I know everyone *loves* these threads, so I'll try to give all of you all the info I can...my budget is around $500-800. I'm prioritizing output over pure sound quality and this will be exclusively for movies (I don't run a sub for music, or just use headphones). DIY isn't an option, btw.

Here's a crude, obviously not quite to scale layout of my studio apartment:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3462521489_6887f8784e.jpg

Other miscellaneous factors:
-I'd say I usually listen to movies at moderately loud volumes.
-I live in a third-floor walk-up and thus, the lighter the sub, the better.
-I'll likely move to a smaller space within a couple years. So, a sub that I could merely "get by" with in my current apartment might well turn into overkill within a couple years.
-The sub should be no taller than 35".
-Finish isn't a big deal, but can be a contributing factor.

I've been talking with sales reps from Hsu, SVS and eD, and got steered toward the 3.3., PC12-NSD and A5-350 respectively. Here's my thinking on these...
-The 3.3 seems like the best all-rounder, as it's not TOO heavy at 90lbs and fits perfectly into the space I have planned for it. However, could I make do with the 2.3 and save some money/weight? And then I've always heard that Hsu subs lean slightly more toward music use than HT...
-The PC12-NSD is practically weightless at 60lbs and is the cheapest at $600ish shipped, but I'm unsure of whether it could quite stand up to the Hsu or eD in terms of output/extension. (But then, it's also small/cheap enough that I could consider adding a second unit somewhere down the line.) I suppose I'd be more comfortable if SVS had an $800 offering, but the step-up PC12-Plus is over $1000 shipped. Then of course there's the whole "cylinders look kinda weird and my cat might attack it" thing.
-The A5-350 seems like a MONSTER and at 110lbs it weighs like one. This probably wins in sheer volume but might be overkill. Also, it's shipping with a free EQ unit right now I believe, but that's to make up for it not having a subsonic filter? I'll admit I have NO idea what that's all about, but any added complications work against it for me. It also doesn't seem to have quite the reputation as the other sub brands.

By the way, I just have to take a moment to note the awesome customer service I got from all three companies. All three responded quickly and were very helpful. Of the three though, SVS really went above and beyond, as they got back to me literally within minutes and in great detail. They even attached a picture to show me how a cylinder sub would work into a room's decor. I have to say, I probably wouldn't be considering them as heavily if not for how much their customer service impressed me.

Anyway, I'm open to other suggestions of course, but those are the three I've narrowed it down to so far. So...you helpful people got any thoughts? Sorry this is so freakin' long.

3.3 maybe is the most balanced of the ones you mentioned...(Music vs HT performance vs size vs finish vs warranty period)
Probably the A5 is the most powerful of the three if you are just looking for output...

Not sure about the inner design of your apartment but if that room is as open as it seems have you considered a partition type of acoustic treatment? For the money it might help alot, especially if you fashion something up yourself using proper panel material.

I edited my original post to be slightly less wall-o'-text. Anyone else have opinions between the three? I hear the SVS subs were significantly upgraded recently to great effect--have the Hsus been similarly updated?

Also, anyone know how Hsu/SVS "rosenut" finishes would match with AV123 Rockets?

You could also consider the eD A7S-450 and A3-300 (smallest eD I would consider). You can also look at the SVS PB12-NSD if a cylinder is not to your liking. The 3.3 is the only one of the three that comes in any finish other than black.

The SVS in rosenut has been favorably compared to match the Rockets in rosewood or cherry several times. Not exact, but close. You won't get that from SVS until you up to the Plus.

Thanks for the suggestions, but the A7S-450 seems WAY too huge physically for my needs, and the A3-300 doesn't seem like it would stand much of a chance in filling up my room.

I think I've ruled out the A5-350 at this point as I don't feel the output gain is quite worth the massive weight. And I've read elsewhere that the updates done to the PC12-NSD really bring it up to spec with the 3.3. That being the case, if the two are such a close call performance-wise, I guess I'm leaning toward the SVS, especially since it's lighter and $200 cheaper--unless anyone wants to try to convince me otherwise.

The 3.3 in max output mode has twice the port area, with a much nicer finish...I don't know man...
SVS has needed three generations to come close to the 3.3 original performance...


Your call...

The 3.3 in max output mode has twice the port area, with a much nicer finish...I don't know man...
SVS has needed three generations to come close to the 3.3 original performance...


Your call...The 3.3 is not the original and SVS has improved their low end sub through design change. Only one upgrade has happened since the 3.3 replaced the 3.2.

The 3.3 is not the original and SVS has improved their low end sub through design change. Only one upgrade has happened since the 3.3 replaced the 3.2.

Really?

What changes has HSU done to the 3.3 that you know of?

I tought SVS had a 12.1,12.2,12.3, and now the NSD Al woofer...Isn't that true?

The 3.3. description at Hsu's page mentions that it "takes advantage of the new technologies we developed for the [discontinued] HO series." I kinda took that to mean that the HO was discontinued but the technology was kinda "folded into" an updated 3.3. design. Is that not the case?

Lots of good advice already. This (http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/portedsentinel.html) is at the top of your budget and only available in basic black, but may be worth a look.

The 3.3. description at Hsu's page mentions that it "takes advantage of the new technologies we developed for the [discontinued] HO series." I kinda took that to mean that the HO was discontinued but the technology was kinda "folded into" an updated 3.3. design. Is that not the case?

