In-home trial until you can come to your own conclusion. Both companies you've mentioned will work with you on making sure you're getting what you want even if it isn't their product. I just sent back to SVS their SB-2000 in favor of an Hsu ULS-15 MK2 which was better in nearly every way minus size, but that size includes a 15" driver rather than a 12" that just plain moves more air. It was also producing much more defined, musical bass whereas the SVS seemed better for HT use. I would caution you on getting a sub with passive drivers (T7i/9i). Quality is not the goal in this design, the goal is get more out of a smaller enclosure. Happy hunting!
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls-15mk2.html
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls-15mk2.html