Dawg, If your sub "virtually disappears" you are not home yet. You should never be able to localize a sub(s). Usually, this means it is rolling off too high. Variable phase is great if you don't have many placement options. Mr. Reynolds has most of the rest of it right. (Hi Bob)
Subwoofer meshes well with 2-channel?
I hadn't really given it much thought before, but will a sub work well with a 2-channel system (when reproducing music) or does it just muddy things up? I have full-range speakers (Tyler Linbrook Sig's) that go down to 30hz or so, and have 2 7" Seas drivers. I had considered getting bigger speakers that have more drivers, but this would be a more economical option, rather than getting some huge 300lb speaker that requires a crate to ship on.
If this the case, is there a particular reason that huge speakers are common, vs. a smaller speaker and subwoofer combo?
If this the case, is there a particular reason that huge speakers are common, vs. a smaller speaker and subwoofer combo?