robin3989
Active Member
Thanks aeroash! The bass has definitely improved since yesterday, i now have to complete the FINAL BREAK-IN as REL recommends. This requires 10 hours of continuous music playback at low to medium volume levels. I'm worried about the power amp, which might suffer due to thermal stress. I'll hook up the old SMSL SA-98 class D (doesn't run hot) to effectively perform this process. I'll share the updates post the final break-in.What you have described is a perfect sub for music. A sub should add body (read: stage and depth) without being able to pinpoint its location. A music sub is not meant to be punchy ( unless that's what you were going for, to begin with). I have no experience with REL, but from what I have read, you have described the characteristic of REL precisely. REL owners should corroborate this. Think of the sound of the sub as luxurious, rather than SLAM, BAM, WHAM!
I understand that the mind has become cluttered with so many inputs and assumptions. The problem here is, i have listened to SVS SB2000 before purchasing REL T5/i. It was punchy and delivering chest pounding bass, i'm now trying different things to make REL sound as close to SVS which is a very BIG PROBLEM!! I realized.This takes 'trained ears'. You should know what to listen to. I was in a similar dilemma, but as time goes by you learn to 'Listen'. Audiophile tutorials online, mostly, are for audiophiles, they assume that you already have trained ears, once you do, it's easy. Have patience!
I have always been listening to classical, folk and blues at low volume levels. I have recently purchased an used Musical Fidelity A1 amp and hence decided REL T5/i to enhance the overall music experience. For now, the REL blends beautifully with the main speakers, i'm hoping few tweaks will further improve the experience. As you have pointed out, the more time i spend listening to the setup, the better i learn to 'listen'.