My Wilson Journey...

[bonzo75]

My house didn't survive the recent South Fork fire here in the Ruidoso, NM area. Lost 40 years of my music collection and the real pisser was that it was arson.

Sorry to hear, that sucks.

 

[bonzo75]

WBF is a great place to post but, as you know, these dudes are way too serious at times.

People here believe in this speech. Just replace shoes by audio system. But they think others will be forgotten but their systems and posts remembered.

 

[slowGEEZR]

System update, October 24,2004...
I recently had the Master Set speaker setup performed by Soundings, of the Denver area. Fortunately, they didn't have to move the speakers far from where they were, but spent time getting them positioned well. They also repositioned and fine tuned my subs via the app. The resulting sound improvement is great! They also performed a more exacting cartridge alignment for each of my turntables, with positive results.
I have also recently replaced my Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC with the MSB Discrete DAC. It is utilizing two discrete power supplies as well as their Pro USB module and Pro ISL module. This DAC system gives a much more natural, more real sounding presentation than the Ayre DAC, IMO. I'm very happy with the upgrades!

 

[sbo6]

Congrats Steve! Looking forward to hearing it!

 

[Holli82]

System update, October 24,2004...
I recently had the Master Set speaker setup performed by Soundings, of the Denver area. Fortunately, they didn't have to move the speakers far from where they were, but spent time getting them positioned well. They also repositioned and fine tuned my subs via the app. The resulting sound improvement is great! They also performed a more exacting cartridge alignment for each of my turntables, with positive results.
I have also recently replaced my Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC with the MSB Discrete DAC. It is utilizing two discrete power supplies as well as their Pro USB module and Pro ISL module. This DAC system gives a much more natural, more real sounding presentation than the Ayre DAC, IMO. I'm very happy with the upgrades!

View attachment 138371

NICE!!!

 

[itay123]

System update, October 24,2004...
I recently had the Master Set speaker setup performed by Soundings, of the Denver area. Fortunately, they didn't have to move the speakers far from where they were, but spent time getting them positioned well. They also repositioned and fine tuned my subs via the app. The resulting sound improvement is great! They also performed a more exacting cartridge alignment for each of my turntables, with positive results.
I have also recently replaced my Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC with the MSB Discrete DAC. It is utilizing two discrete power supplies as well as their Pro USB module and Pro ISL module. This DAC system gives a much more natural, more real sounding presentation than the Ayre DAC, IMO. I'm very happy with the upgrades!

View attachment 138371

Looking GOOD! Congrats!

 

[slowGEEZR]

02/14/25 Update: Added a Siltech Classic Legend 880P power cord and the Siltech Octopus AgAu G9 power block. My intention is to slowly add the Siltech Classic Legend 880 power cable and interconnect looms. Expensive and will take some time!

 

[AudioHR]

Some pics...

I envy the space that you have! The system lay out is impressive.

How are you liking the SVS subs? Did you compare them against other subs/brands?

Also a question on the outboard slightly forward position of the subs. How did you arrive on this placement?

 

[slowGEEZR]

I envy the space that you have! The system lay out is impressive.

How are you liking the SVS subs? Did you compare them against other subs/brands?

Also a question on the outboard slightly forward position of the subs. How did you arrive on this placement?

