I had to watch this again. For me and all ive listened to over 50 years I dont think any other company makes a musical subwoofer as good as REL. For AVR useage i dont know . I use a ported SVS for movies that I don't enjoy with music . Im enjoying twin T9x subs on my Focal Choras . Very happy . Great video again .
A passive radiator design is not "a sealed box with extra bemefits of a port". It is by design like a bassreflex system with extra suspension of the passive radiator. It does not have better group delay than a bass reflex enclosure, actually it is usually the other way around. What makes it special is that designers can get away with much smaller boxes and still have low tuning frequency
Looking to get one of these for my LS50 Wireless II. I had the T5/x in the past and it was a small powerful beast and did much more for the sound than just adding bass. Everything was fuller, more dynamic and the soundstage and midrange opened up significantly.
I too am a little confused with the frequency response. First of all, thank you for showing that. From the looks of it, it seems to drop off like a cliff around 85hz for both the speakers and then with the subs. Almost as if there is some high-pass filter going on. Or that isn't the best location for producing frequencies 80hz and below. Or something else? I found for my dedicated rectangular room (9'x14'x7.5') that dual subs next to the speakers up front didn't produce the smoothest bass and a sort of diagonal setup was much better. So I really think it's room dependent but perhaps it's just my room.
My only complaint of the T9's is that they should have reference marks behind the three knobs so owners don't have to count the number of clicks of each knob (which is a pain in the A. .).
Im a little confused by the in room frequency response graph. I would have expected more of a measurable difference in the lower frequencies (red line) as it doesn’t appear you have much low frequency extension? However in the sound demo you can clearly hear some bass overlap between your kefs and the subs.
I understand, probably due to recording microphone was picking up more room than measurement one, I have figure out how to match them accurately in the future, thanks
Hii tharbamer! I was just wondering if you can make a video on how to connect subwoofer to stereo amplifier. Most amps don't have dedicated sub outs so an other option is to use speaker level connection but it's very confusing especially when subs have only one set of binding post. A video tutorial/ demo on this will be extremely helpful😊
Dear Tharbamar, i am very interested to buy the Accuphase E-4000 and want to chance my subwoofer from focal, the SW800 cobalt, into the REL T9x subwoofer. What is your advice in this combination? Thank you very much for the advice already.
I too have Rel subs (two 212/SX) and love them. I've paired them with Sound Labs 745 electrostatic speakers driven by Pass Labs 350.8 amp. Have you listened to Pass Labs gear? I think you'd be very impressed. Thanks for the videos!
How’s the performance with movies? I have R11s as well. 50%movies 50%music. REL recommends to pair R11s with s510. I’m leaning towards one t9 now and one more later
I’ve watched a few movies like Transformers The Last Knight and Mission Impossible Fallout etc in 2.2 set up, sounded very impactful and impressive, T9X is about 90% of S510, actually developed based on S510 technology and know how, dual T9X is better than single S510 for me, thanks
I usually use Drum n Bass to test out subwoofers sound quality. But I did have a an old CD and Cassette that I use for “Sound Tuning” for subwoofers. Not in my possession anymore. Great video by the way! 😁🙏🏼
Do you think I can get away with just one of these if pairing with B&W 706 s2? I don’t particularly want to spend thousands on subwoofers. My room is approx 25x15ft.
I personally don’t like the concept of 1 subwoofer with bookshelf speakers. Mid-bass hard drum kick would be lacking but again it depends on the type of music people listen to. If one chooses a smaller sub and that sub is placed in a corner then it would appear that the drummer is in the corner. Some bookshelf speakers can produce a decent amount of bass so 1 sub might work. Better to start with 1 sub and if not satisfied perhaps buy another.
Curious why you’ve opted for the T/9x compared to REL’s recommended sub pairing for your KEF, being the S/812? Have you listened whether the SQ difference justify the additional cost?
I think my Arendal 1723 1s is insanly musical and there is so much power and grunt when i need it to, i dont doubt rel t9x is s very good choise, its very limited in output
Hi Tharbamar, thanks a lot for all your videos. I am the owner of a T/9x and I want to change the high level cable by a better one (DIY). What cable should I use ? (Canare 4S11 or other). Thanks a lot ! Luc
How did you you connect it to your amplifier without a pre-out connection? Using the speaker line level, how did connect the black wire to your amplifier. Thank you!
