SVS vs REL – Which Brand Is Better?

SVS and REL Audio are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry that produces high-quality speakers, headphones, soundbars,  and subwoofers. 

In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at the sound quality, durability, price and so on. Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points. However, we will compare them as closely as we can.

SVS subwoofers are generally more accurate than REL and offer lower distortion within the lower frequency range (bass). REL subwoofers on the other hand are often marketed as being high-performant but are normally poorly engineered and overpriced.

Pros and Cons of SVS:

• Pros: Known for producing accurate, low distortion, high-quality subwoofers and speakers with excellent sound quality and strong bass response. They offer a wide range of products at different price points, so there is something for everyone.
• Cons: Some of their products can be expensive, and some users have reported issues with durability.

Pros and Cons of REL:

• Pros: Known for producing high-quality subwoofers with excellent sound quality and strong bass response. Many of their products are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and can be a good fit for a home theater setup.
• Cons: Some of their products can be expensive, and some users have reported issues with durability and performance.

Quick History

SVS Quick History

SVS was founded by a group of audio-loving engineers, in 1998. The innovation was driven by the need to create world-class, immersive, and affordable subwoofers and amplifiers. The company is based in Youngtown, Ohio and currently produces speakers, subwoofers and cables.

REL Quick History

REL Acoustics Ltd. of Bridgend, Wales, is a UK-based manufacturer of high-end sub-bass systems for two-channel and home theatre systems.

It was founded in 1990 by Richard Edmund Lord (REL) who set out to make subwoofers that were better than those commercially available in those days. Today, it is safe to say that he has succeeded in his mission, as proven by the several accolades and glowing reviews from respected sources.

Sound Quality

SVS Sound Quality

SVS’s designs are produced by a top-notch acoustic engineering team that combines sophisticated technology, precision engineering, exhaustive lab, real-world testing, and a deep passion for audio excellence.

The company produces reference-grade loudspeakers with coherent soundstage and pinpoint imaging, superb detail, and sonic transparency. The subwoofers also deliver a great audio experience and come with a 5-year unconditional warranty. 

As an example, the SoundMatch 2-way crossover is used with a tapered array design that helps minimize beaming and creates an expansive, focused, and precise soundstage. The Precise tuning of SoundMatch Crossover also helps deliver pinpoint accuracy of highs, mids, and lows. 

The acoustically optimized 1-inch aluminum dome tweeters and high-output 4.5-inch midrange drivers ensure delivery of high sound quality.

REL Sound Quality

REL Acoustics only manufactures subwoofers, and it’s not an overstatement to say that they are very good at it.

Their devices have redefined what bass should sound like with deep, tuneful, and natural-sounding bass. The sound output is clear and powerful while being dynamic enough to suit whatever you are doing.

Features

SVS Features

Here are some of the striking SVS features: 

• Active digital crossover
• Compact, stylish, and acoustically refined cabinets
• 192kHz/24-bit lossless streaming
• Mono or stereo playback options 
• Subwoofers feature active dual opposing 8-inch drivers

REL Features

Here are some of the features that make REL devices some of the best available on the market:

• Voice control
• Plenty of connection options including analog, digital and high-res wireless connections.
• Pure and dynamic sound output
• Surprisingly full-featured remotes

Build Quality

SVS Build Quality

The build quality of SVS speakers and subwoofers is pristine, with tapered edges known as chamfers used to minimize edge diffraction. Acoustic enhancements such as shorting rings and a tweeter diffuser add performance-driven style to the speakers. These are packed into compact and appealing cabinets available in stunning piano gloss black or premium black ash finish.

REL Build Quality

REL devices are constructed using light and resilient materials such as carbon fibre, CarbonGlas™ (a combination of fiberglass and carbon), FibreAlloy™ and CastAlloy™.

They also make use of materials like steel and aluminum for the chassis, which, in addition to being sturdy and durable, do not produce unwanted vibrations that ‘colour’ the sound. Everything is luxuriously coated in layers of attractive and durable lacquer.

Ease of Use

SVS Ease Of Use

SVS added physical controls directly to its active speakers to make it easier to control the volume, choose the inputs to use, or pause playback directly. The speakers are also easy to mount. 

REL Ease Of Use

The minimalistic design of REL devices means that all the ports and controls are located on the back, which is not quite comfortable to reach. But this can be overcome by using the remotes that come with some of their devices.

Cost

SVS Cost

Here’s a range of prices for SVS speakers and subwoofers:

Speakers: $200 – $1000

Subwoofers: $500 – $2000

REL Cost

The price ranges of REL devices are shown below:

• Subwoofers: $500 – $5500
• Connection Solutions: $100 -$1000

Space Requirements

SVS Space Requirements

The speakers are built into compact cabinets that are easy to mount anywhere. The subwoofers are also decently built with smooth edges and small cabinets that take very little floor space. 

REL Space Requirements

REL devices are usually constructed in a trademark cubic form factor. Though quite compact, they are really massive.

Such as the S/510 which measures 400x410x464mm (WHD) and weighs 31.7Kg, or the No.25 which measures 736.5x540x762mm and weighs all of 76Kg.

Remote Controls

SVS Remote Controls

SVS remote controls help you seamlessly control speakers and subwoofers without changing your sitting position. Moreover, you can now control the SVS subwoofers with a wireless SVS app. This app works in a similar way as wired remote controls. 

REL Remote Controls

REL devices support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa. There is no mobile app, PC software or web platform for controlling your device, but their unique circular remote controls come with a full set of functions that you may not even know they have.

Connectivity Options

SVS Connectivity Options

SVS supports several connectivity options as listed below:

• Bluetooth with aptX and AAC for high fidelity streaming from iOS and Android devices
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for direct streaming 
• DTS Play-Fi app control
• AUX
• Optical and line-level inputs for high fidelity sound from gaming consoles, TVs, AV receivers, CD players, turntables, etc. 
• Ethernet input for hard-wired internet connection 
• USB port for adding an SVS SoundPath wireless audio adapter 

and charging mobile devices

• Speaker level inputs

REL Connectivity Options

REL devices have a wealth of connection choices available for integrating your subwoofers into any audio setup with considerable ease.

The options include XLR and RCA analog ports, Neutrik Speakon, SMA and Daisy Chain output. There are also lossless wireless options using in-house connection solutions like REL HT-Air system, Longbow and Arrow systems.

Power Range

SVS Power Range

SVS speakers deliver a wide range of power with output as high as 720 watts. The subwoofers feature all-new 12-inch SVS drivers delivering up to 550 W RMS and over 1,500-watt peak power amplifiers. 

REL Power Range

REL devices are capable of producing huge amounts of power to give that punchy and chest-thumping bass that everyone enjoys. The REL HT/1510 Predator is rated at 1KW RMS. The G1 Mark II, on the other hand, produces 600W RMS. REL devices typically range from 400W-1000W.

Frequency Response

SVS Frequency Response

The speakers have a frequency response of 48 Hz – 25 kHz, while the subwoofers work from 17 Hz to 270Hz.

REL Frequency Response

The frequency responses of REL devices lie on the low end of the frequency spectrum, as all good subwoofers should be. Most of their devices are within 20Hz to 300 Hz.

Conclusion

SVS puts out the high-quality sound with clear and crispy treble. Many of their speakers are audiophile-grade, and their subwoofers are powerful. There is a good range of products to meet every budget. This is why if you are looking for good speakers, SVS should be on your top list. REL devices are well-known for their excellent sound delivery, attractiveness and reliability that exceeds their cost. When you get a REL, you can be assured of an enjoyable experience.