First thank you. I'm fortunate to have over 5000 cubic feet of space for my system (and bar). The space allows the subs to play as low as they go with ease. Now, I had some folks from Soundings (Denver, CO) reset my system a few months ago and one of the things they did was to reposition and change adjustments (via the app) on my subs. One thing they did was adjust the volume level way down on the subs. This was due to listening to a specific drum hit from a wooden mallet. We turned down the volume of the subs until we heard no change in the sound of the mallet hitting the drum. So, most of the bass was coming from the main speakers, which still provided good bass. Recently, I have been experimenting with the subs volumes, in order to see if I could detect any influence on the rest of the frequency spectrum and to my surprise, I could tell no smearing or dulling of any of the sound. I now think that detecting any differences in sound of the mallet hitting the drum due to sub valume was inconsequential to harming the music, as that is the only instance I can hear the difference and it was minor. So, with all that verbiage, the answer to you question, if I'm liking my SVS subs is a resounding yes. If I were to upgrade, I'd get the new REL No. 31s, but they cost five times as much as the SVS. Did I compare the SVS subs against other subs? Yes, various JL Audio subs. To my ears, there doesn't seem to be much difference and the SVS seemed a much better value to me. Having the ability to sit in the listening position and adjust all the sub parameters via their app is a great benefit, IMO. Re: arriving at the current sub placement...I originally had them towards the front corners of the room, as I had heard systems with that placement and it was one of the recommended placements. I lived with them in that placement for quite a while. A very good friend of mine had been playing with repositioning his four subs and I thought I'd give it a try and moved them to the same plane as the main speakers. I had thought that front corner placement would reinforce the bass, but found that I had to reduce bass volume when I moved them forward! I lived with them in that position until the folks from Soundings performed their "Master Set Speaker Setup" and they repositioned them where they currently reside. They were surprised, too that they sounded better where they ended up, rather than behind the main speakers towards the front corners.

 

[LL21]

First thank you. I'm fortunate to have over 5000 cubic feet of space for my system (and bar). The space allows the subs to play as low as they go with ease. Now, I had some folks from Soundings (Denver, CO) reset my system a few months ago and one of the things they did was to reposition and change adjustments (via the app) on my subs. One thing they did was adjust the volume level way down on the subs. This was due to listening to a specific drum hit from a wooden mallet. We turned down the volume of the subs until we heard no change in the sound of the mallet hitting the drum. So, most of the bass was coming from the main speakers, which still provided good bass. Recently, I have been experimenting with the subs volumes, in order to see if I could detect any influence on the rest of the frequency spectrum and to my surprise, I could tell no smearing or dulling of any of the sound. I now think that detecting any differences in sound of the mallet hitting the drum due to sub valume was inconsequential to harming the music, as that is the only instance I can hear the difference and it was minor. So, with all that verbiage, the answer to you question, if I'm liking my SVS subs is a resounding yes. If I were to upgrade, I'd get the new REL No. 31s, but they cost five times as much as the SVS. Did I compare the SVS subs against other subs? Yes, various JL Audio subs. To my ears, there doesn't seem to be much difference and the SVS seemed a much better value to me. Having the ability to sit in the listening position and adjust all the sub parameters via their app is a great benefit, IMO. Re: arriving at the current sub placement...I originally had them towards the front corners of the room, as I had heard systems with that placement and it was one of the recommended placements. I lived with them in that placement for quite a while. A very good friend of mine had been playing with repositioning his four subs and I thought I'd give it a try and moved them to the same plane as the main speakers. I had thought that front corner placement would reinforce the bass, but found that I had to reduce bass volume when I moved them forward! I lived with them in that position until the folks from Soundings performed their "Master Set Speaker Setup" and they repositioned them where they currently reside. They were surprised, too that they sounded better where they ended up, rather than behind the main speakers towards the front corners.

Great stuff...intrigued after your comparison between SVS and other brands. But you would still upgrade to REL 31 (setting aside cost?) Why is that? Thanks for any listening notes!

 

[slowGEEZR]

Great stuff...intrigued after your comparison between SVS and other brands. But you would still upgrade to REL 31 (setting aside cost?) Why is that? Thanks for any listening notes!

Thank you! Good question. There is the opinion of some that using the high level input allows the subs to speak with the same voice as the amplifiers in use. I've heard subs via low level and high level inputs and didn't detect much, if any difference. However, I have never tried it myself and compared back to back. So, if there are any gains to be had by doing that, I wouldn't mind trying. Also, some stacked REL 31s would look very cool, IMO! Ha! Besides, my dealer raves about them and yes, he sells them. However, I'm currently in the process of updating all of my power cords and interconnects, etc. and that will take some time!