All connection were made at speaker terminals, black goes to negative, Yellow and Red twisted together(each sub) connecting positive terminals, for single sub you have to connect yellow to left positive red to right positive terminals and black to one of negative terminal, that’s the best way connect for 2 channel system, Thanks
Time to get a mic and REW to integrate those near perfect with your speakers. It does make a serious difference. And takes out the guess work. Much faster than doing stuff by ear. And way more accurate
Sorry I’ve been doing REW for long time, thanks for the advice but I prefer to fine tune it with my ears, measurements don’t really matter in the end because it doesn’t know my taste, room and system like I do.
not the greatest pairing in terms of timing but definitely improves the 3D imaging of the sound. a pair of T7x might have worked better in this setup , with every respect in your reviews as i am a big fan of yours!
I have the T9i in white. Can I ask how many clicks do you have the LFE dial to I have about 18 is that correct for home cinema? I dont use the speakon cable just a phono from my receiver to the sub, great review thanks.
Hello! What is better for music 2xT9 (10'' 2x300W = 1 10'' 600W?) or 1xS812 (12'' 800W) ??? 2x10'' vs. 1x12'' ??? (Not 1xS510 is 500W, and 2xT9 2x300W plus two channels and A\B class). Or 2xREL S5 ? (2x12'' 2x500W) How much difference does the sound between the S5 and S812? If you don't count the volume? The price differs more than twice. Or 2xCanton Power Sub 12 ??? (2x300W vs 1xS812 800W) price 4x but what quality of bass? 🤔 2xT9x (10'' 300W A\B) vs 2xS5 (12'' 500W D) at the same cost ??? 🤔🤔 But here's the question: does it make sense to have two subwoofers if the crossover frequency is 40 Hz (after all, frequencies below 37 Hz are not localized by ear)? And if the crossover is set higher, how much better will the sound be in stereo? 🤔🤔🤔
This sounds like my type Sub. How do u think only 1 x REL t9x sub would sound in a larger room (20f wide x 30 feet long). Seated listening position is approx 15 feet from Speakers. I am big on high quality music fidelity, wanting big sound stage and prefer great bass and mid range articulation. do like playing gaming MW Call of Duty etc , low end rumble would be nice. HOW does it perform with film EDGE of TOMORROW? I read not many subs can handle the intro. Hi fedility music for me is a higher priority....SO this looks like great choice. To complicate things i listen to Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues.....and Bone Crushing Metal. Thanks for the Fantasic review!!!
@@Tharbamar I tried a few subs before and found it hard to adjust..with one track it's great and the next song not so much..is this also your experience?
@@justasimplefox I use REW software to find where it needs but not hard to adjust I always use two subs. My current setup doesn’t need sub but I have two on standby.
Thanks for the video, Tharambar. For music, I have two REL T5i in an 18x24x8 room with Spendor SP2/3r2 speakers (or with Elac ARB-51)-very good results but not quite the last word. Do you think exchanging my dual small subs for a single T9x would be a worthy improvement, or would I need a pair of nines?
I always like 2 woofers as it blends better without excitement of the rooms nodes or making the room heavy and spoiling the main speakers midrange clarity
It can sufficiently provide you good quality bass if you can set them in the middle of two speakers but low end bass response is more impressive with two than one subwoofer, thanks
The more subs you incorporate the smoother the bass response becomes throughout the room. They begin to disappear and will image better. MiniDSP HD 2X4 is a cheap and amazing tool that will not only transform the low end of your system ( with multi subs ) but your complete listening experience. Best $300 ( with Microphone ) I've ever spent on my system.
