REL No. 25 versus G1 MkII, versus 212SE...

I'm about to change from dual REL Carbon Limited subs to a single REL no. 25. I know everyone says dual subs are better than a single sub, but my experience has been different. I went from dual JL Audio F110 v2s to a single JL Audio F112 v2 and preferred the latter. I guess time will tell.
 
Hi there,
although I have no direct comparison with the G1MkII and the 212SE (which I Heard only at my dealer) I can only highly recommend the No 25. I don‘t listen at high Volumens, still it does so much for making the sound become real. Without it, my system now sounds artificial and soulless.
By the way, if aesthetics are a consideration go for the No. 25 it just looks really magnificent with the grill and slightly curved upper side sloping down to the back.

Once budget allows I might go for a second to get a stereo pair - which the REL customer support and my dealer recommended (ok they might me biased). However if the depth imaging with a pair is the same as from going from mono to stereo with regular speakers, the difference should be obvious.

Anyway, please give some impressions if you go for the No 25. This will indeed be money worth spent! :)
 
I talked to REL on Friday. The representative that I talked to told me the no. 25 is a definite stepup in bass output. He cautioned me that going from dual REL Carbon Limited subs to a single no. 25 may negatively affect the soundstage. Do any Audioshark member's own a single no. 25? I realize all rooms/systems are different, but I'm curious of how a single REL no. 25 affected your soundstage.
 
I started with a single G1 when I was running Gamut M5’s and when I went to the Acoustic Zen Crescendo II’s I brought in a second
In my room , I won’t say the second didn’t work but there is absolutely some diminishing returns in play .... as alway your mileage may vary
 
I started with a single G1 when I was running Gamut M5’s and when I went to the Acoustic Zen Crescendo II’s I brought in a second
In my room , I won’t say the second didn’t work but there is absolutely some diminishing returns in play .... as alway your mileage may vary

I received my first G1 mkII and should receive the 2nd one next week. I agree about diminishing returns, but in my experience once you hear a slight improvement, regardless of cost, it's almost impossible to forget. We pay a lot in this hobby for incremental improvements and to me it's usually worth it.
 
I started with a single G1 when I was running Gamut M5’s and when I went to the Acoustic Zen Crescendo II’s I brought in a second
In my room , I won’t say the second didn’t work but there is absolutely some diminishing returns in play .... as alway your mileage may vary

I received my first G1 mkII and should receive the 2nd one next week. I agree about diminishing returns, but in my experience once you hear a slight improvement, regardless of cost, it's almost impossible to forget. We pay a lot in this hobby for incremental improvements and to me it's usually worth it.
 
I received my first G1 mkII and should receive the 2nd one next week. I agree about diminishing returns, but in my experience once you hear a slight improvement, regardless of cost, it's almost impossible to forget. We pay a lot in this hobby for incremental improvements and to me it's usually worth it.
Hi, I have a stereo pair of G1 augmenting my Rockport Avior. It’s one of the most significant upgrades I have made to the system. The music with the stereo pair of subs sounds way superior.
 
I received my first G1 mkII and should receive the 2nd one next week. I agree about diminishing returns, but in my experience once you hear a slight improvement, regardless of cost, it's almost impossible to forget. We pay a lot in this hobby for incremental improvements and to me it's usually worth it.
Hi, I have a stereo pair of G1 augmenting my Rockport Avior. It’s one of the most significant upgrades I have made to the system. The music with the stereo pair of subs sounds way superior.
 
Hi, I have a stereo pair of G1 augmenting my Rockport Avior. It’s one of the most significant upgrades I have made to the system. The music with the stereo pair of subs sounds way superior.

I don't know how dual G1 mkII subs will sound in my system, but I'll know next week. What I do know is I prefer a single G1 mkII to the dual REL Carbon Limited's that I had. A single G1 mkII makes the music more tangible. All of the "audiophile" things are simply better with the G1 mkII and I look forward to receiving the second sub. Although a single G1 mkII disappears, I can feel more air/pressure on the side where the sub is located and that's the only reason I'm getting a second subwoofer. Value is different for everyone, but in my opinion the G1 mkII is worth every penny.
 
Hi, I have a stereo pair of G1 augmenting my Rockport Avior. It’s one of the most significant upgrades I have made to the system. The music with the stereo pair of subs sounds way superior.

