is all marketing. But after comparing it with SVS, the REL is so much better!! ALL i heard from the SVS is just one note BASS. no matter what setting i input into the SVS app.. Brought the 510 and tune it with REW. as what John said many time, people tune the sub to high and output too low. when the tuning is too high, there is a cancellation in the bass region around 80 to 120 hz with my main speaker.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for the comment... we've been at this for a long time fighting the good fight for sound and hearing customer testimonials like this warms our hearts. SO glad you able to experience what a REL can do for you.

[@byronb.]

Cool demo. HiFi KZbinr Creators should take notes on your recording technique.

[@paatalazzume5224]

My Rel G2 brings a phenomenal change to my bookshelf Troels gravessen iluminator, which sounds big with fantastic low quality 🎉

[@RELAcoustics]

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Can a REL subwoofer be added to a system that is comprised of a pair of Klipsch AL5 LaScalas powered by a PrimaLuna EV 300 integrated tube amplifier? I am unsure given how little power is being used by the system to play music. I am not sure enough watts are being sent out of the EVO 300 to sufficiently trigger the REL and, in turn, power the LaScalas. Might anyone know because we would choose to run a pair of REL subs with one for each speaker/channel if they could work in this highly efficient, low watts system. The LaScalas would certainly benefit from a REL subwoofer. Thanks!

[@RELAcoustics]

The HT predator as a pair connected low level or a pair of 212/sx is the way to go

[@Tnapvrvideo]

If you feel that a pair of 212/sx subs would work with so few watts, that would be fantastic. Thank you!

[@RELAcoustics]

@@Tnapvrvideo you should contact the office by emailing [e-mail]

[@philipgardiner2003]

Mmmm…not sure the distinction is enough to make me go OMG, I have to get subwoofer.

[@RELAcoustics]

An in person demonstration at a dealer is far more impactful. Find a dealer near you www.rel.net/dealers

[@Vinod_Audiophile]

The difference is there, it adds up bass and big bottom end, but personally I prefer the sound without the sub on. Because, with the sub the texture kind of masked by the subs and looses grip in the lower midbass.

[@rags015]

The only difference is in the drums. More impact with the sub. The piano and guitar sound just about the same. Could you also do one with one of Yo-Yo Ma’s cello recordings? I’d like to know if a sub makes a difference in classical music? Cellos, double bass, the organ, etc.

[@RELAcoustics]

Good Question! A REL subwoofer will 100% improve a Classical recording, not only the low end instruments but also the space where they were recorded. We often use tracks without bass to show how there is bass even when you don't think so. In one of our famous demos, we use a piccolo solo to highlight how much the space opens up when adding a REL is added. We strongly suggest heading to a dealer and listening in person. You can bring your own music or make a request. A REL dealer is going to able to perform the exact same REL in, REL out, REL in demo and in person it's even more dramatic and tactile than what this video produces. To find a local dealer visit this link rel.net/dealers

[@RELAcoustics]

This article is a good one rel.net/blog/2018-03-30/reconsider/the-best-subwoofer-for-music/

[@gavinhadley7672]

..I’ve owned many prs of full range speakers and have always run parallel subs. Properly positioned with reasonable levels improve the soundstage immensely..

[@RELAcoustics]

Totally agree

[@mauricecuffee7220]

Next time do it with two RELs with none/one/both in.

[@RELAcoustics]

great idea!!!

[@pironi2405]

There is not much discussion here, a subwoofer is a subwoofer and nothing can replace it.

[@Cowplunk]

I am not against subwoofers at all but do not feel they are necessary with better tower speakers like my Martin Logan XT F100s. I tried adding a sub and found that all it did was add room vibrations, and yes, I know how to properly dial in a subwoofer. I think a lot of people prefer exaggerated bass. I prefer a neutral sound.

[@RELAcoustics]

What sub did you try?

[@vijwilso]

Though it’s sounds bigger with subwoofer , the drum lost it’s realism and texture. Its sounds more like a sub than a drum. Without sub it’s more natural, musical and engaging

[@RELAcoustics]

Keep in mind your listening on headphones not a real system in an open room. This is just a snippet of the dramatic impact a REL does however in person is a far better demo.

[@PCM-mc5xy]

Very noticeable.

[@Giantidiot]

Thanks for the demo. There are two things that I think need to be improved: first and foremost, making demonstrative gestures and literally telling the listener what to hear is certainly not impartial testing. It's meant to tell the listener what they are hearing instead of letting them decide for themselves. Second, it would be far better to not tell listeners when they are hearing the subwoofer or not until after they have listened to tracks. Could you please repeat the demonstration with these two--I think necessary--changes?

[@Hoogduin1]

I wish I had the money for a Rel....

[@Eric_DiRisio]

oh my. 😂❤

[@jarmohyvarinen5291]

I have old Rel Q50 and after listening this, my impressions are the same;- Soundstage gets more open and bigger and overall sound gets a little bit rounder/softer. Same thing With stand speakers and with floor standers.

