REL Acoustics T/5x Powered Subwoofer Overview
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- čas přidán 17. 06. 2021
- Learn more about T/5x at rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofe...
Hi, John Hunter with REL here. I'm our head designer, and we're here to introduce you to the T/5x. This is part of our new T/x range. This is baby bear. This is the entry-level into TX. Don't count it out just because it's a cute, diminutive little piece. It's really potent. I'll explain why. What we've got is a high current, 125 watt amplifier. All Watts are not created the same.
0:30
This is as though you were buying a 125 watt professional grade monoblock amp. Big power supplies, big transistors, lots of regulation, all the stuff nobody else wants to do. We have a down firing eight inch driver in the T/5x, and we do the down firing because a few things. First of all, it picks up instantly about three decibels, about 20% more output simply by having the floor.
It also provides a really good mechanism for forcing sound out throughout difficult rooms. So when you have a floor coupled buffer, it just allows the sound to sort of permeate effortlessly throughout the whole space works great.
1:00
The T/5x is an absolutely wonderful piece. It pairs with speakers between $1,000 to $3,000 in the U S maybe £800 to £2,500 in the UK. And we've upgraded every aspect of it compared with the T/i going forward. The T/5x uses a very high powered eight inch drive. As I mentioned before it's down firing. The T/x drivers were completely redesigned from the outgoing drivers. What we had to do was create something that was much more of a sports car suspension.
1:30
It's much stiffer. The surround is completely redesigned. It's a larger surround. It has more travel to it, more suppleness to it. So it's both quicker and stiffer. The spider, which is the hidden component to any driver is a pleaded role that goes and marries up to the back half of the voice coil and keeps that thing moving perfectly pistonicly at all times. We had to use completely new materials, new doping techniques to get this driver to work in these volumes.
2:00
And the net result is something that outputs about two decibels more than the outgoing one, not a huge amount, but the outgoing one played plenty loud to begin with. And more importantly, it's so much more articulate.
It's faster, it starts and stops on a dime. Things like echo decay patterns are much more evident on this, even with the down fire aspect of it. So we're really proud of this piece and the way that we've been able to evolve this design to take advantage of it. Larger cabinet volumes. 125 watt mono block that we use inside this as an amplifier. It’s an amazing piece for not a huge sum of money.
2:30
You get a high current class AB amplifier the full deal. Large power supplies. Large toroidal transformers. These heat sinks are not there for gifting. They're incredibly important to keep this thing regulated. We probably built somewhere north of 120,000 iterations of this model and it just keeps getting better and better. It has optional wireless that literally plugs in and snugs in here with a couple of lockables.
3:00
We have high level control. The high level input is responsible for connecting up to your power amplifier and we derive no power from it. Let me assure you, people go that's magic. It's true. We take the signal, the Sonic signal from your receiver, from your amplifier, and we use it to essentially preconditioned this piece.
So whatever you're using is how we would want to sound. The reason we want to sound that way is we're not there to sound different than your main system. If your speakers and amplifiers sound a certain way, this needs to sound exactly that way.
3:30
So we have that high level connection built into this piece, even though it's a very reasonably priced piece, we have the same fast 8 millisecond filters that we use in the more expensive models. This is an enormous amount of quality for a very, very reasonable sum. So, the cabinet is made with the same care that our bigger models are made with everything that goes into our bigger ones goes into this. So, for example, we use real musical instrument style bracing.
4:00
These braces are interlocking. They have finger joints where they pass over each other. They're deeply inset into the MDF. And they're made out of much stiffer material than the MDF itself. So they work the way the bracing should work. You need something stiff, breaking up the modes of something soft. The things you don't see, we do. The paint on these is incredible.
It's five coats, double coated. What I mean by that is our sprayers are taught to spray horizontally and then immediately after that vertically, all the entire cabinet, that's one.