 

[LL21]

Thank you! Good question. There is the opinion of some that using the high level input allows the subs to speak with the same voice as the amplifiers in use. I've heard subs via low level and high level inputs and didn't detect much, if any difference. However, I have never tried it myself and compared back to back. So, if there are any gains to be had by doing that, I wouldn't mind trying. Also, some stacked REL 31s would look very cool, IMO! Ha! Besides, my dealer raves about them and yes, he sells them. However, I'm currently in the process of updating all of my power cords and interconnects, etc. and that will take some time!

I see...i was kinda thinking you might have found that the REL31s definitively do something better than your SVS...besides look incredible (which they do)!

 

[slowGEEZR]

I see...i was kinda thinking you might have found that the REL31s definitively do something better than your SVS...besides look incredible (which they do)!

I've heard them at the dealer and they did sound great. At five times the cost, they should! According to my dealer they are much more powerful than my subs at lower frequencies. I'm currently running my subs at 5 db down and have the bass levels to my liking, but I'd like to hear the RELs in my system and see how they do and how they look.

 

[AudioHR]

First thank you. I'm fortunate to have over 5000 cubic feet of space for my system (and bar). The space allows the subs to play as low as they go with ease. Now, I had some folks from Soundings (Denver, CO) reset my system a few months ago and one of the things they did was to reposition and change adjustments (via the app) on my subs. One thing they did was adjust the volume level way down on the subs. This was due to listening to a specific drum hit from a wooden mallet. We turned down the volume of the subs until we heard no change in the sound of the mallet hitting the drum. So, most of the bass was coming from the main speakers, which still provided good bass. Recently, I have been experimenting with the subs volumes, in order to see if I could detect any influence on the rest of the frequency spectrum and to my surprise, I could tell no smearing or dulling of any of the sound. I now think that detecting any differences in sound of the mallet hitting the drum due to sub valume was inconsequential to harming the music, as that is the only instance I can hear the difference and it was minor. So, with all that verbiage, the answer to you question, if I'm liking my SVS subs is a resounding yes. If I were to upgrade, I'd get the new REL No. 31s, but they cost five times as much as the SVS. Did I compare the SVS subs against other subs? Yes, various JL Audio subs. To my ears, there doesn't seem to be much difference and the SVS seemed a much better value to me. Having the ability to sit in the listening position and adjust all the sub parameters via their app is a great benefit, IMO. Re: arriving at the current sub placement...I originally had them towards the front corners of the room, as I had heard systems with that placement and it was one of the recommended placements. I lived with them in that placement for quite a while. A very good friend of mine had been playing with repositioning his four subs and I thought I'd give it a try and moved them to the same plane as the main speakers. I had thought that front corner placement would reinforce the bass, but found that I had to reduce bass volume when I moved them forward! I lived with them in that position until the folks from Soundings performed their "Master Set Speaker Setup" and they repositioned them where they currently reside. They were surprised, too that they sounded better where they ended up, rather than behind the main speakers towards the front corners.

Steve thanks for the extended response!

Somehow the SVS in the Master Set Up looks appropriate, glad to hear it sounds really good too!

Just comparing some subs now. I must admit that I thought the SVS apps was its predominant appeal but a friend just bought a smaller Micro for his stand mount system and well it sound very nice! He will add a second sub for far less than many of us will spend on our first sub.

Personally I am liking the sound of the REL subs. Interesting enough REL advised me that because I have high sensitivity speakers (101db) and a SET amp that I would be better off to use RCA low level inputs which is not the norm for their products. I have to say I was very impressed that based on a query I made on their website they phoned me within a few days to discuss my situation. My local dealer allowed me to audition a few subs at home so I was able to compare a few RELs and a JL.

So at this point I have a new REL HT 1510, soon to be followed by a second, to integrate into my system. To be honest I was expecting to be further up the REL food chain but this sub was recommended and despite its HT heritage it is quick and musical which is what I was looking for for!

 

[LL21]

Steve thanks for the extended response!

