Audiovector R Sub

The review finds the R Sub Arreté particularly accomplished with music, describing bass lines as walking more succinctly and the system as reaching deeper, broader and sweeter than expected. With both Audiovector and KEF stand-mount speakers, it filled in the low end while also adding body and scale rather than merely drawing attention to itself.

Integration is a standout: once correctly dialled in, the reviewer says the subwoofer "disappears sonically," while removing it makes the soundstage shrink and instruments sound less natural and substantial. It also brought tighter vocal focus, more coherent bass lines, and better connection between the midrange and treble.

The R Sub Arreté is repeatedly praised for speed and rhythmic involvement, making the partnered system more foot-tapping and engaging. After use with several stand-mount and floorstanding speakers, only the exceptionally fast Vivid Audio Kaya S12 was said to outpace it.

The reviewed Arreté version uses a long-throw carbon-fibre driver, a matching down-firing passive radiator, and a 400W Class AB amplifier with cryo-treated components. Reviewers say little about cabinet finish, long-term reliability, or durability in day-to-day ownership.

Useful setup provision includes variable response adjustment to 180Hz, phase control, and line, phono, and high-level Speakon inputs for compatibility with a range of systems. The review demonstrates that careful adjustment can produce excellent results, but offers little detail about control ergonomics or how quickly setup can be completed.

At £2,225 for the reviewed Arreté model, this is a premium-priced music-first subwoofer rather than an inexpensive route to more bass. No direct comparison with competing subwoofers is offered, but the reviewer considers the R Sub's performance compelling enough to make partnered R1 and R3 speakers substantially better, cautioning prospective buyers to audition it "at your wallet's peril."