Thanks Snake.
When it comes to choosing an investment like this, doing it smart is the only way! Unless I had a true capitalists bankroll... where I'm just living on the interest my money is earning.
Not I. *shrugs
Updates:
Hsu recommends staying on the VTF15Hmk2 vs. anything else in their lineup.
Rythmik recommends either the F12 or the F15HP / E15HP. Enrique there says he's in a 2700'3 space with Ascend Sierra bookshelf/F12 7.2 system, and can easily hit reference levels, and claims room gain extension as low as "7Hz flat." He and Dina at Ascend have a pretty strong pitch for these.
Pretty confident that my sub purchase will be in the $2500 range, give or take.
Revised list:
(Cost for duals)
Hsu VTF15Hmk2: $1749 +ship, or a day in the car to will call.
Rythmik F12: $1786
Rythmik F15HP: $2330
Rythmik E15HP2: $2680
Rythmik F18: $2860 (just for kicks!)
Rythmik F25: $2898 (one extra kick)
SVS PC2000: $1500
Not totally ruling out Monolith 15" or Outlaw X13. Just seems value is diminished alongside Rythmiks.
Leading speaker rigs going into audition weekend: Philharmonic BMR and Mini-Phils; Ascend Sierras; Tekton Design; Monitor Audio Silvers. And open for surprises.
Thanks, guys!