Now it's subs

I bought 2 used RELs from the same era for 200 bucks each, both in excellent condition. The first was maybe 4 years or so ago and it's a Q150e front firing 10, and the second I found last year and it's Q108EII. My system was absolutely energized by the first and made even better by the second. Musical subs simply require that you move 'em around until YOU like the sound, and pay attention to the crossover points and levels on the subs (I find using a test CD to determine the ACTUAL low frequency limits of my mains is useful, and set the subs to take over around the point the mains stop delivering useful bass). I personally don't care about room EQ gizmos as you wind up surrendering EQ choices to the people who design these digital nannies, and I'm a seriously experienced live sound engineer who's ego won't allow such intrusions. Plus my largish listening room has tall, sloped ceilings and furniture. I turn the subs up and down if needed, and seriously enjoy the living bejeezus out of them every day.

If adding a sub to a 2-ch audiophile system - i.e., not a home theater receiver withy built-in gizmos - don't you need an external crossover, to prevent your main speakers from getting the bass signal? 

" If adding a sub to a 2-ch audiophile system - i.e., not a home theater receiver withy built-in gizmos - don't you need an external crossover, to prevent your main speakers from getting the bass signal?"

It depends. In many cases you don't need, or want to remove the bass from the signal with an xover. You adjust the sub so that it fills in where your main speakers naturally roll off. 

Another option is to adjust bass frequencies with software if you have a computer audio system.

" Today I was just testing a recovered old active Gallo sub and it made some just okay speakers sing."

Sometimes, when you listen to a system that you're not used to, you can have an initial impression (good or bad), that may not hold up over time. Its always a good idea to confirm results like you got with some long term listening. I know that you didn't hear the sub in your system, but the same rules apply.

As some of the others have stated, your best bet would be a pair of Vandersteen subs. The only caution I would give is that subs usually work best with full range speakers. Your speakers are fairly small, so you can't expect the sub to handle frequencies that your main speakers should be covering. (That goes for any sub, not just Vandersteen.). I do have a pair myself I use with Model 3's.

jafant +1