I can I subjects you a track!?, Sorry for the interruption didn't have any type copyright or anything has a good low and great mid range was uploaded in (wav pcm 48k) with -14db for good measure
Can I use Two T9x with my present gear - 1) Techniques 1200 with Sumiko cartridge 2) connected to Decware ZP3 , Tube phono Preamp , 3) connected to Line Magnetic 518ia integrated Single ended Tube Amp 4) connected to Devore Fidelity Orangutan 0/96 speakers I have a special music listening room just for two channel audio . It is 10’ x 15’ size . Concrete floor . No windows . Questions- 1) If I get the RELs , How do I connect it to the Gear I have ? The line magnetic tube amp is 2 channel and does not have a sub out 2) if I connect the subs to the Tube amp , would it damage the tube amp ? At this time , I turn ON Tube amp last , and I turn OFF the Tube amp first. If I connect the RELs , I am planning to get two of them , then what should be turned off first . Should I turn ON the RELs first before I turn ON the Tube amp , and Turn OFF the Tube amp first before I turn OFF the RELs? Or Can I turn ON the Tube amp first before I turn ON the RELs , and can I turn OFF the tube amp before I turn OFF the RELs Thank you
Yes you should be able to use it with subs, Most of tube amps can connect with subwoofer high level input to 8ohm tap but please check with Line Magnetic to be sure because some manufacturers don’t recommend it.
There are no "musical" subs. Every active sub is a combination of speaker, amplifier and cabinet. There are only well designed units and poorly designed.
Look at HT range for Home Cinema sub low frequency effects Most musical instrument recordings which the TX range is focused on do not go anywhere near 20 hz anyway
You can’t hear below a 25hz anyway dude. Rels are true sub bass systems that give musical detailed bass to a whole range of frequencies from the top end all the way down to the lower frequencies.
hi, i want to buy them..., i saw here is ussing the special rel cable..., the side of the cable with the prug is in the subwoofer, but the other side of the cable, which i think have 3 spades where are connected, to the terminals of the speakers or to the amp?, in what way each sub is connected?, to each speaker or to the amp?, i wil apreciate alot someone answer me..., thanks!
I had to watch this again. For me and all ive listened to over 50 years I dont think any other company makes a musical subwoofer as good as REL. For AVR useage i dont know . I use a ported SVS for movies that I don't enjoy with music . Im enjoying twin T9x subs on my Focal Choras . Very happy . Great video again .
can't go wrong with the REL products
I am listening to one now, will likely return it. Ordered another brand, will compare them shortly.
A passive radiator design is not "a sealed box with extra bemefits of a port". It is by design like a bassreflex system with extra suspension of the passive radiator. It does not have better group delay than a bass reflex enclosure, actually it is usually the other way around. What makes it special is that designers can get away with much smaller boxes and still have low tuning frequency
very good Johnny, you get a star 😂 😂
Getting ready to drop a review on mine! The small size is very deceiving. Pairs beautifully to my B&W 606 S2!
Great choice!
Looking to get one of these for my LS50 Wireless II. I had the T5/x in the past and it was a small powerful beast and did much more for the sound than just adding bass. Everything was fuller, more dynamic and the soundstage and midrange opened up significantly.
I love my T5
You don't even need to play music with bass. A song with only vocals or piano sound you can hear differently good sound with REL
Exactly. The whole frequency range is effected. A nice warmth and body to the sound is added.
Thank you. Just got the Rel T9x
I too am a little confused with the frequency response. First of all, thank you for showing that. From the looks of it, it seems to drop off like a cliff around 85hz for both the speakers and then with the subs. Almost as if there is some high-pass filter going on. Or that isn't the best location for producing frequencies 80hz and below. Or something else?
I found for my dedicated rectangular room (9'x14'x7.5') that dual subs next to the speakers up front didn't produce the smoothest bass and a sort of diagonal setup was much better. So I really think it's room dependent but perhaps it's just my room.
Please remember I measured it from 10ft away, yes it’s all room dependent, I would use single center sub if I have room like you have. Thanks
My only complaint of the T9's is that they should have reference marks behind the three knobs so owners don't have to count the number of clicks of each knob (which is a pain in the A. .).
If it is close to a wall ( as it supposed)… you cannot see anything in back… so click is still good ;)
really like REL product, I think it present bass more natural and clear, nice choice!
Great bass demo tracks! Thank you
Hello, please give us the REL T7x setup for bookshelf speakers like the Buchardt.
Good video.
An external highpass crossover with a higher crossover point (60hz-ish) would take the system to an even higher level.
Im a little confused by the in room frequency response graph. I would have expected more of a measurable difference in the lower frequencies (red line) as it doesn’t appear you have much low frequency extension? However in the sound demo you can clearly hear some bass overlap between your kefs and the subs.
