What percentage of audiophiles use a sub ?

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.

Tigg,

I'm pretty confident that subwoofers will produce better measurements below 150ish hz than virtually any (non-corrected) monitor or full range speaker. I'm also sure that I prefer the sound of a well executed sub/main combo to any full-range alternative that I've heard. I'm further sure that not everyone will share that opinion.

You may never embrace the subwoofer solution. I didn't mean to suggest that a subwoofer is "better", merely that it's hard to argue against the approach with numbers (AFAIK, anyway). But I'd be the first to admit that numbers aren't everything in this game.

Marty

Marty,

I absolutely agree. Numbers only get you so far. It's a good approach but then you have to get subjective at some point.