Ok.. so I know you guys will tell me to save more money or don't buy one of these models... but this is my price range.

Sony SAW2500 - 10inch 100watts
MTX SW2 - 12inch 100watts
Boston XB2 - 8inch 50watts
Polk PSW10 - 10inch 100watts
VELODYNE VRP-1000 10inch 170watts

I kinda looking at the Sony or the Polk but not sure... any help will be appreciated!!

If those are the choices, the Velodyne, and then the Polk, in that order, for me.

The Velo would be the best choice in that group. I don't now the prices you've found on it but if you do a search for the Velo VX-10 is basically the same sub and sometimes can be found for a little less.

And you're correct, I would tell you to save and wait. The Bic H-100 and AV123 X-sub are far better than any of those and can be found for $250 shipped. Also the Scamp 10 when released will be right with them in pricing and maybe a little less giving you one more choice while your saving.

Of those subs, I'd also choose the Velodyne. I agree with Jakeman02 that if you can find the VX-10 for cheaper, it's basically the same sub with a slightly different look than the VRP-1000. I didn't care much for the Polk and Sony. Can't remember hearing the Boston and MTX, but other cheap MTX HT subs I've heard were way too boomy IMO. The Velodyne is a tried and true sub in the ~$150 and under range.

Any tools/skills/desire to go DIY?

You can start with a $50 13Kv.2 D4 (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=737)
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=737

http://hotimg15.fotki.com/a/67_149/141_77/13Kv_2-vi.jpg

While you're at eD, they have a LT/200 plate amp (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?t=2&products_id=739)for $105, free shipping.

http://hotimg19.fotki.com/a/67_149/141_77/lt200-vi.gif

Add a few bucks for materials and you have a very capable budget sub...

Thanks Guys!!! Maybe I will get the Velodyne. Is there anything I should be looking for? Does the dynamic wattage make a difference?

Sound quality is the only thing that matters and the Velo will beat the rest easily. I'm assuming you are getting this from CC's clearance (since these are all CC subs listed), do they have the VRP-1200? It should only be slightly more and will extend a few Hz lower than the 1000. Several people have picked up the 1200 floor model for $159 during this clearance.

If the velodyne weren't an option, what would be the next item to get? I'm saying this cuz I no longer see the velodyne on sale at Frys.

Thanks!

What was the price of the Velodyne when it was an option? Because you can get the VX-10 (which is essentially the same as the VRP-1000) for about $150 through Amazon. Not sure what shipping would be.

I'd probably get the Polk if I had to stick to the list and the VX-10 was out of the question. About $110 from Amazon. I wouldn't bother with any of the others. I'd actually look at the Dayton Sub-120 ($155 most places.)

It was $100 for the Velodyne. Trying to get an active sub for $100 or less. Also looking for used and display models for around that price.

The PSW10 will be the next best choice to the Velo, the others just suck to much to even consider.