Somehow the SVS in the Master Set Up looks appropriate, glad to hear it sounds really good too!

Just comparing some subs now. I must admit that I thought the SVS apps was its predominant appeal but a friend just bought a smaller Micro for his stand mount system and well it sound very nice! He will add a second sub for far less than many of us will spend on our first sub.

Personally I am liking the sound of the REL subs. Interesting enough REL advised me that because I have high sensitivity speakers (101db) and a SET amp that I would be better off to use RCA low level inputs which is not the norm for their products. I have to say I was very impressed that based on a query I made on their website they phoned me within a few days to discuss my situation. My local dealer allowed me to audition a few subs at home so I was able to compare a few RELs and a JL.

So at this point I have a new REL HT 1510, soon to be followed by a second, to integrate into my system. To be honest I was expecting to be further up the REL food chain but this sub was recommended and despite its HT heritage it is quick and musical which is what I was looking for for!

Congrats! Sounds like a very very good experience with REL service and quality!

 

[slowGEEZR]

Steve thanks for the extended response!

Somehow the SVS in the Master Set Up looks appropriate, glad to hear it sounds really good too!

Just comparing some subs now. I must admit that I thought the SVS apps was its predominant appeal but a friend just bought a smaller Micro for his stand mount system and well it sound very nice! He will add a second sub for far less than many of us will spend on our first sub.

Personally I am liking the sound of the REL subs. Interesting enough REL advised me that because I have high sensitivity speakers (101db) and a SET amp that I would be better off to use RCA low level inputs which is not the norm for their products. I have to say I was very impressed that based on a query I made on their website they phoned me within a few days to discuss my situation. My local dealer allowed me to audition a few subs at home so I was able to compare a few RELs and a JL.

So at this point I have a new REL HT 1510, soon to be followed by a second, to integrate into my system. To be honest I was expecting to be further up the REL food chain but this sub was recommended and despite its HT heritage it is quick and musical which is what I was looking for for!

Excellent!

 

[slowGEEZR]

I recently added a shelf to the left rack, in order to isolate the MSB power supplies from atop the MSB Discrete DAC. I also added a rug.

 

[LarryK]

The rug really ties the room together.

 

[thedudeabides]

Hi Steve,

I've had three RELs over the years. The TX series. The brand has a well deserved reputation for being a two channel serious music lovers top choice. I totally concur and you will read many reviews to that effect. Musicality and blending with the mains are a given but the true magic is their incredible impact on soundstaging, tonal saturation / imaging density and subsequent emotional impact of the entire system sound. It impacts everything across the entire frequency range on all music genres.

Once installed and tuned and you've had sometime with them under your belt, do the following. Play something familiar. Turn the subs off. Listen again and be prepared to be shocked. The entire musical foundation will disappear. Not hyperbole. Just fact. Trust you and your family are well. Take care my friend.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. Do buy the SubDude isolation platform. Cheap and very effective.

Gordon

 

[LL21]

Hi Steve,

I've had three RELs over the years. The TX series. The brand has a well deserved reputation for being a two channel serious music lovers top choice. I totally concur and you will read many reviews to that effect. Musicality and blending with the mains are a given but the true magic is their incredible impact on soundstaging, tonal / imaging density and subsequent emotional impact of the entire system sound. It impacts everything across the entire frequency range on all music genres.

Once installed and tuned and you've had sometime with them under your belt, do the following. Play something familiar. Turn the subs off. Listen again and be prepared to be shocked. The entire musical foundation will disappear. Not hyperbole. Just fact. Trust you and your family are well. Take care my friend.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. Do buy the SubDude isolation platform. Cheap and very effective.

Gordon

My experience as well. Including the SubDude! What a bargain! In fact, this has overall been such a great experience over 20+ years, I am looking for my next move to be further in this direction. Not sure we have the room for an REL 6-pack but certainly looking to go something of significant scale to take the XLFs further as I really like the voice of the XLFs already and want to enable their scale and effortlessness to grow further.