Hey guys, was really enthusiastic about this one because I love their mindset as a company and that REALLY translates to their products and how they have improved over the years. If The Video was helpful, please click that "like button" on the video, helps my channel out and doesn't cost you anything. READ MORE ⬇ REL T5X: rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/serie-tx/t-5x/ Amazon: amzn.to/38je4hA REL T7X: rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/serie-tx/t-7x/ Amazon: amzn.to/2Wu7uC9 REL T9X: rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/serie-tx/t-9x/ Amazon: amzn.to/2WvMsUj 0:00 Why REL Subwoofers? 7:11 REL T5X 10:34 REL T7X 11:54 REL T9X 13:30 Final Remarks 15:45 Bonus Questions Study Paper: www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1402039111 REL's guide on how to connect High Level input: relsupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/115000818247-How-To-Connect-My-REL relevant videos: Ultimate subwoofer shootout: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fs-Aqqp2lpeYeGw.html Detail into REL T7X: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oNqIptB6rKqaqGg.html *My Daily Components (All Tested And Proved To Work in Blind Tests)* Fancy speaker stands I use: shop-links.co/choe8oQHC9w Speaker stands I use (budget): amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Desktop Speaker Stands I Use: shop-links.co/chofc1R7mpT acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM Speaker Isolation Feet I Use: shop-links.co/choffy3csSK Turntable Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofgeNORJP Component Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofhTC3wc7

Support is important today. I have a T3 that was plugged in, but lightly used. After 4 1/2 years, the speaker audio went dead. I contacted REL in California and the owner replied that most likely, the amp would most likely need new capacitors. I did not have a good desoldering gun, so I sent them the circuit board to them. For $100, they replaced the amp electrolytic caps and shipped the unit back included. Versus an English speaker company who could not supply output transistors nor rebuilt output boards for their powered computer speakers. They did offer a reduced price on a current model. But the change was to change aging transistors that had not failed, and it would cost a fortune to send the whole speakers to factory US service, especially considering they would not find any failure. But it shows that when made in China, they did not stock any parts for these perhaps 5 years old powered speakers. And this is a major hifi speaker company. So, consider the support from REL an important point in your selection of sub woofer brands.

The perfect REL subwoofer for me turned out to be the T/Zero Mk III. I have a small room 2 channel system consisting of the Arcam SA20 integrated amp, B&W 606S2 speakers, a modded Rega Planar 2 turntable and Cambridge 640 Azur CD player. The B&W's have good bass, but I wanted to flesh it out a bit. The REL blends perfectly without calling attention to itself. I got it in white; it's so small, I call it my sugar cube.

I love Rel. They do change the sound of a system to where one doesn’t want to live without them

Adding T7X to my Special 40's completely changed my understanding of high end audio. It's been a year but sometimes when listening to new music I get mind blown over and over by how musical and fast this subwoofer is. Don't listen to all the hate REL is getting these days, those subs are spectacular!

Great video…very informative! I have the KEF LSX with the REL T5X and was very pleased. I just received the new KEF LSX ll and WOW! I really didn’t think I’d hear that much of a difference…KEF did some amazing things with the DSP. The base response is so much better now and perfectly matched with my REL T5X. I love REL subs because of how well-built they are, their fast response, aesthetically pleasing, and seamless integration.

Hi, thank you for taking the time to explain this in detail, exactly what I was looking for. This video should be viewed by everyone looking for a subwoofer, REL especially.

I was using two Klipsch subs with my DIY open Baffles. I never liked the sound. It was loose and boomy. Last April they had a sale. I bought the Tx/7. I used the Speakon cable to connect to my Decware Zen Triode. I did have a hum at first. I emailed Steve Deckert. He said to connect a short jumper between the negative terminals to get a common ground. That eliminated the hum. I set the gain and low pass at 12 o’clock to start. As soon as I was 30 seconds into the first track, I was blown away by the improvement. All of the music just came to life like magic. I ended up dialing the low pass back to 40 HZ. and increasing the gain a few clicks. I’ve had a couple friends listen without the sub. I’ll then turn it on in the middle of a track and watch their expression. They have been amazed at the difference. I’m considering a second one, but I’m totally happy with the single unit. Also I have my Yamaha AV Receiver connected via the LFE using a sub cable. The sub has separate circuits, so you can use it either way.

