Kef TDM 45B THX v Rel Q400

[Tim Cooper]

Hi Chaps,
I've just installed my Kef Ref' THX package minus the Kef sub.
I can't help but think i'd be better off with a dedicated THX approved sub, there is nothing wrong with the Rel just a nagging doubt in the back of my mind, the Rel does an excellent job with both music & movies, however i hardly play any music in my cinema so movies are the main concern.
Has anyone had both subs how do they compare.
Cheers.
Tim.

 

[Steve.EX]

Tim

IMHO the 45b is no great shakes in the sub stakes (am i a poet?)

It had poor build quality and not overly impressive real world performance, if i had to pick i would probably choose the Q400, and i am not exactly the biggest Rel fan either (although i have owned a few in the past)

Steven

 

[Tim Cooper]

i am not exactly the biggest Rel fan either (although i have owned a few in the past)

Hi Steve,
In your opinion the best sub for my THX speakers would be.......
Cheers.
Tim.

 

[Steve.EX]

How big is your room?
How hard do you push the SPL's?

 

[Tim Cooper]

Hi Steve,
Rooms 18x12 feet 7 foot ceilings well insulated etc.
I push ref levels.
Tim.

 

[Steve.EX]

The SVS PB2-plus has to be high on anyones list. Fantastic performance for very reasonable money. Two would be even better.
Then there are the usual suspects Velo HGS15, Mirage BPS15 etc and of course the good old Servo 15, which do turn up from time to time.

 

[Smurfin]

I'm tempted to import a couple of PB-2s then sell the losers out of the svs or the servos - I could probably do that without losing any money on the PB-2s.

 

[Steve.EX]

If you do Matt i would consider giving a PB2-s a go if you didn't like it.

Steven

 

[Ian J]

Originally posted by Steve.EX
If you do Matt i would consider giving a PB2-s a go if you didn't like it.

Just one or your usual four

 

[Tim Cooper]

Cheers Chappies,
The one thing i like about the Q400 is it's compact size about 400 mm all round so some of the velodyne behemoths are ruled out because of the siting in my room, larger subs would encroach into one of the seating positions, so what kicks ass 400mm cubed??
I've been tuning for the best part of the weekend what a palava....my old Kef Q65's went down quite low so my sub was really just ticking over, now i've got the THX speakers it has to do all the work, I'm finding that setting the SPL level on my TAG processor (subwoofer protection) to 115db has evened out the boom i was experiencing, it states in the Tag instruction manual:

"you may set up the subwoofer limit for your system either by entering the peak output level shown in your subwoofer manual or by listening as recommended by Lucasfilm THX"

I've checked the Rel manual & there is no peak output level quoted...anyone know?

Cheers.
Tim.

 

[Tim Cooper]

For info:
I've managed to integrate the Rel Q400 well, with the Kef THX speakers sounds the dogs doo-dahs excellent stuff.
Tag master volume set to 75
Tag sub output set to 115db
Speakers set to bass limited.
Cutoff set to 80hz
Rolloff on the sub approx 80hz
Sub volume set to approx 30-40% of full scale.
Tim.