Many a Home Cinema fan will remember adding a first subwoofer to their burgeoning system to discover that even a first-step, wallet-friendly subwoofer, surprises it's new owner; bringing so much of the presence, attack, and drama, that the full range of surrounds, couldn't quite achieve on their own. A subwoofer is key to experiencing the depth and the impact, inherent in any good movie soundtrack and essential if you're watching the next all-conquering blockbuster. While we all naturally assume the primary role of a sub’ is as a home cinema essential, what never ceases to surprise are the benefits that the right subwoofer can bring in transforming a two channel system, and when we say the right sub', we don't just mean a REL, but a REL equipped with the Hi-Level connection.

Originally designed by Richard E Lord (hence REL) for two channel application, in order to improve the frequency response, which even the largest floor-standing speakers couldn’t quite manage. The use of a subwoofer equipped with a Hi-Level connection delivers benefits for both music and movies, delving deeper into the bass frequencies that the main speakers cannot resolve, but just as importantly drawing out fine detail, buried in the mix and smoothing the upper frequencies too. The right REL sub really does bring tangible benefits.

If you are an avid reader of our Blogs, the subject of REL subwoofers are a familiar topic. If you would like a clearer understanding of the concept of REL's Hi-Level, then my colleague Stefan's (Audio T Swindon) T-Series blog is valuable additional reading - Read it Here

Whilst Stefan's previous Blog post was focused on the T-Series range, our focus is on a range above and specifically the Rel S/510. This was used to fantastic effect when Rob Hunt, REL's Managing Director, paid us a visit for a superb event just before Christmas. We focused on the benefits to be brought to a two channel system. We demonstrated the S/510 in conjunction with the Carbon Special, ostensibly to illustrate the benefits that pressurising a room with two subwoofers can have, but also because Rob brought it with him and it is a true beast of sub'!

For the event we generously partnered the S/510 with the Naim's ND 555 (with just the one 555 PS)! An evergreen favourite, the Naim Supernait 3 and a recent addition to Oxford profile, Spendor's superb Classic 2/3. This is very much in the mould of the BBC monitors of old, but with recently developed and improved drive-unit materials, coupled with a traditionally thin-walled cabinet. These carefully developed improvements have proved to make a classic, that is in every sense, even more accomplished. There is pace and delicacy in equal measure, holographic soundstage and fine detail is clearly presented, without ever sounding bright. The 2/3’s quoted frequency range is 35hz to 25khz. Yet even with such comprehensive specifications, the benefits of adding the S/510 are obvious.

The S-510 was launched almost two years ago and has been a favourite of ours at Audio T Oxford since it arrived with us. A big step forward over the previous iteration, the S/510 is powered by a 500 watt amplifier, driving a 10" active driver, which in turn is partnered with a 12" passive radiator. The brief, Rob explained, was simple; a stronger bass output between 20 - 35hz. There is no question, that this design goal has been met and that the Rel S/510 delivers!

I have included a screen-capture above of Rob's carefully selected playlist, covered are a wide range of genres; from perennial favourites, Simon and Garfunkel's “The Sound of Silence”, to a gravel-toned cover of the same. Some beat heavy and some more esoteric electronica were also added to the mix, forging through to some beautifully composed and recorded piano music. Even Brit Pop stalwart Noel Gallagher made an appearance with some rock tinged throaty singing.

With every track the S/510 delivered the bass extension that you would expect, coupled with greater separation, clean and clear treble and a richer mid-range. Adding the S/510 confers a genuine refinement to the sound that your speakers can deliver. Nils Frahm's piano appeared to have been struck with a greater force and intensity and the decay was much more natural. The harmonies on the “Sound of Silence” were more distinct, seemingly sweeter, with the vocal pushed further forward into the mix, allowing you to listen with greater focus on the voices. The complexities within a track’s composition where more clearly exposed and, as you would expect, the bass was sumptuous.

It never ceases to amaze how much of an improvement a REL can make and with the enormous benefits that Hi-Level brings, a REL S, or T Series subwoofer is a fantastic way to improve your whole system.

We have the outstanding S/510 available for demonstration (along with the T series range) at the Oxford store and we would be very pleased to show you what adding a REL with Hi-Level can do for your Hi-Fi or Home Cinema.

Thank you for reading.

Andrew and Jon - Audio T Oxford.

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REL can be found at the following Audio T stores