Great review . I love that you answer our questions with out being asked . I bought the Polk R700 on your opinion without even hearing them and I’m so happy. Now I’m going to add this T9 based on your review again. You never ster me wrong . C u in Florida

Just added the T5x to my system, outstanding little sub. Still playing with placement and crossover

Bingo! When my existing subwoofer retires, T5x is on my list. Great info Jay! Thanks.

Using a pair of REL HT 1205 with the LS50 Metas. The bang for the buck quality is amazing. And I got the REL’s on sale. Ordered a pair of Pendragon’s, 7 tweeter arrangement with crossover and binding post upgrades to complete an all Pendragon HT. Keep the great Tekton videos coming Jay!!!!

I have a single rel S5Sho with a pair of Dynaudio Contour 60i’s. The Dynaudio speakers have great deep bass but that single rel blends seamlessly with the main speakers and adds that really deep bass. You absolutely cannot tell there’s a sub in the room.

Hi Jay, Your absolutely right with sub sizes for type of speaker and room size. The T series is a absolutely bargain into a musical subwoofer. Have you auditioned the S series. This will be the next step up from the T series, and even Carbon series with a faster response. As with any speakers, subwoofers will need a good breaking in period to settle the suspension and soften the surrounds. Stereo subwoofer in a room providing the space and budget allows it is a must. Once your into the S series and above, stacked subwoofers is the ultimate setup. And before people start criticising that they just want to sell more products with no gains in performance. If your able to audition the stacked array, you might able to preach to your audience what you witnessed….. it’s rather a expensive hobby but to a few it’s their nirvana.

Good info. To reduce time differences, I try to put the subs (rel t5i) at the same distance to my ears as the standmount speaker drivers. I use a string clipped to my listening chair.

If all a company makes are subs that alone tells me they must do something right. I bought the T5X last November. Love the tiny size and sealed design. Put the IsoAcoustic footers under it. Will buy a 2nd one in Nov. at the next annual promo event. After visiting many audiophile's homes I realized they all used bass arrays of one type or another. Loved your instrument chart. Kudos to you for being open to upping your game over your ego. You may want to add warranty info in your reviews if you believe warranties have value.

This is very interesting, conventional wisdom says that we take longer to determine the presence and pitch of lower frequencies, why when it comes to subwoofer placement in small rooms, the room dominates (when we perceive the low frequencies, they will have bounced around the room several times). For sure lower pitch is more dominant when it comes to how we perceive “time” in music, they are also closer in frequency to the heart beat. I will read that paper for sure! 👍

I have the T5x and I completely agree with its speed in complimenting my primary speakers w/c, are LRS

Excellent Exactly what I’ve been looking for. Gonna order my t9x tomorrow!

Good summary. I agree completely. Many while listening to my system say they cannot hear my subs and ask why spend the money and not hear them. Then I turn them off and the sound stage just goes away. The depth and holographic image becomes very flat. There is a center channel but nothing like when the subs are on. I have the older S5 SHO models. It took me many months to get them where I am today. My main speakers are Sopra 3's and many would say there is no need for subs with these speakers. I say they are wrong. It is critical to stay under the main speakers though. The gain can be more aggressive but not the crossover. I have my crossover at about 40 Hz.

Would really love to see a rythmik or hsu subwoofer come through here. I understand their audience is more home theater, but I'd really like to understand how they compare, I imagine they may quite well.

