Why are subwoofers so polarizing?

Wolf_garcia,

You suggest, I really messed "than" up loud not load.
My Dyslexia is a pain but I will stay with how I stated it.

Actually, I was correcting MY post...and I stand corrected.

I now see clearly and correctly now.

Because they are often problematic to get set up well and essentially an optional accessory and not necessarily always a core part of a good sounding system.

There are three scenarios one can follow regarding subwoofers:

1) pass on the lowest octave of sound and get the rest working really well, which is typically the easiest approach to getting good sound.

2) buy a more "full range" design that can cover the lowest octave alone (essentially subwoofer is already integrated by the designer)

3) buy a separate sub and set it up/integrate it yourself.

Options 2) and 3) both of which address the lowest octave by design can be a challenge to get set up really well in any particular room.

So really its all that is involved to get the lowest octave of sound working right along with all the rest that is a challenge in general. SUbs just provide a separate device, but the problem is still often the same and may or may not be any easier to solve case by case.

There is no simple one size fits all solution. Does that make it "polarizing" maybe?

Mapman, well said.

While some manufactures are offering more and better subwoofer equalization to aid in subwoofer installation and improve integration with the main system there is still an amount of effort involved.

On the other hand taking the time and making the effort can reward the user not only with a seamless integration but a much better understanding of the relationship between their room and extra low frequency.