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Review 2 of 2
Price Paid:
$4200.00
from Audio Port - Kansas Summary:
The Stentor III is an improvement over its predecessor, the Stentor II, so it deserves its own review section.
I had originally bought a cherry-veneered Stadium III but it had a small dent on one of the corners; surprising that it got past REL's QC dept. However, after a couple of weeks I felt there was room for improvement. Yes the Stadium III is a fine sub, but for whatever reason I couldn't seem to get satisfied with its sound. (I have also reviewed the Stadium III) Since I was waiting for a replacement for that one anyway, I decided instead to take the leap and pony up the shekels for the Stentor III.
Well, to my ears the Stentor III was a noticeable improvement over the Stadium III. The Stentor seemed completely effortless, totally whole, and accurate, without drawing attention to itself. It had a more natural or realistic sound ("organic"?), where the Stadium III seemed a bit "dryer", but only in comparison to the Stentor III. Once you've tuned in the correct x-over point to match your particular satellite speakers and found the best room placement, you're on your way to audio nirvana. I'm not kidding!
Satellites used in this review were the original B&W Nautilus 803's; X-O settings on the REL's were 34Hz; room size: 20'x13'x8.5'. Both Stadium III and Stentor III had been placed in the right corner behind the speakers. Spikes were NOT used - the REL's sound better on their supplied feet IMO.
With either REL in the chain, the soundstage opens up in all dimensions, including height and depth perception. The effect is utterly amazing. I can now hear everything that is on a recording that most systems will only hint at. What's more: I have yet to find a recording of the subterranean kind that taxes the Stent's output or extention ability. This is also utterly amazing for a single 10" driver and a medium-sized box. For me, this is THE Subwoofer. The worst thing about owning a Stentor III is you never want to stop listening. (And your neighbors will revile you!) Strengths:
~ Does everything a sub is supposed to do, and nothing it's not. Weaknesses:
~ Expensive. I'm not sure why great bass reproduction, even at this level, should have to cost over $4000.
~ In musical terms, I can't find any weaknesses. Only way to better this sub is to:
1. buy two of them which may help to load the room better and acheive "stereo" lows or,
2. get the Studio III or,
3. rent Tony Levin for the night or,
4. acquire a surplus howitzer.
Similar Products Used:
ADS, B&W, Entec, JBL, REL, Sunfire, Vandersteen, Velodyne, others.
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