Use of subwoofer with bookshelf speakers

Thanks, Tonyangel. I agree that Vandersteen's advice seems a little odd and that's what prompted my question. I think that I could live with the Canalis speakers by themselves because I am using my stereo system mostly for guitar music and light jazz. However, we do have our TV in this setup and we do watch movies and some of these need the lower frequencies for realistic sound. As far as choosing the main speakers first I can only say that I have made my choice in these by Canalis so, you're advice is appreciated.

Sell the Vandy sub and buy a REL sub.

For music, the Rythmik sealed subs look really interesting. Due to furnishings, I've been limited to small speakers for a while. Over the course of the last year or so, I've run System Audio 505s, Paradigm Studio 10s and am now running a very small pair of Silverline Minuets. The are all good sounding speakers that are fast, but need help with the lows.

I've run a little REL T3 with them and it's been easy to integrate and keeps up with them very well. I've seen them go for around $300 or so, if you can find them. Heck, for that low of a price, you could get two and have stereo subs.

I have the Sonics Anima -- very similiar to the Canalis version -- paired with a REL Strata III sub, and they sound great together. I had been using the Animas sans sub for a few months and mostly didn't miss the bass <60hz, but then I got the sub and really noticed what I was missing. The sub fills in that last bit of the picture and adds more scale. Get a sub (REL or perhaps an Audio Physic one would fit nicely) but first get a good pair of 24" stands.