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REL Subwoofer to Class A Tube Integrated
- Thread starter Ossidian
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I don't think so. It's really no different than hooking the subwoofer's speaker level input (which is what I assume you mean by "high level input") to the output of a solid state amplifier. I presume that the subwoofer's input presents a high impedance in parallel to the power amplifier output. That would alter the "net" load impedance on the output transformer secondary very little compared to the LaScalas themselves.
PS Unlike most folks on this forum, I am a tubes 'n' horns kind of person -- but not AN and Klipsch.
PS Unlike most folks on this forum, I am a tubes 'n' horns kind of person -- but not AN and Klipsch.
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Or just ridiculous responses in this forum interpreting comments as rude instead of what they want to hear?
Just today, I hooked up two non-Rel subwoofers via speaker-level input, but I don't necessarily like how Rel tries to hype the speaker-level input as more premium and superior to line-level input. I use speaker-level mainly due to convenience and lack of line-level sub-out.
Much better way to approach it
Clmrt
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I'll bet it sounds fucking great. That's probably why. Shouldn't you be measuring something?
I'll bet it can sound better with a proper sub/integration tools. Shouldn't you just be embarassed by following Rel marketing?
Do you already have the sub ? Using a simple* integrated amp the speaker level may be your only option with existing equipment .
It will work but not an ideal sub integration , you follow rel’ instructions here. AN amp ? Assuming it has output transformers as well as being a tube amp does it have any sub bass output at all what’s the specs ?
Edit: what’s the frequency response of the amp ? , for the speaker level to work the amp must have output in those frequencies it can’t roll off to early ?
* meaning not having any pre out or built in crossover
It will work but not an ideal sub integration , you follow rel’ instructions here. AN amp ? Assuming it has output transformers as well as being a tube amp does it have any sub bass output at all what’s the specs ?
Edit: what’s the frequency response of the amp ? , for the speaker level to work the amp must have output in those frequencies it can’t roll off to early ?
* meaning not having any pre out or built in crossover
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I bet it doesn't, Rel is lame
My apologies if misinterpreted. The original question is odd at least.
No problem, REL are something of a outlayer , iv been there and done that with their subs . It's where I started my sub woofer journey, I also has similar questions at the time as the OP.
They do i've had one of their older and better ones they are overpriced but they do offer this kind of connection with a special cable thats easy to use. I still have a REL in my kitchen setup .
You can of course connect speaker level with any other sub too .
This is the only connection OP has ? So speaker level it is with this setup .
So OP need advice from someone who done this with tube amp ? are there issues we normally don't think of ?
Here is a list of issues...
The tube amp can be problematic due to its varying frequency response in the bass i can forsee other problems to like if the OT saturates ?
The problematic part that this kind of setup does not get very good subwoofer and bass integration anyway for that proper crossover and DSP and PEQ is needed for best result.
And the output levels how many dB would a single T9 really match the speakers ? Klipsch at least go loud ?
I would leave this kind of system as it is and integrate sub's when i has another system that lend itself to do such thing properly .
OP might consider a journey to another kind of hifi system you seems to have reached the limits off what this combo can do for you ?
You can of course connect speaker level with any other sub too .
This is the only connection OP has ? So speaker level it is with this setup .
So OP need advice from someone who done this with tube amp ? are there issues we normally don't think of ?
Here is a list of issues...
The tube amp can be problematic due to its varying frequency response in the bass i can forsee other problems to like if the OT saturates ?
The problematic part that this kind of setup does not get very good subwoofer and bass integration anyway for that proper crossover and DSP and PEQ is needed for best result.
And the output levels how many dB would a single T9 really match the speakers ? Klipsch at least go loud ?
I would leave this kind of system as it is and integrate sub's when i has another system that lend itself to do such thing properly .
OP might consider a journey to another kind of hifi system you seems to have reached the limits off what this combo can do for you ?
Rel has had the ability to use either line level or speaker level input for a long time. The exception is some early class Ds have to be hooked up differently.
Early Polk had a different setup too. I can't recall all the details but it had to do with the added wiring in their circuits between the two speakers.
A LOT of the early RELs had very limited options on their plate amps too. Some people love the things. Many of the people I know had an issue with the open
bottom passive and no way to decouple the sub without adding a slot after the fact. Our little club had a fix for VMPS and Rel subs that was about 60.00 usd
for a pair of slots and then whatever for the decoupling and or vibration control for tube/valve amps and playing records. They didn't have rumble filters for
using records either.
It's a good idea to add vibration control to the tube pre and power amps you use. It can add a LOT of longevity to some very expensive temperamental
valves/tubes and it never hurts to stop a stylus from bouncing across your new record either.
Personally, I've always split the line level out of the preamp BUT I've always had the option of XLR or RCAs too. For DBA or multi-subs I always used a second
control preamp like a DCX 2496 (6 XLR. 1/4" or 1/2" outputs plus the ability to daisy chain) or a Flex, the DCX has adjustable output to the plate input also.
I can say this about Rel subs, they have nice paint, look impressive stacked, and can be VERY expensive. Not my cup of tea, but then I'm a coffee drinker for the
most part.
Have fun and my best Regards
Early Polk had a different setup too. I can't recall all the details but it had to do with the added wiring in their circuits between the two speakers.
A LOT of the early RELs had very limited options on their plate amps too. Some people love the things. Many of the people I know had an issue with the open
bottom passive and no way to decouple the sub without adding a slot after the fact. Our little club had a fix for VMPS and Rel subs that was about 60.00 usd
for a pair of slots and then whatever for the decoupling and or vibration control for tube/valve amps and playing records. They didn't have rumble filters for
using records either.
It's a good idea to add vibration control to the tube pre and power amps you use. It can add a LOT of longevity to some very expensive temperamental
valves/tubes and it never hurts to stop a stylus from bouncing across your new record either.
Personally, I've always split the line level out of the preamp BUT I've always had the option of XLR or RCAs too. For DBA or multi-subs I always used a second
control preamp like a DCX 2496 (6 XLR. 1/4" or 1/2" outputs plus the ability to daisy chain) or a Flex, the DCX has adjustable output to the plate input also.
I can say this about Rel subs, they have nice paint, look impressive stacked, and can be VERY expensive. Not my cup of tea, but then I'm a coffee drinker for the
most part.
Have fun and my best Regards
Thighsofsteel
Member
I cant think you will have an issue with High level input to the REL. The trouble can come with class d amps, If you have a ground screw then even Class d isnt an issue.
As @OldHvyMec said, Rel are expensive although the Classic 98 and 99 look nice, but performance wise... Not for that money!
As @OldHvyMec said, Rel are expensive although the Classic 98 and 99 look nice, but performance wise... Not for that money!
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