4:30
So it effectively becomes 10 coats. We claim five, and what that gives us is incredibly flat mirror like finishes. Everything that you see that looks like aluminum is.... - Jak na to + styl
This thing is a small monster. I previously had the T5/i and upgraded to the 5/x. Well worth it.
love this man and his products
I love my T/5X, Paired with my Tekon Lore Reference perfectly!!!
This subwoofer is amazing! I love it!
I Use the t5i as my center sub and it’s magic for dialogues
120,000 iterations of that model!! Now that is impressive.
It is impressive if it is true.
Absolutely love this sub!
Just picked up a T5x and connected via High level (Audioquest) to my Rega Elex-R. Source is a P3 and speakers are Focal Aria. Holy Moly what a difference and what a killer sound system. I originally had the T7x and settled on the T5x given my room size but also so I can add another, one day in the future. LoL. Your subwoofers, look, sound and perform amazingly well.
Thank you for the support, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of the T/5x in your system! If you have any questions about your subwoofer then feel free to reach out and we will be happy to assist.
hello John Hunter, you prove to be an unconditional Elvis Presley fan.
I have the previous iteration…the T5i; I have it connected wirelessly via the REL Arrow wireless transmitter. I have it set at 20% (8 clicks) on the min max volume dial and crossed at 30hz (lowest setting). It’s integrated superbly for my room load for either home theater or 2.1 channel audio set up. I cannot imagine needing more bass/sub bass (Preference dictates of course). I have it located on the rear wall in the corner of a 12 X 18 bonus room.
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of your T/5i! If you have any questions about the subwoofer or wireless system then feel free to reach out and we will be happy to assist.
Very impressed by the T5x performance in my over 40m² living room! Cambridge Audio CXA 61 and Fyne Audio F502 floorstanders. Mostly for music, sometimes for TV. I fear my neighbours will not like it as much as I do! Connecting (REL high level input) and place setting was as easy as it could be. It shakes the room, even at 50% volume.
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of the T/5x in your system! If you have any questions about the subwoofer then feel free to reach out and we will be happy to assist.
I’ve just had my T5/x a few days and I’m so pleased with its addition to my system (Orchard Audio Pecan Pi Ultra streamer/DAC, Gamut D200 dual-mono power amp, Stereo Coffee kit LDR pre-, Sonus Faber Concerto Home speakers, Rega P3 and iFi iPhono2). My SF speakers did a great job but the addition of the single T5/x has definitely increased stereo depth and presence. I’m probably still dialling it in, however I’m impressed and it has contributed to my already great system just as I had hoped.
Thank you for reaching out, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of the T/5x in your system! If you have any questions about your new REL then feel free to let us know and we will be happy to assist.
Just ordered one for my Concertos as well. What settings did you use?
@@flitetime My T5/x developed a fault shortly after I bought it. Had a replacement card fitted and as yet I have not spent much time setting this one up. A quick check shows I have the Hi/Lo Level and the Crossover both at about 10 o'clock. Every room is different as you know. :)
My stereo system Mcintosh Ma252 / Audio Physic Step 35 / RME ADI-2 DAC FS and REL T5X x 2 The sound is amazing The music space with two subwoofers has become even larger Magic 🙂
Thank you for sharing, and we are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of the T/5x subwoofers in your system! If you have any questions or concerns about your T/5xs then feel free to let us know and we will be happy to assist.
nice design
I just set up two. T/5x with Elac UBR62
It’s been about 20 hours of operation.. definitely become louder as they break in.. I’m surprise how much I’ve turned the gain down. They sound amazing.
They blend with the speakers like nothing I’ve heard before from a subwoofer. They seem to change the lower midrange and add warmth and fullness. I’ve got an svs 3000 micro 900w 2400peak ..
The T/5 is 125w and there’s no comparison.. The REL are so much more deep and seemingly more powerful. Especially after break in I think dropped six clicks down.The REL definitely delivers lower cleaner bass than the SVS. Even though specs say the svs was lower.
