Sub to complement KEF LS50s: SVS vs. Rythmik

nobel100
Wow, thank you for the input. Your last point is one I've wondered about over the two years I've had the SVS...positioning. I recently read...who knows where...that in spite of traditional wisdom (i.e. you can't tell where those frequencies are coming from), that location can make a serious difference. What I remember is that they should be side ways from the primary speaker and behind. My current one meets the first but not the second criteria...if I'm remembering correctly....but bass integration in my room is pretty reasonable.  Actually, what I have been paying attention to most recently has been the lack of crispness or depth of voices (particularly female singers). This may be source material but the ones I love (Holly Cole, Siri Svale, Patricia Barber) have typically been well regarded productions. I'm going to take a rain check on your kind offer to help with the bass things until after I try out your recent suggestions (above) for bass management and play around with positioning to see if that helps with this "crisp" issue.  In between my own over abundance of retirement hobbies.  Cheers and thanks!

@mcreyn 
Point 3. Right?

@noble100 
Thanks for the help. My system currently costs less than a pair of KEF LS50s.

KEF Q150s - I paid $300
Monoprice Monolith Stands - I paid $75/pair
Peachtree Decco65 - $400 craiglist special
Google Chromecast Audio - $35
Sub - $20 craiglist special

I initially thought the sub would degrade from the definition in the Q150s, but it enhanced everything. Having some sub was better than having none. The casing of the sub says it is a Jensen JS1000-A. But looking at the driver underneath, I see the driver was swapped out for a Kenwood--possibly a car driver. Sorry for any heart palpitations this may have caused, but this is the reality of budget Fi. You'll be happy to know that I could hear the difference between Spotify and 16/44.1 once I placed the Q150s on stands. And know I can't go back! (Spotify and 16/44.1 sounded identical with the mains on a desk.)

I currently run speaker cable from the Decco65 to the speaker level input on the sub, then speaker cable to the Q150s. But I bet the Decco65 pre-out doubles as a sub out. Have to double check, though. Still, the Decco65 only puts out 65w, so allowing the sub to take over the probably helps free up power for the mains as you described, noble100. 

I have the crossover on the Jensen set to 50hz since that is the 3db falloff on the Q150. And I have the volume set appropriately on the sub to achieve a flat sound signature. 

The only way I would it would appear that I could daisy chain subs with the Jensen is through the speaker level input. 

As far as a sub upgrade, I have considered both the Rel 5Ti and SVS 1000. Rel seems to be of the high level input persuasion.

jdtalv, the SVS, and I've never even seen one. 

  Your going to need all the signal processing you can muster to begin a worthy crossover between the two unless you've considered an even more sophisticated method of manual multi band parametric variable phase, gain, and Q DSP, in which case most any box will do.

  Read as many DSP setup procedures as possible for a better understanding of how using a higher crossover point and adjusting the Q can attain a smoother transition that will more closely match your main speakers presentation in the crossover region.   

  My experience with integrating powerful subwoofers with small speakers has been quick and easy using a sub that seems to be out of production because of the manufacturers success in another field of endeavor. This same manufacture patented servo monitoring and control and found a better solution three generations ago. (calvint, you gave up too soon)

  This is in no way a substitute for proper positioning or the use of multiple subs which are delightfully explained here, elsewhere. Have fun with it.  

M-db

I owned 6 different subs from that manufacture, starting with their original 80s design. My  Rythmiks represent a step forward.  

mcreyn, 

As I said, I've never even seen one.  

Nice to hear of your satisfaction though.