Rel with wireless connection

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Hey :waving_hand:

I’ve approached Rel about how to connect 1 or 2 S Series subs to my active set up (552, 2x500, Kudos Titan 505) and they’ve come back with a wireless module would probs be best fed from pre-amp output (I assume the 552PS) .

Just wondering if anyone else is using this method and how it’s working.

Thanks

2

I guess two additional questions come to mind:

  • Did REL actually say they had used those modules with success? Such things can introduce latency which you really can’t have in this scenario. So hopefully they recommended something they have used.
  • Generally a high level input from the back of the speakers is preferred over a pre-out for stereo use. Are the subs really that far away from you main speakers? Usually it’s just short daisy chain from the rear of the speaker terminals direct to a nearby sub.
3

The wireless option is a Rel option. There’s wireless units are available to view on their website

No - subs would be next to speakers. Running a cable to the Naim stack isn’t feasible so my question was about connection to speakers but I’ve read contradictory things about what works and what doesn’t with NAP500’s in particular and Active.

4

Surely you’d just connect at high level to the bass sockets on the speakers? Having a crossover before the power amps makes no difference, as the speakers are receiving signals direct from the power amp, just as in a passive system. As the subs are next to the speakers it’s a really easy thing to do. If in any doubt, have a word with Naim technical support.

5

Yes, REL do have a wireless option, but it has not been a great seller. It adds a delay, as noted above. And if I remember the transmitter needs a power supply, adding to an additional buggeration. Then there is the cost of about £300?

Me, just use the high level out the back of the power amp to the REL sub. Works well.

6

Yeah - noted re wireless.

I can’t run a cable from sub to amp so only option is sub to back of speakers or wireless

7

If you can try the REL wireless setup then give it a go. It may suit you. I did consider it for 5 mins until I realised there were only downsides to a change.

8

If you connect to bass channel at speakers there is no loss as the sub reproduces only bass anyway. And the sub amp’s input load on the 500s is absolutely negligible - it’s not as if you’re connecting another speaker in parallel, which could be a problem for a bridged amp like the 500.

9

Thanks - yeah. I guess a home demo will be the way to go if dealer is confident no damage will be done

10

A quick question on this if I may. I am thinking of trying a Sub to supplement my stand mounts. Due to my room the only option would be to run a high level output from the terminals of one speaker. i.e. one channel only. Two subs would be a space problem, and initially cost. Is this common and does it work?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

11

Yes and yes.

In fact for stereo, using high level outputs piggy backed from the speakers directly is the recommended way. With a single sub, it takes a high level input from the back of both speakers. The sub handles the down mixing to mono.

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12

Thanks. I would only be able to get the connection to the Sub from one speaker though.

13

Then you can’t do it. With a single sub, it needs a stereo signal. I mean, connected to one will work. It’s safe. But also pointless. Only one channel will be getting bass reinforcement.

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14

Yeah thanks.

I’ve read stuff about 500’s being no good for speaker connection and active makes it worse.

I’ve struggled to understand what the issue would be. I kind of get it could be an issue with one sub connected to 2 speakers but not if 2 subs connected to one each.

will speak with dealer

15

Some subs, including quite a few Rel models, only have a single input for their low level connection and they tell you to connect it to either the L or R channel of your amp. They also tell you that it’s fine to connect only one channel to the high level (aka speaker level) input which you are proposing to use.

Lower frequencies tend to exist on both channels to a far greater extent than the higher frequencies that provide the stereo image, so they will tend to be present on the single channel you connect to. This may compromise the sub bass signals to some extent on some recordings, but it’s not true that you can’t use a sub connected to only one channel.

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16

I think the only issues with connecting another speaker would be either

  1. If it adds significantly to the load on the amp - like adding a second speaker in parallel, lowering the impedance (two 8Ω speakers means 4Ω, two 4Ω = 2Ω, and the 500 being a bridged amp is less tolerant of low impedance, or

  2. With a Naim amp, if it adds it added significantly to capacitance.

An input to filter circuitry and amplifier, normal components for most subs, wouldn’t do either.

17

I don’t have active, but I just use the high level connection from my subs to the speaker terminals on the speakers themselves. I’ve always done it that way, when I had just one sub, then a stereo pair, and now a REL six pack (S/510).