I was thinking of posting a message today asking if a Speakers forum was in the pipeline. Ta da as if by magic one appears.

So lets get this one started.

I currently have a Yamaha YST 90 sub, I was wondering what difference a REL or something that is two or three times the price of the Yamaha would be. Also is there any benefit in having two (or more) subs in a set up?

Hi neilbennett,

I personally don't have 2 subs (Actually, I might be buying my first today), but I've been reading a lot, and a lot of people seem to agree that two subs fill better a room than one.

The same peolpe also seem to agree about the dificulty of ideal placement, in order for the two subs not "anulating" eachother's effect.

If I buy the Sub today, it will be a REL Q100E

Rui

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An adult is just a kid with expensive toys.

Rui

The REL subs are in a different league. What, out of interest are the specs on the Yamaha (quoted lower frequency, cut-off frequencies, power etc)?
A REL Q100e, for example, should be much better.

The Spec of the Yamaha 90 are as follows,

Driver 20cm
High Cut Filter 50 - 150Hz variable
Output 100w
Frequency Response 23-170 Hz (–10 dB)


Neil

Actually that's not a bad spec if it goes down flat to 23Hz.
Still REL subs are very popular with very good reason. It's likely that the unseen electrical elements of a REL sub will be far superior to the mass-market electronic components in subs like the Yam. Chances are the filter, amp, protection and power supply components are better. But that's just a guess based on what I've seen about REL construction.
Try it and a REL side by side and let us know what you think.

For anyone who is interested the Yamaha spec. 23-170Hz (-10db) is accurate, but does not tell the whole story. It would not be flat to 23Hz, that is the lowest frequency it can produce at -10db. What that means is at 23Hz it will produce less than 1/3 the SPL it would produce at...say 60Hz.
I would imagine the real world performance would be somthing like flat to 50Hz and severe rolloff below 40Hz. I suggest looking on the Yamaha website, they may have a graph showing the performance of this sub.
If you are taking votes, I vote for the Rel. You may also want to take a look at Paradigm,Definitive,Velodyne as they also manufacture good quality, budget minded subs.

[Matt F]

If we're voting on the best subs then we mustn't forget M&K who arguably make the best subs known to man, albeit at a price.

Having said that, their cheapest model (the VX7 MKII) is supposed to be very good and is very small too - might be worth comparing that one against the Q100.

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This is a local shop for local people - there's nothing for you here!

[Reiner]

Compare Monitor Audio ASW110 against the REL Q100E if you can, IMHO a worthy alternative with a small footprint and fast yet tight bass.