Full range or subwoofer with bookshelfs for best bass at low to moderate volume?


I have an older subwoofer with bookshelf speakers and the subwoofer is dying. I listen mostly at low to moderate volume and am in the middle of changing over my system as my Pioneer Elite VSX 49 TXI receiver was degrading, also due to age. My question is whether a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers or full range speakers produce more bass at low to moderate volume? 

Current system:
Moon Audio 250i integrated amp
Angstrom signature 3 speakers ( 6.5", Seas drivers, 86 DB, 6 Ohm)
Paradigm subwoofer (needs to be replaced)
Denon 2910 used as transport
Looking for an analog sounding dac at this time

mtloriginal

Showing 2 responses by phasecorrect

I opted for the full range approach, albeit in a large monitor form. The main proponent being cost. An entry level musical sub will be 1-2k, an added cost I wanted to avoid. Plus subs are finicky: placement, crossover, gain. Always go the path of least resistance. Simplicity reigns.
Another factor: room + musical tastes. If I gravitated towards electronic, dub,etc the sub angle would be more attractive. However, no sub at all beats one that is improperly set up. So I went low risk, high reward.