Subwoofer insight.


This is new territory to me. Current speakers are 2 way with frequency response of 60Hz-20KHz with +/- 2dB.  Sensitivity rated as 86dB. Chance to purchase a pair of REL 7 tis. I feel like I am missing something but will have to buy the subs to try out. My basic question is this. Does this purchase sound wise? I know what I am willing to spend but do you think I will notice an appreciable improvement.  I know that no one can listen through my ears but this is my first time doing this. Source is 75 watt integrated tube amp, McIntosh MA-2275. Thoughts appreciated. I am leaning towards going forward with the deal but would appreciate some feedback. Room is large and open, 28X38 feet with 9 foot ceilings. Thanks for any feedback.
ricmci
See if it is possible to try the subs before you purchase or it you are able to return if you chose to do so. Feeling like you're missing something is likely to be exactly what will keep you in this hobby and chasing that sound forever. I think most of us are always trying to reach another plateau which we think will be better. I think once you get to the point where you feel no further improvement is possible and you stop even exploring the possibility, you have lost what most makes this a hobby- your interest, like adding more horsepower, etc. to you sports car, in making it better. Try the subs and judge for yourself -it's what makes this whole thing fun.
For me it's the extra bass "range" that my subs provide as my main speakers have very balanced bass to their obvious limits (about 58hz)...the subs just make it all more believable. 
rwwear,
"The SVS 16s are much better than the RELs for half the money."
There are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. I've owned the SVS 15 and SVS 16. I currently own REL Carbon Limited subs. I would never own SVS subs for 2-channel again. 
I have a large room too.  It's not as large as yours, but larger than many.  Anyway, I have a pair of T/9i and Revel F208 mains.  I got a T/9i, but in the large room, it wasn't enough.  So, I changed to one R528 (moved from the HT room).  The R528 was good, but I really felt that 2 subs would be better.  I decided to put the R528 back in the HT, added a second T/9i to the stereo setup, and now I have spent some time with it.

My advice is to use the high level inputs as described in the REL manuals.  I have the mains plugged into the 4 ohm tap on my Primaluna HP Integrated, and the RELs are connected as stereo (see REL setup instructions) using the 8 ohm taps.  This is the way REL recommends, if you read up on their installation instructions from their web site, or in the manual.

Once it was all connected, I spent some time tuning everything.  Then listened.  And tuned some more.  And listened.  After doing this for a few days with a variety of music, I have it dialed in.  At first, I thought it would be better to crossover at a low freq, but then I found that it worked better if I raised the crossover, which is what the manual recommends.  I also found that it was better with the volume levels set higher than I expected.

Overall, the sound has improved for all frequencies.  Everything smoothed out, and the system sounds better than ever.  The subs energize the room, but are not boomy, and they don't overpower the main speakers.

IMO, the T/7i may not have enough power for your room.  But, then again, I don't think you need to jump to major subs, like 18 or 21 inches, as some suggested... unless you want hip-hop bass.