[@RELAcoustics]

don't forget the added extension. 🤗

[@tagtag-connected5263]

For moderate speakers under 4k you need subs. Have 2 RELs and they are transparent. It’s shocking actually when you unplug the RELs how weak your main speakers are. They just cannot do the job dedicated subs do. The only speakers I have heard under 40k that sounded actually better than subs were B&W 801 D4 for dedicated 2 channel listening. To get anywhere close to that level you need to spend thousands and even then you are getting only slightly better range with moderate speakers + REL. moderate speakers + REL augmenting main speakers using the same feeds for 2 Chanel is the sweet spot.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for the feedback. In our experience every speaker all the way up to 6 figure speakers benefit from having a REL. I bet that B&Ws system would have sung with a pair of Serie S. Room and speaker position also plays a huge part. It sounds like those speakers were set up flawlessly 🎉

[@dennisw4654]

I have 2 REL S510's in my system and am wowed by their presentation. That being said, I do not feel the demo was realistic. Ideally, there should be two mics at the listening position to mimic what the sweet spot would hear. So all would understand the contribution the makes or takes away from the sound. Placing the mics directly in front of the drivers only tell us what the speaker output is.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for the feedback. The goal is to show the difference in the cleanest way possible. Maybe we'll pick up the correct mics for room recording and do it again.

[@ralex3697]

I sold my REL, just doesn’t do it for me.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Anemic 20.7s couple years 2/Rel Carbon Specials center

[@RELAcoustics]

[@hitechburg]

Subwoofers should be used in pairs. My 2 SVS SB-16 Ultras produce live performance BASS with visceral impact.

[@RELAcoustics]

Pairs are definitely better than a single and one is better than zero but the best is 6 🤪. Space is often a limiting factor but for those fortunate enough to have a room that'll accommodate a pair I'm sure will all agree the leap up from a single to a stereo pair is dramatic.

[@phaniprakashramayanam9864]

The tower speaks are also able generate good base. That is why the difference we could find is marginal. 😢

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

thanks for the demo. wouldn't it be a more fair demo with stereo mic setup in the listening position instead of near field recording.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for the feedback... maybe something like that might happen in the future.

[@kingtubbyleeperry]

The best subwoofer is a second subwoofer.

[@edwardheynes3880]

I have a much cheaper (but still good and musical) subwoofer than a REL, and I can never go back to 2-channel listening without a sub. Everything in the sound is improved with a good sub.

[@RELAcoustics]

A Ferrari and a Honda civic both get you to point B. However both provide a different experience

[@edwardheynes3880]

@RELAcoustics I am on your side of the argument here.

[@jiangrichard1127]

If you use a poor bass stereo speaker, of course sub woofer fill up the blank.

[@davidrivera2165]

Meh! Sorry, not a true in room demo. Mics less than 1 meter from drivers in a well acoustically treated room does not equate to what the system would sound in a "budget" conscious room. REL subs are excellent for music, that is unquestionable. The demo itself is nonetheless misleading, in my opinion.

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for the feedback. Another thing to note is the impact and feeling can't be felt like a real demo. This is a basic attempt to highlight the difference a REL makes to a system showing an A/b comparison, this is nothing like a true demo in a store or a friends home.

[@DynissRainer]

Mostly agree. A strong demo would have broad-range Left-Right microphones at the equivalent of a seated listener's position.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

ok, now, let's do the opposite. Bring in some quality speakers with 15 inch woofers and see if you can add to those. I'm not doubting REL subs or pushing another brand I just want to see what it can add to a more advanced system.

[@ralex3697]

Agree

[@vinoheart]

idiot quality speakrs, 15 inch woofer, price sky rockets, sure better SQ, ... but here normal day to day speakers with simple amp plus basic rel sub... great sound.. half price of ur idiotic idea.

[@GBatya]

You are right, with the right size speaker sub is not necessary. Mostly the integration is better too.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@vinoheart "Idiot quality speakers" What in the hell does that even mean? My comment wasn't about someone with MORE MONEY than you, so stop "jumping the gun" and taking things personally! Maybe think before you type (if you can even think.) In fact, one can buy a low cost quality speaker with 15 inch woofers in the used market even if that speaker was built 35-40 years ago. You automatically think I must be talking about speakers that cost $200,000 dollars or more. *You are wrong!* I do not have the money for those speakers! You are the one showing your idiotic thoughts!

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@GBatya Not at all true. Just because a speaker has a 15 inch woofer that does not mean you will get the lows of a sub-woofer. It doesn't work that way. Sub-woofers work in a completely different manor. In fact, the 15 inch woofer is slowly going away in these very high priced speakers (you haven't noticed?) They're still out there, but as I said disappearing. 15 inch woofers were the norm for floor standers for many decades, and yes, there's a big difference in floor standers and bookshelf. Today, most (not all.) of what were called bookshelf are now on speaker stands, Not at all common back in the day.

[@alfix7]

Cringy demo..

[@RELAcoustics]

Thanks for the feedback. Would love to hear your thoughts on how we can improve.

[@miscreant1739]

For those shopping, any reasonable sub does this.

[@samidebs3559]

I had many good subs in the last 25 years but no others sub sounds like a Rel🤙

[@mitchellburns92]

Couldn’t be more wrong

[@gazeepthesheep]

I have had a few different subs and they are not all the same 🤣

[@miscreant1739]

Didn’t mean to anger the REL cultists, but now that it’s done… you do know that REL subs are a joke right? Overpriced jewelry that doesn’t perform. Step outside your echo chamber and you will see that many groups laugh at REL owners and tell them to get a real sub. Can’t play loud or low without sounding like a mess. I guess they work for listening to vinyl at 70db haha

[@Adam-Builds-It]

As a sound engineer I don't know why the terms small and compressed are being used when the subwoofer is unplugged. Nothing is being compressed. If those floor standing speakers roll off at say 45hz -3db , when the sub is added the system probably extends down to around 25hz -3db. If those speakers used were larger with bigger bass divers, the sub would have less of an impact in the frequency response. That sub being a design for home , is a very small cabinet, with a large drive unit. So the speaker will have to be forced to work harder at low frequencies with electronics that boost those lower octives. Nothing clever going on here.