Giving both the amp and the mains a break, not trying to amplify low bass is what you want.
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Stereo Pair of Self Powered Subs, line in/line out (minus low bass back to amp.)
1. self powered
2. front firing
3. no port, if so, front firing. maker should provide an optional port plug, i.e. avoid distribution to corners/rear/side walls.
4. line in, sub's crossover, line out without low bass back to the amp. Amp now does not need/try to make low bass, thus a lower powered amp can be used.
4a. Of course an external crossover can be used to separate the low bass from the amp instead of the sub’s crossover. Personally, todays technology, a sub’s crossover does a great job.
5. Most Advantageous using tube amp as a lower powered amp can be used successfully when not trying to amplify low bass.
The easiest way to try lower powered tube amps. More tube amp models available, thus: lower competitive prices, lower weight, lower heat, increased location options (consider remote control signals).
6. Single Sub: works to add enough lower bass that the smaller mains do not sound small.
7. Stereo Pair of Subs. Located adjacent to Front Left and Front Right. Thus earlier front firing recommendation.
Very low bass sound waves are wide enough to be experienced as Mono in the listening space. HOWEVER, each/any frequency has overtones, i.e. fundamental 36hz: overtones 72, 144, 288, 560 …: present while progressively reduced in volume. It is these overtones that become narrow enough to become directional, thus Stereo Bass, blended with the front mains.
Stereo Imaging/Location of a Bass Source: Cannon/Jazz/Chamber/Rock …., is definitely achievable. (assuming proper mic locations/recording/mixing, the excellent engineering we seek).
