Can anyone help me out with information pertaining to subwoofers? I'm new to the Home Theatre Audio setup and I don't quite know what to look for in a subwoofer. As of right now I have Paradigm Atom monitors and I want to get a subwoofer next followed by a centre channel. What types of features should I be looking for? I would like to spend no more than $700CAD and ideally around $500. Here's a few I've picked out but I'm not sure which to choose or why and the only ones I can sample locally are Klipsch and Paradigm from a local electronics store and Athena, Energy, Polk Audio and Velodyne at Futureshop.

Energy S10.3

Amplifier Power Output 200W continuous, 800W dynamic peak
Woofer 10"
Frequency Response 21Hz-120Hz +/- 3dB
Variable Low Pass Filter 50Hz-110Hz @ 18dB/OCTAVE
Inputs Low level, Stereo High Level (speaker level)

Paradigm PS1000
Single driver, DCBS™ system, high-velocity resistive ports, built-in amplifier Amplifier: 750 watts Dynamic Peak / 250 watts RMS Sustained
Low-Frequency Extension* 22 Hz (DIN)
Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency Variable 50 Hz - 150 Hz

PSB SubSeries 5i Subwoofer
Frequency Range On Axis @ 0° ±3dB 30-150Hz
Lf Cutoff -10dB 27Hz
Continuous 150 Watts, Dynamic 225 Watts, Dynamic Peak 450Watts
Crossover Variable 50-150Hz, LR4 Low Pass Filter

HSU STF-1
Amplifier power 150 Watts
Bass extension +/- 2 dB 32 Hz
Woofer size 8 Inches
Continuously variable 30-90 Hz, defeatable, 24 dB/Oct

What frequency range would I want to get? Right now my Atoms are rated for 90Hz +/-2dB.
Originally I was set on a HSU sub but now I'm not sure because I contacted their sales department and they told me there's no authorized retailers in Canada anymore. He said I could still order it (the VTF-1 @ $400USD) from them but shipping would be $170USD which is crazy; so I'm not sure if I want to get it now or maybe I'll get a Paradigm, SVS, Energy, PSB, Klipsch or some other brand for slightly cheaper but I don't know what to look for.

This is a question that the Subwoofer forum should answer but I would look for (Elemental Design) Ed Subs best for the money now!! I think they sell in Canada. Better then those you listed for sure.

Also there is a great subwoofer thread there by Craiglist and it ranks cheap subs all way up to the expensive ones. Its a great read, check it out!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=9164136&postcount=8

This forum is about DIY and for $500 you can build a sub that will kick ass and be as good as a $1500 sub and better then some $3000 subs ;) You can by drivers from Western Canada (Mach5s) cheap! Cheap amp, build the box and BANG you have an incredible sub!

OF course the box will be a little big but you you dont mind that,welcome !! :D

This forum is about DIY

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out and ignorance is not bliss since I read "DIY speakers and subs" and just figured Subwoofer talk and DIY speakers talk (note that I don't even know what DIY speakers are).

no prob....there are some incredible DIY subs here. If you are handy with would and like building things.

The DIY sub route is awesome!!

The Paradigm is the sub of choice for many, both audiophiles and listeners.

no prob....there are some incredible DIY subs here. If you are handy with would and like building things.

The DIY sub route is awesome!!

I'm not but my girlfriend's dad is, hell so is she. :o
I was just about to search what a DIY sub is and then Do it yourself popped in my head. I think for the time being I'll get a brand name sub and consider this route in the future when I'm more experienced in Home Theatre. Plus I don't have a lot of space for a big subwoofer. I'll see if I can get a mod to move this thread to the appropriate forum.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.