REL R-Series Owner’s Manual 7
Introduction to the R-Series Sub-Bass System
Congratulations, and thank you for purchasing a REL Sub-Bass System, the finest and
most innovative audio component in its class. This new R-Series is distinctive not only
for its shockingly deep, musical bass, but also for its unique ability to perform as a
complement to your main speakers in both music and film applications, as well as a
dedicated speaker for the critical low frequency effects (LFE) channel or the .1 in 5.1
track contained in most multi-channel soundtracks. It is for these reasons that we
cannot simply call it a subwoofer, but instead a Sub-Bass System, providing home-cinema
bass which will surpass most cineplexes, and moreover allowing your speakers to
sound more realistic, musical, and alive.
We have achieved this objective by allowing for two simultaneous connections: one
at high (speaker) level, and one at low level. The high level connection attaches to the
same speaker terminals on your amplifier (or receiver) to which your main left and right
speakers are connected – the speakers and the REL simply share the same binding
posts. This allows the REL to receive the exact same signal as your main speakers,
allowing for a seamless integration of the REL into your system. This connection is
active every time a signal is going to these speakers, whether you are enjoying
2-channel music or experiencing a multi-channel source such as a DVD or music in
a surround-sound format. The result is a surprisingly noticeable improvement to the
performance of your speakers – not only will they be supported by a Sub-Bass System
capable of reproducing extremely low frequencies, but they will be able to reproduce
the nuances of space and weight in the recording, allowing for an enhancement to the
imaging, soundstage, midrange, and even high frequency reproduction of your system.
Furthermore, a separate but concurrent .1/LFE connection is offered, allowing the REL
to receive the LFE track, which is a channel intended by the recording engineer to be
exclusively reproduced by a subwoofer. The REL is designed to allow this track to be
conveyed in its entirety; the crossover settings designated for the high-level connection
are bypassed for the .1/LFE input. Moreover, there is a separate volume control
permitting the level to be adjusted independently of the high-level connection.
By effectively acting in a dual-role, the REL will significantly add to your music and
film experience. To further enhance this effect, additional REL Sub-Bass Systems can
be used to support the centre and surround speakers. Imagine the same enhancements
to range, detail, and scale achieved by using a REL to support the main left and right
speakers expanded to your entire system; by adding REL Sub-Bass Systems to the other
speakers you will achieve an enormous and immersive surround sound experience.
Due to the novel and powerful capabilities of this product, it is especially important that
you read through this manual in its entirety, in order to realize the full potential of the
REL and connect it accordingly.