I understand, probably due to recording microphone was picking up more room than measurement one, I have figure out how to match them accurately in the future, thanks
Rel actually recommends the s512 on their site to pair with the r11
Yeh your right
Thanks! I just ordered 2 last week. Looking forward to mating w/PMC towers.
Great choice 👍🏼
Hi
May I ask how you got on with the T9x with PMC? I have the Twenty523i and wondering if they can keep up.
Many Thanks
@@John-hl6er they’re a great match
That’s what I wanted to hear :)
I’ll set up a demo.
Thanks for taking the time to reply
Hii tharbamer! I was just wondering if you can make a video on how to connect subwoofer to stereo amplifier. Most amps don't have dedicated sub outs so an other option is to use speaker level connection but it's very confusing especially when subs have only one set of binding post. A video tutorial/ demo on this will be extremely helpful😊
I'm now thinking of adding a 2nd sub which will be a T7x I just don't understand the benefit of adding a 2nd one.
Benefit of using two sub is more even smoother bass quality in your room and bigger sound scape.
Dear Tharbamar, i am very interested to buy the Accuphase E-4000 and want to chance my subwoofer from focal, the SW800 cobalt, into the REL T9x subwoofer. What is your advice in this combination? Thank you very much for the advice already.
Love these subs, but the REL logos all over the unit are tacky. Thankfully it appears they are getting the memo on their newly released product lines.
I too have Rel subs (two 212/SX) and love them. I've paired them with Sound Labs 745 electrostatic speakers driven by Pass Labs 350.8 amp. Have you listened to Pass Labs gear? I think you'd be very impressed. Thanks for the videos!
How’s the performance with movies? I have R11s as well. 50%movies 50%music. REL recommends to pair R11s with s510. I’m leaning towards one t9 now and one more later
I’ve watched a few movies like Transformers The Last Knight and Mission Impossible Fallout etc in 2.2 set up, sounded very impactful and impressive, T9X is about 90% of S510, actually developed based on S510 technology and know how, dual T9X is better than single S510 for me, thanks
Those KEF speakers really didn't need any sub input IMO. A smaller sealed enclosure would have been better to test here.
I usually use Drum n Bass to test out subwoofers sound quality. But I did have a an old CD and Cassette that I use for “Sound Tuning” for subwoofers. Not in my possession anymore.
Great video by the way! 😁🙏🏼
Do you think these pair well with the Focal Chora 826D for mostly music primarily ,& secondary for my AVR for movies ?
Night and day with subwoofers
Do you think I can get away with just one of these if pairing with B&W 706 s2? I don’t particularly want to spend thousands on subwoofers. My room is approx 25x15ft.
It will be totally fine with one subwoofer in your room.
I personally don’t like the concept of 1 subwoofer with bookshelf speakers.
Mid-bass hard drum kick would be lacking but again it depends on the type of music people listen to.
If one chooses a smaller sub and that sub is placed in a corner then it would appear that the drummer is in the corner.
Some bookshelf speakers can produce a decent amount of bass so 1 sub might work.
Better to start with 1 sub and if not satisfied perhaps buy another.
@@Tharbamar thanks, got one today and it’s great 👍🏻
Curious why you’ve opted for the T/9x compared to REL’s recommended sub pairing for your KEF, being the S/812? Have you listened whether the SQ difference justify the additional cost?
I wonder the same thing, there is a comparison put out by REL saying that even 1 s510 will be better than 2 T9x.
They are very expensive that’s probably
I think my Arendal 1723 1s is insanly musical and there is so much power and grunt when i need it to, i dont doubt rel t9x is s very good choise, its very limited in output
Just bought 2 t9x for music listening, can i cut the high level cable shorter? They came with 30fts, but only need 8 on each side. Thank you
Using shorter cable shouldn't be problem.
Hi Tharbamar, thanks a lot for all your videos. I am the owner of a T/9x and I want to change the high level cable by a better one (DIY). What cable should I use ? (Canare 4S11 or other). Thanks a lot ! Luc
Hi, you can also use Canare 4S11 or Mogami W3104, thanks
@@Tharbamar thanks a lot for your answer. I made the cable with Canare 4S11 and Neutrik NL4FXX-W-S connector. It works well
How did you you connect it to your amplifier without a pre-out connection? Using the speaker line level, how did connect the black wire to your amplifier. Thank you!
