Why I RETURNED the REL T9x .. My 42 minute rant about RELigion \ REL T9x Review \ (Rel Subwoofer) 

Dislike this video if you drink snake oil for breakfast. - MDT

I think the issue here is, you're an SP customer, not an SQ customer. You need slam for movies, while the T9x does do it to an extent, it doesn't to the extent of say SVS in the same price bracket. What it does do which the SVS cannot, is blend into your main speakers so much so, that the sub is impossible to localise to the point it simply sounds like an extension of your own speakers. The REL's are so much faster, there's no bloat at all but the downside is less extension. The T9x is for music/movies, if you want this but with more gut punching slam (extension) like the SVS, you have the Series S like the S510, but they're £2k. Sound amazing though, even more speed, they make even tiny speakers sound 10 times their size but you get that real deep bass for theatre as well but with all the delicacy of a speaker. I'm an SQ customer which is why I like REL. Maybe you should try and get a review on the S510, see if that does it for you?

I have the T9X for a two channel system, I couldn’t be happier. Blends well with my Q concept 50 speakers. I do agree with you on the finish. It definitely had the new car wax swirl finish.

I have the T7X and I believe it sounds very good, Iplan on keeping it for a long time, and if anything I would like to get another one.

Sold all my subwoofers and kept only two Rel.

Probably the first person with the balls to tell and say his opinion commenters be damned. Subbed

I've had my REL T9x Red for two weeks now. I use it in a two channel music only format in a small/medium size room. Me and my friends are blown away by how it transforms the listening experience.

From someone who has owned just about every brand sub on the market the Rel integrates the best and is the most musical sub for the price hands down.

This is the best review about a subwoofer I've heard. Thanks a lot.

Thanks for the tip about the Dyneaudio Sub 18S (aka Sub 6). I look into it and it seems very interesting. Looking forward to your review on it.

I own 2 REL T9x for my audio (not movie theater). I can tell you that product is very good form performance and design view. Is it prefect, probably not. My subs not jumping around, because i do not use them for cracking windows. Audio level is like food. Salt should be used to bring other flavors in food but not eat salt. Same here REL is the sub where base is helping to hear other sounds but not actual base. it is amassing experience then i could get to that level. FYI: I paired my SF Olypica 3 which have already good mid base. So adding these 2 subs made it a lot better.

Honest review , thanks for that . Subbed your channel to watch your other video's. Also on the marked for a subwoofer for 2 channel stereo and floorstanders. And watching these video's helps a bit . Keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands

I got a Rel T 5 ,bloody fantastic,no scratches and my front speakers are sounding much better ?

I just boaught 2 t/5x's for right and left. I hope they sound good when i set them up. but you are making good points.

What audio gear did you use for this review ... Preamp ... Amplifier ... Speakers ... Cables ... etc ... Cheers in advance

Di you test It in that empty room?

At gunpoint, would you chose the dynaudio 18s or the kef sub for 2 channel stereo? Great review btw

Many valid points. Was considering a pair of RELs or a 6 pack of subs to go with my Acoustic research AR9s and Hafler XL 600 as mono blocks. Got me thinking now. Thank you.

Fantastic..review.Hats off dear

Do you have any thoughts on Rel 3D Audio where they use the high level connection with the center speaker? Sparechange had a video on it. I’m skeptical, but if you have 3 of their units maybe you can try it out.

I love my REL TZero mk3 BUT I am not saying that you are wrong. Great video and I respect your opinion and view point!

Earned my sub with this video. Best subwoofer video I've seen to date.

My Tzero MKlll works great with my McIntosh MA5100 and my PSB Imagine XB bookshelf speakers in my small music room. It has made a huge difference in the overall sound of my modest 2 channel system. It speaks quickly with a tight bass sound (which I greatly appreciate) and has integrated wonderfully with my equipment. I don’t think their product line is mired in BS and hype due to the simple fact REL makes really fine sounding subwoofers.

