REL Storm 5

[Ilkka]

Manufacturer: REL
Model: Storm 5
Provided by: sakaAl
Manufacturer link: REL Storm 5
Price: $1995

Manufacturer specs:
• System Type: Closed box 'Zero-Q' loading
• Frequency Roll Off: 16Hz-99Hz
• Lower In-Room Response (-3dB): 15Hz
• Gain Control Range: 80dB
• Dimensions WxHxD mm (incl feet & controls): 345 x 520 x 370
• Net Weight kg: 30
• Full action remote microprocessor control of all set-up parameters
• Four memories to store all functions
• Parental control: front control panel may be locked
• Totally discrete input circuitry for high and low level inputs
• High quality, gas-tight Neutrik Speakon input (high level)
• High quality, panel-mounted twin phono inputs (L/R) (low level)
• LFE phono input/output, a separate input to twin low level phono inputs
• Totally discrete input circuitry for high and low level inputs
• Large, blue front-firing LED display with adjustable brightness
• True 200W (continuous) discrete, direct-coupled MOSFET amplifier
• Downward-firing long-throw 250mm (10”) cast chassis driver
• Improved ABC® filtering circuit calibrated in single Hz steps from 16 to 99
• Separate volume controls for high and low-level adjustment
• Variable Slam/Depth control –9dB to +9dB at 80Hz
• 5-12V DC trigger
• Simultaneous connection of high and low level sources
• Set-Safe® audibly transparent driver protection
• Double-sided glass-fibre boards with plated-through holes
• IEC power input socket and switch - no captive leads for installation flexibility
• Finished in 30mm MDF in balanced Black Ash, Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Light Oak and Rosenut real wood veneers
• Designed and hand-built in Great Britain, three-year worldwide warranty

Configuration as tested:
Phase: 0 degrees
Slam/depth: 0 dB
Input: LINE IN
Orientation: Standard down-firing

[Ilkka]

+/- 3 dB points: 20.5 Hz - 82 Hz

[Ilkka]

[Ilkka]

Another REL with a natural 12 dB/oct. final roll off. The maximum crossover setting doesn't go much higher than 60 Hz, so it's not wise to use this with speakers needing much higher crossover than that. The lowest setting offers extremely low ~25 Hz crossover. Maximum output capability is similar with the R-305 model, although with a slightly lower mid bass output. Deep bass compression is extremely high. THD stays rather low above 50 Hz and below 95 dB, but grows rapidly at lower frequencies and at higher output levels. THD consists mainly out of 3rd order component which shouldn't sound that bad to a human ear. Group delay stays extremely low at all frequencies. Spectral decay shows only little ringing at the lowest frequencies. Spectral contamination shows much lower than average maximum output capability. The subwoofer struggled even at the lowest 90 dB test level. Slightly better overall performer than the R-305. Small rooms and music suits for this one.

+ Good shape of the frequency response for smaller rooms
+ Good extension
+ Extremely low group delay and fast decay rate
+ Extremely low crossover setting

- High overall distortion, especially at higher than low output levels
- Really high deep bass output compression
- Low maximum output capability
- Low highest crossover setting