Let's take a mono signal containing frequencies above and below 80Hz.

If I split that signal between a subwoofer and a loudspeaker and place those two apart from each other and at the same or different distances from the listening point in say a triangular configuration, surely I will notice that it is not a point source? I am sure I could use delays and phase adjustment to get them time aligned but surely I would get an odd image?

So although bass may not be localised in isolation it may be in the context of a real-world signal?

For most of us a subwoofer is a means of getting some deep bass in a domestic environment at reasonable cost and some compromise. For those of us who can afford five (!) subs, surely it makes sense to place them adjacent to the speakers they support then manage the room modes with some form of correction rather than displace them and then have to manage phase and timing anomolies as well as the room modes?

I think this is an argument for five full range speakers for optimum phase and timing performance (my Sys 1) rather than 5 small speakers and a sub for optimum room usability (my Sys 2).

In the spirit of Spinaltap, I would like to confirm that I am not involved in the corrupt theft of a global sport.