[norman]

please comment on the b12   this is my first sub
thanks    norman

[oscar]

I have an older Revel B15 sub I use strictly as a Home theater ".1" sub.  I experimented with the 2-channel music application but the extra IC requirement plus the Revel internals does affect the "transparency" of the sound a tiny bit.  But then again, I was using rather large main speakers so the bass benefit may not have been as pronounced.

For serious 2-channel music, my preference would be the REL solution which uses the speaker level outputs from the amp to feed the sub.

[norman]

thanks     but the b12 is installed already by my dealer
this is my first sub and i know nothing much about subs   i did consider the
Q108e but i have to rely on others to install
i think the price / performance of the b12 is good as i am on a budget
my main speaker is the jmlab 926 which does not have much bass
the low level detail of the bass is ok
it should be better with b15 at 3 times the price
thanks a lot     norman

[Bob Reynolds]

Norman, I can't comment specifically about the Revel B12, but I do think it can make a big difference how the sub is connected into your system.

The REL approach, bass reinforcement, is designed for truly full range speakers and then you still have the problem of multiple bass sources in the room which may interact negatively. Using this approach with non- full range speakers will simply increase the distortion produced by the main speakers. There are also issues with building crossovers using speaker level signals rather than line level signals.

The bass replacement approach can be used with any speakers from mini-monitors to full range. The idea is to insert a line level active high-pass filter before the amp for the main speakers. This removes the bass load from the amp and speakers, which lowers distortion. It also leaves a single bass source in the room, which may be easier to deal with.

You may find this article of interest: http://www.mkprofessional.com/bass_mgmt.htm

-- Bob

[John Ashman]

Well, all I know is that they sound like crap when you use them as a bookshelf speaker

[norman]

john         are you saying that the b12 sounds terrible when it is used    With a pair of 2 way monitors

my jmlab 926 goes to 38hz as specified
so should the b12 help using line level connection from the preamp
to the sub
thanks    norman

[oscar]

"truly full range speakers" would never require a subwoofer !  OTOH, very few speakers are truly full range.  I agree RELs would work best only with main speakers which already have decent bass response, say to 25-40 Hz. 

I tend to agree using subs which work with the line level input (e.g. Revel B-12) would work better than Rels for small speakers/monitors.

Norman, I can't comment specifically about the Revel B12, but I do think it can make a big difference how the sub is connected into your system.

The REL approach, bass reinforcement, is designed for truly full range speakers and then you still have the problem of multiple bass sources in the room which may interact negatively. Using this approach with non- full range speakers will simply increase the distortion produced by the main speakers. There are also issues with building crossovers using speaker level signals rather than line level signals.

The bass replacement approach can be used with any speakers from mini-monitors to full range. The idea is to insert a line level active high-pass filter before the amp for the main speakers. This removes the bass load from the amp and speakers, which lowers distortion. It also leaves a single bass source in the room, which may be easier to deal with.

You may find this article of interest: http://www.mkprofessional.com/bass_mgmt.htm

-- Bob