the problem is not one of subwoofer placement; separate subwoofers are easier to place correctly than full range speakers. the problem is integration. unless the subs perfectly integrate with the 'other' speakers seamlessly, perfect placement has limited value.
we are speaking here of 2-channel music only listening......HT DSP LFE channel subwoofers are a different issue.
the problem is somehow getting the crossover for both the sub and the main speaker to work as if they were designed as one unit. also to have the character of the main speaker and amp to be captured by the sub. most normal speakers do not have a low frequency cutoff or way to vary the low frequency extension. therefore you generally need an outboard crossover; which typically reduces refinement and adds complexity (or digitizes everything....bad, bad, bad)
lots of people do run separate subs and like them; i've yet to hear a system like that integrate to my likeing.....but i suppose it is possible. note i am not saying that i don't like systems with separate subs; only that they lack the level of mid-range--mid-bass integration the very best systems have.
i prefer built-in subs which ARE designed into my speakers and give me 10hz extension AND seamless integration. i don't have as much flexibility in location; but i have lots of subwoofer adjustments to help the bass integrate with the room.
integration.....not location....is the real challenge.
we are speaking here of 2-channel music only listening......HT DSP LFE channel subwoofers are a different issue.
the problem is somehow getting the crossover for both the sub and the main speaker to work as if they were designed as one unit. also to have the character of the main speaker and amp to be captured by the sub. most normal speakers do not have a low frequency cutoff or way to vary the low frequency extension. therefore you generally need an outboard crossover; which typically reduces refinement and adds complexity (or digitizes everything....bad, bad, bad)
lots of people do run separate subs and like them; i've yet to hear a system like that integrate to my likeing.....but i suppose it is possible. note i am not saying that i don't like systems with separate subs; only that they lack the level of mid-range--mid-bass integration the very best systems have.
i prefer built-in subs which ARE designed into my speakers and give me 10hz extension AND seamless integration. i don't have as much flexibility in location; but i have lots of subwoofer adjustments to help the bass integrate with the room.
integration.....not location....is the real challenge.