I've been to the SVS factory in Girard, Ohio and listened to all their subs. They are huge, go very low, and are geared towards HT IMO. They do not sell sealed enclosures - although many owners love them for music. They do not cater to "budget minded" customers - unless you consider $500 for a sub a "budget" sub.
The HSU VTF-3 I demo'd in Canada a few weeks back resembles the SVS PB12 ISD/V. It's a large sub, and goes very low. I didn't get a chance to demo the smaller HSU subs, as this was all that was available at the store. The VTF-3 is a nicer looking unit, IMO, and may be more room friendly next to a couch. I'm not a huge fan of "textured black," but if it's hidden - who cares?
There's a site somewhere that shows owners of SVS subs across the US. It's there for people who want to demo them in someone's home. The issue is you're limited to the one sub that individual owns.
I know you're looking at the XSUB. It's a nice interim sub that you can always sell on Ebay down the road, and upgrade to an HSU or SVS. After listening to what SVS had to offer, I was sold on the PB12 Plus/2. I couldn't justify spending the cash on an upgrade from my XSUB to a PB10 or 12 ISD. The proper jump would have to be the Plus/2. The issue is - it's too freakin big for my room.
How about a trip to Girard, Ohio to actually see what SVS offers? It was a worthwhile trip, and really opens your eyes to how much better subs can be if you have the cash.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.ad...=&cat=&address=&city=Girard&state=oh&zipcode=