LOVED your video. Unless you've heard the Rel Experience to know what it can do, your video does a pretty good job of explaining it's mystique. I own SVS subs and have had them in my theater which is 50/50 music/movies. I liked them TIL I heard a Rel S 510 Six Pack and my local stereo store. That listening session helped me understand subwoofers better. The way they showed their musicality was amazing. I hope to replace the SVS with 2 510s for left and right and a T9x for center channel. I've already purchased a Rel HT 1205 for the rear surrounds in the theater. Definitely a game cchanger. I was torn between the T5x and T7x to go with bookshelves that I had at one time. I chose the T5x because of room size/space and the bookshelves. I have since gotten rid of the speakers and gone bigger (Dynaudio Emit 20 to Emit 30) and the T5x blends seamless with the Emit 30s. Excellent subs. You never know they're their til something dips below the lowness of the speakers. Love my Rels.

This is THE perfect and right advice. This is exactly what REL recommends. Bigger is not better- for music.

I have one, I think it’s a REL328. I think it’s a 10 inch driver. The guy said this is better than the bigger one because the smaller driver performs better for music. I have it connected using that speaker cable to the music amp and the LFE from the AV amp. I like that both inputs have their own gain control. I found putting it near a corner it was too boomy but once I moved it to a more open position it performed great.

T9/x owner here. Love it!

REL owner since the late 90's! And I love them.

Excellent review as usual. You hit the nail on the head with your opening thoughts which is the Speakon connection. I've done tonnes of research as shopping for a subwoofer and they are all good but the Speakon connection sold me in the end for the ease of installation. Wonder why other companies don't do that but I am guessing there's patent involved.

love the start good job!

Got the t9 and love it can’t wait to have a pair!

Picked up 2 T9's today. My system was set up for home theater (Marantz 8802A, 7.2 speakers using Triad subs, Oppo 203, etc.). Rel suggested either 2 T9's or 2 S510s. Went with the T9's. Looking fwd to hearing how they perform.

Solid informative review. I have the Yamaha a-s1200 paired with l 82 classics in a smaller room. Sounds like the T5x is for me. Mostly listen to jazz. Thanks for the info.

Great review. Video/picture quality is also pretty awesome.

I use a REL T 7i with magnepan 1.7i speakers. if you couldn't see it you wouldn't know it was there. it blends seamlessly and is fast enough to pair with the maggies. I have ARC with the Anthem STR preamp which lets you correct phase of the sub by 5 degree increments.

One thing to say about "fast" subwoofers is it is largely a function of inductance. The voice coil is just an inductor so it stores energy which makes it slower to start and stop. Smaller voice coils, shorting rings, and more exotic motor ie. xbl2 designs all help my guess with REL it's the first 2 especially looking at the power handling of the 8" I'm thinking it has a pretty small vc and at the price point it better have shorting rings. REL always has some good looking subwoofers though.

I have Rel HT/1004 and I love it for Stereo setup too

I have 2 SVS 1000 Pros. bolted to 2 solid 15 inch metal stands with 2 KEF LS 50 Metas sitting on top of the subs with a combination of rubber feet and metal cones. No vibration with a uniform response. Getting the subwoofer off the ground makes a huge improvement because a sub is an extension of your main speaker

REL really needs a cell phone app like SVS for Parametric EQ. When you have 10-15 dB bass peaks like most of us do, knocking it down is a bigger improvement than almost anything.

Great Video. For the question at 16.24, where you speak about small speakers in a very room, it may not about first looking for the right sub woofer. Maybe the first question to answer is whether the small speakers are adequate in the large room. Do you need to think about bigger speakers? Once that question is answered, then you can look for the right subwoofer to match the speakers and the room. Again, it is a very informative video. Well done Jay and thank you.

Have one, love it!! Go REL!

Thanks Jay. Have you compared the T7x or T9x to their HT line in terms of speed? People assume they need 20 hz for movies, but I find movies sound incredible when 30-50 hz hit crazy fast and extremely tight. Thanks for these reviews!

