Good matching sub for LS50s

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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I absolutely love my new LS50s!

I had a basic, inexpensive powered Klipsch sub-woofer not being used. It was from the surround sound system. When I moved the McIntosh speakers to that system I removed the sub (space considerations, etc.). I hooked it up with the LS50s and have it set for very subtle additions. Seems to be ok, but I was what a good matching sub would be. How much better would it be than the Klipsch, etc.

Any input is welcome.
 
Two small Rel 8 or 10 inch subs wired from speaker terminals.
 
Is speaker terminals better than using the sub woofer output on my amp? I thought using the sub out was preferred.

Has anyone tried the KEF subs; do they compete? Looking more in the closer to $500 range to get a basic one to replace the Klipsch, if I can get something that would be an improvement.
 
Randy-I hate to burst your bubble, but you are not going to buy a $500 sub that is going to do justice to your LS50 speakers. There is a reason that the bottom two octaves cost the most money to add them cleanly to any system. I owned a pair of the LS50 anniversary speakers with custom made Sound Anchor stands. I used them with my pair of Definitive Technology Super Cube Reference subs with a 14" subwoofer and a built-in 1800 watt amp that sold for $1899 each when they were still made. In other words, the pair of subs cost $2298 more than the pair of LS50 speakers.
 
This definitely looks interesting. I was looking at this Rel or the KEF Kube-1. I am thinking/hoping that either would be a solid improvement over the Klipsch that I have from a surround sound system when I put the McIntosh speakers into that system. I am looking only for 2-channel music...

Appreciate opinions. After recently purchasing the entire system (and wife's new toys) I don't have the budget for anything better. I want good solid, but certainly realize I am not looking for spectacular or the ultimate... just adding a tad more clean bottom end help for the KEFs.
 
Mike-The sub uses a 6 1/2" woofer which tells me that it really can't plumb the bottom octaves. Would it add something? Sure. When I think of the term subwoofer, I think of a sub that can truly reach down to 20 Hz without being 18 dB or more down. 20 Hz to 40 Hz is the most expensive octave of real bass. I see nothing on the link that you provided that even gives any specs for this sub. My guess is that it nosedives below 50 Hz and probably before.
 
mep said:
Mike-The sub uses a 6 1/2" woofer which tells me that it really can't plumb the bottom octaves. Would it add something? Sure. When I think of the term subwoofer, I think of a sub that can truly reach down to 20 Hz without being 18 dB or more down. 20 Hz to 40 Hz is the most expensive octave of real bass. I see nothing on the link that you provided that even gives any specs for this sub. My guess is that it nosedives below 50 Hz and probably before.
Click to expand...

38hz at -6db.

http://rel.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/T-Zero.pdf

I'm in agreement with you, but with a $500 budget, there are trade offs.


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Rythmik has one model a little over the budget that's -3 point is 18hz. It is a sealed 12" which may or may not be fast enough in ultimate terms for the LS-50's, but would certainly seem to be a better option than the Klipsch. Certainly worth more of a test drive than the two small units based on extension and crossover flexibility I would think.

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/L12.html
 
I believe I am going to go with the Rel. Everything I read says that Rel are the most musical. I am looking for a touch more tight bottom end for a 2-channel music only system. I am not at all interested in any kind of boom or room rattle... just some fast tight extra bottom end.

The Rel T-Zero is listed as Audiophile sub for those looking for musical only enhancement.

Thank you for all the input. Some nice information there.
 
Rythmik seals sub is a good consideration, another one which will cost more is the ken kreisel sub
 
Randy

The Rythmik "sealed" subs are not for "boom or rattle", they also make a line of ported HT subs for that. The Rythmik subs are also sold through Ascend Acoustics and Salk for use with their speakers. In fact Jim Salk takes the guts and design of the Rythmik subs and puts them in his own wood veneer cabinets to match the finish on his speakers. I am going to order a pair of the 12SE's after the first of the year to go with my Nola KO's. But if you think you will be happy with 40 hz out of the REL then give it a try. I might spend a little time on A'Gon, US Audiomart and HIFI Shark and try to find something higher up used for your price point. There are several used T-5's on your side of the country for less than $500.
 
Rythmik and Rel are excellent options. It will all come down to budget and personal preference. A used REL T-5 is a good suggestion too.


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Randy Myers said:
I believe I am going to go with the Rel. Everything I read says that Rel are the most musical. I am looking for a touch more tight bottom end for a 2-channel music only system. I am not at all interested in any kind of boom or room rattle... just some fast tight extra bottom end.

The Rel T-Zero is listed as Audiophile sub for those looking for musical only enhancement.

Thank you for all the input. Some nice information there.
Click to expand...

I am running two Rel zeros with audience 1+1 v2 speakers and they are perfect for music. Better then one larger sub - and I should know because I have a velodyne dd15+, infinity intermezzo 1.2, velodyne microvee, Rel T5, and Rel Habitat (another smart musical option).
 
Dpod4 said:
I am running two Rel zeros with audience 1+1 v2 speakers and they are perfect for music. Better then one larger sub - and I should know because I have a velodyne dd15+, infinity intermezzo 1.2, velodyne microvee, Rel T5, and Rel Habitat (another smart musical option).
Click to expand...

Thanks for input. That sounds what I am looking for. Something to add a little musically, solid company and look real nice in system. I also like the grand piano finish... same as the rest of my system!
 
Randy Myers said:
Thanks for input. That sounds what I am looking for. Something to add a little musically, solid company and look real nice in system. I also like the grand piano finish... same as the rest of my system!
Click to expand...

I am also running Rel's. I have a pair of S/2's, with my Focal Diablo's, and they are great.
 
Dpod4 said:
I am running two Rel zeros with audience 1+1 v2 speakers and they are perfect for music. Better then one larger sub - and I should know because I have a velodyne dd15+, infinity intermezzo 1.2, velodyne microvee, Rel T5, and Rel Habitat (another smart musical option).
Click to expand...

I am really looking forward to trying these out!
 
Just received the Rel T Zero... After just a couple albums all I can say is WOW!!! So much more musical... Very tight, and no more of the mid/low drums sounding "slappy" (not sure what else to call it :)).

All I am looking for in a sub... very small, very well built, perfect match to the KEF, both cosmetically and in sonic cleanness. The system sounds 100% better....

Some more listening... Natalie Merchant, amazing, Soundgarden really showed how good this little sub and the KEFs can rock, Alan Parsons, Supertramp, dam these are good... Alanis Morrisette... nice nice... Roger Waters, what a sound stage... CSN... nice oh so sweet... this is a very nice compact speaker combination.... can't wait to give them a run when the DSD DAC arrives....
 
How hard or easy was it to set up? How do you have it connected? I'm considering adding a sub or two to my Scansonic MB 2.5. Thinking about two Sumiko S.5 or possibly a 10' JL E series.
 
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