Yes, I have (to a certain extent).
I reached a stage where I had a subwoofer in each corner and they were high level connection to FL, FR, SL, SR in a 5 floor speaker setup. No connection to the AVR for the LFE channel. So, the LFE was being sent by the AVR to FL/FR. And the centre speaker crossover information (set at 60Hz) was being sent to the FL/FR.
One of the biggest (practical) disadvantages here being that the LFE channel then becomes unadjustable for level or FR tweaks.
How did it sound? Well, there is some source material that makes more use than others of low frequencies in the floor domain (not LFE). Good example, Toy Story scene where the fuel tanker loses the big container off the trailer. It rolls across the room. Totally awesome and sounds no where near as good in a system with 80Hz crossovers and a mono subwoofer channel taking the low end slack. (To my ears).
Of course, the actual LFE channel is mono. Therefore, the potential advantages of this are restricted and apply more in some source films than others. A good majority of films only send LF to floor speakers in music. Which, I guess makes sense, since LFE is "low frequency effects"!
The appeal of the
integration of a subwoofer into an AVR/AVPs systems and EQ was too great for me and I was sold - that's what I've done since. Although, I do still use two subs to reduce localisation and to make a "wave" or "field" of bass...
However, one thing I have a strong opinion about. I do put importance on the direction of the low frequencies. But, this doesn't need to be down to ~15Hz. I have repeatedly played between 80Hz and 60Hz for the crossovers of my FL, FR, SL, SR. With my current speakers/set-up, 60Hz gives me better movement of bass sounds
but it loses some impact in the front soundstage (where the subs are better at this than the FL/FR speakers).
Next few years, planning a new lounge iteration. Decoration etc. And system setup. This will be around the idea of larger more capable speakers for the five floor. And crossovers will be lower. This is where, personally, I find a preference. I just need my LCR to be up to the job. But, each to his own.