REL or Martin Logan?

I love the ML subs...until I heard the Descent when it came out, my top favorite was the HSG-18 we had in the demo theater. We put the Descent in and I loved it even more. It didnt have the "guts" of the Velo, but it sounded better...especially on music.I have never heard an REL so I cant compare, but the reviews and opinions are good.

If you want another option, look at the Zu Method or Mini-Method. They are supposedly very quick, articulate, accurate, and play low and loud...they should do it all....of course I havent heard one either. But they make them to match with their Druid, Tone, and Definition speakers, which by nature, are very dynamic and have superb transient response....look into it...they have a 60-day trial period. Might be worth trying in your home.

Listened to the ML Depth and Strata 3 at an audio salon a few years ago. Both high output/neutrik cable. The Depth had a more prominent bass and went deeper. Was always aware that the sub was there, it did not disappear and blend with the main speakers like the Strata. My preference was the Strata as it worked better to me with a 2-channel setup. Can see where others who like lots of bass would go for the ML. It was impressive but after close listening it was just too much bass. Even after adjusting the gain and crossover points I just could not get it to integrate to my liking at the store to where I was not aware of its presence.

Last year I narrowed my sub selection down to these two brands. I could not compare the two subs in the same room however. They were in separate systems in side by side rooms. Both subs did an extremely well job of blending with the systems in which they were paired. I could not reach a decision. I spoke with another dealer who also had both subs on demo. The advice I was given was that they were both great subs with the Martin Logan being a bit faster and the Rel being more powerful as he had tried both in the same system. I decided on the Martin Logans. I bought two Descents which give me a ton of "impact" and are at the same time very fast. The Velodyne models were not as good with music as the Rel or Martin Logan subs from what I could tell after hearing them in several different set-ups. If a dealer carried Martin Logan or Rel as well as Velodyne, that dealer would always recommend one of those two over the Velodyne for music. I would also say that the Martin Logan was so much more attractive than the Rel that it played a factor in my decision. I thought the Rel B1 was just a big plain rectangular box and the worst looking sub of any that I was considering. The performance of the Rel B1 though was great and I could have easily lived with it, hidden from view, lol.

I have listened to both the REL and Martin Logan. Both are very fine speakers. In the end, it came down to this. The REL integrates with my Maggies in a way that the ML does not. Don't know how it would work in your setup. Only one way to find out...

You have horns why not a bass horn? I can build one in your price range as a former dual ML decent owner I can tell you bass horns are much better than subwoofers which I also build.

definitely Rel.
the rel doesnt impose a sound of its own. it doesnt call attention. it integrates seamlessly with my main speakers.
i do agree the ML is more powerful but its presence makes it annoying at times because it simply wants to say "i'm here , I'm here."

Have you read about the new JL Audio Fathom. It seems to be getting outstanding reviews.

05-14-07: Bundy
Have you read about the new JL Audio Fathom. It seems to be getting outstanding reviews.
Bundy (Threads | Answers

I have one at home on audition. I have a pair of the Intuitive Design Summits. In the past I have owned a REL Storm III, RBH, Triad, HSU, Klipsch, James and a few other subs.

The JL F113 is the first sub that seemlessly integrated with my main two speakers. The REL was good, but the JL is that much better, plus it's amazing for theater. This is the best sub that I have heard for two channel period. It picks up right where the Summits stop. Most of the time you can't even tell it's on...until the musical passages that go way low begin playing. Then, all of a sudden, I'm hearing things from the recording that I have never heard.

This is happening with no break up of the sound stage.

Actually, this is the first sub that I have ever heard, that makes me think..."Yes these speakers sound better with it on"

I was very skeptical of the reviews, but I'm a big fan of JL now.

Thanks for detailed resposes.I think REL wins out here.Now need to hear them and if I can find Magellan by TBI Has one driver in unique short square (like little coffee table) and what makes sense is you can get them passive and hok both up to one amp/x-over unit at attractive price.Got great review at www.6moons.com.Knoiw they were good enough to be used effectively with Vavantegarde Uno's in opne set up.Builder said it was better than Avant's own $4K system and way cheaper.Johnk appreciete offer about horn but thinking of getting out of horns beacuse even though I like my Odeon Tosca from Germany it is really not good with large scale dynamic muisc though plays jazz (my main use) very well.But would like speaker than can play larger scale,moredynamic/complex muisc as well.Unsure at this point about efficiency.Would love Avantegarde Uno's but cost and space isue.maybe the Silverline Sonatta with these new Redwine T 30 stereo or 70 mono amps instead of current tube set up.Not sure if I will need HT sub and if so velodyne DD would be choice mut if muisc cheap pick would be Vandersteen 2wq or REL maybe Strata.
Thanks
Chazz