I know you guys get threads like this all the time...

I've recently been building my computer-as-source setup at my home office, since that's where I seem to be spending most of my time when I'm actually home. Room dimensions are ~20' x 12'; in the room on one side wall are bookshelves, on the other side wall, a day bed, and behind a couch & a recliner. Of course I also have a desk & a high back leather chair.

My current set-up is a Macbook Pro (using iTunes w/ ALAC files) running via firewire to an Apogee Duet (DAC) which runs via a 1/4" TS to RCA cable to a Music Hall A25.2 integrated amp. So far, I only have a pair of new Epos ELS-3's on stands off the sides of my desk.

Can anyone recommend a sub (I'd say 99% music) that would work well in such a setup? I've ordered an x-sub from av123, but the black one I want is not in stock, and I am getting itchy. My budget is somewhat malleable, but I'd prefer to spend no more than $500USD... Thanks guys.

Is size and issue? I'm guessing it is for your application. If so check out one of the Dayton Kits. They come with everything needed, you just have to assemble it which isn't a problem. The Reference Series Kit is especially praised for its musical capabilities.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-742

If you don't want to go that route imo the HSU STF-2 or VTF-1 would be the way to go but as is the Xsub they are out of stock currently as well.

Is size and issue? I'm guessing it is for your application. If so check out one of the Dayton Kits. They come with everything needed, you just have to assemble it which isn't a problem. The Reference Series Kit is especially praised for its musical capabilities.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-742

If you don't want to go that route imo the HSU STF-2 or VTF-1 would be the way to go but as is the Xsub they are out of stock currently as well.

Thanks for the recommendation... I'll take a look at the kit. I'm probably the least "handy" guy I know (I don't even own a soldering iron!!), so I'm not sure that is a good way for me to go as I'd probably figure out a way to crew things up!!... Space is a bit of an issue. I don't want a sub that is just too large given the small bookshelfs that I use. My guess was that I should probably look at nothing larger than a 10" driver, but that was just an assumption..

I'd buy the Outlaw LFM1 Compact, LFM2, or Hsu STF1, STF2, VTF2 depending on how low you want to go for bass extension. For music and your EPOS, you would be fine with almost any one of those subs. The EPOS rolls off quickly below about 70Hz, so you just need something to prop up the bass between 35Hz and up.

If you actually need a sub you can put ON your desktop, then you want something very small. I'm doing just that (http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8250/microvee024eu8.jpg), but I think there are much better choices if you don't need the smallest possible sub

O.K. Thanks guys... I am looking hard at the Hsu VTF-1, and had momentarily thought of a kit, but I am the least handy person I know (I don't even own a soldering iron), so I'd figure out a way to screw up!! Too bad av123 doesn't have the black x-sub in stock, nor have given me a response as to ETA, otherwise I would've settled for that... Time to unfortunately cancel my order & look elsewhere.

EDIT: I am wanting a sub w/ low-level inputs--my Music Hall doesn't have a LFE out (it's a 2-channel integrated amp), and I would prefer to NOT connect via high-level speaker inputs...so that means the Outlaw LFM-2 is out, since it apparently doesn't have low-level inputs based on the site description it looks like only LFE & speaker-level are options... The Hsu VTF-1, however, does appear to have low-level inputs that I could connect to my Music Hall pre-outs... Any other options you guys are aware that would have the capability for me to connect the sub to my integrated amp via pre-out?

Thanks again guys for your advice... I did some quick & dirty additional research, and settled on the Hsu VTF-1. I called them & they advise the VTF-1 will be back in stock early next week, so I went ahead & ordered online... Hopefully it'll ship by middle of next week..