The same as you. But for me the extra bass controlI got with my vitus sia030, reminded me the difference I heard when the statement amps had over the 500dr.
But if you drive the 808’s with the right amp, etc, I can’t really see the need for subs, as its just another complication to add to the mix, and getting them right can be a right pain.
Well. The REL Reference 31 is in. Fabulous addition. Still awaiting arrival of custom sub cable (552 preamp DIN out to hi-level input on sub). Currently connected only to right channel speaker woofer posts for convenience. While the room acoustical treatments last year were a critical addition (more focused low end, more projected low end throughout the house actually, tremendously wider and higher imaging), the sub has been transformative. And ironically, listening at low volumes now sounding much more complete, more present. Even content without noticeable (non-obvious) low frequencies, is rounder and more present. The system now just begs to be listened to — and it was terrific before — it’s hard to walk away! The most noticeable thing — as has been said before — is when the sub is switched off (or sub gain dialled to zero with its wireless remote): things seem less involved, relatively speaking. Otherwise it doesn’t draw attention to itself at all. The 808s had considerable heft before but that heft seemed more selective.
Now, there certainly may be ROOMS where this system may not benefit from (or “need”) a sub but rooms all different aren’t they. Many variables. So in my case, the sub has extracted even more musical depth from the entire system. Will update once the proper cable is in and the sub receives full frequency audio signal. Incidentally, I am also a concert pianist, and there is my 7 foot Steinway in the same space. I have immediately noted with the sub that the low and even middle octaves of piano materiel from the system are poppingly more real than ever before, and they were great before!
So to those who question the “need” for a sub, as I did for decades, I’d simply say to try it and see. It may or may not be for your room/space. Unfortunately the logistics of a subwoofer trial are difficult. Ironically, the room is the prime directive and everything we do works better or not in the room we’re in. I’ve been fortunate.
(I also added a dedicated wireless smart monitor for ROON album/artist display, and rotating fine art. Built in browser. No computer needed).
You said it best. You simply can’t unhear it! 
Thanks so much!
Not only can’t you unhear it, in my case certainly, i don’t want to not hear it. In fact, actively on the hunt for another S812 as i type 
I think you will find that a Preamp to sub connection is actually a Low-Level connection, not a High-Level connection. A Low-Level connection would put you in the position that makes it much more difficult to integrate the sub with your existing speakers.
Lovely room and set up you have there and concur with your thoughts on subs.
The cost v value if they work is well worth taking the time to demo…..
Gary
I also run an active Naim 500/808 set up. I understood the design of the 808 is that the lower cabinet is a sub and the ability to add deep bass was key to my choice of the 808. I would be fearful of too much bass in a room where space is constrained based on my experience with another set up (Naim Uniti Nova/Spendor 7.2/REL sub) where I turn the sub off unless listening at low levels.
System looks fab by the way!
So you have 4 amps, 3X 250 dr and Chord Ultimate ?
Was that a question to me? (Forrestm) No I have 3x 250DR no chord amps.
Thanks!
From my REL expert:
“That’s not an issue with the REL - the key to the REL is the custom filter written for the crossover - it is the same for both low-level and high level”.
Yes, a question for you Forrestm. I see Chord ultimate on your profile. It’s not an amp?
No it is not an amp. It is speaker cable 6 x 5m at £275 is an important consideraation for going active. What is also not in my profile is I have several unsold bits of Naim kit to play with including 2 x 500DR (waiting for a third at a resonsble price) a 252/SC combo and NAC A4 in multiple lengths. That should be clear in my previous posts. I find the 3x250 DR superior to a single 500 DR and I am not a fan of wonky active.
Great to hear that HamburgSteinwayB your new Rel sub is settling in so well into your system. Not at all surprised! We added a pair of Rel S212 subs earlier in the year to our 500 system and the improvement we experienced made us both sit up and put a big smile on both our faces. Significant improvement at the price point and no going back for us after you have heard it.
I’m late to your party. I added a sub back into my main system recently and have it midway between the speakers like yours, with a single DIN to RCA connection from the 552PS that my local shop made up for me. It really is a great improvement, mostly to the sound stage and imaging, along with some more punch and drive in the bass. I listen to a lot of rock music and the bass pedals have som serious wally now. I’ve dialled the gain right back so I don’t hear. the sub, but you know it’s there.
As we say here, never one without 2. 
I’d be interested to hear how you get on. I’m thinking of a pair of Rel with my Active 505’s (driven by 500’s).
They do have decent bass for their size, but am deffo missing the roundness and extension my previous Ushers had….
my challenge is we live in a Victorian terrace with suspended floor, so would likely need isolation for the subs, which I know isn’t generally recommended.
I used Townsend’s under my speaker stands
A lot of of us have suspended floors. I do. Unless the system is in the basement, or system is on the main floor with no basement.
One of the reasons I went straight to the top (Reference series) is they are completely sealed. There is no passive radiator. Passive radiators is firing onto suspended floors can cause some additional complexities. The new REL Carbon Special just released, is reported to be really excellent but has a passive radiator. If your local dealer can set up a trial of any of the Carbon series at home, that would be the way to go.
Another reason to buy reference besides the sealed is easy placement without radiator and the bloody remote!!! Not sure why REL can’t make standard for at least all S series.
