Need to get educated on Rythmik and HSU: recommendations for Newbie

I've searched the forums and needless to say, I was a bit overwhelmed. So I decided to just start a new thread.

I think I have a pretty good home theater with the exception of a high quality subwoofer. I have DefTech Mythos Towers with matching Center and Surrounds. I use an AV Receiver (with ARC) as a preamp, which feeds an external amp (170x5 with all channels running). Here comes the huge weak link: a Mirage frx 10 inch sub. It is definitely better than nothing at all, which I found out when the fuse blew a week ago. But obviously, it's not what I want long term.

I've had plenty of experience with ported subs with the above mentioned Mirage and various car subs over the years. I think I'm ready for some good clean, tight bass that is usually achieved with a sealed box. I've read many different discussions over ported vs. sealed on here, and I think I'm in the camp of accurate bass is accurate bass. The system will be used for HT about 60% of the time. The listening area is large. It is an L shaped room with about 75' spans on the long sides and 35' on the width. On the back side it opens up to a kitchen, so it is really about 75' x 75'. Also, 10' ceilings. Oddly, the acoustics seems pretty decent. Probably because the area is all 90 degree angles and the ceiling it flat not cathedral. I also have hardwood floors throughout.

I don't need to have chest caving bass, but I would like to have something respectable. Local shops have been trying to sell me things like the DefTech supercubes, Paradigms, and Velodyne Optimums. They all sound respectable, but I have heard a lot about internet direct subs. Problem is that I don't know much about the different brands. Since I will basically be buying blind, I wanted to get some feedback from the folks on here.

I have been looking at two subs primarily, but I am open to suggestions. I'd like to stay in the $1,200 range for now if possible.

1) Rythmik D15se - I like the finish and the fact that it is downfiring (mainly due to less opportunities for accidental damage). Rythmik is given great reviews and seems like a can't miss. Also like the fact that it has RCA outputs to add a second sub at a later date if wanted. I due have concerns of only having a 370W amp, but I'm not familiar enough to know the sensitivity on the subs. Price today is $1,049

2) HSU ULS-15 (rosenut finish) - The rosenut finish is nice and it has the wireless connectivity, which makes placement more flexible. I'm assuming the wireless would allow for 2 subs to run off of one signal for later expansion option. Has more power than the Rythmik and I've heard good things about this sub as well. Price today is $1,199.

I also looked at the SVS SB-13 Ultra, but at $1,599 i couldn't see it being $400-$500 better. Could it be half again better than the above two? I'm not sure it'd be even as good, considering the posts I've read.

I mentioned finish first on the two above choices, but finish is not critical, but naturally I'd like something that looked nice too. Hope I wasn't too long winded, but wanted to give as much info as possible. Thanks.

I had heard about near field placement and I actually have a perfect spot for a sub within the seat groupings. I certainly don't expect to pressurize the room, nor do I want to. I have my truck to bass out in. But it would be nice to feel some rumble and shake. Really want accurate reproduction and some rumble. Like I said before, don't need the bass punching me in the chest, but a tap would be alright. I think you and I are on the same page. I think some folks here are a lot more extreme about it than I am.

Right now I'm leaning toward the HSU ULS-15 because of the wireless placement option. But I'm certainly open to other options. I'll also call Rythmik, HSU and any other solid options prior to purchasing, so the companies can chime in with their solutions.

I just emailed HSU to get their thoughts on it. Gave them as much info as I could, so a lot more than on here. The wireless feature will probably either make or break my decision. I have an exterior door that will prevent me from running wire to a side wall application. Thankfully, I don't have a lot of RF devices, so I doubt there would be an issue.

I basically botched this thread a little bit. Not sure where I remember the numbers from, but the room dimensions are 25 X 38 X 10h. After speaking with both HSU and Rythmik, they both suggest their ported designs, the VTF-15H and the FV15HP. Anyone have any further thoughts or things to consider.

At the end of the day, I want it to be accurate. I'm not an audiophile, but I like nice clean music. I won't sit and listen for little things in music, but I don't want to be bothered with distortion and other foul things coming at me.

I'm leaning toward the VFT-15H because I simply cannot afford 4 subs. Someone has been PM'ing me about the Rythmik being worth the extra money over the HSU. So I don't know. I have the space for the ported sub. It's just tough going blind on a purchase.

I looked up the PSA and it seems pretty remarkable. I'll research that one a little more too.

The sub purchase is down to a 2 sub race, unless something new hits my plate. I'll either be getting a Rythmik FV15HP or the PSA XS15. Basically, I've narrowed it down to a sealed and ported option.I'm sure the PSA option would end up a dual setup over time. So I have to basically decide do I want one ported sub, or 2 sealed subs (for a little more $$). Since I'm doing this blind, I'm really just trying to decipher all the info on the boards and reviews. I have to admit that I am intrigued by PSA and their new subs, and Tom has been awesome to speak with.

