SVS does make nice sounding subs, but their price :: performance ratio isn't what it once was (since they started selling at Best Buy). I would guess the Outlaw sub output to be roughly equivalent to the SVS PB-2000. And yes, they are of well-reputed quality, well worth an audition.
Edit: Now that I look, the Outlaw sub is still 16"w x 23"d x 21.25"h. If you want something smaller but still capable of pressurizing your open area (and yes, the "open on both ends to the rest of the house" detail is not as minor as you implied), you might be looking for a
JL Audio sub or something similarly budget-crushing. A Bose bass module is simply not going to cut it for that large a space.
No clue how much these cost, but I understand the
Danley THSpud offers some impressive output in an enclosure you can (possibly) hide under your sofa. You might also consider bowing to the inevitable and getting a sub (or two) large enough to use as end tables. The Hsu Research subs are reasonably priced and offer an optional wife-pleasing rosewood finish. Or, you could always
dress up any down-firing sub yourself. Get two of those Outlaw subs, glue some wood to it, and instant end tables. Heck, you could even use
actual end tables with the bottoms knocked out to camouflage the subs, maybe.
And I've been granted the joy of upgrading from my awesome wife.
Congrats! I too upgraded about 20 years ago. She was "awesome" in the same way as Godzilla or a Cat-5 Hurricane. Much happier now, and have a much nicer HT too!
I don't think he meant he upgraded his wife, or that he upgraded from a wife to a home theater.