I enjoyed your frank review . I would be interested to know the dimensions of your room as I believe it is necessary to match the sub output to the room . How important do you find it ? I have a smallish lounge so am considering smaller models like the T5X and am also considering gear from BK electronics, I am mainly listen to music rather than films. I thought the object of the high level speaker connection was to be able to more easily seamlessly match the bass output of the stereo speakers without the need for an AV processor , or am I mistaken ? Regards Mark

Hi Man, Hope all is well on your end. In my listening room that measures 19ft long x 13ft wide x 10-14ft high with alot of furnishings, which subwoofer would you recommend between Rel T9x, T7x and KEF KC62 to be used in this size room? I am also open to any other recommendation. Thanks.

Your amp can make a big difference to how the high level sounds? I use a rotel rmb1585 and using high level it sounds great (T9i). Also my processor doesn't have a low level out, only a LFE out. So I don't have a option for low level out.

tell me, MAN, what is a good SUB for 2 ch system w magnepan 1.7 speakers??thx

So what happened to all of your rel T9i -T9x . How is the Yamaha ns - sw 901 sub .thanks .

Great Rant!!!!

REL is one of the few audio products that I actually found lives up to its reputation. I have had almost every major high end subwoofer and the REL is by far the best for music

Oooof! Can hear and see your passion and this video, Bud. 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

Excellent truthful review, unlike others. Initiallly the Subs add weight and dimension to music, but after further listening it's a constant chore of tweaking. I have a t7i for sale. Too many obstacles to dial in with mains...can't match my harbeths or magnepans...its a No for me! Cheers

Isn’t the idea of the hi level input to give it the same sound signature as what’s coming out of the amp to help it blend in?

Is it possible to connect the Speakon cable to a Hifi amplifier + an LFE cable to a HC amplifier at the same time? Thanks

I live in the Azores, here I can't go to an audio store and listen, I have to buy and listen. I intend to buy a subwofer for now and then two...after reading a lot and listening to several comments I am more and more confused...I buy a SVS3000 or a REL T9x ???my speakers are ProAc D80...can you help ??? what is your opinion??? Thanks

Thanks for this review! Now I feel better getting vintage 12" sub instead of glitter )

Probably a bit late to the discussion , but have you tried more of a corner placement and turn down the gain? These are SQ subwoofers so speed, transients and overall sound quality over slam is the focus of these, to maximise slam they really need corner placement for room gain.

Bro this is the second time I'm commenting on any of your videos. I played this whole bit in the background and I'm just laughing because it dawned on me how much snake oil there is in a lot of retail stores. Much of my stuff are on the pro audio side, and all these consumer brands have been really confusing for me when I tried putting together a couple of "hifi" setups here at home.

Thank you for being honest. Too few people on RU-vid are honest, so thank you ❤

So what do you recommend at that price point?

Just subscribed. Love this video and appreciate the straight up commentary. 🙂

Nice one I've just waited 3 days looking at Rel vids till I came across your opinion. Good for you, you didn't end up buying 6 off those. Hahaha

I liked this subwoofer, the SVS definitely has more output, but I like the sound signature of the smoothness of REL stuff. Everyone has different tastes of what sounds good to them. I have the same gripe with HIFIMAN headphones, many love them but I cannot stand the sound of them.