It has much more to do with price than footprint. I'd love to have the luxury of 2 XS30's, but that $800 can go towards other home improvements. I was wanting to be around $1,000 so the XS15 is a huge upgrade and I could add a 2nd down the road. I quite honestly am not as hardcore as most on here, and there's nothing wrong it, but my money can definitely got towards other "needs". I've budgeted for some "wants". One XS15 will be a huge updgrade over my small 10", which can already vibrate the kitchen cabinets when corner loaded. I also like the idea of having a smoother overall bass response from a dual setup versus one XS30.

From the initial response from folks about the PSA Power X series, I will be hard pressed to buy a Rythmik over a PSA setup. But I'm still keeping my options open, as Rythmik has such a time tested reputation and large following for a reason.

Yes, but I'd likely need a 2nd over time. So about $1,400 vs $2,000ish. Not doubting the Rythmik at all. It may be a superior sub, and from what I hear from a lot of people is exactly that. I'm more of a value guy, so would 2 PSA XS15's and $600 for say a water softner or gutters vs. 2 F15s. Just trying to maximize my $$$'s. Which is why the DefTechs, Paradigms and Velodyne's are out of the picture.

Just pulled the trigger on an XS15. It should be here next week. I'll put it in a nearfield placement, so the one will be plenty to play with for now. I also have an AudioEngine wireless kit in the mail. I went with the best bang for the buck I could. I know there are a lot of Rythmik fans out there, but I just couldn't justify the price difference. I'm still waiting on my ARC equipment, but when everything is in I'll try to get some charts up.

One of the other biggest reasons for going with PSA was Tom himself. While Rythmik certainly seemed competent in customer service, PSA was on a totally different level. After conversing with PSA and even HSU, I felt like they wanted me to buy their product because they were proud of their gear, not because they wanted to make a sale. With Rythmik, I felt like they didn't really care one way or the other if I bought from them. Not a big deal for most, but I have no doubt that Tom will be there to give me personalized, expert advice in a timely fashion. It made a difference.

Thank you everyone who helped me in this decision. I know a lot of you pushed Rythmik and for good reasons, but I believe PSA was the best choice for me in the end.

I got my XS15 today. Still need to do a lot of work on the HT in general. ARC still hasn't come in yet for one. Quick hook up with little playing and I don't quite know what to think. Subtle is a word that comes to mind. I can see why folks love sealed subs. It was not super loud, but it was quite noticeable. I watched the Dark Knight and was amazed at how smooth and deep the sound was. I will need to get more hours on it and break it in, and I have not tried near field placement yet. I'm waiting on some items from monoprice to come in.

So real early first impressions, the size of my room will likely require a 2nd sub, but very serviceable as is. Bass is tight and deep. Once I play with the crossover and gain, I should get some good output out it. Again, the bass was smooth. Xover was set at 80hz and reproduction sounded great considering lack of proper setup. NO REGRETS!!!!!

Still no ARC yet, but I was able to move the sub to near field via AudioEngine W3 wireless transmitter. I tried out the wireless prior to moving it and could not tell an audible difference between wired and not wired. I'm not as discerning as most on here, but the wireless seemed to work very well, even after the near field placement. The receiving transmitter is roughly 15ft or more from the sending unit. The signal is blocked by the entertainment unit and a couch. I also have about a half dozen wireless networks that populate on my computer and a NuForce wireless DAC in path of the signal. No issues with the wireless. It is only rated to 15hz, but that should cover most content that is played. Knowing there are bassheads here and that they likely have content purchased to allow them to go deeper than 15hz, this limitation may affect your decision. I'm not sure how the ARC will make data available, but if I can provide a response readout graph, I will post.

Update on the Sub. I will be getting ARC this next week.....I hope. However, the XS15 seems to be broken in for the most part. It was kind of weird to me, because it's my first new sub. One day I was listening to some vocal music and I realized that I had to turn the sub down on my AVR setting. Ever since that day, the setting has remained at least 5 points lower for normal listening. I will end up getting at least one more sub to balance out the stage area. I won't rule out quads down the road, but I don't thing I will need them. Point being, if you buy an XS15 and don't like the output, make sure you give it time to break in. SQ has improved as well.

Now for the wireless setup, it's still working flawlessly. Maybe the ARC will show if it's dropping below 15hz, but for me I don't care. Plus 1 transmitter would support a quad setup. I am thoroughly happy with Power Sound Audio. I know there are a bunch of Rythmik fans out there, but don't let them deter you from considering Power Sound Audio. Absolutely love the sub, and this is with no ARC. Also, big fan of the near field placement via the AudioEngine wireless setup.

I will be back when I have the ARC setup.