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Thinking of adding a sub---maybe not?

Looking for some advice. I'm thinking of adding a sub to my system and the one I'm considering is the REL T7. I've had subs (Canton) in the past with my older systems but it's been many years since then. My system today consists of a Luxman 505UXii integrated amp, a Marantz ND 8006 CDP/streamer, Dynaudio S40s and a pair of Tekton Lore Reference--I alternate the S40s and Lores through speaker A/B on the Luxman. My room is about 16 x 25. I love my system but after having subs in the past and getting the bass 'punch' from the subs, I'm debating whether I should go that route again. I've tried the loudness button on the Luxman but it just doesn't give the same results as a sub would IMO. Thanks in advance. 
bluorion
bilaltata
14 posts
 
I have just added a pair of REL Carbon Limited to my system. Even though my Focal Sopra 3s go down to 30Hz the subs have helped my system drastically. I use an Anthem STR integrated amplifier with their ARC room correction so the integration with the mains is excellent. The ambiance and flatness of bass is greatly improved. The ARC has crossed over the Subs at 70Hz with the mains. And room correction is only enabled up to 200hz. Maybe I will also play around with the crossover and see if I can bring it down to 40-50hz and leave the subs playing below that. But right now the improvement with the Subs is very good.
If anyone has any suggestions on the crossover point for my setup please do share.
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
I use 2 RELs and agree with REL's philosophy of letting the main speakers work to their natural limits and simply dial in the subs where the main speakers drop off due to their design. And use 'em in mono to keep standing waves at bay...works for me for years and they simply disappear when adjusted properly. 
bluorion OP
478 posts
 
@mwinkc Thanks for the input--I've tried adjusting the tone controls but just I wasn't too happy with it. Hence, thinking of the sub. I realize my room acoustics is playing a part with this too. So a tweak here and a tweak there has affected the sound---some good and some not so good. I'd like to at least try a sub from a dealer with a return policy just in case. Great suggestions on here btw---thanks again!
knotscott
948 posts
 
That's a big room.  I'd add the subs, but suggest keeping the gain way down so it's barely noticeable, and using the lowest low pass frequency setting.  I suspect the biggest mistakes people make with subs is trying feature them, rather than just letting them augment the bottom octave.
turnbowm
353 posts
 
One of my better decisions was adding a small sub (Rel T/5i) to augment a pair of Kef LS50 standmounts. It significantly increased the soundstage width and depth and provided some needed body to the music. The little Kefs don't sound so small anymore.  
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