I don't know how dual G1 mkII subs will sound in my system, but I'll know next week. What I do know is I prefer a single G1 mkII to the dual REL Carbon Limited's that I had. A single G1 mkII makes the music more tangible. All of the "audiophile" things are simply better with the G1 mkII and I look forward to receiving the second sub. Although a single G1 mkII disappears, I can feel more air/pressure on the side where the sub is located and that's the only reason I'm getting a second subwoofer. Value is different for everyone, but in my opinion the G1 mkII is worth every penny.
 
Hi,
When making this decision, did you consider getting the top of the line Rel No.25 sub or the 212 SE sub (both of which have class D amplification, which is allegedly "faster")?
Thanks

I don't know how dual G1 mkII subs will sound in my system, but I'll know next week. What I do know is I prefer a single G1 mkII to the dual REL Carbon Limited's that I had. A single G1 mkII makes the music more tangible. All of the "audiophile" things are simply better with the G1 mkII and I look forward to receiving the second sub. Although a single G1 mkII disappears, I can feel more air/pressure on the side where the sub is located and that's the only reason I'm getting a second subwoofer. Value is different for everyone, but in my opinion the G1 mkII is worth every penny.
 
I talked to REL several times and they recommended the no. 25 as the best fit with my speakers/room followed by the G1 mkII. The no. 25 is a little more than I could/wanted to spend. The Carbon Limited's that I replaced had Class D amplifiers and the G1 mkII are a step in the right direction for my system.
 
I believe REL will announce new additions to the reference line up, sooner rather than later. It’s just me but I would be wary investing in dual G1’s at this time lest buyers remorse sets in when new reference line comes out. The new s/812 and s/510 are significant improvements over the previous S series including Carbon Limited and certainly encroach on, damn near reaches reference territory based on conversations I’ve had. The new s series success would seem to predict new reference products to widen the gap. The No.25 on the other hand is a safe bet. It’s a monster and as good as it gets.


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I've actually compared my Carbon Limited's to s/812s and I kept my Carbons. I do have a friend that has dual s/812s, but I'll happily keep the G1 mkIIs. Companies will continue to improve/change products, but I can't afford to keep up with them and don't want to. If money were no object, I would have no. 25s. We all have choices and I'll live with mine.
 
I received both REL G1 mkII subs. They're a great fit in my system/room. What stands out to me is how they improve spacing, the soundstage, and resolution across the audio spectrum. My wife says, "you can hear instruments better." I'm not talking night and day differences, but easily discernable differences.
 
I received both REL G1 mkII subs. They're a great fit in my system/room. What stands out to me is how they improve spacing, the soundstage, and resolution across the audio spectrum. My wife says, "you can hear instruments better." I'm not talking night and day differences, but easily discernable differences.

Hello ricred1,

great to hear you are really enjoying your subs!! :)

I‘m considering the same thing, that is getting a second No. 25 for my system. John Hunter from REL always explains the effect of the second sub in a stereo pair to open up the sound stage in the two outer thirds - making the sound stage more U than V-shaped. From your experience is this the effect that you felt that adding a second sub did for you?

Also, on a Ballpark percentage scale... if the first sub adds an imaginary 100% to sound of a system - more warmth, better voice, realism, etc. how much does the second do... another 20... 50... 70%?! Just to get a rough indication.

Appreciate your thought and keep enjoying your wonderful subs!! :)
 
Congrats!!!

IMO, IME, when installed properly, the second sub is not so much about the bass, it's about the space...
 
Hello Musiclover,

"Also, on a Ballpark percentage scale... if the first sub adds an imaginary 100% to sound of a system - more warmth, better voice, realism, etc. how much does the second do... another 20... 50... 70%?! Just to get a rough indication."

In my opinion adding a second sub is about space and equal pressurization of my room. It's very hard to quantify the percentage of change, but I would say 10% or less as a rough estimate. As with everything else audio related, despite the "small" percentage regarding improvements, adding the second sub, once you "hear" the difference it's hard to ignore. I submit this hobby is usually about incremental system improvements that are relatively expensive.
 
Adding my second 212SE was a significant improvement to my overall musical enjoyment.Maybe a 30% improvement...!!!
 
Thanks a lot for the feedback... so I feel there are definitely sonic benefits for adding a second sub. Now I „just“ have the get the necessary funds, hehe...

Btw what cables are you using for the G1 MkII and 212SE - both power cords and signal/subwoofer cables?
 
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