Well, I've been reading and reading and reading posts and I'm still not sure what direction to go. Here's the list of questions that sound like I should share to get good input:
1. My Budget: I'd be thrilled if I could stay in the $700-$900 range, but am willing to go as high as $1200 if I really felt it a worthy investment.
2. Size requirements/limits: The space I have to put this is about 22" W X 23" H X (preferably) 26" D. That's the actual space... I'd rather not fill it up entirely, but again if I feel it's right- I will.
3. Room dimensions: I really don't want to base much of my decision on my current room, given I plan on moving within the next year or so and I intend for this purchase to be an investment. I'd prefer to buy the "best" sub I can find in the budget I currently have with the hopes that it will work well in my next larger space.
Having said that, the current room is only 13 X 7, with an open door to a room that's 11 X 5, opened to another room 11 X 8, opened to a final room 15 X 12. I don't really understand how the additional connected rooms factor, but folks seem to say it makes a difference. The viewing room is small (13 X 7) but as I said- I am purchasing looking ahead to my next living space.
4. Primary uses: Currently: 85% - 90% Movies and 10% - 15% Music. When I move I suspect the amount of music listening will increase, maybe to 70/30 or even 60/40.
5. Listening habits: I mostly listen at moderate/high volume but like the option to crank things when the mood strikes.
6. Appearance requirements: Black in color and smooth looks are my preference, but I am not going to purchase based too highly on this aspect.
7. Timeframe: I'd love to purchase in the next 2-4 weeks. Sooner the better actually.
As I said, I've been doing a fair amount of looking around and from what I've read... ALL the sub owners seem pretty passionate about ~their~ brand... but the SVS owners seem to be (IMO) the most passionate, and I really like all I've read online about the SVS units. The SVS PB12-Plus is at the very high end of my budget, and it maxes out the space I have (but it would fit) although their soon to be released SB12-Plus seems like a good option as well. That one would fit my current space much better, but as it hasn't been released yet (and thus reviewed) I am not sure I want to take the chances on such a brand new / just released unit...
All of my current 9.1 speakers (on my 9.2 Onkyo NR3007 system) are Paradigm, so I was considering their UltraCube 10 or DSP3200.
I also liked what I have read about the Epik Empire. They have a great "sale" going on now that really makes it hit the sweet spot of my budget.
Beyond that... I just feel stuck. And figured it was time to reach out and get some more advice.
Any suggestions on specific brands, models, etc would be helpful... as well as any coaching on how to narrow down the field and my my final choice... also, if you think I may have missed a thread that would help, or links to other forums, etc, etc...
ALL/ANY input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
