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Help me diagnose REL subwoofer issue.

Posted by frogman (P) on January 17, 2017 at 05:23:10

I had the opportunity to buy two REL Storm III subs. I had used a single REL Strata for many years and have always wanted to try stereo subs. Well, everything that I have read about the use of stereo subs is true: smoother response and huge soundstage as well as other benefits. I bought one of the subs sight unseen(heard) and the price was so low that, in spite of an apparent issue, I decided to keep it. Here's the issue:

When I bought one of the subs I noticed that it seemed to have less output, or have lower input sensitivity, than what I was accustomed to after years of using the Strata (I use the High-level connections). I was surprised by this, but the sound seemed fine otherwise and I WAS getting enough output (just barely) for my setup with the volume knob almost maxed out. I then bought the second Storm and upon stalling it immediately noticed that this second Storm provided noticeably greater output and seemed to have somewhat better impact and definition. The same level of output can be achieved with the volume knob at around the 2/3-3/4 mark as opposed to almost maxed out. There is no distortion of the sound and no strange sounds of any kind. I called REL customer service about this as I wanted to have them check out the questionable amp module. To my surprise, they informed me that there is not much that they would be able to do as long as the amp is working; that this is a case of "if it makes undistorted sound, then it's working fine". ?!?! I plan on swapping out the amp modules to make sure that issue is not with the speaker itself and not the amp module that is causing reduced output; but, until then, I wondered if anyone has some thoughts on this and about what could be causing the reduced output. I have tried all the obvious things like swapping cables and positioning. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

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