A few thoughts: - NOT including DSP in the sub means that we as potential purchasers don't have to pay for it. I see that as a good thing, as I'd rather have my AV processor do it anyway. I don't really understand why anyone would wish to do it within a sub, just a dumb place - Class A/B vs Class D on sound quality is still under debate. I currently have an AB, but have owned a Class D. A key point that I found out to my displeasure was having a board failure on my Class D. Class AB amps are well known technology and pretty easy to fix. Class D, nope, get a new board. On my amp, the main chip literally melted - I've never used an SVS sub. How does it deal with input to apply time delay? Is that done in the digital realm? If so, doesn't that mean that it has to digitise an analogue input, before applying the delay and then conducting another conversion back to digital? I'll let you consider the implications of that additional set of steps - It would appear that you missed the real objective of the high level inputs, i.e. to better match the sub to the rest of a stereo system. I've previously owned a REL sub (currently own NO sub), and can happily vouch for it's benefits - Just how loud were you playing it to result in it shaking so much? - If the sub was shaking so much, that's NOT about cabinet bracing, rather the weight of the sub trying to deal with physics. If blu-tak is too much effort, does make me wonder. Additionally, why not do the obvious thing and add mass to the unit? I did with my old REL by stacking some slate chopping boards on top, which not only helped to eliminate that effect and also protected the top from dummies accidentally scratching it Sorry, but whilst I understand the content, the approach and mindset looks to be way off

I am not sure if the downward fiiring passive radiator is the best design choice. They could have gone for dual opposing 10" PRs instead. But then again, the size of the Ti/Tx series is so small, it's hard to get a proper tuning even using passive radiators. Pressure levels in PR - designs can get really high and hard to keep under control. Rel would disagree with me I guess but I think a main concern about there Ti/x series is looks rather then performance.

I just added two REL T-Zero MKIII subs to my 2 channel rig... I cannot believe what these two muskmelon sized subs are doing in my medium sized room. I have two SVS SB3000 subs too. I placed the two RELs in the same positions as the SVS units. I run them with a pair of Magnepan LRS+ speakers, using an active crossover. These can easily replace the two SVS subs, they are that good, and honestly dig low in my room. And much will have to do with your room folks.

So what sub do recommend for a 2.2 system?

Had a demo with a pair of Rel S510 subs. Very very good subwoofer and ordering a a pair today. I do not test subwoofers with a 100.000 dollar mic but just listen to them in a acoustic treated room and they are so good!

Man Triggered by Logos should be the title of this channel 🤣😂😭

Very good, honest review. I got a REL 1205 for $450- new w/warranty. I will use it mostly for music and some home theatre. I am not too picky. I think it should work. It will be on carpet so I don't think it will dance. Should I have it free standing or wedge it in tight under my entertainment center?

It works seamlessly with my Maggie’s as I use the sub for music only.

Mate, if you had large floor standing speakers which can go down to 50 htz, in a room that is 2900 cubic feet 18w*15l*11h (feet) (I’ll be sitting 11-12 feet away), would you rather buy 510 sub from rel or sealed sb4000 or 16 models? 70% music 30% movie usage.

Are you saying studio monitors are better than Hifi speakers for the best music production? I bought a pair of Focal Twin6s. Very expensive! $4,600 Sometimes I miss the smoothness of my old Hifi speakers. Did I make a mistake?

Excellent video, I subscribed. Anyway, I think by a musical sub REL means fast acting, which I can see their point. As far as their finish, I never had a problem with it, and find it to be one of the best around. As far as the (i series) compared to the (x series), I find as you did, that the (i series) is more refined cosmetically, aesthetically, and structurally. I have talked to REL on the phone, yes with an actual person, and I found them to be very cordial, and informative. They are obsessed with their speaker output option, and placing the sub in a far corner. I prefer to put the sub or subs closer to the actual main speakers since that make sense, at least to me, instead of nearly in another room. Again great video.

My old sunfire sds10 also had passive down firing, never moved at all. Very power sub for me.

I'm using 2 Monitor Audio Radius dual 10" (they do come in 12") final choice was because the most beautiful cabinet that matched my furniture well.

Try switching it on?

Loved the rant 😂🙌🏽🔊It’s all subjective. So, no right or wrong selection, if you like it. Nonetheless, my T Series feedback? 1) Wood veneer finish option (walnut?). 2) Streamline the series offerings based upon room size. Small, medium & large, with corresponding sized amps and drivers. 23 NOV 22’ Edit: I ended up with a Rythmik FVX12SE.

recently I was really looking for a serious 10" subwoofer for my stereo analog hifi setup, and I heard 6 different types in the local audio store, with Rel among them: i finally chose a brand named "Morel", model SUB-10X - a 10" sub in a completely different league and cheaper! there really is nothing to compare in terms of sound quality and build quality between them - the "Morel" is an outstanding subwoofer. the happiest purchase I've had recently!