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying the performance of your T/5x subwoofers!
I have those speakers aswell and want to add two t7x 😊 nice to hear they blend well. How big is your listeting area. I have around 20m2. I hope those two will be enough
I am on the cusp of buying the 5/X , but am unclear how I connect my rig to it . My DAC connects to my ELAC Navis active speakers via XLR. I am assuming I use the RCA output from the DAC to the 5/X ?
What's more important in pairing, subwoofer size to the room, or matching the price range of the speaker models? Let's say you have a higher end bookshelf speaker (harbeth 30.2 for instance) in a smaller room, would you want a small sub like the t5x so that you don't overload the room, or would you want something like the 7x to better match the performance of the high end speakers and try to adjust to the room?
The ideal subwoofer choice for a particular system is dependent on several variables, including the size of the room, the choice of speakers in the system, and if the system is used for 2-channel music or home theater listening. In our experience, for use in small rooms the T/7x will be the ideal choice for pairing with the Harbeth 30.2 speakers.
How does suspended floors (wooden over joists) affect different types of subwoofer? Like downward firing, side firing.
Great question
Hi John. I bought a cambridge audio cx a 61 with a sub output. Should i still use the high level input on the t5x. Or should I use the low level input and then run in to my amps dedicated sub out.
In order to get the best possible performance from the T/5x, we do recommend connecting it to your Cambridge Audio CXA61 using the High Level input rather than the RCA sub-out. The CXA61 is a Class A/B amplifier, meaning that you will be able to use the standard High Level connection method.
Hi John and Rel, I always appreciate your informative videos, but I have 2 questions about the T5/X.
Being a down firing design, could a system still benefit by having a stereo pair of them?
Secondly will they be happy very close to the back wall?
I'm interested in having them in a system with wall mounted Dali Menuet SE in my small bedroom.
Thanks!
Thank you for reaching out. The performance of the T/5x subwoofer does benefit by using two of them in a stereo pair configuration, even with them being a down-firing design. Stereo pairs allow for a more seamless blend with the system's main loudspeakers, while also providing a more even distribution of sub-bass energy in the space.
For optimal performance we recommend placing the T/5x in a corner, ideally along the same wall as your main loudspeakers are placed, though you can instead place the sub(s) along the back wall of your room. The proximity of the subwoofer to the wall can then be adjusted as part of tuning them in your room and system.
Hi, my T5 went pop recently and as I am into home cinema as well as music, thought that maybe I should either get the HT1003 and maybe get the T5 repaired, or should I maybe just get the new T5x. Is there really that much difference between the two T5 models? Or would you recommend both the T5x and HT1003 anyway?
Thank you for reaching out, and we are sorry to hear about the issues which have occurred with your T5 subwoofer. The T/5x does offer a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the older T5, though it could still be worth having your subwoofer repaired. For repair information, or for help with choosing a new subwoofer for your system, please write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
Hi, I have a room, which has been sound proofed size is 17ft x 16ft. I am looking to pair up with current desktop active speakers, the Kef Lsx.
1 - Which of your speakers the t5x /t7x would you recommend for the room size.?
2 - how would I connect to the Kef Lsx.?
3 - How would dual subs connect to this speaker?
Thanks
Thank you for contacting us, and for your interest in REL subwoofers. When you have a chance, please write in to contactus@rel.net and our team will be happy to provide a subwoofer pairing recommendation for your system, in addition to instructions on how best to connect the subwoofer to your Kef LSX active speakers.
This may be a stupid question. I’ve never had subs before. If I set these up using the hi level input, does the gain need to be adjusted every time I change the volume level of the speakers using the volume control on the integrated amp? Or is the gain level set once, relative to the output of the speakers so the sound is always balanced regardless of the volume I’m playing?
Thank you for reaching out. REL subwoofers are designed so that their Level control is used to match the output level of the subwoofer with that of the system's main loudspeakers. Once this has been set, adjustments to the system's volume control will equally adjust both the main loudspeakers and the subwoofer together.