Excellent video with very sensible and logical advice. I'd be interested to know what you thought the REL Baseline Blue cable added to these subs. I am about to replace my very old REL Strata II sub with (probably) the T/7x in a medium size room with Spendor D9 speakers. I'm considering the rather expensive Baseline Blue cable too, but would have liked some reviews, opinion on what this brought to the REL table first. Any experience?

Hi Jay, thank you for all of your work. I enjoy watching your thought provoking videos, the evolution of your journey, and the maturing of your approach. At 7:54 of this video you show a red/yellow/blue instrument voice/frequency matrix which I find interesting and believe could be of practical use with regard to evaluating systems. Would you please provide if you can a link to this matrix so that it would be available to us? Thank you, keep up your great work. Mark

Great review!!! I’ve been looking at REL …. The next sub I buy ( or two ) will be this ( these )

Nice video and I understand you're discussing 2 channel music listening,, real world people may use their systems for music/video , I own a T9I limited which is the predecessor to the x series ,as well as 2other subs for my room , I use the REL 95% or more of the time with my mains for music and would say get the bigger REL when possible always regardless if you are using book shelves or towers., as the bigger dimensions is minimal but performance will be worth it ,especially 2 if you can swing it .

My amazing Velodyne HGS sub amp finally died, and I have ordered a REL T9X after much research. I'm still going to have the Velodyne amp plate repaired while I decide if the Rel is for me.

got 2 S510 subs for my main hifi channels, high-level connected to my Michi S5. very nice result 👍 and a SVS ultra for movies 😉 but that's a different use 😁

The perception of speed and bass has so much to do with the decay time of the room. A smaller sub will be perceived as faster because it is not exciting room modes as much.

Awesome review, Jay. I have a T5X with my Sonus Faber Sonetto 3’s and now thinking I should add another. Lol. This one sounds great hooked up to my hybrid Mcintosh MA352

Thanks for the video. I've been looking at getting a sub for my two-channel system and am considering REL. My room is large, but my listening area portion of the room has me only about 6 feet from the left and right speakers. Do you think the R/7x would be the best choice in this scenario with my speakers being KEF R3s?

Thank you for the comparison and explanation of Rel subs. It would be awesome if you can review Spatial Audio M3 Sapphire. Open baffle

My pair of G1’s, paired with my Pioneer S1-ex’s connected to my Hegel H390 will match and TAD system(Almost)and Wilson/BW setup. And with the savings I’ll spend a month in Paris, like usual.

Hi Jay, I’m a longtime viewer and subscriber. I know REL has very nice subs and are well built. I recently opted for a Rythmik F12-G model. I only needed one (for now) for my smaller listening room with stand mounts. I’ve had several fairly high end 12 inch subs and I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced this type of bass detail and speed in a subwoofer. I hope that you can find some time to review one like mine. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on it. I really think you would be very surprised in the performance it brings at just over 1k delivered. Just my two cents.

This is the 3nd piece of gear I bought from your suggestions - The T5X and prior to that the Pontus 2 and the Willsenton R800i. Absolutely happy with the results , you know what you’re talking abt. Keep up with the good work and wish you the best. And thanks for your valuable guidance. Zero regrets buying all those items.

Hey Jay, great overview of the TX series. Which configuration would you recommend with klipsch la scala al5's in approximately 400 square foot room? Hard to find subwoofer recommendations for the la scalas but I'm seriously considering this series.

Best upgrade you can do to a 2.0 system. A nice (or couple of) sealed / passive radiator subwoofer. SVS, REL, something nice like that. Don't need to go crazy on power or price.

Jay, in use with bookshelf/stand-mount speakers, would you say that the T5's speed outweighs the T7's relative directionality, since it has a front firing sub and is not just bottom firing like the t5?

I have a MJ Acoustics Ref 100 Sub which is designed by ex REL guys apparently. Im very happy!

Nice review, thanks. Since the T5Xs fire down, do they produce chest pounding feeling? How about T7X?