There as a time where both models where being sold by HSU at the same time.But really their performance was so close that they decided to keep the best bang for the buck they had, instead of the HO...
The page refers to the 3.3 also having 2x4" bended ports , and sharing the same cabinet, the HO had.

Really?

What changes has HSU done to the 3.3 that you know of?

I thought SVS had a 12.1,12.2,12.3, and now the NSD Al woofer...Isn't that true?The 12.x drivers are from the Plus line. The NSD was ISD, NSD, NSD AL. I believe the NSD AL was nothing more than a diaphragm material change.

The VTF-3 Mk3 was a VTF-3 Mk2 and I would guess there was a VTF-3 Mk1 and there was also a VTF-3HO. So the VTF-3 Mk3 is not the original design.

I would be concerned if, as long as the VTF-3 has been around, there weren't any upgrades done.

In all fairness, I believe the VTF-3 Mk3 is more on par with the SVS PB12-Plus with the 12.3 driver. I haven't heard the latest 12.4 Plus sub.

Here's the Hsu rep's description of the 3.3's changes (he doesn't say when they took place, however):The MK3's are a bit upgraded vs when they originally came out. The frequency response is even flatter than before, and the enclosure is a bit more solid. The FR on the VTF-3 MK3 is +/- 1.0db from 15-200Hz when measured under quasi-anechoic conditions.I know specs don't tell the whole story but that sounds pretty impressive. *Sigh* I think I may be leaning back toward the Hsu. Being able to pick between max output and max extension may be worth the extra coin as I inevitably move between apartments throughout the years.

Hopstretch, thanks for the suggestion. That Sentinel looks mega-tempting but I'm going to rule it out just because the shipped price would put me over budget. At this point I'm just picking among an all-star team, so something as concrete as price is handy to use as a deciding factor!

The 12.x drivers are from the Plus line. The NSD was ISD, NSD, NSD AL. I believe the NSD AL was nothing more than a diaphragm material change.

The VTF-3 Mk3 was a VTF-3 Mk2 and I would guess there was a VTF-3 Mk1 and there was also a VTF-3HO. So the VTF-3 Mk3 is not the original design.

I would be concerned if, as long as the VTF-3 has been around, there weren't any upgrades done.

In all fairness, I believe the VTF-3 Mk3 is more on par with the SVS PB12-Plus with the 12.3 driver. I haven't heard the latest 12.4 Plus sub.

Ok on the Plus line...no arguments there.

I counted three driver changes on the SVS NSD, as I said......

The 3.2 was a whole different subwoofer, with a smaller box/smaller ports, etc...

The 3.3 is a beast. The driver on the 3.2 is the same as with the 3.3, since the driver was so strong they decided to give it more internal space and longer/wider ports.:D
You shouldn't be concerned... because the driver on the 3.3, same as 3.2, same as 2.3, is very very reliable...(7 years warranty)

There were 2 major differences between the HO and the 3.3. One, the 500 watt RMS amp, and second, the XBL2 driver.

I am almost positive that the 3.3 does not and will not get either of these; certainly not the 500 watt amp.

Since the op's budget is up to $800, +1 on Epik Sentinel.

There were 2 major differences between the HO and the 3.3. One, the 500 watt RMS amp, and second, the XBL2 driver.

I am almost positive that the 3.3 does not and will not get either of these; certainly not the 500 watt amp.

The HO driver had less sensitivity, and had a heavier motor than the 3.3's...So...You know the rest.

You really can't go wrong with any of those.

However, I think the HSU will best meet your budget/size/performance requirements.

Ok on the Plus line...no arguments there.

I counted three driver changes on the SVS NSD, as I said......

The 3.2 was a whole different subwoofer, with a smaller box/smaller ports, etc...

The 3.3 is a beast. The driver on the 3.2 is the same as with the 3.3, since the driver was so strong they decided to give it more internal space and longer/wider ports.:D
You shouldn't be concerned... because the driver on the 3.3, same as 3.2, same as 2.3, is very very reliable...(7 years warranty)I'm not privy to the internal development of SVS or HSU. If you refer to the NSD line, then there has been two design changes. The original NSD driver was put into the existing ISD enclosures. That becomes the NSD base design. Then the enclosures were redesigned. The second design change was the AL driver. I believe they only replaced the poly cone with an aluminum one. The poly probably turned out to not be rigid enough for the motor. This isn't really a design change as it is a materials change. I don't know if there were any changes in the amps.

I said I would be concerned if HSU was not making revisions to the 3.3 just do to companies allowing products to languish with old designs. You got to refresh your products once in a while even if they are very good. You don't want your best products to be labeled as legacy products.

Even with new products coming out, I wouldn't be surprised to see SVS revamp the NSD, Plus, and Ultra lines in the next two years.

I do like to speculate.

Well, I note that Hsu is now running a 10% off sale on the 3.3 in satin black, which complicates my decision. But I think I've settled on the PB12-NSD (or PC12. Still making up my mind on that). More people seem to think that the current PB12 is slightly superior to the 3.3, for HT at least; in any case it's a close enough call that I can't justify the price difference...it seems difficult to argue that the SVS isn't the price/performance winner. Maybe the Hsu has better SQ or is "more musical," but for my 100% HT needs that's not a factor. And both the PB12/PC12 are lighter than the Hsu to boot, so...

Anyway, thanks for the opinions, everyone. Hopefully I'll be placing an order with SVS early next month.