Well he talks the talk. I have a REL G1 and it matches well with my Pass 150 and Magico A3s. So I guess maybe he walks the walk.
Will a single T5X work well in a 5m x 5m room, pairing with Q acoustics 3050 and audiolab7000a ? The bass in the 3050 is not articulate and below certain frequencies become exceptionally quiet.
Thank you for reaching out. In our experience the T/5x can perform very well in this size of room, and is a good option for pairing with your Q Acoustics 3050 speakers. If you have any additional questions about subwoofer pairing for your system then feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist further.
Why isn't there a 180 degree adjustable phase function? I feel like this is a must have feature in my setup. Also, ,for years now, I've been using a Jensen ISOMAX SP-2SX Line converter to accomplish HL input to my Focal Sub6. Unfortunately, if the impedances between the matching components isn't correct, it results in a minor loss of spatial ambience, a loss that is hard to accept. How does REL overcome this problem? Is REL implementing a similar internal transformer design and is there impedances losses?
Thank you for reaching out. In our experience a two-way phase switch, along with making subtle positioning adjustments to the subwoofer in your room, will offer plenty of adjustability for achieving a proper phase match between the subwoofer and the main loudspeakers. In addition, a continuous rotary phase dial can oftentimes be too much adjustability, and makes the setting-phase process more complicated than necessary.
The High Level input on a REL subwoofer has an input impedance of approximately 150 kOhms, which results in the REL being able to draw signal from the same amplifier output terminals as your main loudspeakers are connected to, without placing any current load on the amplifier or drawing any amplifier power away from the system's main loudspeakers. As a result, when using the High Level connection the subwoofer is essentially invisible to the amplifier from an electrical perspective. By comparison, based on their literature the Jensen ISOMAX SP-2x has an input impedance of of between 1.1kOhm and 2.3 kOhm.
I see. Thank you for the thoughful explaination.
I have a McIntosh set up in a 11X14 square feet room. 462 amp - xr50 stand mounts, wood floors and walls, good sounding room. I you could advise pls. Should I go with two T/5x´s or one T/7x or one T/9x. I do have a Audiovector Sub today, but it is rather slow moving and is not exactly keeping up with the XR50 stand mounts.... Pls. adv.
Thank you for reaching out. Based on the size of your room, we recommend the T/7x as being the best option for pairing with your McIntosh XR50 speakers. The T/7x has a fast and articulate output which will blend seamlessly with these speakers, and will have plenty of output power to properly fill and pressurize this size of room.
If you have any additional questions about the T/7x, then feel free to let us know and we will be happy to assist.
@@RELAcoustics thanks a lot for the input!
My listening room is upstairs and we have wooden floors. Will this down firing sub cause problems for my family in the living areas below?
Due to the significant low-frequency pressure waves that they produce, any subwoofer can excite the floor which it is placed on, though how much this is heard in below living areas will depend on your listening levels and choice of program material. That being said, the T/5x will be less prone to this compared to our larger subwoofer models, since it does not reach as deep in it's low-frequency extension and does not have as much output power.
@@RELAcoustics Thank you for your reply. It sounds like the T/5X is the way to go. I guess I can tip it on its side if if is a problem.
Would the T/x5 match well with Dali Menuet SE? Thanks
Thank you for reaching out. The T/5x is an excellent choice for pairing with the Dali Menuet SE speakers in an average-sized room. If you have any additional questions about subwoofer pairing for your system then feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
Hello i use the ProJect 5 S2 Speaker in my 26 qm flat. Do you think the T 5x ist better or the T zero nMKIII? Thanx a lot
Thank you for reaching out, and for your interest in REL Acoustics subwoofers. Based on the size of your room, a stereo pair of Tzero MKIII or a single T/5x would be good options for pairing with your Pro-Ject Speaker-Box 5 S2 speakers. For more information about subwoofer pairing options for your system, please write in to contactus@rel.net and our team will be happy to assist.