I know this video is about REL subs, but I see the Pendragons behind you. After all the Tektons you have listened to and reviewed, are these the speakers that have remained in your system, even over the more “reference” Double Impacts? If so, can you say why? Thank you for your passion and all your insights.

Great review performances.

Love the video. Jay what do you classify as a small, medium or large room? Would u recommend 2 subs to go with the CSS Audio 1TD-X. Can’t wait for the next video

Thanks for this. I was looking at getting the t9 but after this it would seem that 2 t7's would serve my needs better.

I had Rel T5/x, the older version with Martin Logan EM ESL. I thought the sub was still too slow. I ended up without it.

Check out Mark Seaton subs. I would put them up against the B&W db1's at a much more reasonable price. They are balanced well enough to place a nickle standing up and play them at reference levels without the nickle rolling or falling over.

that 2ohm pendragon 🤤

I will be purchasing a set of KLIPSCH Heresy IV speakers. Which REL subwoofer, T5X, T7X, or T9X would you recommend? My room is probably 25' x 25'. Thank you, Jay! Love your reviews!

I run two of the CSS 12" subs in sealed 1 0 CU. FT. boxes powered by 1200W SVS amps. These are the most musical subs I've ever owned. One thing I've noticed about better subwoofers is their wider frequency response. I get nuances from the bass player that only came out as one note bumps before I added these. That and they never sound "boomy." My speakers are Kef R3's and the CSS' really complement them nicely. The combo creates a nice slam when I crank it up with more information and detail at normal listening levels. IMO MONEY WELL SPENT.

I've used subs since college, hard to go without one once your used to having them. I see that 2ohm pendragon back there. I'm interested to hear what the minimum costing type of amp needed to drive them well, I always wondered since I saw Tekton put them out for sale.

I would strongly recommend the Monolith 10 subwoofer. It's a 10 inch subwoofer that's THX certified and hits extremely low. I think is better than the T9x yet costs so much less.

Jay, Thanks for all of these great reviews that you do. Much appreciated. With your fondness for Sonus Faber, I’m wondering why you haven’t reviewed any of their current Gravis line of subwoofers? Any opinions on them? Not many reviews anywhere on them and you rarely seem them on the used market. Thanks

The truth is a super well explained video thank you very much .One question how it works better for the lfe input or for the high pass? do you notice the differenc?thanks bro

Hi Jay, big fan!! I currently run stereo pair REL tZeros for my desktop setup. I crave lower extension, would dual T5x be overkill?

This video has great information. Is 313 ft² considered a small to medium room or medium to large room? Looking to pair with either Sonetto II bookshelves Sonettos III tower. Wasn't sure if the 5x would be the right size

Thank you for your videos. I seem to be missing something. I’m leaning towards the REL subs that will complement my existing system. I have a medium room equipped with Definitive Technology - BP-9060 High Performance Home Theater Tower Speaker with Integrated 10” Powered Subwoofer. TX5 x3 (2front & 1behind), TX7 x2, or just one HT/1510 Predator your thoughts?

With careful set up you could get any of them and will work I t5x and two s510 and set up in smaller rooms and medium and they sound wonderful they add even to string instruments like cello and violin it’s about crossover and volume depending on Room but they work and you won’t be able to live without them after you hear them

Thank you for the answer to my question in your video. I have a 19 X 19 ft room with a Rotel 1592 MKII connected to Polk R700s. I’ll be buying a REL T9X ,but do I need 1 or 2 ???

Yes, once you go Rel you can’t easily go back.. I bought a used Stampede for my Sonos (wow, that really helps!) and a Strata 5 for my main system. Weird, these are old models, but the a stampede digs down to 18 Hz and the Strata to 16…

Another great video, can you clarify rough sizes for small, medium and large rooms? Any thoughts on using REL subs in a combo home theatre/ music system? I’m running Totem Acoustic Tribe III on walls as my LCR speakers and Totem Mask in walls for the rear and back speakers. I have a cheaper ported Paradigm sub now but want something better.

