Which sub-help please

I'll second the recommendation of the Velodyne SMS-1 stand alone DRC unit (or similar, like the SVS/Audyssey) with any decent sub of your choice. DRC doesn't guarantee a seamless match, but I can assure you it improves your odds by about an order of magnitude.

Marty

PS - The 18" Velo is a monster with enormous clean sub bass output capability. IIRC, the REL 150 was an 8" model (am I mistaken?) which probably has zero sub bass output capability, but - like many RELs - is excellent down to about 50hz or so. You might look at SVS or Rythmik (my choice) which fall somewhere in-between, Rythmik leaning slightly to REL and SVS slightly to Velo. Either one is probably a good choice and definitely a good value.

BTW all products recommended here are available on a money back in-home trial basis. So, trial away.....

The Vandersteen 2WQ is what I think you are looking.
whether you are using lower powered Tube amps or any power amp the Vandy 2WQ and also the rel gets its input from speaker level.
This offers us better matching or blend from Main speakers with Sub because the main amps character is preserved.
Where the Vandersteen design takes this a step further is by a unique high pass which allows for optimized or best turnover point. This not only improves dynamics but dramatically lowers distortion increases clarity and transparency with the whole system.

I have to echo what Audioconnection has layed out here - because that nicely describes my experience with the Vandy subs; but let me elborate a bit furthur. For me,the way the high pass filter allows the sound stage to "grow" - and the images in the sound stage to get more focused and dimensional - is as important as all the other pluses noted. They're simple enough to just drop into your system but they also are complex enough to really allow the fine-tuning that helps make the illusion more real.I've seen alot of equipent pass thru my system in the last 10 yrs. but the Vandy subs are here for good!

Dred,

Sorry - I misread your original post. The Velo SPL8R is an 8" sub. I know it well, since I own two of them. They offer fine performance for the tiny cabinet size, but....

Trust me on this, I've done extensive direct comparison. If you can accomodate the larger cabinet - the Rythmik is a clearly superior performer - provided you use external DRC like the Velo SMS-1. OTOH a 12" Rythmik and an SMS-1 will cost almost $1200, so it's not really a fair comparison to the SPL8R. Still, IMHO, it's worth the price tag if you can swing it.

Marty