Adding a sub. - can i start with one?

OP, it seems that there are some answering the question whether one sub will be "enough" and others are answering what will be "ideal." Which are you after?

I’ve heard Rel subs and they work great, but so do many other subwoofers. There’s nothing special or unique about Rel subs that I have heard. I’m sure fanboys will say they weren’t set up "right" or I’m deaf, or whatever, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

I’ve nothing against other sub manufacturers such as SVS, Rythmik etc. I’ve been using a sub for the past 15 years or so and never really got a satisfactory result blending it to the main system. It went in and out of the system(s) throughout the years, used in Home Theater for few years and was kept in storage unused for several years.

Just lately I bit the bullet and switched to a REL S/510, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made although initially I was rather hesitant to consider another sub upgrade after all the years of disappointment. I’m glad I did and better late than never. The integration between the sub and main speakers is seamless which is the most important aspect in a music only system. Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb as the overall sound quality has noticeably improved, not night and day but surely appreciable. And this is only with one sub.

Coming back to the thread, to reiterate all that’s said here the consensus is one is generally considered to be better than none, and two is better than one. Or course, three or four is even better but one has to draw the line somewhere. It’s all about managing expectations. For me, one currently works very well in my system, and since I don’t have the space or funds for a second one, I’m already done.

I’ve been using a sub for the past 15 years or so and never really got a satisfactory result blending it to the main system.

What sub?  What controls did it have? 

I've heard this idea that only Rel subs can be easily "integrated" into a 2 channel system mentioned a lot.  Frankly, I don't get it.

Most modern subs include a lot of options for setting phase, crossover, Parametric EQ, and more.  Integrating a sub (or multiple subs) isn't rocket surgery.  Many now come with remote control apps so that you can adjust parameters in real time from your listening position.

What sub? What controls did it have?

It’s a PMC TLE1. To be fair, it’s not very good.

one good sub 80% there

two good subs 90% there 

no subs 100%