All connection were made at speaker terminals, black goes to negative, Yellow and Red twisted together(each sub) connecting positive terminals, for single sub you have to connect yellow to left positive red to right positive terminals and black to one of negative terminal, that’s the best way connect for 2 channel system, Thanks
Time to get a mic and REW to integrate those near perfect with your speakers.
It does make a serious difference.
And takes out the guess work. Much faster than doing stuff by ear.
And way more accurate
Sorry I’ve been doing REW for long time, thanks for the advice but I prefer to fine tune it with my ears, measurements don’t really matter in the end because it doesn’t know my taste, room and system like I do.
Hi,
What is your room lenght and width?
not the greatest pairing in terms of timing but definitely improves the 3D imaging of the sound. a pair of T7x might have worked better in this setup , with every respect in your reviews as i am a big fan of yours!
True. I am always surprised that a sub can change the entire presentation of a system.
Why would the T7x be a better pairing? T9x has more output.
How do these perform on a floating floor
Please check with REL.
Why’d you go with the T9X when the site calls for dual S/510 with the KEF R11’s
How do they pair with 1TDx? What would your crossover be with them?
Probably between 45-55hz with the 1TDX in my room, thanks
I have the T9i in white. Can I ask how many clicks do you have the LFE dial to I have about 18 is that correct for home cinema? I dont use the speakon cable just a phono from my receiver to the sub, great review thanks.
I was using about 10 clicks with dual sub setup, thanks
@@Tharbamar cheers buddy thanks for replying
You are missing out on so much subass info without speakon
Thanks for the review... So the second sound demo at 18:29 was without the sub woofer?
Yes.
@@Tharbamar Thanks...
Have you tried a Rythmik?
Hello! What is better for music 2xT9 (10'' 2x300W = 1 10'' 600W?) or 1xS812 (12'' 800W) ??? 2x10'' vs. 1x12'' ???
(Not 1xS510 is 500W, and 2xT9 2x300W plus two channels and A\B class).
Or 2xREL S5 ? (2x12'' 2x500W) How much difference does the sound between the S5 and S812? If you don't count the volume? The price differs more than twice.
Or 2xCanton Power Sub 12 ??? (2x300W vs 1xS812 800W) price 4x but what quality of bass? 🤔
2xT9x (10'' 300W A\B) vs 2xS5 (12'' 500W D) at the same cost ??? 🤔🤔
But here's the question: does it make sense to have two subwoofers if the crossover frequency is 40 Hz (after all, frequencies below 37 Hz are not localized by ear)? And if the crossover is set higher, how much better will the sound be in stereo? 🤔🤔🤔
Two sub is better than one for more balance bass quality, for the models you’ll have to check with REL based on your room size and needs.
This sounds like my type Sub.
How do u think only 1 x REL t9x sub would sound in a larger room (20f wide x 30 feet long). Seated listening position is approx 15 feet from Speakers.
I am big on high quality music fidelity, wanting big sound stage and prefer great bass and mid range articulation.
do like playing gaming MW Call of Duty etc , low end rumble would be nice.
HOW does it perform with film EDGE of TOMORROW? I read not many subs can handle the intro.
Hi fedility music for me is a higher priority....SO this looks like great choice. To complicate things i listen to Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues.....and Bone Crushing Metal.
Thanks for the Fantasic review!!!
I would suggest you to try minimum 12” for your need.
@@Tharbamar thanks i guess this would take me up to the S/510 or better S/812 which has 12 inch driver.
Where u buy those sound panels ?
I see you don´t use subwoofers anymore..correct?
I do use subwoofers but not with every music, I use two of them.
@@Tharbamar I tried a few subs before and found it hard to adjust..with one track it's great and the next song not so much..is this also your experience?
@@justasimplefox I use REW software to find where it needs but not hard to adjust I always use two subs.
My current setup doesn’t need sub but I have two on standby.
Thanks for the video, Tharambar. For music, I have two REL T5i in an 18x24x8 room with Spendor SP2/3r2 speakers (or with Elac ARB-51)-very good results but not quite the last word. Do you think exchanging my dual small subs for a single T9x would be a worthy improvement, or would I need a pair of nines?
