REL HT/1003 MKII Review
Hey everyone, welcome back to the 7Review! Today, we’re diving into the review of the Rel HT 1003 Mark II subwoofer.
With this review, we’ve now covered all three subwoofers in Rel’s new HT series. We started with the Predator 1510, moved to the 1205 Mark II, and now we’re on the 1003 Mark II. All three have been incredibly impressive.
AV INFO
| Product | 10in front-firing sealed subwoofer |
| Position | Entry point in REL’s HT range |
| Peers | SVS SB-1000 Pro;Velodyne DB-8; Paradigm Defiance V10 |
| Website | www.rel.net |
Common Features
Firstly, let’s look at what these subwoofers share:
- Design: Each has a sleek gloss-painted top, radius edges on the sides, and a nice vinyl finish across the front and sides. The carbon glass driver is both functional and visually appealing.
- Grille: Inspired by the Series TX, the grilles look great whether on or off. This is perfect for households with pets, kids, or aesthetic preferences.
- Adjustments: All models feature tactile frequency and gain adjustments, allowing you to easily replicate settings or switch between different configurations.
Differences in Performance
Now, let’s discuss how they differ:
- Predator 1510: As the largest (15 inches), it delivers louder, fuller bass with more effortless scale and depth.
- 1205 Mark II: Offers strong output and excellent sound quality for its size, providing impressive bass extension.
- 1003 Mark II: While smaller, it surprisingly matches the extension and fullness of the 1205 Mark II in my room.
My Recommendation
For my own setup, I’d choose the 1003 Mark II. Here’s why:
- Room Size: My room isn’t large, so I don’t need the extra output of the 1205. The 1003 provides ample bass and saves space.
- Sound Quality: Both the 1205 and 1003 offer excellent bass quality, but the 1003 achieves this with a more compact design, perfect for my needs.
Pairing with Speakers
The HT 1003 Mark II pairs excellently with a wide range of speakers. I’ve tested it with numerous models, including the Klipsch RP50M, Elac UBR62s, and PSB Imagine Mini, among others. In each case, it integrated seamlessly, enhancing the overall sound experience. These subwoofers are also incredibly easy to set up, typically requiring only a few minutes to dial in perfectly.
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Integration with Other Subwoofers
I’ve also paired the HT 1003 Mark II with other subwoofers like the 1205 V2, 1205 V1, and the Rel T7x. The results were consistently fantastic, with seamless blending and enhanced output. Rel designs their subwoofers to work well together, so mixing models can yield great results.
Comparisons
- RSL Speedwoofer 10S: While the RSL is excellent for its price ($449), the HT 1003 Mark II offers superior sound quality, especially in terms of bass fidelity.
- SVS SB 1000 Pro: Comparing Rel to SVS is like comparing trucks to sports cars – they serve different purposes. Decide what you need first before cross-shopping.
SPECIFICATIONS
| DRIVE UNITS: | 1 x 10in CarbonGlas front-firing long-throw driver |
| ENCLOSURE: | Sealed |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE (CLAIMED): | Down to 24Hz (-6dB) |
| ONBOARD POWER (CLAIMED): | 300W (RMS) |
| REMOTE CONTROL: | No |
| DIMENSIONS: | 362(w) x 343(h) x 387(d)mm |
| WEIGHT: | 15.5kg |
| FEATURES: | NextGen5 Class D amplifier; low-level stereo RCA and LFE RCA inputs; daisy chain low-level stereo RCA and LFE RCA outputs; level control; 30-200Hz crossover; 180-degree phase switch; automatic standby option; compatible with HT-Air wireless system |
Verdict
The Rel HT 1003 Mark II is an outstanding subwoofer, potentially a product of the year in my book. It excels in sound quality, ease of setup, and versatility in pairing with different speakers. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments or join our Discord for more detailed discussions.
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Until next time, later!
Watch this before you get a subwoofer. Rel HT1003 Subwoofer review !
Really good budget subwoofers for hometheatre that also works as one of the best budget subwoofer for music? Too good to be ...
I’m a freelance journalist who contributes to Tech Radar, Trusted Reviews, Expert Reviews, AVForums, Pocket-lint, Home Cinema Choice, and Wired. I’m also a professional audio and video calibrator who is certified with THX, the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF), and the Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA). As a result, I’m always geeking out on the newest AV tech, and keeping abreast of the latest industry standards.
