Complete newb that doesn't understand specs for different subs needs help please.

Need help deciding on a sub to buy. I tried searching and reading different specs but it is all a foreign language to me. I will try to follow guide lines to posting for help. I have a few subs in mind and will list them further down. Not sure if it matters if I get a down or front fire sub, ported or sealed. (see room dimension below).

1. Budget - Up to $800 max. Prefer to keep it closer to $600 but I want a good sub but could possibly buy a second in a few months if that would be best. My job is seasonal, but no problems investing more in a couple months when more cash is coming in.

2. Size requirements/limits - If I go with just one sub I can go with just about any sub. If I go with two subs then size may factor cause I only have a few places I can set the sub unless it's possible to set one in the open area in a L shape room. Figure 12" would be best but I am not opposed to another size as long as it is in budget.

3. Room dimensions - Roughly 3,500 cubic ft. L shape room in 1/2 basement with concrete floor with thin indoor/outdoor carpet clued to floor. Walls are concrete all the way around (basement underground). The main area doubles as my bedroom and Media room (I guess I can call it that). The main area is roughly 20'5" (L) x 13'5" (W) x 7'3" (H). The front wall is restricted by bathroom door on left and stairs on right. My desk and tower computer take up the center. 42" TV sits on desk shared with FR & FL speakers. Center speaker is under desk along with AVR. Love seat sits on short wall (L side) wall is shared with a door to the left of bathroom that enters into laundry room. On the right wall (first half of room) I have end table and recliner. The recliner I move to center when watching a movie. Behind this area is the bedroom half of room. The BR & BL speakers are toward back wall with bed in the middle. Chest along right side of wall. I sometimes Watch movies in bed too. So I basically try to set speakers up for middle of the room as viewing. This way I can lay at end of bed or have recliner in front of bed. OK, now the open area to the left (L shape room) is roughly 20' x 10' except for the the far right wall extends into the laundry room a couple feet on about 1/3 of the wall for the L shape bar. This area doesn't get used much except for some work out equipment and L shape bar along far back wall (never use bar anymore since I moved my room downstairs). I can put a sub in this area if it will help or even work. Current sub is located next to love seat right were the room opens up. Basically sits on the corner of that L shape wall and faces into middle of main room (were the recliner sits when I watch movies).

4. Primary uses - 95% Movies/TV with a little music once in a while if i'm in the mood while on the computer. By the way the 99% of all viewing content is displayed from computer. Computer has a dual TV tuner for recording TV. Movies/shows are stored on about 11 TB of space (need to add more soon). This way I only hook up blue ray when needed since space is restricted in that area.

5. Listening habits - Varies depending on what I watch and my mood. Meaning I would like the sub to be able to handle all types of movie listening habits (if that is even possible). I like in your chest base but can't always crank the system. Have Family members is other part of house too. Actually I just got this surround system so I am in the early stages of the surround/base buzz. My brother loaned me his old Klipsh RW10BK sub which has given me the bug to upgrade now rather then wait until he wants this sub back. More on that down below. From what little I have been able to gather from searching I want a sub that can do the lower Frequencies. Well I guess this would fall into I want the best sub I can get within budget question (Which we all want).

6. Appearance requirements - Just the basic black sub will be fine. As long as it isn't ugly as hell I'm good with it. This is a pretty private area of my house and only family members use it.

7. Timeframe - Delivered by end of the month.

Subs I been considering so far: Let me know if I over looked a sub that fits my budget.
(no particular order)
1. HSU VTF-2 MK4 ($596) http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html
2. HSU VTF-3 MK4 ($798) http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk4.html
3.Outlaw LFM-1 PLUS ($620.39) http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1plus.html
4. Outlaw LFM-1 EX ($738.85) http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmEX.html
5. SVS SB12-NSD ($649.00) http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/sealed-box/sb12-nsd#.URFdHqXC0VE
6. SVS PB12-NSD ($769.00) http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/ported-box/pb12-nsd#.URFdPaXC0VE

Prices are delivered as far as I know. This is were I am at a stand still. Just not sure how to choose between these? At one time I was leaning toward and ready to buy the VTF-3 MK4 but then I started thinking about the price (I have other components to buy too) and that maybe a smaller cheaper sub would be just as good and I could always get two if that would give me better sound also. What do you think? If it were you (with my limited budget and room dimensions) which sub would you buy?

