What percentage of audiophiles use a sub ?

I think it was the same guy who said "Too much of a good thing is never enough."

I have used a sub for years with my bookshelf speakers. Recently, when I switched to floorstanding speakers, I tried setting them up without the sub. I was never able to achieve the quality of bass in my listening room that the sub provided. So I added the sub back to the system.

My use of a sub is not because I like things that go "boom." In fact, the hallmark of a well integrated subwoofer, IMO, is that you cannot hear it until it is turned off. That level of integration is difficult to achieve. In my case, it required a long effort with digital room correction, EQ software, and a good microphone. But the results were worth the effort.

One benefit of using a sub that I don't think has been mentioned so far is that it can significantly improve the perceived macrodynamics (i.e. headroom) of your main speakers. I have found this to be true with both bookshelf and floorstanding speakers.

I own a sub, and use it when watching movies......not when listening to music though.

Cheers,
John

Personally, I have yet to hear a sub that sounds anything like live, unamplified acoustic music. For me, they are for movies or electronically produced music.

Done right a sub adds the bottom kick you experience in a live performance. I listen to progressive jazz like Yellowjackets etc. The speakers I use are full range but they don't quite do it.

Byron