What percentage of audiophiles use a sub ?

It is all a matter of critical system matching between components and taking the time with the room set up. There is much music in the 80hz region and below, not just movie soundtracks. For those who have a powered sub(preferably 2)that has the connection choice of rca in or speaker level in, I find the speaker level in is much more coherent with the mains. I learned this from Pierre at Mapleshade many many years ago. The quality of the speaker cable is as critical here as with the mains. Crossing over the mains or running them full range is also very system/listener dependent. I run my mains full range and have the bass systems from 60 hz down. Adds another level of musical realism to these ears......

Eliz -- I can vibrate my internal organs with frozen section tacos !!

I believe there are a couple of issues with subwoofers in a 2 channel configuration.

First, many people don't purchase subwoofers that match the sound quality of their main speakers so it's essentially putting a $200 bass driver in a $3,000 speaker (just an extreme example). The salesman at the store that I deal with indicated that the current JL Audio subwoofer were on the short list of "audiophile approved" subwoofers and is about all they have in the store for the high end customers.

Second, every amplifier has its own sound and if an active subwoofer is used it isn't likely that it will perfectly match the sound of the main speakers. An audiophile isn't likely to hook up left and right channel speakers with different mono-block amplifiers and many, I suspect, wouldn't bi-amp speakers with different amplifiers either.

In my case, my receiver forces me out of direct mode to use a subwoofer so for 2-channel critical listening the best configuration is two full range speakers. My Focal 836v speakers can reproduce 30 hz, but not at a loud enough volume to support home theater applications. I have a subwoofer that isn't an equal with my main speakers, but does a wonderful job of the .1 duties and for heavy bass non-critical listening.

I think the biggest points brought up are probably the exact reasons why I couldn't stand a sub. Placement, cost/quality relative to main speakers, and active sub vs. speaker level and different amps running different speakers. Not least is the cabling as well.

I can imagine that if you really did your homework and found the perfect high quality sub for your speakers to match, the right cables, the right placement and matching amps then I could concur that adding a sub would be a well worthwhile investment. Maybe in the future I'll put my righteous two-channel philosophy to the test. I'll be sure to let ya'll know if I switched sides. ;-)

" if you really did your homework"

That's always the key.

You might get lucky and stumble into a good thing but don't bet on it.