What percentage of audiophiles use a sub ?


Since joining the site I have noticed that a lot of you don't actually use a subwoofer. I was pretty surprised by this as I could never listen to any music without some good low-end, so, curious how many do and how many don't and if not, why.
thomastrouble
I had a sub, Martin Logan and sold it to fund something that rarely comes up for sale.Well, you don't know what your missing until it's gone.

The sub added foundation to the music and made the soundstage bloom.I will be in the future be buying 2 subs. I found with the sub in the system, it sounded better and more ingauging to listen to.
Whether a Sub goes Boom Boom or it harmonizes and locks in with the room all depends on how you place it and dial it. I Have Rel Strata and it sings with the crossover set at 22 Hz !(I user merlin TSMs)the difference is not just in hearing the Foot stomps and deep bass in musing like Grandma's Hands (yup lot of sub 25 content there), but also in cds like Clapton unplugged.
cannot live without a sub ( or a full ranger at 3X the cost) now
Thomas Trouble
Sub-woofers are fraught with problems in a High end system as so many attempt to use just one
and don't like it.
These problems can be minimized from the get go by making sure the sub has some mandatory features.
1st the most important is that a high pass must be used in order to maintain a linear transition is at least possible between the sub and main speakers.
This will also lower distortion dramatically in what now will be a mid bass driver in the main speaker
and IM distortion in the main amplifier.
2nd A sub that is not forward firing to eliminate the nonlinear spurious radiation from the surround and cones
that interfere with mid range information and blur imaging.
3rd a Sub with a quality usually heavy enclosure that is sealed for optimum transient response.
4th If the system is to act as a larger system in a mid sized room Stereo Subs.
If all of the previous requirements are met and with careful placement a Sub can be a major improvement in most systems.
In large rooms there is no substitute for a full range loudspeaker as in the racing days there is no substitute for cubic inches
Cheers Johnnyr
Audiophile - subwoofer in the same sentence? Getting a sub means your speakers ain't good enough.
I am using a Genesis S4/8 sub and 7.1c monitors with Core audio diffusers
and bass control by a combination of diy, and a Guizu modular type product purchased through Grant Fidelity. I am still in the process of dialing evrything in, but the combination of my Genesis system and acoustic products gives me a lot of options in dealing with the acoustics of the room.
I took to heart the advice I have read here, about the speaker and room interaction being paramount. I would suggest considering that advice rather than a yes or no mind set.