What percentage of audiophiles use a sub ?

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

The only way to get real feel in the music is to use subs...... But not the boomy flabby type. A good sub(or2) will effortlessly fill in the lower bass regions, give dynamics and scale but without blowing your ears out.

This takes time, the right equipment and set up..... Something the average user doesn't do

to relieve the main speakers of deep bass cone movement means they can do the other areas a bit faster/tighter in general.

This of course depends on the main speakers.