Speakers, floor standing or Bookshelfs

Unlike an HT multiple speaker system, a two channel set up with a well integrated sub(s) generally improves the overall dimensionality, imaging and tonal density of any speaker system regardless of the lower frequency response of the speaker.

@bubinga 

YES!

This is something that does not get mentioned nearly often enough.

There is a lot of ambient information in the very low frequencies, that convey a sense of space, that can be missing without the sub.

Subs always subs. Buy the largest speakers you can afford. All speakers lack the dynamics of real music and getting as close to real live performance comes from dynamics. Big efficient speakers with sub and massive power is the key. Handing off from a small dynamically limited speakers to a very powerful subs never blends quite as well as a big speaker.

Subs always subs. Buy the largest speakers you can afford. All speakers lack the dynamics of real music and getting as close to real live performance comes from dynamics. Big efficient speakers with sub and massive power is the key. Handing off from a small dynamically limited speakers to a very powerful subs never blends quite as well as a big speaker.

+ 1565

For me, it's large towers preferably, running full range (not crossed over) and a couple of subwoofers.

I'm of the mind, If you like the sound of your speakers why remove part of their character and then try to replace it using the sub?  Running full range you just augment the sound with the sub without taking something away first.

The reason I use subwoofers even with large speakers is because they are able to be placed where they are most effective. I like my speakers pulled way out from the wall to get the best soundstage depth, but this usually decreases bass output.

Adding subs is like adding salt to dish to to enhance the flavour of the food, it changes the whole experience. So using the subs crossover, volume and its positioning you can add the right amount of "salt" to get your system sounding its best.

@newfzx7 

I'm of the mind, If you like the sound of your speakers why remove part of their character and then try to replace it using the sub?  Running full range you just augment the sound with the sub without taking something away first.

While I agree with you that even large floor standers will benefit from subs, there are good reasons to limit them from producing the lowest frequencies.

1. if the woofer does not have to reproduce the lowest frequencies, it will sound cleaner, lower distortion, within the pass band it is reproducing. It will be operating in a more linear area of its range. 

2. If your amplifier does not have to reproduce the lowest frequencies, it will have an easier time reproducing the rest of the spectrum. The vast majority of the power an amplifier produces goes to preproducing bass. Make the amps job easier will result in improved dynamics, and a more effortless sound.

3. I don't believe that taking away the lowest octave will change the character of the speaker. The most audible character of a speaker is in the rest of the frequency spectrum, not the lowest octave of the bass. 

All my opinion, of course.