KEF-LS50 with REL T-Zero? Anyone?

Thank you Kenjet for your comments.  I almost didn't recognize the response came from you since the heading was missing your characteristic and pretentious "MUST READ" announcement.  Yes, I am aware of the bass limitations of the LS50. This is a small streaming system in a guest room.  I have no illusions of it being anything more than pleasant sounding quasi high end lifestyle system.  Once set up I may find that I am happy with it as it is but I am curious about learning from the experiences of others who may have used the LS50 with small subs like the T-zero.

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.

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.

I agree lak, even the T5i is marginal in terms of the impact it has on the system.  Space and finances limit the degree to which I want to enhance this second system in a casita.  I am beginning to think that unless I can get a proper sub (T7i or above) I might just be as well off leaving the sub out of the system....particularly if the LS50W has improved bass performance and ends up being the keeper.  I have always had some form of a subwoofer in my system for the past 25 years.  I started with passive subs, them moved up to a larger REL (Storm).  I now have Vandersteen Quatros with the built-in subs in my main system.

Thank you for your advice.

I've been listening to the KEF LS50Ws for about a day now....with and without the REL T5i.  They are pretty amazing.  Very similar to the LS50 but tunable to my room.  Something about those built in powerful amps that seems to focus and allow the speaker to project a rock solid image and soundstage.  A nice incremental upgrade from the very fine LS50 but not a "night and day" difference.  I'm still feeling my way through the KEF control app, experimenting with various settings to try to find the right mix for my room.  The basic settings seem to get you most of the way there while the "expert" settings offer a bit more refinement.  Adding the REL T5i to the equation complicates matters a bit.  I've used a REL sub in my main system for almost 20 years and have always used their recommended speaker level connection.  With the LS50W this is not an option but I am able to run an RCA cable between the KEF and the REL. I'm a little confused about how to combine the control settings on the REL with the settings in the KEF app.  KEF seems to recommend setting everything on the sub to max volume and highest crossover and make the adjustments in the KEF app.  Is this best?...or does it make a difference.  The KEF app has the option of using a "high pass" mode...or not.  Using the app to make subwoofer adjustments is like using a remote and much easier than getting up to make the trial and error adjustments on the sub itself.  Anyone with advice or experiencing setting up a REL with the LS50W?  I would appreciate your input.

I ended up with the REL-T7i.  I also was confused with all the options regarding the settings.  If you go to KEF they recommend running the sub at highest volume level and highest crossover setting and use the KEF DSP app to control the sub.  I talked to REL and got just the opposite advice.  They recommend minimal DSP activity on the KEF end and utilize the filters in the REL to control the sub.  Both KEF and REL support also suggest experimentation.  So there doesn't seem to be a consensus.  Having used RELs in the past and being accustomed to their recommended method for subwoofer hookup, I am following their advice....which means I am letting the LS50W run full range and controlling the REL to bring in the bass below the KEF.  I am not utilizing the high-pass option in the KEF app.I have the  sub low-pass frequency set to it's highest value (250Hz) and sub gain set to 0.  I use the controls on the REL to make all adjustments beyond that...and pretty much have done that by ear.  I started with the level and crossover settings at about 15 clicks from minimum and then adjusted from there by ear.  I tried virtually every combination of sub/kef settings and feel like the current setting offers the best integration.  As usual, many other factors will play into your decision but I have found what works for me.

Exactly...