IME once set up correctly using measurements a sub woofer(s) need no further adjustment. Sure, they may sound overbearing with movies. They're supposed to. Why do you think movie soundtracks have a separate LFE (low frequency effects) channel?
I agree with this. I added a sub plus DSP to my audio system and the improvement was stable and wonderful.
The original speakers were the ML Montis.
Here are some responses from a Stereophile review of the Montis and my own home measurements as the LF adjustment was made, including room treatment, sub and a MiniDSP.
1. The Montis review response with 0dB and -8dB of bass boost.
2. The Montis review full measured response 0dB bass boost
I used an XTZ PRO II to measure the room response.
3.Without sub or room treatment, Montis set to -8dB- LF response
4. Above with sub and treatment, no DSP.
5. Room with everything including DSP
6. Final full 1/3rd octave response of the room
The in room response is probably better than the review case.
The bass is taut, deep, extremely clean and musical and no one that has heard it can hear the integration of the units- it seems like a seamless whole.
The end result is a system that has the foundation that is really needed to make all kinds of music sound very realistic.
So, yes, sub woofers really can work well in an audio system and in my opinion are a necessary and essential addition to it.