The "dolby spec" for the LFE channel subwooder only requires it to go down to 31hz or so...
Which is not to say there is no signal below that - but the minimum requirement for a theatre is 31Hz.
So if you have full range speakers that go down to around 30 to 40Hz you can get very satisfying performance!
If your speakers can go down that far, and you also have a sub, most AVR's have a "double bass" option, where full range speakers are used along with the LFE sub - this will provide more even bass performance throughout the room, but it will also allow for higher SPL's, as you then have the equivalent of 3 Subs delivering the effects.
Currently my setup is 5.1.4, with both mains and surround speakers being full range, extending down to below 35Hz, and a small sub providing the rest - I have found the result to be very good.