REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator II Sealed Subwoofer Review
Table of contents
REL subwoofers are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, innovative designs, and high-performance features, especially when it comes to 2-channel systems. Within its product line, the HT Serie of subwoofers is specifically designed for home theater applications. The HT Serie line consists of three different models - the HT/1003 MKII, HT/1205 MKII, and HT/1510 Predator II - each with its own unique set of features and capabilities.
Specifications
The REL HT/1510 Predator II is the successor to the HT/1508 Predator sealed subwoofer, which was released about five years ago. REL has enhanced the 15-inch Predator subwoofer's already impressive driver to accommodate even more power. The driver comprises a combination of glass fiber and carbon fiber center cap. The glass fiber material is extremely lightweight, enabling the substantial 3-inch voice coil to move the driver instantly.
Instead of using the same material for the center cap, as many other subwoofers do, a carbon fiber center cap is employed to hold everything in place and maintain rigidity. The purpose of this design is to achieve incredible speed, which not only benefits movie soundtracks but also enables the 15-inch driver to keep pace with speakers, enhancing the enjoyment of music as well.
The updated amplifier is another noteworthy improvement in the Predator HT/1510 II. REL has incorporated four 400-watt mosfet output devices and a large power supply to deliver a staggering 1000 watts specifically for the one 15-inch driver. This substantial amplifier and power supply are primarily intended to enhance the Predator's speed and attack, rendering effects and deep bass in music more lifelike.
When looking at the rear of the subwoofer, you’ll find two sets of RCA inputs and outputs. Compared to other subwoofers in this price range, this particular model offers a balanced audio input and output as well as an auto-on switch. Similar to other subwoofers of this type, there is a level and crossover control present and a phase switch positioned just above these two controls which can be set to either 0 or 180.
Design
It’s undeniable that REL subwoofers are among the most visually appealing subwoofers available on the market, and the REL HT/1510 Predator II is no exception. The moment the subwoofer is unpacked, its stunning appearance is impossible to ignore. The subwoofer's design sets it apart from the typical black boxes that subwoofers are commonly associated with, as it incorporates a touch more style. Apart from the driver, the most eye-catching feature of the subwoofer is its top, which is embellished with a glossy black plastic section bearing the REL logo at its center. The remainder of the subwoofer boasts a grained black vinyl finish, which contributes to its immaculate appearance.
The cone of the HT/1510 has a sleek glass fiber weave that adds to its aesthetic appeal. In my opinion, the subwoofer looks better without the grille attached. I would prefer it if REL employed magnetic grilles to avoid having visible grille guides in case one chooses to leave it off to showcase its beauty.
Instead of having four feet, the REL subwoofer features a rail covered in soft rubber on the left and right sides of the bottom. These rails are a crucial part of the Predator II's design, as they enable users to stack up to three Predator IIs in a tower arrangement using the provided brackets.
Setup
I placed one Predator II subwoofer in the front left corner of my room and the other in the right corner, with a slight toe in of each sub facing the listening position. I then connected the subwoofers to the Trinnov Altitude16 using XLR cables. John Hunter, the owner of REL Acoustics, graciously paid a visit to my home and completely overhauled the speaker configuration. We conducted trials with crossover settings and subwoofer placement and discovered that setting the crossover of my front speakers to 40 Hz and adjusting the volume dial to around 21 clicks resulted in the optimal sound quality in my room.
Performance
Although the Predator II is intended for the home theater market, REL is known for the musical capabilities of its subwoofers, so that's where I'm starting my testing. Listening to “The Less I Know The Better" by Tame Impala shows just how well the Predator blends with music. From the first note, the subwoofers produce a tight and punchy bass that perfectly complemented the song's rhythm. The bass line was reproduced with exceptional clarity, and I could distinctly hear each note as it smoothly transitions from one to the other.
Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” showcases the Predator’s ability to reproduce the subtle nuances in the bass line that are often missed by other subwoofers. Even at high volumes, the subwoofer's performance remained crystal clear, with no distortion or muddiness in the sound.
When I listen to movie soundtracks, my impression of the REL HT/1510 grows even stronger. "Skyfall" offers an excellent DTS-HD Master Audio sound, which is reinforced by some excellent bass. With the REL subwoofer in the mix, the sounds of car wrecks, gunfire, and a Caterpillar Digger destroying the rear of the train in the opening scene are loud, entertaining, and floor-shaking. The bass is not just one-note, but rather subtle and defined when necessary. Even with the multiple crossover points of my various speakers, I never hear where they are rolling off and the REL takes over.
The action sequences in "Underwater" have consistently low bass intensity, which provides for great subwoofer demo material. What I'm hearing in these instances is indomitable subwoofers cranking out persistent deep bass effects with no evidence of tension or strain. It blends in effortlessly with the other effects and sounds, and the integration and mix are excellent. This subwoofer not only starts and stops on a dime, but also pressurizes the room with some of the most exceptional low frequencies I’ve heard in my room.
Although some may argue that since this is a sealed subwoofer and does not produce bass frequencies as deep as certain ported subwoofers, I believe that with dual Predator HT/1510s and a correct setup, it can deliver even better performance than ported subs while still retaining all the benefits of a sealed sub.
Conclusion
In my time spent with various subwoofers, I’ve never heard one that blends so seamlessly into a combined music and theater system. The REL HT/1510 Predator II does more than just add low-frequency bass to movies; it also pushes my speakers' harmonic capabilities to a new level. Although the extra bass is welcome, the tightness of the bass is what really stands out.
The REL HT/1510 Predator II offers something different in the subwoofer category for music and movie enthusiasts, combining pure power with excellent musicality. REL has hit a home run with this subwoofer, which boasts exquisite aesthetics, first-rate craftsmanship, compact size, and a reasonable price point of $1,899.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Impactful tight bass | Limited controls |
Aesthetically pleasing finish | |
Excellent build quality |
FAQ
Should I leave my REL subwoofer on all the time?
REL recommends using the "Always On" mode instead of the "Auto Standby" mode for their subwoofers. While the "Auto Standby" mode can be used if necessary, REL's preference is to leave the subwoofer in the "Always On" mode, as home theater systems typically use very little power when idle, and constantly turning the amplifier on and off can cause the power supply capacitors to break down more quickly.
Can I use my REL Subwoofer wirelessly?
Yes, some REL subwoofers offer wireless connectivity options. REL offers an optional wireless transmitter/receiver kit, called the Airship II which allows you to wirelessly connect your REL subwoofer to your sound system without the need for any additional cables or wires.
What is the difference between a sealed and a ported subwoofer, and which one is better?
A sealed subwoofer is a type of subwoofer that is enclosed in a sealed box, while a ported subwoofer has a vent or port that allows air to flow in and out of the enclosure. Sealed subwoofers tend to have a tighter and more accurate bass response, while ported subwoofers tend to have deeper and more boomy bass. Which one is better depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the listening environment. Sealed subwoofers are often preferred for music and smaller rooms, while ported subwoofers are often preferred for home theater and larger rooms.