My current setup which is all on loan from my brother cause he doesn't use it but I plan on buying all new components very soon.
Yamaha RXV557 (upgrading to Dennon 2113CI after all speakers are replaced, may wait till new models come out and catch it on clearance)
Klipsch RW10BK sub. This does a decent job and has given me the base bug. I know I am missing lower base and the port noise is a bit much at times. I would like smoother in your chest base that doesn't rattle the bar glasses to much.
Klipsch RB-61II fronts. (actually plan on ordering these today and all other speakers will be added soon to match)
Klipsch RC-25 center. (this will next item to replace after I get the new fronts & sub)
Klipsch RF-15 backs. (these were my brothers fronts but I can not use anything but bookshelf speakers as fronts so I put them as rear for now)

If any of that matters. Plan on the sub to be used with the Denon 2113ci and Klipsch RB-61II 5.0 or possibly 7.0 with the RS-42 as surrounds. If any of this matter, just trying to be thorough.

Thanks a bunch in advance. I really am confused and want to order sub soon.
Edited by Soupy1970 - 2/5/13 at 12:50pm

Thanks, I will look into Power Sound Audio. I edited my room size, I meant 3,500 cubic ft. I rounded up a tad for stairs & laundry room witch has a vented door. Not sure how the vented door effects the area. When I measured I broke the bar area into two rooms because the bar is deeper then the rest. Here is the dimensions if anyone wants to check my math ceiling is 7'3" all the way around. 20'5" x 13'5" (main area) 10'4" x 7.11" & 12'9" x 9'1". Like I said it is one L shape room but the bar does recess a bit back into the laundry room. the rest of that wall is a brick fire place so actually that is what gives the bar a recessed look.

I assume it would be safe to say my room is 3,000 - 4,000 cubic feet. If my math is anywhere close to correct.

OK, I took a quick look (a longer look doesn't tell me much since I don't understand what I am reading) at the Power Sound Audio XV15. I guess we can add it to the list. Will the larger 15" driver be better then say the HSU VTF-3 MK4? I guess at this point since everyone says they all sound similar should I just be looking at which sub is going to fill my room better and which will go the lowest? I don't understand extensions, etc. This is why I need you guys to help. If they are all very similar then why shouldn't I pick the cheapest?

Thanks again!

Shady J, That is kinda one way I was looking at it before and why I started questioning my original choice on the VTF3. I was thinking if I can save $200 now (put toward open box center or something) and get the VTF2 maybe it's all I need & if not when I get back to work (self employed contractor) when it warms up then buying a matching sub isn't a huge deal. The other reason I started thinking that is reading how people are saying two subs are better then one (just hope I am capable of setting them up properly).

Now here is the big question.... Is two VTF2's going to be that much better to warrant the extra space and the long term higher price? If not then I would rather just spend the extra $200 now. Who knows I might be happy with just one VTF2 anyway. This is the kinda of thinking that makes buying a sub a harder decision then it probably needs to be. See the down firing VTF2 is what got me thinking about the concrete floor etc. opening up more confusion for me. I just don't know these things being a complete newbie.

So now I need to figure these questions out. I can narrow the decision to the HSU VTF3 MK4, PSA XV15, or the HSU VTF2 MK4.

You both make good points. Looks like it is between the two HSU subs. I have a little thinking to do. I would rather have the lower notes just so I am not wondering if I am missing something. Right now I'm back to leaning toward the VTF3. My only concern now is my current location would put the left firing sub pushing into the side of my love seat. I have a few inches to spare between the sub & seat. I could possibly put it along right wall behind the seating area a few feat toward the back speakers. If I buy a second sub later these would be my two ideal placement positions. No room at all up front unless I swap my end table out for a sub but not sure if putting a lamp or setting a drink on the sub is good. I tried doing a quick sub crawl earlier and really didn't hear any difference in any location. I bought a used Radio Shack analog SPL but I'm still learning how to use it.

I'm really thinking I should just get the VTF3 and if needed just bite the bullet on another later. I'm going to play with room placement a couple days with current sub before I buy. Think I will move my big Chest over in the bar area to open up that right wall. I really don't use the bar area anymore so it's probably better suited being hidden over there anyway.

Head Spinning!!

Thanks ShadyJ, I have more questions for you. Which one of those test tones you linked would be best for testing current sub? What should I be looking for on the SPL meter (highest dB per location)? I will check out that program you mentioned. I do have a laptop but I think my PC is located close enough I should be able to reach it with cable from SPL meter.

I'm going to put in a order from Amazon for a cheap $13 Tripod to mount the SPL meter to. I'm going to add some extra cables to the order to bring price up to free shipping. What kind of cable should I be using for the VTF3 especially if I go with two? Currently using a sub cable that will go back to my brother when I return his sub. Just wondering if I should be getting RCA cables or sub cables with some Y adapters or what?

Thanks you have been a big help! My SPL meter is Radio Shack analog 33-2050.