With my three MG1.6 front speakers I have three elaborate custom design subwoofer systems, but, to tell the truth bass extension is not the main reason. For most music the MG1.6 is just fine without a SW.
My system has an electronic crossover with easily-adjustable crossover frequency(think knob), and my SW systems are happy up to 400 Hz or so. For some kinds of music, (think loud) the cone drivers of the SW systems provide an impact that the Maggies lack. I use the crossover frequency control to seamlessly transition from cone drivers to planars. Best of both worlds!
My interest is classical music, but I suspect that rock would benefit from cones in the SW and low bass range. After all, in a live concert aren't you listening to a bunch of 18" cone drivers?
My system has an electronic crossover with easily-adjustable crossover frequency(think knob), and my SW systems are happy up to 400 Hz or so. For some kinds of music, (think loud) the cone drivers of the SW systems provide an impact that the Maggies lack. I use the crossover frequency control to seamlessly transition from cone drivers to planars. Best of both worlds!
My interest is classical music, but I suspect that rock would benefit from cones in the SW and low bass range. After all, in a live concert aren't you listening to a bunch of 18" cone drivers?