Today is a paradox for audio systems. Back in the day when sub woofers only existed in passive systems with large cabinets we were still happy. Purests in that time of the late 60s, 70s, 80s tried to sell systems with no tone controls as they do today. We were told it would "color the sound" people liked the loudness, bass and treble controls. Today if you want bass you are told to buy a sub woofer after spending a anywhere from $500 -$1000 for a pair of speakers. Guess what? The sub woofer colors the sound.
I have a relative the worked as a speaker builder for paragon a acoustics back in the 80s. He built himself a pair of 6" driver towers. They used 6" woofers. Why? They not only got the bass below 30z, but were two way because the smaller cone could also get good midrange. Also, smaller drivers are easier for a power amp to control because of less moving mass. They are fast a d respond quicker to changes in music dynamics. Also because of that, less distortion. No sub was needed. They still sound great
I have a relative the worked as a speaker builder for paragon a acoustics back in the 80s. He built himself a pair of 6" driver towers. They used 6" woofers. Why? They not only got the bass below 30z, but were two way because the smaller cone could also get good midrange. Also, smaller drivers are easier for a power amp to control because of less moving mass. They are fast a d respond quicker to changes in music dynamics. Also because of that, less distortion. No sub was needed. They still sound great