I Need Help Picking a Sub

IMO REL subs were OK before subs started offering EQ programs. I never cared for REL's down firing driver which I believe they've finally given up on.

With your budget you should take a long look at either Velodyne DD series or JL. The JL seems to have a better build quality but the Velodyne has a great setup program. The last JL review I read the reviewer used the Velodyne to graph their differences and to adjust the JL into his room.

The Velodyne is an older design than the JL but there seems to be a lot more JL's on the used market.

Martin Logan makes great subs. I use two Martin Logan Dynamos and they are very good small footprint subs.

I agree with Rcrerar and Cruz123; I currently own the ML Grotto and have owned the ML Depth; they both pack the punch for HT and are fast enough to keep up with your Ascents. You state your room is small and your budget $1400; my two cents would be to go with a Grotto which you should be able to get on A'gon for around $600; if it is not enough for your room, get another one. As another option, I currently have a Grotto and a HSU VTF-3 HO in my HT; I run both during movies for the explosions etc., but when I listen to my concert DVDs, I turn the HO down somewhat and let the faster Grotto do the majority of the music. You should be able to find an HO for around $650 on A'gon. This gives you flexibility- good luck in you search!

To tame your small room with pinpoint accuracy of low frequency tones the best sub choice you already made is the DD go for a used DD 10 or you can go for the cheaper velodyne spl 1000R. both have excellent equalization option.

The JL Audio may produce a little more bass at high volume which you seldom may use but the sound equalization settings are not so great.

The james EMB 1000, 1200, 1500 are very depending on room size, the ML ones mentioned are also great, and the JL Audio, and Rels.