Most attractive subwoofer cabinet

A bit of a different take on all the "best subwoofer for $x" threads, though I devour those as well...

My room is not all that big, probably about 350 sq. ft. (I can take measurements and update when I get home). The room is open on one corner to a small entry way that probably adds another 100 sq. ft. It's a rowhouse so I typically do not listen to my system at overly high levels so as to not annoy my neighbors. The sub is more or less exclusively used for HT movies and games. 9 times out of 10, if I'm listening to music, I just listen in 2.0 as my Jamo towers do a good job in that regard.

Currently, I have an Acoustic Audio HD Sub 12 and for my purposes and the room, etc. I picked it up on the cheap as a temporary solution a while back and will probably turn it into a re-finish project and move it into the bedroom soon, but I have no real complaints performance-wise. I will be relatively content with respect to performance with anything equal or better. Better is better, but it does the job to my satisfaction for now.

What I'm not happy with (and of course, I knew this going in to that purchase) is the asthetic quality of the cabinet. So that's the real topic of this thread. I'm looking for opinions on the most attractive subwoofer cabinet you have seen with these constraints.

* $500 shipped. I can step that up a little bit with a good reason, but I'd prefer to keep it at $500 or less for this setup since I may move again in a year or two.
* 12 inch driver max - meaning I want to keep the encloser to average footprint for a single 12 inch cube style. I don't mind taller, but wider/deeper is an issue. I'm sure there are a number of 10s that can do the job well also.
*solid performance - based on my current sub as the reference.

I'm considering DYI, and have played around with some designs, but probably not feasible for now. I'm going to take that up once I move and have access to my father's tools and space, etc. So I would leave full DIY out, but kits or finished cabinets are in play. I don't mind assembly and/or having a baffle cut if I need to, but I can't deal with a full build where I live now.

So that is the goal, the best looking, best built subwoofer I can find in my budget. I am open to all finishes... I like various wood grains, gloss black, even gloss white... I'm flexible there and want to explore the options even if it doesn't match the rest of my speakers for now. I do not want anything finished in vinyl wrap, though... Wood vaneer or other quality finishes.

A bit odd I know, as most everything we want in HT, particularly subs that you can hide is performance. However, it's not overly hard to find something that will satisfy me with good placement in this setup... I want it to not be out of place asthetically in a modern room with quality furniture. Thanks for any input. I've read hundreds of threads on subs and speakers here and it's always helpful and entertaining.

Thanks for the replies so far and thanks kesando for locking the other thread. When I posted it the first time, my session had expired, and it didn't appear to post when I logged in (redirect didn't work). Apologies for the double post.

I was checking out funky waves a couple days ago, and it does look like a good option for me, so I'll definitely explore it further. I've checked out some of the others mentioned, but very nice to have the responsed from those of you that have seen them in person. I'll take a look at all those mentioned so far.

Thanks for the input.

Hmmm lots to think about...

The Rhythmik FV12 looks interesting, but i think I will probably rule that one out, because it looks like both finishes are vinyl.

Both EDs have been on my list for a while, and I think the A2-300 is probably a great fit, though it does easily top $600 once I add the finish I would like. I could get the A3S-250 in gloss black for $475, though I do wonder about dropping down from a 12" ported to a 10" sealed when my main use is HT. They do have the A3-250 ported option, but again, getting up there in price after adding the finish.

The Emo X-Ref 10 looks to have a nice laquer finish and some nice additional features (DSP and EQ, etc.). Again a sealed 10" though. I could consider the 12" for $599 as the added size and power (660W RMS) goes lower and might mean it would do the HT job well.

XTZ looks interesting along the same lines. Nice gloss, EQ and Tuning.

The Energy looks a decent and affordable option as well.

More reviews to pour over I guess, and some more perusal of funky waves which I find intriguing.

Again, thanks for the suggestions. You guys put a couple on my radar that I had not yet considered.

That's definitely the plan if I go with anything wood grain, at least real wood veneer. Vinyl is a definite no go. Probably can't find much in the way a solid wood enclosure at this price point, beyond DIY or possibly working something out with a place like funky waves. The exception being if I go with one of the gloss finish. Gloss black like some of the options people have offered here isn't particularly unique, but it looks nice and will match most anything, so I'll consider it. Wouldn't mind something more interesting though.

Rosenut is a favorite of mine as well. I typically like anything with a bit of a red tint to it. i'm more a fan of wood finishes in general and would typically prefer it to a black variation. Black is just something i would entertain for flexibility if I sold myself on a particular sub where that was my only option.

I have some thinking to do. I've also been considering various white finishes since I have a modern room that is made up of whites and blues (kind of turquiose really). Gloss white would go with the furniture. I've also thought of doing a wood grain with a white stain where the grain still shows... If I do anything interesting like that, I'll probably be resigning myself to an ongoing project of replacing the rest of my speakers as well, but I'm open to it. Just starting with the sub, since I know I want to replace that. Various wood finishes would blend though.

Decisions decisions...

Definitely considering funky waves/funk audio. The craftsmanship looks great and by all accounts I've seen, so is the performance. Price-wise, while certainly reasonable for the quality end-product, it looks a bit above my budget (which is mainly based on the fact that I won't be staying in this place for more than a year or two so I don't wan't to invest as much now as I will be willing to when I'm in a more permanent place).

I think I just have some more thinking to do. The decision is quicker and easier if I go off the shelf. There are a lot fewer finish options, so I just have to rule a few out, then decide based on features and performance with what is left.

If I do go with funk, however, there are a lot of decisions to make. A good position to be in of course, but with all the finish options, I have a lot more to think about. I'm also probably a little bit in between models on what I'd really want, so it would likely be custom, which involves more decisions. The 10.1 would likely meet my needs, though I'm guessing I'd come in around $700-$800 all said and done between the finish I'd like, shipping, etc. At that price point, I would be more of a mind to move up to a 12 inch model, but the 12.x is probably overkill for my space with 200W and certainly way above budget, etc.

I would probably be inclined to shoot for something with a 12 inch driver and less expensive amp, or consider other designs like dual 10s or passive radiator, etc. All in all, I probably just need to think a little more about what I really want if I were to go with funk, then get in touch to discuss options and pricing. Then I can decide if it's practical for me right now or I'm better off spending less on a solid off the shelf ID sub for now and custom when I move.

As always, thanks for the suggestions/opinions.

Excellent work Brad. That's a gorgeous enclosure. Thanks for the reply/suggestions. I've been reading the DIY forums for a while now, love following the progress and seeing the end products. Custom is likely my best option unless I just stick with something temporary for a while longer. Will definitely check back in on your build.

That end table sub looks great steve. I have been thinking a bit about custom cabinetry options and have looked into local shops a little bit. I'm in the Boston area. I don't have to worry about the waf for now, so I don't necessarily need it to be stealth. I'm fine with it being obvious, just want it to be attractive with nice materials. Love checking out all of the projects you guys have put up here.

Good suggestion to check out woodworking classes etc. Thanks!