REL Acoustics vs. MJ Acoustics

[esquire415]

I would like to ask if anyone has compared the following small subs. I have been wavering between these two brands:

REL Quake vs. the MJ Reference 100
or
REL Q150E Mk II vs. MJ Reference 150
or
REL Q200E/Q201E vs. MJ Reference 200

Which one goes deeper, tighter, and produced more musical bass?

 

[Crustyloafer]

You should really be looking at the REL ST series if you want tight musical bass, the Q series sound a bit sloppy in comparison. The REL Stampede and Strata 5 would both be good options.

As for the MJ subwoofers, I used to be a fan, had a Reference 1 for a while. That was until a colleague of mine was playing about with one and happend to have it hooked up to a stereo system without any other speakers attached. It was then I noticed I coulod hear midrange and some treble coming through the MJ subwoofer. We tried lowering the crossover to its lowest point, still there was noticeable leakage coming through the crossover of frequencies that shouldn't have been there. We tried this with several other MJ models inluding my own and they all did the same. I have since purchased a REL Stentor 3 and have not looked back.

If you are on a really tight budget then the Quake can be quite musical but I wouldn't bother with the Q150 or Q201 for music. Ultimately though you should really go and audition all of these subs, we have everything up to the REL Storm 5 in our store and I think many other stores will too.

 

[esquire415]

Hi Crusty,

Thanks for your response. Yes I am in a tight budget that's why I was looking at the Q series from REL and I need something really small due to sub placement constraints. Why do you think I shouldn't bother with the Q150 and/or Q201? Anything wrong with them? Well, they may be over my budget anyway. I see you are no longer a fan of MJ. Did you test the lower models Reference 100/150/200? Do you think they will have the same problems as the Reference 1? I am from the US and there is only one dealer for the MJ subs located in Pennsylvania (I'm from San Francisco) so I don't think I will be able to test that in person anyway. I was just curious as to how their subs can go down to as low as 13Hz. I emailed MJ about this and got an empty response. Incidentally, Martin Logan came out with the Dynamo. It's cheaper and smaller than their Grotto sub and within my budget. B&W also came out with the round PV1 which can go down to 18Hz @ -6dB! I'm not big on the shape though. I have not seen both in the stores yet.

 

[Ian J]

I was just curious as to how their subs can go down to as low as 13Hz.

The same way that a small family car can do 150 mph - downhill and with a strong following wind.

The REL Q200 is OK but in the Uk is overpriced for what it offers. The Q150 is less capable but still over priced.

If space is at a premium how do the B&W ASW675 and The Velodyne SPL series subs compare pricewise.

 

[Crustyloafer]

Hi Crusty,

Thanks for your response. Yes I am in a tight budget that's why I was looking at the Q series from REL and I need something really small due to sub placement constraints. Why do you think I shouldn't bother with the Q150 and/or Q201? Anything wrong with them? Well, they may be over my budget anyway. I see you are no longer a fan of MJ. Did you test the lower models Reference 100/150/200? Do you think they will have the same problems as the Reference 1? I am from the US and there is only one dealer for the MJ subs located in Pennsylvania (I'm from San Francisco) so I don't think I will be able to test that in person anyway. I was just curious as to how their subs can go down to as low as 13Hz. I emailed MJ about this and got an empty response. Incidentally, Martin Logan came out with the Dynamo. It's cheaper and smaller than their Grotto sub and within my budget. B&W also came out with the round PV1 which can go down to 18Hz @ -6dB! I'm not big on the shape though. I have not seen both in the stores yet.

1. The Q150 and Q201 are fine for movies but a little slow sounding for music, you'd be better off with the Stampede

2. I tested all of the MJ models we had in the shop at the time which were the Pro 50, Ref 100, Ref 150 and Ref 1.

3. The B&W PV1 is not bad but a bit overpriced, it doesn't go very low at all, i think the ASW675 sounds better.

 

[zoolander]

I agree wiv crusty on the Q series, great fun for movies, nice meaty bass(abit slow tho) i upgraded from Q150 to Strata III which is a far better sub for both movies and music. The Q150 isnt a bad sub but its designed for home cinema in mind. And even if a sub reachs 13hz u wont hear it, ul just feel it. The Strata III plays flat at 20hz which is more than enough for most music and movies. Im sure the latest generation of Rels are just as good if not better and with the convenience of a remote you cant go wrong really!

Zoo

 

[pwood]

I was in a similar position regards decent music ability Vs cost and the REL Quake was the best around at the price IMHO. If you want to play movies at mega high volumes then the Quake will bottom out (Sky Captain ATWOT gave mine a hernia last night!) as REL are only sold at mainly decent retailers you should be able to get one home for a demo.