If you cannot perceive it, then what is the point? Not all discrete L/R signals have stereo bass. A great majority of the time, the bass is downmixed to mono below 150hz - even in discrete L/R stereo signals.
Depending on crossover slopes even mono'd bass music may have some overlap with the persons sub. But I agree on some content it's a non issue, but having resolution and having content that uses it are 2 different things.
A stereo system can resolve stereo content and also mono content, a mono system can't
I want to apologize if the tone has gotten less than friendly. The fact of the matter is this:
1. Those who deny localization of LF have a much bigger hurdle to jump over then just quoting someone else's study or statement, and until they have a good enough DSP or enough data to form an opinion based on actual testing then their opinion while important isn't in the same category.
2. Those who hear a difference must not be "shouted down" to say they're wrong. I started this 7 week journey believing all the statements against localization and my mind was changed when every single set up had unique qualities and feel of localization effecting the whole sound stage.
I am leaving this thread now because my team has enough data on subwoofer configs and we are moving on. For those how care, this is what we found.
1. If running a mono sub, run it centered and crossed as low as possible (this means you still have to deal with the Allison effect.
2. 2 subs are preferred and if they are just inside of the main speakers or outside they give great results.
a. The higher up you run the subs the closer to the speakers they should be.
b. If running stereo subs the closer they are to mains will give a tighter sound stage
c. Stereo subwoofers to the sides creates an immersive experience like being on the stage of a concert instead of looking to the stage.
On a side note we tried 4 sub positions with the subs to the rear, here are 3:
1. Subs 2 feet past LP/apex inline/extending with listening triangle, subwoofers on ground
2.((same )) one subwoofer elevated 20" one on ground
3. Subs 6 feet past, still in line, both on ground
The only set up that was not distracting was #2,
If you listen to material with low LF content or high-LF mono content then you will not experience these phenomena as much.
SIDE NOTE-if you run mains full range and only have a 24db Xover on subwoofer then you may get best results running the Xover down low, ex. 40/50hz then bringing the volume up of the sub slowly until it just begins to add and balance out the mains.
Mono subs for more energy
Stereo subs for realism
Stereo subs if you can achieve balanced response in room
Mono subs if
you can't (this will smooth out any stereo/panned content)