Subwoofer recommendations for mostly music


I don't know anything about subwoofers, so be kind to me! I currently have some sort of Velodyne hooked up to my system. It doesn't seem to add a thing to my system - possibly because it's crap, or possibly because I don't have it set up correctly! I would like to get another subwoofer anyway, so would like some recommendations. It will be part of my HT system, but I really want one that is good for music. I listen to classical, classical rock, jazz and World Music for the most part.

I will be pairing it with bi-wired B&W CM4 speakers (center is a B&W CMC) and I use a Rotel RSX1055 receiver. (I know a lot of people here don't like B&W speakers or Rotel components, but please don't suggest that I upgrade this stuff first - I can't afford to and don't want to!)

Budget wise, I would prefer <$500, if possible - used is fine.
oakiris
If you can hear the effect of the sub woofer in any substantive way you may have it set up improperly. In a music system the only time you should hear the effect of a sub woofer is on very deep notes and you will get a little added warmth in the mid upper bass. Except for that you should hear nothing, and even when there is some bass the "bass" shouldn't draw attention to itself. You should just hear distinctive low notes without and boom. I would suggest that before you start buying other subs that, if you haven't already done so, that you play with the cross over points and woofer level points as well as placement. Also, it helps to have a good sound level meter and test disc to measure the results of your adjustments.
I am not a BIG fan of using a subwoofer for music but the REL stuff is about as good as it gets in my opinion. A Rel Strata Used I believe will run you $850-$950 used here on Audiogon. I know a little out of your budget but I would dare to say well worth the price of admission.

You might want to also consider just upgrading to a Floorstanding Monitor. Good Luck!

Chris
"You might want to also consider just upgrading to a Floorstanding Monitor." Hmmmm - the B&W CM4s ARE floor standing monitors.... ??
I picked up a REL Strata II in its original box in mint condition for 700. The newer III version is more like 800/850; nicer looking but does it perform any better? I don't know. The II works great and is seamless in integration with my SET system.