REL Serie Subwoofers Take on Internet Direct Brands

[gene]

The British subwoofer specialist REL Acoustics has been building audiophile-approved subs since 1990. Their new Serie subs ditch the speaker level connections which they used to favor as the "preferred" connection method and instead went line level only with emphasis on home theater integration.

REL subs have traditionally been on the pricey side, so it may come as a pleasant surprise that the Serie HT models are very reasonably priced. The $699 HT/1205 combines a 12” long-travel driver with a 500-watt class D power amplifier. For smaller spaces and lower budgets, the $499 HT/1003 delivers 300 watts to a 10” driver. These prices and specs place the REL Serie HT subs in direct competition with highly respected models from the likes of SVS and HSU Research.

Read: REL Serie Subwoofers Take On Internet Direct Brands

 

[lovinthehd]

I've lately been wondering about this very thing, since their reputation/price seems to keep them from most serious consideration aside from the "audiophile" 2ch magazine kinda crowd. Always figured they could compete if they wanted. Interesting they're abandoning their high level shtick to chase the larger market. Have just glanced at it to see if you measured yet, is shadyj getting a set in the near future?

Just why do I gotta have it, tho?

 

[shadyJ]

I've lately been wondering about this very thing, since their reputation/price seems to keep them from most serious consideration aside from the "audiophile" 2ch magazine kinda crowd. Always figured they could compete if they wanted. Interesting they're abandoning their high level shtick to chase the larger market. Have just glanced at it to see if you measured yet, is shadyj getting a set in the near future?

Just why do I gotta have it, tho?

No plans to review one of these at the moment from myself, but that could change.

This pricing and specs pits their 12" right against the SVS SB2000. I would be curious to see how they compare. The thing about Hsu, SVS and many other of the internet direct brands is that they are aggressive about getting their products measured so consumers can see what they are capable of, so if Rel wants to play in that sandbox, they should think about getting some third party measurements out there- if the product is competitive in performance. That is what kick starts online interest in these kind of products.

Another thing, I wouldn't mind seeing a 15" from this series.

 

[Mark M]

I have 2 of these (HT-1205) and they are great!

 

[everettT]

Price to performance, it's not as strong as I'd want.

 

[lovinthehd]

Price to performance, it's not as strong as I'd want.

Hard to know without any spec or measurement....but knowing Rel's past offerings probably still not up to snuff.

 

[John Parks]

Hard to know without any spec or measurement....but knowing Rel's past offerings probably still not up to snuff.

In what way are they "not up to snuff"? I'm not trying to be argumentative - I am genuinely curious. I've never owned any REL product, but they seem to have a great reputation. It seems like this new line was developed to be directly competitive, as far as published specs and pricing go, with SVS's SB-1000 and 2000.

 

[lovinthehd]

They tend to be overpriced primarily. They're not particularly bad but lack extension and spl capabilities generally compared to many others priced much lower. Some models have some nice looking cabinets and finishes altho not particularly noteworthy IMO. Maybe in their home of UK they're priced better traditionally.

In what way are they "not up to snuff"? I'm not trying to be argumentative - I am genuinely curious. I've never owned any REL product, but they seem to have a great reputation. It seems like this new line was developed to be directly competitive, as far as published specs and pricing go, with SVS's SB-1000 and 2000.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

There is something really offputting for me to see branding on sub's feet... or is it just me or is this really tacky?

 

[John Parks]

There is something really offputting for me to see branding on sub's feet... or is it just me or is this really tacky?

Yeah, those feet do look a little cheesy don't they?

By my count there are at least (11) badges. My HSU has (2).

 

[MR.MAGOO]

Yeah, those feet do look a little cheesy don't they?
View attachment 27982
By my count there are at least (11) badges. My HSU has (2).

Yea, that strikes me as excessive, however, isn't a sub usually placed out of sight anyway, so does it really matter.

 

[John Parks]

Yea, that strikes me as excessive, however, isn't a sub usually placed out of sight anyway, so does it really matter.

