My Set-up:
Onkyo 606
2 Polk Rti 8's
Polk Csi 5
2 Polk Fxi 3's

1. Your budget: Since I spent about $700 on my 5 speakers and $300 on my receiver I would say my budget is roughly $150 to $200.

2. Size requirements/limits: I live in an apartment, so I don't need huge bass. Anything over 10" would probably be overkill.

3. Room dimensions: Room is probably 12' (couch to TV) by 18' (width)

4. Primary uses: 40% HT/TV viewing, 20% music, 40% gaming)

5. Listening habits: As mentioned above, I won't be cranking this subwoofer up while I live in this apartment, so something that is good sounding at low volume. But, will be worth it when I am able to crank it up.

6. Appearance requirements: All of my polk speakers, tv, stand, etc. Are black (or black woodgrain). Would prefer it to match.

7. Timeframe: Within a month.

8. Search the forum: Through research I have read to avoid the Polk psw10 and have been leaning toward the Velodyne VX-10.

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

I know from experience to stay away from polk subs...I like they're speakers but not they're subs...I have the Rti10's(mains), Csi5(center) and 4 Fxi30's(surrounds)....I use an SVS PB12+2 and it goes very well with the polks...I was using a Velodyne cht-10 before I got the SVS and that was a nice sub too...

btw...I know to stay away from polk subs cause I have owned 2 and they both crapped out...the others I have sounded better too.

good luck,
Brian

It looks like the two you have suggested are pretty steep in pricing... unless I can find them used on craig's list or something...

So it looks like I am leaning towards the Velodyne VX-10 b/c everyone here hates the Polk PSW10!

Looks like its around $180...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009L1V7/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

You've got the potential for a really good HT setup - but don't skimp on the sub.

I think you should reconsider your budget and save the coin up to get into a decent sub to match the RTI8s and CSi5.

Keep an eye on the used market for a deal on a better sub.

I'm on the edge myself on upgrading my sub and it looks like the 'entry' point for something decent is about $400-$500 (say like a SVS PB10-NSD or a Epik Valor or eD A3-300).

Otherwise I would bet that if you settle now, that you'll get boom but you'll want more definition, something more musical, something with more power.

And who likes to open their wallet twice? ;)

The Velodyne and the Dayton Sub-120 are about the only two sub-$200 subs I'd consider. The Velodyne is probably slightly better sounding, although with a slightly smaller driver.

If you can bump up to $250, you can snag a Bic Acoustech H-100 off of eBay (make a $200 or so offer to any of the dealers, and shipping is $35-50.) Definitely an upgrade.

For that kind of money you can't go wrong with a Bic Acoustech H-100 subwoofer. They can be found on Ebay from a reputable seller for $200. A buddy just got one in a similair room size and he loves it.

So I would just offer them $200 and with shipping it would end up being around $250? Or are you saying it can be had including shipping for $200?

What are the big pros for a Bic Acoustech H-100? I am more concerned about definition then the big Boom Boom (apartment living sucks...)

I have the identical setup as you and I decided to save a bit and I went for the MFW-15. It was considerably more than your looking at but I would save up for something like the eD- A2-300

What kind of prices would I expect for those two?

On ********** it looks like a MFW-15 is $719 plus shipping.

The eD A2-300 looks like $315 plus shipping.

For that kind of money you can't go wrong with a Bic Acoustech H-100 subwoofer. They can be found on Ebay from a reputable seller for $200. A buddy just got one in a similair room size and he loves it.

Where on eBay can you find the H100? I couldn't find one.

Also, anyone consider the BIC VK12? The OP may consider this too.
Is the VK12 better/worse than the H100 ?

I don't like any of Bic's other subs.

On eBay, search for Bic Acoustech H-100. Sound Distributors is the seller, and where I bought mine. Their low for an offer is $200, and shipping is $49.

There's also an outfit out of San Diego selling them for apparently the same price and slightly lower shipping, but I can't vouch for them.

Overstock.com sells them as well, but you'd have to have some of their discounts applied to approach the eBay price.

The eD A2-300 looks like $315 plus shipping.

That price should include free FedEx Ground shipping.

I don't like any of Bic's other subs.

The BIC VK-12 is nearly identical to the H100; enclosure, amp; but with a different 12" kevlar driver.
Retail price seems to be similar to if not slightly more.

I've sent BIC America an email asking them about these and any truth to the rumor of a H200 12" sub.

In that case, it's probably all right, although the H-100 is most likely cheaper with shipping. Cheapest I could find the VK-12 was $264 without shipping (and it didn't say anything about free shipping), which is $25 or so higher than the H-100 is shipped.

Thanks for all of the input everyone!

I think at this point I will be purchasing either:
1. a Bic H-100 for about $249
2. an eD a2 300 for $330 (don't the like plain "truck bed lining" look...)

It's really hard to choose without actually hearing the difference!!! I don't think any retailers have these so I could listen to them...

Thanks for all of the input everyone!

I think at this point I will be purchasing either:
1. a Bic H-100 for about $249
2. an eD a2 300 for $330 (don't the like plain "truck bed lining" look...)

It's really hard to choose without actually hearing the difference!!! I don't any retailers have these so I could listen to them...

where do you live in seattle?
i am in kent, and have a pair of a2-300's
maybe you want to listen?

I live north of Puyallup, so prolly like 15 minutes from you.

I live north of Puyallup, so prolly like 15 minutes from you.

if you want send me a pm
sometimes i am at home on the weekends

gonna be kinda tricky putting a sub in a 12 inch X 18 inch room;)

The Pinnacle SUBcompact6 might fit. ;)

http://www.pinnaclespeakers.com/subcompact6.html

Note: I'm not recommending it, I just googled for "smallest subwoofer" and it was the first one.

gonna be kinda tricky putting a sub in a 12 inch X 18 inch room;)

LMAO! Ok, I will fix that. This is not a lego land house...