REL Strata 5
Posted by: J.N. on 01 March 2004
I am currently trying the new model at home. The new range features micro-processor control and remote cotrol, which is fantastic for setting up a sub from the hot seat.
Fine adjustment is possible with gain and frequency, being displayed on the control panel (which may be turned off).
You will see from the LP sleeve that it is quite small, but packs one hell of a clean punch.
The frequency roll off can be set down to 16hz and it is spec'd to -3db at 18hz - incredible for its size!
Any yes; it really does grunt way down below what my SBL's are capable of.
The thing that really gobsmacks me with a good sub though, is the way that it opens up the acoustic space and sweetens the mid and top frequencies.
The theory goes something like - a chunk of the 'acoustic' (artificial or real) is recorded at the lowest frequencies. Miss those octaves, and you lose that chunk of acoustic.
Posted on: 01 March 2004 by Geoff P
JN
As a REL sub user myself, my toungue is hanging out, especially the remote setup.
Go on tell me what's the "damage"?
Geoff
Posted on: 01 March 2004 by JohnMak
Hi JN,
IIt looks real nice.
What's the model number and price?
Posted on: 02 March 2004 by Peter Stockwell
The new speakers will be available from March, for the following prices: ‘Stampede’ £550 in Brittex Black, £625 in veneer; ‘Strata 5’ £700 in Brittex Black, £800 in veneer.
Peter
User34 at Laposte dot net
Posted on: 02 March 2004 by J.N.
Thanks Peter for answering some questions.
The spec of 'Stampede' and 'Strata 5' is essentially the same.
Stampede is physically smaller with an 8" driver and a 100 watt amp - Strata 5 (pictured) has a 10" driver and a 150 watt amplifier.
The important thing is that they are both spec'd as -3db at 18hz.
Posted on: 02 March 2004 by Peter Stockwell
quote:
Originally posted by J.N.:
Stampede is physically smaller with an 8" driver and a 100 watt amp - Strata 5 (pictured) has a 10" driver and a 150 watt amplifier.
The important thing is that they are both spec'd as -3db at 18hz.
I downloaded a user manual from REL for the Strata III. I must say that adding a sub if it can be made to work seamlessly looks like the economic way to get full scale reproduction. The only problem I have is placement. The corners behind the speakers are already used up.
Peter
User34 at Laposte dot net
Posted on: 03 March 2004 by Nime
Originally posted by Peter Stockwell:
"I downloaded a user manual from REL for the Strata III. I must say that adding a sub if it can be made to work seamlessly looks like the economic way to get full scale reproduction. The only problem I have is placement. The corners behind the speakers are already used up."
Peter
It seems to be generally thought in AV circles that placement is not important due to the omnidirectional quality of very low frequncy sound waves. While a front corner would be the ideal starting point. A rear corner position (used with a very low cutoff frequncy (as uniquely offered by the REL products) would make it almost impossible to sense the direction of the sound source.
I have read on many subwoofer reviews that placing is important <for sound quality> but much less important for directional information.
The REL subs augment the very lowest frequncies below the natural roll-off point of the main speakers. As such they make a very good case for ignoring siting for their subwoofers from a <directional information> point of view.
While with higher frequency cut-off points (as offered by most other manufacturers) there <might> be a problem of siting. But it doesn't seem to be important in practice. Even when the subwoofer is placed very close to the listener. The main speakers give the directional clues. While the sub just adds the body, impact, depth & timbre to the music (or film sound).
My experience with active subwoofers is still rather limited until my SVS PCi 16-46 turns up on the doorstep. In a recent demo of a B&W ASW675 on music and film I was completely unable to locate the source of the bass sounds despite the sub being close by. Close enough to lean over and touch in fact.
Nime
Everyone has the right to be wrong.
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by J.N.
Time to reinstate this photo giving a better idea of scale beside one of my SBL's.
It was on this thread before infopoop went down the toilet!