Good review

Distortion at the speakerconnectors coming from the amp ? you mean you can hear 0,02% distortion ? the first things that happens is dat any speaker wil distort before the amp does.

Good thing you were mentioning the crawling, that's unacceptable. I was actually considering them for my new house where I will have a the space to add 2 subs to my NAD M33 and Focal Kanta.No3 stereo setup... back to my original idea I guess, being 2x SVS PB3000's. In my hifi shop as well, they sell REL like it's begin magical... I think they look premium though, but in the end it's the sound that matters.

We need you to take a look at the Elac Reference Subwoofers. Crazy specs… just crazy.

I use Arendal 1723 1s subwoofer its perfect mixed subwoofer for music and movies, there is a lot of power for its size for music there is just not barely a limit of what that sub is cabable of, and thats just the power, its very clean,tight and controlled to

without dsp, i really cant find it to work better.

If true Hi-fi is what the studios use then you are saying an Atom, Genelic, or Focal sub is the best?

I liked them better when they were manufactured in the UK. Also the differences in amplifiers, a/b & d to apply to all types of amps and internally work differently. Please educate yourself on this subject before providing this information. That being said, all of amp types can sound good. That “speaker level” cable works completely different than line in. You should really be using this input. Did you read the way this works? That is what people by REL subs for. It actually uses the RCA input and the speaker line level input together to give you the complete sound from the amplifier, but takes into consideration your volume control. That way the output for the sub matches exactly with the output for your speakers. I think you missed this entirely. You can still adjust gain and cut off, but this is the way this sub is designed to work. I’ve had experience with REL subs for over 15+ years in music and home theater set up and I have no complaints. Also, looking at your room. It appears that you have too much sub for that space using any of these with hardwood floors and no sound deadening material, etc. you should have them on rubber pads or carpet. These used to come with spike feet. You should invest 5 quid on rubber feet. Seems like you are just wanting some thing that will shake your windows. If that’s what you want REL subs may not be for you at the price point. I have had much more thunderous subs but none that one set up properly. Need a little adjustment between music and theater.

[I realize this is two years ago] The high level connection does not amplify the signal but it gets a signal complementing your main speakers. In the beginning you did not mention setup and your adjustment of the crossover (you said the response in the area of 130 hz was good, this indicates a too high a crossover level, as well “walking” of the sub and vibration of the glass of water tells that the level of gain you were using was way too high; with my REL S510 I have never seen this.

Great points, brother. Logical.

I really agree with you about REL branding. 20 logos is waaaay too much! I would prefer the feet to have NO logo, the drivers don't need logos either IMHO because there is a very nice badge on the top. That should be enough! Rolls-Royce cars don't have RR on every door! A discrete RR on the radiator grille is enough! Cabinet moving around the floor: KEF have been solving the problem of unbalanced forces for at least 20 years by having opposing drivers - in the KC62 this is taken to the next level by having one magnetic assembly for both opposing drivers. Theoretically you could compensate for the delay by placing the sub further forward of the main speakers, allowing their sound to travel forward to arrive at the same time the sub makes those waves.

