Because I will likely eventually have dual subs. Space is at a premium and it's for music only. My last speakers had 12" woofers that were rated at 35hz and it was more than enough bass for this room as I was often EQ'ng it for less.
The Tempests sit on a fine line with regard to enough bass for music. To describe it I would classify them as 'just' enough, stand alone. After listening to them a lot these last few days, I am ultimately curious as to how they sound in a 2.1 or 2.2 setup with the lowest frequencies shared elsewhere, and to use more of the AVR's capabilities. Or, to even perhaps learn more about AVR's with regard to music in general or to perhaps have more bass tuning options that I am not aware of with my current, antique ways.
I think IIRC, in sealed (smaller being better with space concerns) cabinets, the ultimax is capable down to 34-36 hz. In the event that I have to go ported, being as I don't know what I am doing, the cabinets wouldn't be ridiculously large. In the event that one 12" tells me that two won't be enough either? I will build a system around it for my car. lol
Tell me if I am wrong, which is half of why I mentioned this here. I have no interest in movies or surround sound. I am just under 2000 cu ft here. Enough bass has never really been an issue, even using 2.1 desktop setups. But, it's the desktop (Harman Kardon soundsticks 2) that ultimately have me curious about 2.1 system. Noticing how much the sub enhances that arrangement. Well that and you guys insistent on subwoofers being a necessary component, even with full range speakers.