Standmounts $2K, $4K, $6K: Home Audition WaveTouch, Salk Silk, B&W CM5, Totem Element Fire

[jbltmp]

then I recommend getting subs that are actually the same bass units from tower speakers.

This makes sense, and probably would apply somewhat as well to matching stand-mounts with subs in the same "family". And thanks for the reminder on the NHT's. I just realized they're in Benicia, CA, which is about 40 minutes from me, so they're now the list to check out both the stand-mounts (Classic Three's) and the subs (B-12D).

 

[Ponzio]

Can only accomodate one, 12" max.

My 2 recommendations.

Budget = EMP Tek ES10i - I was going to recommend the EMP Tek 1010i but they stopped production, for $328. The specs are very close to the 1010i, which I currently own & have matched with my LS50's, and provide more than enough depth for HT, in a small room (15'x15' max), but really shines with 2 channel music. As a point of reference, my room is 14'x14'. Unless you regularly listen to rap/hip-hop/organ classical I think you'll be more than happy with this choice. It only gets down to 33Hz, so if you want your bones to vibrate I would move on to my next choice.
EMP Tek ES10i Subwoofer

Mid-Budget = SVS SB-1000 ($500) or the newer model the SB-2000 ($700) - If you're spec happy, the SVS SB-2000 has no competitors at that price point and their reputation is stellar.
SVS SB-1000 - 300 Watt DSP Controlled, 12" Ultra Compact Sealed Subwoofer
SVS SB-2000 - 500 Watt DSP Controlled, 12" Compact Sealed Subwoofer

High-Budget = why? overkill in the size room you're putting it in.

Here's a good read on budget subwoofers.
2013 Subwoofer Roundup: 6 Subs For $500 Or Less | Audioholics

To me a subwoofer is supposed to complement your speakers; filling in the frequency gaps below a certain point not become the focal point of the sound.

Happy Hunting.

 

[slipperybidness]

My 2 recommendations.

Budget = EMP Tek ES10i - I was going to recommend the EMP Tek 1010i but they stopped production, for $328.

Dang! I hate to see that 1010i go.....but, I suppose this means a replacement is on the way. Maybe a 1212i???

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Dang! I hate to see that 1010i go.....but, I suppose this means a replacement is on the way. Maybe a 1212i???

That is too bad. If the EMP 1010 is anything like the RBH 1010, then the EMP 1010 is a great tight "tower-bass" sub.

Maybe the replacement is the EMP 1010N (non-powered), which I think would be even better.

 

[Ponzio]

I could really kick myself for not picking up a 2nd one, for $249, last year (Black Friday sale). But the single unit is more than adequate and my finances will be going thru a stress test this year (daughters wedding, new carpets for the whole house, hopefully a 1/4 acre of land to begin building our retirement home, etc.) so I figured I'd pick up a 2nd one this year when they went back on sale for Black Friday.

Curses, foiled again!!!