How do SVS subwoofers compare to REL?


I'm looking for subwoofers (one or two) that have a very "tight" natural sound and are not overly boomy. In the future I hope to pair them with some Magnepan speakers. Magnepans are known for having a natural sound, and I want to compliment that.

I've been told that the REL subwoofers (e.g.,T/9i or S/3 SHO, etc., are a good match for Magnepan speakers. However, SVS subwoofers have also been recommended to me.

I don't have any background in high-end audio, so I am interested in opinions of folks here. Are SVS subwoofers considered generally as good as REL in regard to the features I'm interested in? Is either clearly superior? (I had never heard of SVS before yesterday.)

Which subwoofer size (in REL or SVS) would be a good match for a pair of Magnepan 1.7i in an 18 foot x 15 foot room (ceiling about 10 feet) with carpet on floor?

I'm looking at these so far:

REL T/9i Subwoofer about $1300
REL Acoustics S/3 SHO Subwoofer (Super High Output) about $2100
SVS SB-4000 13.5" 1200W about $1600
Any other recommendations?

Total subwoofer budget is around $2600 max. ($2000 or less would be better.)

Also, I believe it is better to buy two smaller subwoofers, compared to one larger one, right? (I'm just not sure where I would put two. Placing one is easier in this room. And I plan to connect everything with speaker wires, not wireless.)

Thanks

lowoverdrive
while I cannot add to the above suggestions do to my lack of electronic knowledge, I would like my questions answered. I am currently testing Rythmik L12 (entry level) subs. I have connected the left channel from sub to left out channel of AR SP6 using a Y splitter. The other end of Y  rca splitter goes to left channel of amp. I repeat the procedure for right channel. My speakers are Magnepan 1.6. 
Am I loosing sound quality using this connection as compared to high level connections to my main speakers?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Ed
I run Magnepan 20.1 speakers supplemented by two Kinergetics SW-800 and two SVS 16-Ultra subs. All this is in a studio apartment and has eerie 3D sound, I don’t believe you can have speakers too big for any space. SVS makes great subs which are built like tanks and have great control. I recommend getting four smaller sealed subwoofers rather than one large one. The sound advantage gained from being able to control the room nodes is better than the few octaves gained with a more expensive larger subwoofer. How do you control all that sound? Use Room EQ Wizard to measure the room, speakers, and listening positions and plug the data into Multi Sub Optimizer and let it crunch out crossovers, timing delay, and signal inversion. Add that data into a Mini DSP running balanced connections to everything and you will have musical bliss. Good luck on your project!

- Steve
I don’t believe you can have speakers too big for any space.

Well, I just received the two SVS PC-2000 subs I ordered, and I think they are too big for my space! I might have to send them back and get something smaller. Seriously. I am shocked at how big they are.

How do you control all that sound? ...
Your solution sounds sophisticated and impressive. It will be a while before I have the time to invest in understanding an approach like yours. I admire it, but I need a simpler solution while I continue up the learning curve -- otherwise, I might as well stop listening to music and use my time to go back and earn a degree in electrical engineering. One day I might do that, but for now, I want to take simple steps while I focus mainly on enjoying my music :-)

I started this music hobby to shift gears and turn my brain off from work.


Lowoverdrive, your doing your homework. 

Because of all the unique variables you'll encounter with your room, your system, and your personal taste, suggestions can be both helpful and a crapshoot. It seems a few here have peaked your interest in digital signal processing (DSP). In my experience as an audio hack DSP is the most important and helpful aspect of dealing with extra low frequency within a listening environment. Despite the convenience of DSP learning the best placement locations within your room will dramatically reduce room nodes and provide that sense of room lock that, I think, many refer to as speed.  

There are two standout manufactures both using their second generations of onboard DSP. The JL Audio Fathom series with its Automatic Room Correction (ARO) uses five parameters of adjustment and the remote controlled Velodyne Digital Drive Plus series with its Auto and Manual EQ Optimization uses eight parameters of adjustment and six programable preset programs.

As wellemj pointed out they both use a listener positioned calibrated microphone, a method of providing low frequency sweep tones, and a very user friendly program that automatically adjusts their onboard parameters to flatten their output at a desired location/s. Unlike the the very capable Antimode these offer the ability to override and manually tweak the auto adjustment. The adjustability of either offer a very high level of mains integration and the ability to satisfy your personal sonic taste in extra low frequency.

Your homework assignment: go to both manufactures sites and study JL Audio ARO and Velodyne's EQ Optimization differences and as a means to compare the growing number of new DSP offerings setup procedures. Then consider purchasing one 10" version of either brand and slave the DSP'd signal to a used inexpensive second subwoofer. The investment in either of the latest JL Audio or Velodyne versions should bridge you through any need to upgrade the DSP sub for some time.

 https://www.audiogon.com/listings/subwoofers-jl-audio-fathom-110-pair-available-2018-01-17-home-thea...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/subwoofers-amazing-compact-subs-2018-01-24-home-theater
Have you hooked up your PC-2000 Subs yet?Just curious as to what your thoughts are on how they mix in with your room?"Mini Water heaters" is what my buddy calls mine..I really Like them tho..Can you put your bookshelf speakers on top of the Subs?Just to give everything a whirl?The Port is coming out the back and not the top on those subs.