Has anyone added a small subwoofer to 2 channel and been thrilled with the result?

Here's my transition the past few months from two speakers to a 2.1 system to a 2.2 system.

Started with a humble stereo...  Yamaha CR-2040 receiver and a pair of Advent Maestro speakers.  Clean, clear power to those donut midrange speakers- this is *great* low-buck audio! ... but you're clearly not getting the lowest of the low end.  And that's how it's going to be with many passive full-range speakers....

I don't want to shake the place- but I want the low end of the strings, percussion and brass represented completely.

Started by adding a single REL S/3.  $1000 for the sub was lots more than I had in the entire rest of the stereo.   Used the cable that taps the L and R speaker outputs.  Very significant improvement!  

Considered adding a second REL S/3...  My room is about 25 x 20, on a bass-sucking crawl space.  I could tell simply adding another S/3 would be much better... but I decided to simply cut to the chase!

Worked out a wonderful deal on a pair of REL 212/SE and I'm here to tell you.. even without using Unicorn-quality components my (formerly inexpensive) stereo sounds world class.  Not set up to boom and rattle- but the substance and dynamic power the REL's bring to the audio is unbelievable.  

Not sure having subs "in stereo" matter all that much... but having the low end filled out by one or two subs is the best tone upgrade I could have possibly made.  In essence- I took a junior varsity stereo and brought it into the major leagues with some high-quality supplemental low-end.  Best audio money I ever spent.

If the subs were boomy A-V... then absolutely not.  REL have been very musical for me and I would spend that money again in an instant for the improvements I received.

The integration of a sub(s) is one of the most popular topics discussed in these forums. Beside the choice of a particular sub the most important is placement in the listening environment. Each room is different.
You didn't state your main objective to add bass to your sound? Some like a powerful/floor shaking bass and others just want to fill in missing sound from the capability of the main speakers. What's your goal?
Maybe I missed something in your original post but I don't know what amp and speakers you are currently using? Whether floor standers or monitors. And, what type of amp you're using to drive them?
I also have a 2 channel setup using monitor speakers. I didn't want overpowering bass but just enough to fill in the complete sound. A compromise to using full range floor standers. With my setup I use the speakers with 2 10" subs. My integrated amp doesn't have any type of bass management capability. I use an Outlaw ICBM bass management unit. You could call it an active crossover. What it does is to send frequencies that the main speakers can't handle to the subs...thus relieving the mains from duty they can't handle. That's important.
Sub placement is the most important factor. If you just want to "round out" your sound then one or two subs will do the trick. Just be careful of crossover frequencies between the mains and sub.

>I’d like to add some bass to my otherwise fine 2 speaker setup
>System:>Hegel H160
>SF Concerto speakers on stands.
Ben

With little space and you want very good performance, look at the James subs.  

The answer your question yes I think adding a sub really helps. 

I the JL audio E110 is a good choice. If you have a pre-pro or dac to amp you just sit the sub between the two and use the active internal crossover (not just a low pass but a true 24 dB cross-over). Works well and makes blending super easy. 

The only issue I see is two subs are way better than one. I find one sub harder to get a good blend but it can be done. 

I have two E112s and I would say it has been my best audio perchase. Don’t be scared to try a 60hz crossover point. Many will tell you it is too high but with a cross over it is not an issue.