Upgrade REL 150 Mk II

banyantree · 18-11-2009, 3:38 AM

My REL transformer just went and it will cost me to repair the sub and was thinking perhaps now is time to upgrade the sub. I love the REL for music although I mostly use it for movies.
My budget is around 600 - 800 pounds and I was looking at the Velodyne series as an upgrade. My current room size is around 8m x 4m. I like the idea of the self callibration for the Velodyne but is this just a gimmick?
Which model would you recommend i go for or should i just stick with the REL's and save some money? How about the B&W's?

Moonfly · 18-11-2009, 6:30 PM

BK, made subs and supplied parts for Rel for some time. If you like REL, then a Monolith and perhaps the Antimode auto EQ would be the way forward. You'll be very impressed with the results.

Ian J · 18-11-2009, 6:38 PM

What he said ↑

banyantree · 19-11-2009, 3:01 AM

I'm concerned with the size of the monolith and what is an antimode eq? I was happy with the compact size of the REL. Sorry but not an expert when it comes to Subwoofers.

I guess what Im asking is will I notice a huge difference if I invest in a new sub at around 600 pounds or should i just cough up the 100 pounds to repair it.

Moonfly · 19-11-2009, 9:45 AM

You will notice a huge difference. I used to have a Q100 so I know. The sound quality of the Rels is excellent, but modern subs take into account the growing trend in home cinema, and the the extra deep bass content they have. Old Rels were never really designed to reproduce 20hz effects with major authority, as such modern subs like the Monolith wipe the floor with the old Rels for films, and the difference really is night and day.

Have you noticed the old Rel cut out on films when you play a little louder? I know my old one did. The Monolith simply wont do this till really pushed hard, harder than general use would require. The link between Rel and BK should bring some comfort in that the similar sound quality will be to your liking as well.

The antimode is the one box auto eq solution. Its similar to what Velodyne have built into their subs, but without me going into boring detail, its better.

A Monolith (or XLS400 if size is an issue) with the antimode will come in at around 600, and nothing will be better for the money. I cant see the SVS offerings giving you much more than a Monolith, and they are just as big. The SQ of the Monolith will be better than everything but the Ultra subs from SVS, and they are way above budget and size constraints.

In short, the Monolith or XLS400 with the antimode is going to be as good as it gets really for £600ish. If you want to save money, Russell might just be about ready to sell his Monolith too, I could ask if your interested, or point him to this thread?

**IronGiant** · 19-11-2009, 10:47 AM

I'm fairly sure it's already sold Dan.

Dave

Edit: Yup, picked up by a very satisfied new owner on 10/11/09...

Moonfly · 19-11-2009, 11:01 AM

Doh, I missed that one. Still worth keeping an eye out in the classifieds, they do come up.

**IronGiant** · 19-11-2009, 11:03 AM

I think he sold it before the glue had even set on the replacement(s)

Dave

Suave · 19-11-2009, 3:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonfly;[B

The sound quality of the Rels is excellent, but modern subs take into account the growing trend in home cinema, and the the extra deep bass content they have. Old Rels were never really designed to reproduce 20hz effects with major authority, as such modern subs like the Monolith wipe the floor with the old Rels for films, and the difference really is night and day.[/B]

Hi,

Is this the case between a REL Q200E/Q150E & say between a BK XLS-200? Would there still be that much of a difference between the older REL's & newer BK when it comes to movies & the extra deep bass content?

Suave!

Moonfly · 19-11-2009, 6:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suave

Hi,

Is this the case between a REL Q200E/Q150E & say between a BK XLS-200? Would there still be that much of a difference between the older REL's & newer BK when it comes to movies & the extra deep bass content?

Suave!

Tough to say, probably not much in it really. The peerless XXLS drivers will no doubt have more excursion than than the older REL drivers (which were unremarkable drivers really), which translates as more volume, and probably less distortion. The new BK's probably sound very similar but with a touch more performance. How noticeable this might be is hard to say, and I can only go of specs as Ive not heard the new BK sub.