KEF-LS50 with REL T-Zero? Anyone?


I am putting together a second system in our casita.  My source is a Bluesound Node2 and my power amp is an older Audio Research 100,2. (100 wpc SS).  I just bought a pair of KEF LS50s.  They are not setup yet so my curiosity about the need for a sub is speculative.  This is a small room with limited space so if I think I need a sub it will have to be very small.  Hence the Rel T-zero.  It is the perfect size to fit in the open cabinet I will place it in.  I have owned larger Rel subs in the past so I am familar with the brand.  The Zero is a tiny sub...so much so I wonder if it will be worth the expense or effort.  I've heard the LS50 and I know it has good bass....for it's size but just wondering if that extra bit of low end the Zero will provide will compliment the LS50.  Knowing the limitations of the Zero I am not setting my sights too high but just wondering if anyone has heard this combo and can share their experience.  Thanks

randyhat
I have the LS50 passive, not the wireless active version. As I stated in my original post I am powering the speakers with an Audio Research 100.2 solid state amp. (100wpc). Since my original post I have now received the LS50s and have them setup in the room. I am very pleased with the bass performance. Because of space limitations I do have to place them on a credenza and am unable to move them more than a foot from behind the back wall. At that distance KEF recommends inserting the partial (sleeve) plug into the port. This reduces the bass and in the process may be clearing up the midrange a bit...still too early to tell. Because of the fuller bass I like the sound better without the plugs....even a foot from the wall. My thought with a small sub is that I could play the LS50s with the partial plugs to clear up the midrange and have the sub extend the bottom end.

Also I am curious about the REL T-Zero itself compared to the T-5i in the same installation.  I wonder if the T-zero would be enough and if I really wanted to add bass weight over and above the LS-50 whether I should move up to the T5i.

But as you have suggested, I need to listen longer and wait for the speakers to break in. Thank you again for your observations and recommendations.
@randyhat, You can live with the KEF-LS50's as they are and will not a problem however I believe you will like even more the addition of a subwoofer.
Unless I missed the information in a post above, I would like to know the dimensions of the room.
The T-Zero and T5i are excellent choices, depending on your room size.
As already stated above Sumiko has discontinued some of their subs and The Music Room is running a nice sale on them. These subs are very comparable to the REL's.
T-Zero are nice and capable desk top subs down to 35 Hz. I run them with a PW AMP that uses the ARC room eq system. Removes the lowest bass from the monitors and as you say cleans up mid-bass. Indeed very good results. LS50/50W has in my opinion loud but non-interesting low bass information (as most small monitors). For a room system I would still say the PW AMP is excellent but you may need to step up to T5i subs (always at least use two). MartinLogan sells the same amp. Also the pre "Unison" with ARC if you like to use your own amp.
b_limo

Your advice about about setting up the LS50W actually turns out to be very relevant.  Since my first post I have received the LS50 and have been listening to them for a few days.  I realized after hearing them that if I really wanted more bass I would probably need something more than the T-Zero so I got the T5i.  It sounds good but I have heard so much about the LS 50w that I am going to audition a pair of those.  They should be here tomorrow.  I bought them from the same place I bought the LS590 and they agreed to let me return whichever one I decide not to keep.  Looking forward to a head to head comparison.