Given that the T/5x's are only rated -6dB at 32 Hz, I wonder if this is enough low end given my speakers and room? On the other hand, I'm a little concerned that a pair of Carbon Specials may be overkill for my situation (and a lot more expensive). Thoughts about this given my room size and need for music only?
Some thoughts — a sub that’s down 6dB at 19Hz at the price of the REL Carbon Special is nothing “special” at all when many other very good subs at less than half the price go down to an honest 20Hz and below. A lot of spatial cues that get unearthed down there will be lost by many REL “subs.” Many don’t realize that while not many instruments play down into the 20Hz region, there is still important recorded musical information that resides down there that plays a big part in improving imaging and an expanded 3D soundstage. I wouldn’t worry about overkill for your room — just buy good subs that can get you to an honest 20Hz (-3dB) and if properly dialed in not only will they not overpower your room, they will work much less hard and with less distortion than smaller subs. As for SVS subs being too sluggish for a 2-channel system — horse hockey! I and many others here have gotten excellent results with SVS subs when properly dialed in, and all reviews back this up. But you already got pleasing results even with a ported PB2000 so you probably already know this. Just my experience and $0.02 FWIW.