Are subwoofers worth the trouble?

YES. It seems that with each cd or dvd you have to screw with it in a different way. A must have for movies though. But get a good one the cheap ones are worthless you'll be more frustrated than happy. Overall they don't really blend well with music but they can be very rewarding if you spend the bucks and choose right. They just don't satisfy me much for music as far as blending but I love the effect and power and it's hard to live without one. I recommend spending at least $2000. Or don't bother at all. But if your using very small speakers because of space issues than it's the way to go. Just try one for a couple of weeks then stop using it. If you find yourself longing for it than keep it. It sucks but sometimes trial and error is the best learning tool. Subs also sound very different from house to house and room to room and even corner to corner. they can be very finiky. Also keep the interconect short. If you can buy one with an outboard amp for long runs ( much better to run long speaker wire than a long interconnect). What matters is what you like and you really have to get one home to know.

It is hard to get compatible speakers and SUB! Small minimonitors satelites to a good Sub, is just matter of chance. Your best bet, is to get yourself a speakers that will accomodate your music preference, and your room acoustics. That's what you should spend your money for!

I've had little trouble dialing mine in, and leaving it alone. If your room is properly treated, the end result is very rewarding.

The REL Strata is very easy to dial in, so is probably an excellent way to go if you do not have experience in setting one up. Problems usually arise when you run the subwoofer level too high because of the "if I paid good money for it, I want to hear it" syndrome. When setting it up, do not just listen to bass instruments. In fact, I focus on how voices and cymbals sound, when dialling it in. Amazingly, even cymbals are improved by a subwoofer, in terms of getting a better balance between leading edge, body of the note, and the decay.

I agree with the above comments. In my opinion, it's easier to make a bad subwoofer than anything else. The integration between your main speakers and the sub is a pain. The easy trap to fall into is running the sub too loud, believe I've been there. It sounds awesome at first then it starts to really irritate you. The best setting I found so far is to set the cross over at the lowest possible level and turn up the volume of the sub just enough to notice it.