What Video and Widescreen TV - Subwoofer Review

What Video and Widescreen TV - Subwoofer Review - REL QUAKE
Subwoofer
LITTLE TERROR
Don't be fooled by the REL Quake's diminutive dimensions, says Kulwinder Singh
Rai. This is one fearsomely powerful little sub
You'll know what makes the Quake different from its REL compatriots the moment you pick its box up. The fact
that you can lift it without risking several slipped discs gives its key USP away. People, if you thought the Q150E
(reviewed in our July '02 issue) was small, wait until you see the Quake... it's minuscule.
With an overall enclosure volume of just 10ltr (the Q150E occupies 17ltr) this baby boomer is the smallest, most
compact 'proper' subwoofer on the market. Its 253(w) x 294(h) x 272(d)mm dimensions make it a cinch to
accommodate in any home cinema environment.
The Quake is so innocuous-looking that we can't imagine anybody (and let's be blunt, we're talking better halves
here) raising a single rational objection to the Quake. Unlike the Q150E, the Quake is available in a tasty optional
cherry finish (£425) as well as standard Brittex black.
Another key difference between the Q150E and its little bro is that the Quake is a downwards-firing device, instead
of front-firing. Lift it up off its spiked nylon feet and you'll find an 8in long-throw, steel chassis driver lurking
underneath.
Power comes from a 100W amplifier, armed with two high-current MOSFET output devices as opposed to the four
employed in the Q150E's 150W amp.
As ever with REL kit there's a good degree of connectivity, but there are some changes. The high-level (via Neutrik
Speakon connector) and low-level jacks are present and correct. But the -12dB low-level input seen on the Q150E
has been omitted, as has the pricier model's separate ground switch. A new rear-panel addition is a 3.5mm PC
minijack input, intended to allow PC and home cinema PC users (a growing minority) a direct connection from their
soundcards.
Despite the shrinkage it's business as usual on the rear panel, with the same comprehensive selection of user
controls as found on the Q150E. These include hi/low-level gain controls, a variable crossover control, a fourposition mode control that allows hi/low-level connection (either in phase or out), plus a Depth/Slam setting.
Music generally benefits from the greater low-frequency extension of the Depth setting, while the more overtsounding Slam (offering higher output above 40Hz) is better suited to high-level 'partying'.
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SPECIFICATIONS
GUIDE PRICE £350
WHAT'S GOOD
Delivers unfeasibly deep bass for such a ridiculously
small box
WHAT'S BAD
Not much
FEATURES
Sealed 10ltr enclosure with 8in driver; ABC filtering
circuit; mode selector; Slam/ Depth switch; separate
controls for low/ high-level gain; simultaneous
connection of high/low-level connections, Safe-Set
driver protection; nylon feet with spikes
SOCKETS
Neutrik gas-tight Speakon high-level input; one mono
phono input; 3.5mm PC minijack input
DIMENSIONS
253(w) x 294(h) x 272(d)mm
WEIGHT
7.4kg
CONTACT
Rel Acoustics 01656 768777 www.rel.net
What Video and Widescreen TV - Subwoofer Review - REL QUAKE
VERDICT
As with all RELs both high- and low-level inputs can be connected simultaneously, a facility unique to this
manufacturer which helps immensely with standard two-channel fare. Unfortunately, the high-level cable is an
optional £20 extra with the Quake, so you'll have to pay if you want to experiment.
Definitely the 'stealth' model in
REL's burgeoning subwoofer lineup
PERFORMANCE
We're happy to report that this baby sub's a chip off the bigger block. Think Q150E but on a slightly smaller scale
and you've got the measure of it. One of our fave musical tests for low-frequency extension is KD Lang's
Extraordinary Thing. The quick, tuneful bass accompanying this track twists and turns like a viper trying to escape
from a box.
SOUND 9/10
FEATURES 8/10
EASE OF USE 10/10
The Quake reflects every change with whipcrack speed, delivering taut, well-measured weight that augments the
output at higher frequencies. It's so agile, in fact, that it can embarrass speakers that are subjectively slowersounding.
OVERALL 9/10
Move on to 5.1 flicks and you'll discover that, despite the Lilliputian dimensions, the Quake really does live up its moniker. Try the scene where Shrek and the donkey rescue
the princess from the dragon's castle. As well as reinforcing the obvious heavy-duty stuff - dragon footsteps, roars, fireballs, etc - every atmospheric nuance takes on extra body
and richness.
In conclusion, the REL Quake is ideal for smaller viewing rooms. Its competitively priced and is small enough not to offend even the most home cinema-phobic partner. Most
importantly, it's a terrific compromise between size and sonic slam, and for that reason alone this super sub is worthy of your dosh.
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