I'm running Revel M106 mains and an SVS SB16-Ultra sub. If you get a sub like the SB16-Ultra, there will be NO SPEAKER that comes close in terms of bass distortion or quantity. These subs also have 3 parametric EQ bands to deal with standing wave issues.
If you dial in the sub, it's pretty hard to tell it's there. For now, I'm really happy with the sound. I will have to spend a LOT on different speakers to achieve a significant upgrade.
The main issue I see with buying bookshelf or 2-way speakers is that you have one 6 inch driver trying to handle over 5 octaves of music. It means the lower bass from the driver will have high distortion and not much punch, and the higher midrange is being produced by a larger than optimal driver. In addition, it might be trying to reproduce 1500hz while trying to reproduce 50hz at the same time, and that causes phase distortion for the higher frequency. In other words, the 1500hz isn't coming from a single distance driver from you, that driver could be moving in and out a half inch or more.
I like the concept of the KEF Ref 1, because it has a modest bass driver to take the load off of the midrange driver. I would expect a better midrange from a system like that, and imagine they might be able to cross the tweeter over at a higher, easier frequency.
BTW, I replaced an old sub with the SVS and it is a huge difference. It really sounds integrated now and doesn't sound like it's behind.
If you dial in the sub, it's pretty hard to tell it's there. For now, I'm really happy with the sound. I will have to spend a LOT on different speakers to achieve a significant upgrade.
The main issue I see with buying bookshelf or 2-way speakers is that you have one 6 inch driver trying to handle over 5 octaves of music. It means the lower bass from the driver will have high distortion and not much punch, and the higher midrange is being produced by a larger than optimal driver. In addition, it might be trying to reproduce 1500hz while trying to reproduce 50hz at the same time, and that causes phase distortion for the higher frequency. In other words, the 1500hz isn't coming from a single distance driver from you, that driver could be moving in and out a half inch or more.
I like the concept of the KEF Ref 1, because it has a modest bass driver to take the load off of the midrange driver. I would expect a better midrange from a system like that, and imagine they might be able to cross the tweeter over at a higher, easier frequency.
BTW, I replaced an old sub with the SVS and it is a huge difference. It really sounds integrated now and doesn't sound like it's behind.