I currently have a T5i and planning to get another one but realized model has been upgraded, can I pair T5x with my older T5i? I'm using mono blocks btw.
Thank you for reaching out. The T/5x can be paired with your T/5i, though improvements were made during the design and development of the T/5x which means that these two models will not be a perfect sonic match when used together in a stereo pair configuration. Specifically, the T/5x has greater output power and is able to reach deeper in it's low-frequency extension, while also being noticeably faster and more responsive in it's output compared to the T/5x. Ideally, it will be best to use a second T/5i to match with your current one, which will ensure that the sub-bass output is balanced and even from left to right.
@@RELAcoustics Makes a lot of sense! Thank you for your help.
Dumb question from a newbie here - mt apartment floors are carpeted. Will the down firing driver be absorbed too much in this setting?
In our experience having carpeted floors will not impact the performance of a subwoofer, even if it is an exclusively down-firing model like the T/5x.
@@RELAcoustics Thank you.
Hi. Is it ok to position it on some sort of stone slab ie marble?
Thank you for reaching out. We find that the best performance is achieved by having the REL subwoofer placed directly on the floor, rather than on a platform or shelf. Doing so will allow the subwoofer to couple directly with the floor, resulting in deeper low-frequency extension and more dynamic output.
For more information about subwoofer placement, feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
Hi, may I know if this would work well with a studio monitor like the kanto tux or even the iloud MTM in a smaller room?
The T/5x is an excellent choice for pairing with either the Kanto Tuk or the iLoud MTM speakers. The Kanto Tuk have an RCA subwoofer output jack which will allow you to connect the subwoofer directly to the speakers, though since the iLoud MTM do not have an output jack the subwoofer would need to be connected to the preamp or whatever other device is being used to send signal to the speakers.
Thank you so much for the insight! Love all the videos and REL’s attention to detail. It is really something that I can truly feel.
I’ll get the T/5x then! Oh by the way, what is the best position for the sub? I saw a video about the woofer crawl technique? Is that a good idea?
@@tanlekthow2646 Glad that we could help! We have found that the best performance for the T/5x is achieved by placing the subwoofer in one of the front corners of your room, along the same wall as your main loudspeakers are placed. If corner placement is not an option, then placing the sub along the same front wall will be the next best choice. Proximity to a room boundary well help to reinforce the T/5x's down-firing output, and also project that output out into the room.
@@RELAcoustics Hi team. T5i had jet white driver which is untreated for fast and accurate bass. T5X driver is treated, which may add mass. What is the reason or advantage of having it treated in comparison to T5i.
How do I use the crossover alongside the high-level input? Wouldn’t that connection cause the speakers to play at full range?
Thank you for reaching out. When using the High Level input on a REL subwoofer, it is necessary to send a full-range signal both to the system's main loudspeakers and to the subwoofer. The Crossover control on the subwoofer itself is then adjusted by-ear to below where the main loudspeakers naturally roll-off in their low-frequency extension in your room. In our experience this approach results not only in improved performance from the subwoofer, but also allows the main loudspeakers to perform their best.
@@RELAcoustics Thank you for the reply. I must say your company has been great in answering questions and I think I will now try a REL sub instead of competitors
@@RELAcoustics
Hi there, so when we run the speakers large and connect them via both high level and lfe connection and cross over the subwoofer at 80hz what happens to the lfe signal (information) up to 120hz. Do we loose all that.
@@rayking507 Thank you for reaching out. The .1/LFE input on the T/5x (and all of our models that feature the High Level input) completely bypasses the subwoofer's own crossover filter circuit. This means that the output of the High Level signal is being filtered by the subwoofer's Crossover, while the output of the .1/LFE channel is being completely controlled using the settings within your AV processor.
Is this quick enough to pair with KEF LSX 2?
