Possible Sub upgrade - placement issues.

[NewHTbuyer]

My current setup is a 12x10x8 family room. Except, the right side is wide open to the rest of the house, so the cubic feet is actually quite large. I have a SVS PB10-NSD tucked in by the left side of the couch. I love the sub, but who doesn't want more bass?
Oh - room is 90% for HT, so I really want to improve the slam during movies.

I have 2 options.

1) Replace the PB10. To do that, the sub footprint would have to be no bigger than the PB10 and height limited to 22 inches. (needs to remain hidden below arm of couch- WAF)

2) Or, add a second micro sub tucked in behind the other side of the couch.

For option 1, I researched the popular ID companies and 3 seem to fit size-wise.

HSU VTF2-MK3 ($509)
(possible problem - rear ports. I only have 3 inches between the rear of the PB10 and the wall, and it can't move out any further).
Epik Legend ($499)
(possible problem - side firing woofers. One of the 2 drivers would only be an inch from the couch. The other would have 2 feet or so to breathe).
Outlaw LFM-1 Plus ($549)
(Possible problem - Down firing driver and ports. PB10 is on a Gramma. Is that a bad idea for a down firing sub? Could always not use the Gramma, but my room rattles quite a bit without it)

So, are any of those really that much better than the PB10? Would the possible problems I mentioned be bad enough so that they just wouldn't work in my spot? The PB10 with front firing driver and port has no issues in that spot.

I could fit a smaller sealed sub there (ie SB 12-NSD, eD A5s-300 etc.) which I originally considered back in 2008, but don't think that those would be an improvement for movies.

For option 2, the space is really about 14 inches W and 14 inches D (height not an issue). I could get a sub such as the Emotiva Ultra 10, Paradigm Ultracube 10, a MiniVee, a Sunfire, a Def Tech etc. But, none of those go as deep as the PB10. They also tend to be more cash, since they are compact. Finally, the spot they would sit is right on the edge of the room, the open side, so alot of their sound might be lost in the vastness of the rest of the 1st floor.

Do you guys think they would be a serious improvement in the bass?

Is either option worth it?

Thanks!

 

[DaleAV]

I have my LFM-1 EX on a Gramma... and it works out just fine. I don't have an issue with neighbors, etc. and have a slab floor. But the sub is on carpet and I wanted to give it a little more breathing room.
It also makes it easier to work with the port plug if I need to.

I'm coming from a big Velodyne 15" (DLS-5000) that was a nice musical sub I picked up cheap as a demo, but basically put out nothing below 30Hz. At least nothing you could feel.
The difference between the EX and Velo with movies is quite dramatic.

All your other options are great ones. My EX is basically the same as the Hsu model. I've read and heard from setup specialists great things about ED subs.

 

[petrichor]

I've got a VTF-2 MK2 which I love. The MK3 is the direct successor, no? I have it set up in a (large) 20x14x8 room with it placed only 3-4" from the wall, and it performs well enough to keep me and all others who have auditioned it very happy, especially at low frequencies (e.g. movie rumbles). Placement makes a big difference in this room, however.

I've run some tests and it does indeed produce down to the rated 24hz, but i believe the MK3 goes down to 18hz with one port sealed. Can't speak to that model, though. Also have no basis of comparison with the SVS, unfortunately. Though can highly recommend HSU for HT.

 

[NewHTbuyer]

Appreciate the feedback. I got the wife and kids out of the house the other day and turned it up and put in some demo material. Saving Private Ryan, Star Wars Episode 2, War or the Worlds, LOTR 1 and 3. I had not had the chance to do that for awhile. I was able to remind myself how good the PB10 is. Gonna hold off on a new sub for now. Plus, hoping to redo the basement next year and add a new 5.2 system down there. . So, you might see me posting again if that ever becomes a reality.