Hi Jay, great video. I have a garage room converted and sound insulated 17ft x 15ft (5m x 4.5m) . I am looking at getting the kef ls50 wireless 2 . Would you recommend the t5x or t7x ? I will be streaming or optical out to listen to music 70% and 30% to watch sports films ? Or would you recommend the Rel HT series combined with the tx ? Your thoughts would be much appreciated !

Quick question - If you had KEF LS50s in a nearfield (desktop) situation in a small room, would you pair them with REL t5x or KEF KC62?

What about matching the F.R. Of your speakers to the REL sub? Shouldn’t this be a consideration?

Many Thnx for your suggestion please let me know what dimensions (L×B×H) you consider for small/Medium/Large rooms.

I wonder how much the speed/quality of the sub influences how you match it to room and speaker size? As you step up in Rel’s range, there are only larger options available (drivers and cabinets). I was considering adding a second T/7i, but had a chance to get two T/9x at a crazy good price (slight damage to finish). I called Rel support who recommended I step up to the T/9x’s, even though my room is only 3.5 x 5 x 2.4 meters (11 x 16 x 8 feet) and I use stand mount speakers (B&W 805n).

Rel for life!

Jay if you see this. I have monoblock Schiit Vidars . They in monoblock usage have the speakers use all the positive speaker connections as opposed to conventional positive, negative connections. In hooking up the T5x would I use the two positive connections Schiit has me use for my mains or connect positive, negative as conventional thinking demands?

What would you match with the Buchardt s400 MKii in a medium size room, single and double sub options?

Hi Jay nice review. What is your opinion on REL Classic 98? I own vintage Cabasse Caravelle M2 speakers with Technics Amp&Pre-Amp SE-A900S SU-C800U. Greets

Hi Jay, I have the Totem Tribe Towers and am currently using a REL HT1003 but I`m thinking a t7i would be an improvement over the ht1003. Your thoughts please.

I building a new setup with Monior Audio CP-WT380IDC as LCR, using a AVR and a PRE/PowerAMP for the L/R. Will use it for both music and movies, so am thinking, 1 great sub like the T/7 or T/5, or do a combo of using a HT/1103 and a T/5. or maybe do 2 T/zeros since my room is not that big ? Is dual subs always better than a better 1 sub ?

Hi Jay my living room is 25”x22” with vaulted ceiling’s using the Kef R3’s so do I get one T9x for now?

Jay…. I have the Buchardt s400II speakers in 13x18 room. Multi use living/listening room. Would 2 T5x subs improve my sound or should I just live with what I have? The Buchardt go down pretty low already. Or what would you suggest? Thank you.

@Jays’s iyagi I have the Wharfdale 12.2’s and the 225’s bookshelf speakers. Which one would you recommend since the low end on the Wharfdale’s are on the slower side. I have a small to medium size room.

Jay I have the Audio Note AN-J in a small room 10x18ft and 7.5ft ceiling. Would you recommend T5 or T7? (I cant put my AN-J in a decent corner, that’s why I need a sub)

Would love to see you review the Kef R11 meta and the other R line speakers

Thanks!

If you were to put a sub with the KLH model 5s, which one would you suggest? I do not know anything about this subject, but I happily purchased the Model 5s.

I hope you do something like this for the JL audio subs 😅

Hi Jay, I know you love Hegel H390. How you connect 9x to Hegel H390 amplifier? Please help me. Thanks !

Thanks, Jay. I have 2 REL Carbon Specials. Was between REL and JL Audio for the longest time. Landed on REL Carbon. Couldn’t let the carbon fiber woofer go. Beautiful sub both by sound and aesthetics. Listen to everything from Reggae to modern POP and back to classic rock and R&B. They haven’t let me down yet.

Hi Jay, any suggestions for my MG 1.6?