Thank you for reaching out. The T/5x is plenty fast enough for pairing well with the KEF LSX 2 speakers, assuming that your system is being used in a small-to-medium sized room. If your system is located in a larger room then we recommend the T/7x as being the preferred option for pairing with these speakers.
I have a few questions - 1) Why doesn't it have a remote control? 2) Where is the 12V trigger? Is it constantly turned on? What is a power consumption in a stand-by mode, if there is any? 3) What input should I connect my AVR to? Remember - AVRs have thier own sub output and also room measurement systems. I have also read some opinions, stating, that T5x line connection sounds substantially worse than direct connection to speakers. Could I use both? Still need an LFE channel from AVR. Thanks a lot.
Thank you for reaching out. In our experience, the best performance and most seamless blend with a system's main loudspeakers is achieved by using completely analog filters, which is a primary reason why the T/5x does not feature a remote since this would require digital conversion in the filter circuit. In addition, once the subwoofer has been set up and tuned to blend with the system's main loudspeakers it should not be necessary to make any further adjustments to it's tuning controls. You are also correct that our subwoofers do not feature 12v trigger for controlling their power state, and instead simply feature a standard power switch on their back panel. To get the best possible performance from the subwoofer we recommend keeping it fully powered on at all times, and in the case of the T/5x the subwoofer will only draw 14 watts when idle, or fully powered on but not producing any signal. That being said, you are welcome to fully power off the subwoofer when not in use if you prefer.
In most systems that use an AV receiver we recommend connecting the T/5x using both it's High Level input and the .1/LFE input. The High Level input connects to the amplifier's speaker output terminals, which will be the same terminals where your main speaker wire is connected to. The .1/LFE input will then connect to the receiver's sub-out jack.
If you have any additional questions about connecting or tuning the T/5x in your system then feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
@@RELAcoustics So I have decided to go with the REL T5x. As an AVR owner, I would like to ask - what is an ideal connection scenario? AVR usually has some settings for the bass management. You can set your cross-overs and direct your bass to the LFE, or LFE + Mains (fronts). But doing so, you are not making your AVR a service, as your fronts usually don't go so deep down. Hence I wonder, what is an ideal setting for AVR owners? Using LFE and letting AVR do the cross-over job, using high level and let bass go thru front speakers terminal, or from whatever reason, use both connection?
@@PetrKrenzelok To get the best possible performance from the T/5x in this system, we recommend connecting it using both the High Level input and the .1/LFE input simultaneously. This will allow the subwoofer to provide low-frequency support for the main speaker channels while also delivering the LFE sub-bass effect channel when listening to home theater material. When running both inputs together, it will be necessary to have your main loudspeakers set to Large so that no crossover is applied to their signal. We then recommend setting the subwoofer output to "LFE" rather than "LFE+Main".
If you have any additional questions or concerns bout setting up the T/5x in your system then feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
How does t5x compare to t7i model?
Both the T/5x and T/7i are excellent subwoofers, though they excel in different categories. For a subwoofer pairing recommendation specific to your system, please write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
I contacted REL directly on their website cause I wished to know wish sub between T/5x or T/7x used by pair would be the best for me. I am waiting for the reply still. Whereas Dangerous Music replies within 3 days each time I contact them.
Hello! Is it suitable for Kef r3?
Thank you for reaching out. When you have a chance, please write in to contactus@rel.net and our team will be happy to discuss subwoofer pairing options for your home audio system.
The white model looks like a military level WiFi router
Why are all of subs small?
Don,'t worry size doesnt matter :)
I’m glad that they make compact subs because not everyone has the space for large subwoofers. Also, this is REL. They are masters of subwoofers.
what do i gain.... by not letting it face down.... but toards me,, or side wall, or back wall.. or ceiling
Thank you for reaching out. The T/5x is designed to have it's driver facing down and toward the floor, rather than being placed on it's side and having the driver firing forward. This down-firing design allows for stronger output and deeper extension from a relatively small subwoofer.