Why the fascination with subwoofers?


I have noticed many posts with questions about adding subwoofers to an audio system. Why the fascination with subwoofers? I guess I understand why any audiophile would want to hear more tight bass in their audio system, but why add a subwoofer to an existing audio system when they don’t always perform well, are costly, and are difficult to integrate with the many varied speakers offered. Additionally, why wouldn’t any audiophile first choose a speaker with a well designed bass driver designed, engineered and BUILT INTO that same cabinet? If anyone’s speakers were not giving enough tight bass, why wouldn’t that person sell those speakers and buy a pair that does have tight bass?
2psyop
@clio09 - Personally; I’ve experienced more live music than reproduced, over the past few decades. As long as that, "artifact" closely resembles what I’ve heard and felt, in the presence of the real thing, I’m happy!
Dear @rodman99999  : As @bdp24  you explained very well in what you posted before. That " artifact " certainly means nothing about what clio ask before.

Noble 100 posted something very good as an audiophile, something like: " when you hear it you will know. "

For that " will know " we must to have a near field position live music experiences in different venues ( several of those experiences. ) and with different kind of MUSIC.

Obviously that clio has not those experiences because if he has it then why to ask for or maybe he only want to confirm what he knew. ! ? ! ? but if he knew then what about that " artifact ".

Certainly: artifact is not the answer for me but for he is the rigth one, good even that maybe he had not those experiences. Who knows?

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
I am out listening to live music once or twice a week. Living in the SF Bay Area there are no shortage of events, from local spots to well known venues. I've also been fortunate to record or obtain recordings of many of the events I attend.

I believe in many of the attributes used in the definition of "tight bass" that have been posted. It's the term itself I don't agree with. That was the reason I asked and why I felt Ralph's response was notable.

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@clio09-  That’s why I mentioned, "semantics". I’m envious of your location. Currently; I’m stuck in a culturally-challenged hick-town, after living the major portion of my life, between Cleveland and Orlando. No dearth in either local(unlike here), regardless of music genre desired. Happy Listening!