REL T1 or REL R-205?

[westcoastman]

I am looking at replacing my aging Mirage FRx-S8 subwoofer with a Rel T1 or R-205. The Mirage goes down to 29Hz and works well with this limitation but I am looking for that extra audible depth. I use it mostly for music but like that extra little depth when watching movies or television. I listen to music at moderate levels as condo living just does not allow higher levels. I just have stereo.

Which is recommended, the Rel T1 or R-205, as a good replacement that will take me to the new depths?

I see the T1 has a class A/B amp while the R-205 is a class D. Is this something I should consider and why?

[Sniper]

Apart from any audible differences between class a/b and d, class d will run your electricity bill lower!
I doubt anyone should purchase a sub based solely on amp class thou'!

Anyway - i've not heard any of the two RELs you mention - but BK suggest their XLS300/PR has similar performance to the REL T1, for less money. Just a tought!

[russ.will]

The R305 was one of the single worst measure performances I've ever seen and struggled to offer clean bass at even moderate floorstander depths. The Smaller R205 is not going to improve on this.

The T1 on the other hand, being a passive radiator design, does offer a significant increase in depth at the slight cost of ultimate SPL capability. This is not a problem in your case and has been shown to be a clean little sub at these volumes.

I wouldn't loose any sleep over the class of amplification. In subwoofer terms 300w is 300w as long as it is quoted honestly.

Sniper is right, the BK is basically very similar for less money (£400 v £550 approx) and would be equally capable of working with the Speakercraft SLS2s with their quoted 80Hz bottom end. I expect any performance differences to be minimal, with looks and if you think dealer support is worth paying for, being the main reasons to choose one over the other.

Russell