I used to think as you do about "needing" sub/s. I have Emerald Physics 3.4s OB 12" woofer with 1" concentric tweeters. Since owning them for almost 2 years now I felt the need for sub/s, BUT, I did 2 things recently that flipped my script
1. I upgraded all my cables with Ali-Express Odin 2 and Odin Gold which is HUGE in regards to everything, but especially to lows -mids
2. I’ve had a Solid Steel vertical rack for 15+ years. Just this week I came across a local deal and bought a solid maple table top (5 x 2 x 2"), and I am FLOORED what it does for everything, but especially the bass
hth