Current Inexpensive sub that can get it done cheap

Ballan-
the new rel g-series are going to start between $3500-4000 for the G1. The following g-series will be released sequentially in about 9-12 month increments. Not the "cheapest" of subs.

Defcon3-
I have a Rel T2 that I am pretty happy with, it does double duty in my system for two channel listening and ht for movies. Being able to have separate gain controls for the neutrik and lfe inputs allows me to have well integrated low end for music while at the same time having it turned up more for the movies. It won't play the lowest or the loudest but for under a grand it does a good job.

Any of the Martin Logan subs will work for you, a used Grotto would probably be the best value.

Depending on your definition of cheap, check out partsexpress dot com and look at the Dayton sub kits. From my understanding the sound decent and can really pound it out for the low cost they are asking.

The new REL sub is less than $800 retail. Small little thing. I think it's a small T Series?

Be cautious when buying inexpensive subs as they tend to produce more distortion and the distorted 1st and 2nd order harmonics can compromise midrange sound quality

If your main speakers are ported look for a ported sub, if your mains are sealed look for a sealed box sub ... if your main speakers have steep 4th order crossover slopes look for a sub with steep 24db crossover slopes, if your main speakers have 1st order crossovers you need to look for a sub that will work with that gentler first order slope ... all this will make blending sub with mains easier

More important than the name on the box is correct room placement ... setting of crossover point ... set it to high and the sub will sound slow and muddy ... try setting crossover 1 octave above main speakers -3db point and then equalize volume of sub to match main speakers

If your looking for slam stick with a 12 incher and don't worry about the room being to small as the wave must go back and forth to complete one cycle ... so a 15 foot room could handle a 30 foot wave or 28hz note

Find a sub with low distortion specs that has similar build characteristics to your main speakers and let the shopping in your price range begin

Now can someone please explain to me why I need 3000 watts to drive a sub to 121 db @25hzs when my mains speakers play at 90 db ... TIA