A fabulous review, shockingly honest, very refreshing to hear a genuine opinion. Well done that man.👏

I like the rel rant rubbing it in. lol I saw a rel video before seeing you're video, 2nd time now. I been so close to 98% to buying wasting £ on SVS PB16, but why? My JBL can do a frequency range that shallows down but with some DSP crossover and PEQ tuning can get them at 10Hz to 120Hz as 120Hz is the stopping point for LFE.1. LFE.1 range is 5Hz to 120Hz. Subs are going to find it awkward so that is where I have bass shakers take over at cos more felt than heard cos infersonic is inaudible. Just as high frequencies get past 8KHz the ear frequency range slopes off and so the turning PEQ and all needs to have certain frequency range tuning so the rest of the frequencies below 8Khz are less louder cos we can hear easily hear those frequencies. I can hear few sci-fi sound/fx in a movie Alien 3, 1992 that goes up 18KHz. Music mixes like, jean michel jarre will have a range to 20KHz few youtube videos may manage that some won't depending on what they used to rip the CD but the CD , up to 21KHz that I measured on RTA. Only my Cats can easily and annoying hear that range so easily but human hearing is rubbish compared to my Cats. Cat's range 40Hz to 90KHz it doesn't mean a Cat can't hear 30Hz or feel sense it? So Cats win. Unless got a pet Bat that is 1KHz to 100KHz? What does it matter "we" can't barely hear range once it gets past 8KHz it gets faint and needs to be greatly amplified to notice it as pinching pressure on the ear drum. I wouldn't touch a rel sub with a barge pole. Or any other home cinema made sub cos they never been used at cinemas. I use, JBL professional cinema subs 18" large boxes big sound or scale the size down for the small room but I am more accustomed to hearing/feeling them at cinemas in the past and they often cheap on ebay and all they need is Behrinher DCX2496 DSP loudspeaker management crossover and Behringer NX3000 that is more than enough even a NX1000 would suffice and wouldn't cost the silly daylight robbery prices rel are changing their products or any other greedy home cinema manufacturer to get more of the same thing, only used JBL PA subs are cheaper. It takes x4 or more subs to tango the single mono LFE.1 evenly in frequency once REW has been preformed. But the LCR surrounds have to also provide bass and I don't use bass management cos all the speakers in my room are JBL pro cinema and was cheap compared to say rip off, M&K 150 at £1.5k each daylight robbery, and M&K marketing is scamming the public to make star wars fan boys thinking they used those speakers for mixing star wars. yeah right sure? Only in post editing not for final film mix that is done using JBL professional PA speakers that are same used in cinemas so what they mix there, is same translation to the cinema or my THX home cinema, with real THX cinema in my amp rack. Those tiny M&K 150 wouldn't be able to handle Star Trek 6 opening titles on their own with the amount of bass! JBL PA cinema handle it easily cos the films was mixed on JBL and played back on JBL. Mine handle music at PA levels or calmer level in the dBA on the HF horns 2446 CD , 2380A horn can handle 120dbA which would be deafening and 85dBA peak is more than satisfactory. I heard had smaller JBL for years and wanted PA cinema but prices now have come down somewhat lower, got watch the bay, and know what JBL cinema PA and mine was made in late 80's and like a speaker goes. A speaker is a speaker, it's the crossover that makes the speaker. With DSP crossover I can tune, experiment until I am blue in the face, lol. Yes aware of harmonics when using sine wave and RTA and mic sees the 2nd 3rd 4th 5th and so on harmonics. My JBL used had scratches and they are all placed behind AT screen so as long as they do the proper cinema sound or PA club sound with LP or any other music that I can feel with LP makes me feel dizzy due to the frequency dynamics on the LP, chest feel. Place a coin on the sub does it fall over? if it does its due to internal breaching cos the box has a resonate frequency vibration? Oh so what. So does cars and buses have resonate vibration noises, think about it?

Un confronto con bk xxls400?

Fantastic breakdown re. distortion, inputs, dsp, 'midfi guys' crap, anti-vibration badges and mambo-jambo. RELigion is also briljant 😄👍 Not sure if you got a Patreon channel, but I gladly subscribe if so.

Are you Eddie, the kid from Jurassic Park that Dr. Alan Grant razzes in the start of the movie with his fossilized raptor claw? 🤔

You can probably find out a way to look at your notes while looking at the camera.

Sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with the T9X...the finish on mine was spotless on arrival without any scratches...it was easy to integrate...at the end of the day everything is subjective. I like how the REL handles my music ...every company does some marketing spin so don't be fooled and specs are not the be all and end all. You have to rely on your ears. My REL does not move at all for any reasonable noise level( up to 80 db. I just put some high density foam pads under the feet anyway as I have under my amp and CD source. The best advice is go and listen to a sub before buying and there are so many other variables for good sound, the most important of which is your room. REL is good for some folks and not for others. Yes it is 3 expensive but not outrageous.

After seeing this critical, complete and objective review I really think I will start following this channel. Greetings from Italy

That Dynaudio 18s is $1800 in the US!!

I agree with all comments about the look of Tel t9x. Actually, I chose SVS 3000 Micro over Rel because I did not like how Rel looks.

A sub shaking?! What could be a quality answer to that?!

Awesome honest review, exactly my findings, well done!

I like REL subs and own 3 but now I am contemplating what you said and double guessing my decisions. The smaller ones sound good such as the T5i and at $450 per sub good value for the money. I am looking for beefier subs tho and will look at the KEF and Dynaudio

Your rel t9i is a special edition, and doesn’t come with the silver feet , but the standard rel t9i do have the silver feet ,just like the t9x , I know what your saying about the new rel t9x being shorter ,it’s almost like they have turned the subwoofer cabinet on its side ,but I like it ,tbh all we want to know is it’s better or worse than the t9i , and personally there are slight differences although rel use the same amplifier on both models , I like all the branding , personally there isn’t anything that I would criticise ,

I really like the pointers on other things in the market. Could you consider making a small list of other subs that compete at the same price/quality?

Glad to see there are still people in the world that think with their own head. I see some of rels presentations on youtube and some things that they say cracks me up.

I don't think dsp helps with room modes

You sir are awesome !!!! Love how you shoot down all the BS !!!

try the Paradigm Defiance X12

Man discovers anger/passion, lol. You didn't mention the rel 3d theatre because I really wanted to know if it works with home cinema or is it marketing. A big thank you for recommending bk electronics p12-300sb-pr, I bought one last week and sounds great.

REL makes amazing audio/stereo subs , blending with speakers super well , very musical . Unless you need subs to remove your drywall ? 😉

Thanks for the review, really useful!!! If you have the opportunity, it would be great to see you do a review with 4 subs (1 in each corner) as this supposedly fixes most of the acoustic issues

I admire your honesty. I also notice the REL guy is a bit of a sweet talker, adept at throwing catchy phrases here and there. More power to your channel.

I love my REL.

Wow. You can tell from the comments that Rel is a religion. I've always found that a tiny bit of bass EQ is far superior to trying to match a sub with existing speakers EVERY time so long as your main speakers are capable.

Great review.Steve Huff said the same about the low input being better-Plus even people who think DSP hurts more than it helps full range agree below 150Hrz it's needed--WTF?Would love it if you got in a Rythmik sub or maybe some open baffle subs

I have to agree that so much audiophile stuff is definitely just a money grab, but at then end of the day, if you're happy with how it sounds and you feel like you got it at a good price then that's that. At least that's how I see it. Never heard or owned a REL sub so I can't really confirm or deny anything you really said in this video, but just the few non bs issues like shaking and small quality control seems like enough to think twice before buying one.

I love my two Sunfires. 2800 watts of pure pain with the ability to crush and contain. Bass so deep make your grandma freak. Paid 1500 dollars in 1998. Still rocks

I wouldn't argue with anything your saying, but you do come off as a hater and an SVS fanboy more so than a reviewer !!! Just say that and give your reasons. Trust me, I understand what your talking about, I've been down the rabbit hole for about 6 months now. Trying to decipher the BS to get to the knowledge I seek/what has been the hardest part.

The REL is good for music, good in a stereo setup, because it is fast enough. you don't like the REL T9x?