My question is, for strictly music, are subs even worth while...$$$......if so, why? What could I expect that’s different and/or better than what I’m already hearing..............No experience with subs and music, so forgive the lame question for those of you who already use them.This is particularly true with larger musical ensembles in larger music venues: The frequencies that define the dimensions of the auditorium are much lower than the lowest frequencies of most of the musical instruments involved. If you want a credible re-creation of the sound of the performance in its auditorium, which includes infrasonic content that defines the dimensions of the performance venue plus the energy that defines the venue and the performance, you will get that only with one or more subwoofers that can re-create the dimensions and energy of that venue.
The lowest frequencies generated by the instruments involved is irrelevant; it’s the re-creation of the infrasonic energy of the venue that puts you squarely in the performance. Many of the omnidirectional microphones used for recording in such environments capture frequencies below 10 Hz. This is how deep plummeting subwoofers can augment even solo classical guitar performances.
Go to http://www.tonepublications.com/magazine/toneaudio-magazine-26/ and read the review of a pair of JL Gotham subwoofers and you'll see what I'm talking about.