T9X will improve in speed,response and clarity,
you may find it even more musical than what have, thanks
I always like 2 woofers as it blends better without excitement of the rooms nodes or making the room heavy and spoiling the main speakers midrange clarity
Hey I have a rel T9x for sale if you are looking to upgrade your system ❤
The Rel’s are a great sub, but the jl audio e10-12 pip them I reckon
Try ad Felix Laband "Black Shoes" for your test
Is that your new place?
Great review. I have a t9i with Acoustic Zen , adiago jr,
This is same old place, thanks
Judging from what I’m hearing the sub woofers settings are muddying up the main speakers vocal range of her voice
Yes that is one way to say it correctly but many people like the way it sound.
How does a single T/9x compare to running dual T/9x?
It can sufficiently provide you good quality bass if you can set them in the middle of two speakers but low end bass response is more impressive with two than one subwoofer, thanks
The more subs you incorporate the smoother the bass response becomes throughout the room. They begin to disappear and will image better. MiniDSP HD 2X4 is a cheap and amazing tool that will not only transform the low end of your system ( with multi subs ) but your complete listening experience. Best $300
( with Microphone ) I've ever spent on my system.
It's not rel have another line to this, these are the entry level
HT series is the "entry level". T/x line is midrange. "S" series are their top of the line.
Whoa! I thought R11 was another sub that sounded better than R9x!😅
I can I subjects you a track!?, Sorry for the interruption didn't have any type copyright or anything has a good low and great mid range was uploaded in (wav pcm 48k) with -14db for good measure
Sure I’m open to try it out, I’m always looking for new ideas, thanks
Wasn't the best media but sounds great
Where to get one to try it, thanks
Vs S510?
Fun game : Take a drink every time he says "Y'know".
U know!!!! 😂👍
I know 🤘
Can I use Two T9x with my present gear -
1) Techniques 1200 with Sumiko cartridge
2) connected to Decware ZP3 , Tube phono Preamp ,
3) connected to Line Magnetic 518ia integrated Single ended Tube Amp
4) connected to Devore Fidelity Orangutan 0/96 speakers
I have a special music listening room just for two channel audio . It is 10’ x 15’ size . Concrete floor . No windows .
Questions-
1) If I get the RELs , How do I connect it to the Gear I have ?
The line magnetic tube amp is 2 channel and does not have a sub out
2) if I connect the subs to the Tube amp , would it damage the tube amp ?
At this time , I turn ON Tube amp last , and I turn OFF the Tube amp first.
If I connect the RELs , I am planning to get two of them , then what should be turned off first .
Should I turn ON the RELs first before I turn ON the Tube amp , and Turn OFF the Tube amp first before I turn OFF the RELs?
Or
Can I turn ON the Tube amp first before I turn ON the RELs , and can I turn OFF the tube amp before I turn OFF the RELs
Thank you
Yes you should be able to use it with subs, Most of tube amps can connect with subwoofer high level input to 8ohm tap but please check with Line Magnetic to be sure because some manufacturers don’t recommend it.
Usin a subwoofer its killin sound .. Cheers truth hurts sometimes
It’s not 100% true although I agree to some extent but properly tune crossover and placement can take the system to next level. Cheers.
You have a point but Obama don’t know the truth of it.
There are no "musical" subs. Every active sub is a combination of speaker, amplifier and cabinet. There are only well designed units and poorly designed.
🙂
Every instruction from Rel is setting the sub near the corners… all your video show the opposite???
Set up and placement is done by REL themselves, I only did minor tweaks.
This is the setup for bigger subs, like the “s” serie…
REL are not true subwoofers. None of them can reach below 25Hz.
Well not true. They have subwoofers going below 20Hz as well. If you were better informed you would know that
Look at HT range for Home Cinema sub low frequency effects
Most musical instrument recordings which the TX range is focused on do not go anywhere near 20 hz anyway
You can’t hear below a 25hz anyway dude. Rels are true sub bass systems that give musical detailed bass to a whole range of frequencies from the top end all the way down to the lower frequencies.
hi, i want to buy them..., i saw here is ussing the special rel cable..., the side of the cable with the prug is in the subwoofer, but the other side of the cable, which i think have 3 spades where are connected, to the terminals of the speakers or to the amp?, in what way each sub is connected?, to each speaker or to the amp?, i wil apreciate alot someone answer me..., thanks!