Sub for tube amp and LS50 set up

[Sunshyne]

Thanks guys. This is the advice I'm looking for. So it's a definite I need to get two. Now what model to get.

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by audioguy3107

If you can swing it monetarily, 2 subs in stereo would be the way to go for a 2 channel setup. I have stereo RELs in mine and it's amazing what they do for the sound. I would opt for 2 smaller subs run stereo rather than one bigger one all things equal.

- Buck

+1

[antipop]

Originally Posted by -E-

I'd rather the bigger sub now, then add another bigger one later. That way you aren't looking to ditch two smaller subs later on when you realize you need more boom.

Make sense, I guess i'll save for a couple of REL G2

[dmacg]

I use a Bryston B135 SST² with my Kef LS50's on custom Skylan stands in a smaller room. Before I bought the LS50's I listened to the REL and Kef subs at home (a must if possible) Then I opted to try the new NHT Sub, as they have a $ back trial period. I still really like my NHT Classic Three's very much that I ran for 3 years before buying my LS50's and am keeping them. Suffice to say, the NHT B12d stayed. More musical, equally punchy and what I would describe as cleaner than the REL or the Kef (I don't know the vernacular of a reviewer, forgive my limited description) It just plain sounded better to me. It has to be said, both the Kef and the REL were good. When I got my LS50's it was a marriage made in heaven. I had planned to buy a second within a few months and that was 18 months ago. I will, but I'm very happy at the moment with just the one. As I said, my room is not big. I think they run about $800.00. Funny, I too had intended to jump on the REL band wagon. Just that the B12d was better. Mind you I only listen to music. It's not for movies. If you tried it you might be very surprised.
Cheerio; Doug

[Sunshyne]

Thanks for sharing your experience Doug. I have not heard of NHT before now. I like that the box is sealed and I wonder if the woofer being on the front instead of firing down at the floor is the reason it sounds cleaner to you. Not because the floor is dirty but I wonder if that design is like an external port. Air hitting the floor, then moving out the sides into the room.

[dmacg]

Sunshyne, I believe that the fact it is sealed plays a large part in it's musicality yes. The trade off to a sealed enclosure is that it won't go as low as another ported design with equivalent power (500 watts). As I said I only use it for music, so I don't miss a few Hz at the extreme bottom end, I'm more interested in the musicality. I sit 10.5 feet back in a room that is 14 x 18. I agree that two are always better than one. (from what I've read by respected folks) and I will add another some day, but hey I have to save a few upgrades for the future, yes. The main thing is DON'T buy a sub without hearing it IN your house. That is the biggest lesson that I learned in my quest for a sub.
Good searching, please let me know what you end up doing, I'm interested.
Cheerio, Doug

[Formerly YB-2]

Recently put my 10" Dayton Titanic sub in with the Focal 807W monitors and have been quite pleased with the addition. Am also listening to a tube amp in triode mode. The Titanic is not a high-dollar sub, but has served me well for almost 10yr when used with various monitor speakers.

[Sunshyne]

Triode sounds pretty sweet. I'm excited to fill the low end and hear it come together. Now I just have to wait for my funds to come back. Someone was able to clear my bank account at Walgreens and not have my bank find out until I noticed all my money was gone. Lol (not so lol)

[Steady339]

Sunshyne, Hope the bank fixes your account ASAP--I was ripped off for $300.00 last year at an ATM, but got the money back from my bank.

About the subwoofer. I was looking at your budget, and thinking about what sub might be a good match with KEF LS50s and a Dynaco VTA ST70. Is the VTA ST70 modded or stock? I feel you should consider either a B&W PV1 or a used Paradigm Seismic 110.

Here is a couple of links about these two subs:

B&W PV1 review | Subwoofers | What Hi-Fi?

Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer - HomeTheaterHiFi.com

Roger

[Sunshyne]

Thanks Roger, I hear getting money back to the checking account can take a while...
The ST70 was a kit from VTA and I think it is a more modern circuit, still tube rectified and a larger power transformer I believe. It also has a switch on each side to select between pentode and triode for different sounds. Here are a few pictures of the amp during assembly. http://www.audioaficionado.org/membe...-st70-kit.html
I'm looking at the B&W and really like the aesthetics. They would look great in the wood panel room it's going in.