Interestingly, the VTF-3 HO (and VTF-3 Mk3 and VTF-2 Mk3) are all ideal endtable height, ~22". Turbocharger is removeable, and only necessary for those who want 16Hz extension with zero audible port noise at that frequency. Even in maximum output mode, the -3 HO and -3 Mk3 are very strong down to 20Hz.
Turbocharger is a good investment, especially at time of purchase, because it provides the low-turbulent air-moving capability of two of the same subwoofers without turbocharger. In other words, one would have to buy two of the same subwoofers without turbocharger to have comparable deep bass capability to a single subwoofer with turbocharger. Also, even if one decides not to use turbocharger, they should be able to sell it for more than the $100 that it cost them to purchase at the beginning.
With a $2k budget, I would recommend something like dual VTF-3 Mk3 or dual VTF-3 HO (with turbos if you wish) to handle 15-50Hz placed farfield, and an MBM-12 to handle 50-80Hz placed nearfield. This way, one has awesome deep bass output and extension, while also having awesome mid/upper bass power and clarity, in addition to reduced intermodulation distortion, reduced room reflections, and wider dynamic range too.
