That's always the argument that "no sub" guys use. The argument has never been about volume.
You are simply not reproducing the whole spectrum without a sub except for at very low volume.
You're right... you can get by without a sub at almost any gig. Does it mean people won't appreciate when it's done right? They may not know why it's different, but people know when it sounds really good.
True. I have concluded that most people do not like it to be too loud, or for there to be too much bass.
Most events that Mobile DJs book and perform at have no real need for a Sub. DJs use Subs out of preference, OR because their sound system requires subs to be used to have adequate bass (Bose L1, other line array systems for example). Many DJs, Audio Phyles, and perhaps EDM Club Ravers are the only people who believe that a Sub needs to be in use.
I have seen plenty of performances by bands and DJs alike, and I appreciated the performance without a sub being used.
In Fact, most traveling bands did not use Subs until the 90s, and even then and up through now, many still do not.
Looking back at my DJ career thus far, Subs have not produced more income for me by me using them, and I have had 1 single client ask for one to be used out of 1,000+. Of all of my events outside of that 1, I only used Subs out of my personal preference. It is because I wanted to use a Sub or multiple Subs. No one cared wether I brought them or not. I would have earned the same pay if I had just set up 2 12 or 15 inch speakers, and the event would have had the same results.
Now, I would certainly prefer to use Subs if I were doing a club style event, OR High School Prom or Homecoming. ...But I don't do those, and those events are not typically big money makers either.
With Weddings and typical parties, The result is just as good wether I use subs or not. ...Only difference is I have less equipment to set up and tear down if I don't bring in a Sub or 2. I guess there is a 2nd difference. There is less of a chance of Grandma or the Mother of the Bride asking for a reduction in bass and/or volume if I leave the Sub at home.