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To Buy or Not To Buy... That Is The Question..... REL S/812 Sub

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IamSpartacus

Member
OK guys.. I have an "under the gun" deal sitting before me and I need some quick advice.....

A local guy has a problematic $3000-$3600 Rel S/812 sub for sale dirt cheap...Under $500. He says it looks new, but it's not working... major distortion.

I'm thinking that even if I have to put $500 into it for repairs I'd still be getting a good deal.... Opinions? Should I jump on this deal?
 

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Powered sub repair in my experience is problematic. The plate amps live a tough life and replacement of components is tricky. One can use after market plate amps in some cases.

If the cabinet is ported have found foreign objects inside causing strange sounds. But if it is the driver then they also can be replaced but at what cost?
 
If I were in the market, I would give it serious consideration.

Are you repairing it yourself? If so the availability of schematics is a concern.
 
Oerets said:
Powered sub repair in my experience is problematic. The plate amps live a tough life and replacement of components is tricky. One can use after market plate amps in some cases.

If the cabinet is ported have found foreign objects inside causing strange sounds. But if it is the driver then they also can be replaced but at what cost?
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The guy followed up with his opinion that he blew a speaker... and that a new one was $1100.. He said after he got it out of storage it worked for 20 minutes and then "popped".. then the distortion began...
RVT1K said:
If I were in the market, I would give it serious consideration.

Are you repairing it yourself? If so the availability of schematics is a concern.
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I'll be using it was a pair of Maggies and all the Maggie people say the REL is the best sub to use with them as their response is so fast... The cost has kept me away from the RELs... was hoping this might be the holy grail of amazing sub deals.. But NO.. I'd take it to a local stereo shop...So I'd be out at least $200 in labor alone..
 
IamSpartacus said:
The guy followed up with his opinion that he blew a speaker... and that a new one was $1100.. He said after he got it out of storage it worked for 20 minutes and then "popped".. then the distortion began...

I'll be using it was a pair of Maggies and all the Maggie people say the REL is the best sub to use with them as their response is so fast... The cost has kept me away from the RELs... was hoping this might be the holy grail of amazing sub deals.. But NO.. I'd take it to a local stereo shop...So I'd be out at least $200 in labor alone..
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Gottcha. Then I would contact the shop -if you already haven't- and see what their comfort level is with the repair. If the shop is very positive about diagnosing and repairing, I think I would buy the sub.

Enjoy your Maggies! I've always wanted to try them. Unfortunately they would not work in my current listening space.
 
Verify the driver is bad before purchasing another would be a prudent move. Worst case the amp went ant took the driver. Doubtful this happened more likely the amp has issues.
 
RVT1K said:
Gottcha. Then I would contact the shop -if you already haven't- and see what their comfort level is with the repair. If the shop is very positive about diagnosing and repairing, I think I would buy the sub.

Enjoy your Maggies! I've always wanted to try them. Unfortunately they would not work in my current listening space.
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Actually.. I have not, but I'm going to right now... Same about the Maggies... We just moved into a new home near Nashville and for the first time in my 70 years on this particular planet, I have my own sound room... Here's an AI shot of what we thought it would look like when done, but after paying a sound engineer $125 for a in-home consultation, I didn't need need a third of the panels to get things right.. This is my first pair of Mags and they don't disappoint Worth the wait. Currently using twin Polk subs which are OK at best... I figure the REL would really compliment them...
 

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Prices for used pieces can be all over the place. I tried to sell a Signet 15" sub for $300 and then reduced the price to $100 to make a sale. Tested it again right before party was due to pick up and there was minor distortion--that was only audible without the main speakers working, so I just gave it to him for free. Maybe decide what you could sell it for, if you couldn't get it fixed?
 
IamSpartacus said:
OK guys.. I have an "under the gun" deal sitting before me and I need some quick advice.....

A local guy has a problematic $3000-$3600 Rel S/812 sub for sale dirt cheap...Under $500. He says it looks new, but it's not working... major distortion.

I'm thinking that even if I have to put $500 into it for repairs I'd still be getting a good deal.... Opinions? Should I jump on this deal?
Click to expand...
UPDATE 10/3/26: He SOLD it... Was gonna edit my original post, but couldn't figure out how... I'd close this discussion if I could as the question is mute at this point.. Thanks for the responses everyone...
 
"...the Maggie people say the REL is the best sub to use with them as their response is so fast..."
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My recommendation is to "watch" the thread and let us know what sub you end up with to go with the Maggies. Good luck with your search.
 
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