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In Reply to: Which SUBWOOFER???? Advice needed??? posted by rodneyH on September 21, 2001 at 10:19:32:
All of the reviews that I have read about REL subwoofers, as two-channel stereo add-ons, have been very positive. They are apparently very transparent in the system and have as many crossover options as you'll need. They are also excellent for Home Theatre, particularly the bigger ones. For stereo, the Strata III should be enough, unless you have a very large room.
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My vote as usual, is for the Titan II. Equal or better "disappearance" as the REL, higher output levels with less distortion, AND costs less. The REL was my first choice until I heard the Titan II.
Sorry, have to find out where you got the evidence to back up that sweeping statement. Don't you know that the REL amps may be relatively conservatively rated (e.g. 200wrms in my Stentor) but the drive unit is very efficient (Volt driver, don't know the model) and the damping factor of the amp is very high - these are things that simple wattage ratings don't cover.I've never heard the Titan, so I'm willing to believe it may be a good sub. However, the RELs are the market leaders for a good reason - they work. In any case, "higher output levels" - ????
A properly integrated sub is seamless with your main speakers. I can't see the sound of the sub 'breaking up' before your main speakers, as the two should work in unison. Therefore, unless you are REALLY tanking it (i.e. at rock concert levels) the maximum output doesn't even enter into it. The damping factor and superior speed of the REL subs is IMO much more important.
TC '..'
I'm not sure where Terry got his "evidence" but I did a direct comparison of the Titan II vs. a Storm III. Several of us worked on setup and listening comparisons for a couple of days. Everyone agreed that the Titan II was at least the equal of the Storm III in subjective sound quality. We could also get the Titan II to play louder at the extreme lows.
As to the RELs "damping factor and superior speed"", no way. The Titan IIs sealed cabinet design proves to be at least as well damped as the RELs ported design.
Why should this be surprising? REL makes great subs, no question. However, dollar for dollar ACI certainly has an advantage, at least here in the U.S. No transport, import costs, no distributor/dealer markup. Given those cost advantages, IF the ACI wasn't a better value I'd wonder why! As to REL being the market leader, as I have said many times, the REL used to be my favorite sub, no question, a great piece. But the fact that it may be more visible in the market is a function of full-page ads as much or more than technical superiority.
I don't know that model, as I use a Stentor (actually, I used to use two of them in a stereo config, but sold one (mistake!)). I've never seen a REL ad in a hifi mag before, FWIW, but then I'm UK based, and my second STentor cost me £250 to buy secondhand ($350) - which is not bad for a sub which retails at £2000 ($2900) new...You pays yer money and you takes yer choice :-)
TC '..'
I read a comparison between the Titan and REL Strata, and the reviewer preferred the REL quite a bit. Is the type II a big improvement?
Yep, the II version of the Titan has virtually twice the output of the original. Equally important, it uses far better filters. Dual 12/db/octave filters are adjustable as low as 35Hz. Used together, they give you a 24/db slope. The II to my ears also has superior pitch definition and detail than the original. When we compared the II to a REL Storm III we found the Titan II to be superior.
I have the ACI Titan II LE, and it blends seamlessly with my Vandersteen 1Cs, whether the Vandersteens are run full range or with 65Hz high-pass filters between the preamplifier and the amp. It plays louder and is significantly less expensive than the REL Strata II that I heard, and the Titan II LE looks great.
I have never auditioned the original Titan subwoofer, but the Titan 2 is supposed to be able to get much louder and its crossover is much steeper (24 vs. 12 db/octave),compared to the original Titan. The latter factor is essential, given the non-optimal placement my listening area requires. The Titan II LE's beautiful cabinet is also essential for my wife's acceptance and serenity.
where can I get the best price on a Titan Sub? Thanks for the reply!
One of the best things about ACI products is the great value they provide at their retail prices. However, once in a while they are available from individuals at the usual places on the web, such as Audiogon amd Ebay.
If you have woodworking tools and skills, making a DIY Titan II would be the least expensive way to go.
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