Well, some folks (like me) prefer our equipment to be aesthetically pleasing - especially if it cannot be tucked out of sight (again, like me). Actually, gaudy feet aside, it is a pretty nice looking sub. It looks nicer (to me) than its direct SVS competition (black ash finish, not gloss - which is $100 more). The laminate appears to be very similar to the new KEF Q series. I know it sounds silly, but slap some SVS SoundPath feet on 'em and you have quite a looker on your hands.

Besides, what do you care? You can't see anything anyway, Mr. Magoo!

 

[Dmantis10]

I've been Installing setting up and dealing with REL for decades. I think this move is a good thing for them. YES they cost more then SVS but they where/ Are offered in retail spaces which need to make a profit.

As far as performance they are not the very best choice for Theater people who want maximum SPL and the lowest extension possible. BUT they do perform amazingly flat and clean. They integrate into ones system as good or better then most subs on the market. They are also not SVS size even their biggest models are not of the size of the big SVS models.
What REL is very good at is 2 channel music. They are super clean clear and dig low and completely fool you into thinking they are not making bass and the 2 speakers you are using to listen to music are reproducing the bass.
fit finish and quality is also not notch.

 

[John Parks]

I've been Installing setting up and dealing with REL for decades. I think this move is a good thing for them. YES they cost more then SVS but they where/ Are offered in retail spaces which need to make a profit.

As far as performance they are not the very best choice for Theater people who want maximum SPL and the lowest extension possible. BUT they do perform amazingly flat and clean. They integrate into ones system as good or better then most subs on the market. They are also not SVS size even their biggest models are not of the size of the big SVS models.
What REL is very good at is 2 channel music. They are super clean clear and dig low and completely fool you into thinking they are not making bass and the 2 speakers you are using to listen to music are reproducing the bass.
fit finish and quality is also not notch.

I like your avatar! I designed one of the last Tweeter stores, which was in North Dallas (just north of the Galleria, in case anyone was interested). They were just getting into home integration when they went belly-up...

And I agree about REL and two channel audio. Even though their subs can certainly be used for HT, it is interesting seeing them market as such.

 

[everettT]

This is for the t5

Not a great looking at this measurement

The only other reviewe I could find was for the $3599 sub but the pdf is too large to attach
https://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/rel-serie-s5-subwoofer-review-and-test-399133
Dosent look that great at all for the price.

 

[everettT]

I like your avatar! I designed one of the last Tweeter stores, which was in North Dallas (just north of the Galleria, in case anyone was interested). They were just getting into home integration when they went belly-up...

And I agree about REL and two channel audio. Even though their subs can certainly be used for HT, it is interesting seeing them market as such.

Bought sound advice for custom installs then drove both companies into the ground.

 

[lovinthehd]

To be fair the T5 is an 8" woofer, hard to call something like this a subwoofer (except for many of the two ch folk who love stuff like small subs because they think they're tighter and faster based on size). LOL

This is for the t5
View attachment 27987
Not a great looking at this measurement

The only other reviewe I could find was for the $3599 sub but the pdf is too large to attach
https://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/rel-serie-s5-subwoofer-review-and-test-399133
Dosent look that great at all for the price.

 

[Steve81]

Measurements done by Ilkka of a couple of their older models weren't exactly awe inspiring, but it'd be interesting to see how much REL has progressed in the last decade or so.

https://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests-archived/990-rel-r-305-a.html
https://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests-archived/991-rel-storm-5-a.html

 

[everettT]

To be fair the T5 is an 8" woofer, hard to call something like this a subwoofer (except for many of the two ch folk who love stuff like small subs because they think they're tighter and faster based on size). LOL

Agree, but no top end at all. IMHO not worth a companies time. Looks like deftech supercube entry level responce shape.

 

[lovinthehd]

Maybe not top end but that ridiculous thing's msrp is $600! Then again many in the 2ch crowd love overpaying for mediocrity.

Agree, but no top end at all. IMHO not worth a companies time. Looks like deftech supercube entry level responce shape.