Rel Studio Subwoofer

I know Statman and at almost 5k new I expected too much thinking this sub ought to last longer than a few years without major repairs. With all the choices out there anybody looking to spend some serious money ought to look else where. I know I would if I had it to do over again.

Sadly anything electromechanical can have repair problems.
My Stentor is happy at eight years old.
My Levinson CD player,developed a very minor problem and was repaired PERFECTLY at a nominal charge,and was done in 1.5 weeks!It sounded better when it was returned,than when it was new.Madrigal charged my half of the original quote.
If we approach these companies professionally,and tell them what we require,as consumers,and "why" we bought their products in the first place,my experience is that "they" usually go out of their way to keep us happy!
Of course mentioning that we frequent Audiogon,and speak about their stuff doesn't hurt!
Best.

The best subwoofer is none if your room is done right and your speakers are good a sub woofer is a bad idea. It can only make your sound much worse!! And if you do use them then you need 2 for good soundstage!!

I agree on the repair comment as I've had lot's of stuff go bad over the years but this sub was NOT very old and they would NOT repair it so I'm NOT a happy customer. My TV needed repaired and it cost $150,and Sumiko wanted $1000+ and didn't even try to fix it.
Remember the old adage; a happy customer tells 10 people an unhappy one tells 100. That's what I intend to do.
I'm just giving my opinion and hope I can save someone from going thru what I did.

If you'd like Rel owners to chime in at this point, I for one would be happy to do so. I've had my Stadium 2 for about 8 years so far. It's worked flawlessly the entire time and is typically left ON for 24/7 most of the time. Have had no experience with Sumiko (I bought it from a local dealership back then), and if it continues its winning ways, I probably won't have to, so I can't attest to them. My experience has shown me that a well designed, well built subwoofer (as these Rel's are) will very often add that last bottom bit of bass extension which even the most extended full range speakers didn't know they'd appreciate in your room. The other really nice advantage I find even more compelling is the added degree of "locked in place" imaging reinforcement they have on the soundstage. Not subtle; remarkable. 2 subs may certainly be better if perfectly matched in performance and dialed-in placement but definitely NOT necessary to fully enjoy the benefits just described. YMMV of course, just my personal experience with the product line. One thing for sure... I've been through 3 different speakers in three different listening rooms (each one happily in their own ways) and they have all benefited from the one constant: my Rel. New speakers are upcoming soon and I have very little doubt again, the Rel stays. Good luck and happy Lissn'n.