$1000 for a Subwoofer

Too bad the new HSU VTF-15H would be $1018 delivered, that would be a great suggestion. Well, there is always the ED A7S-450 ($850 delivered). Tough to beat that one as well. Big and heavy so be prepared!!

If you really can not shell out the extra $18 for the Hsu VTF-15H, you might take a look at the CHT 18.1, Epik Empire, or Rythmik f15.

I'd probably lean towards the HSU and feel pretty confident that, by design, it will have more output through the entire range. HSU is renowned for their musicality and several AVS members attest to its thunderous bass. That being said, the Rythmic is entirely capable as well so it seems there is no wrong choice here. if it were me, I'd have the HSU.

The ED A7S-450 now comes in gloss black and is pretty incredible. It is also less expensive than the others mentioned but will come in at a tick over $1000. Like I said, you may be fretting over nothing as all these subs will perform incredibly well. Go with your gut and if the Rythmik is what you really want, GO FOR IT!!!! You wont regret it later.

Going down firing should have no real bearing on output or SQ. If you need more output go for the HSU. If you want the most accurate sub go for the Rythmik. Neither are really a slouch in either department tho. A7S 450 is cool too.

If you want the Rythmik I'd save a bit longer for the F15. I've heard the Hsu and it's pretty awesome. FWIW Audioholics should be posting a review on Tuesday.

I've listened to the F12, F15, and the Vtf-15h. Like everybody said, you can't go wrong with any of these. You should definitely be comfortable with the looks so the piano black on the f12 and d15 would be nice. The rosenut on the Vtf-15h looks really nice and is actually pretty dark (not sure how dark your cherry speakers are).

I believe the f12 sounds better than the d15 for music. If you go with a Rythmik, and do a lot of HT and or listen to music with a lot of deep bass, then the d15 will fit your bill. Of course if you went with the f12, you can add a 2nd f12 later and this dual set-up will outperform a single d15 in the low frequencies.

The vtf-15h is very accurate and along the lines of the Rythmiks in its sealed mode. With its ports open the output is pretty crazy, and its still pretty accurate. The output would be equivalent to 2 d15s.

Hope this helps.

-Len

I thought you said not a dime over a grand? You went like 1400 dimes over your $1000 limit. I know what it's like, i planned to spend 500 and ended up doubling that.

I think you will love your F15. Every time we watch a movie with bass heavy scenes in it and the couch feels like it's going to shift, my wife gives me that look of disapproval like I've done something wrong. The Hurt Locker last night was especially awesome on it.

The Rythmik 15" is only a small cost increment over the 12", I think the 15" is a great deal.