Does using a powered subwoofer make better sound?

Twl ... there are very few of my CDs which DON'T have information below 40Hz ... it may not be pure notes (e.g. organ pipes) it may simply be dynamics (e.g. kick drum, tympani). Furthermore I doubt that Ghellen can answer this question without first listening to some CDs with a good sub.

Ghellen ... try to demo a good sub. I really love the extra dimension that the sub (Rel strata in my case) adds to 80% of my CDs. It may or may not be to your taste, but the REL subs will almost certainly integrate seamlessly with your main speakers.

Well said by Sugarbrie.........by the way, I am using the REL Storm III.

Thanks for everyone's input. I keep learning from all of you.

Titan II LE is one terrific sub for music. Comparable to the REL Stadium III but at far less cost (direct). Their new Force should also prove to be a winner. Do some searches here, at AA and AR and over at the SMR site. Also, see the reviews in Positive Feedback, BFS.

The quality of the subwoofer must match your other speakers.Subs are good with a small speakers. The sub will make a small speaker sound more like a fullrange loudspeaker. Will the match be seemless? No it won't, but with careful set up you can get it close. The biggest mistake people make is having the sub to loud. You should only hear the bass intergrated into the music. You should have no sense of the sub being there. If you are using a sub for movies you would have it set louder. Movie dynamics are extreme.