Subs: sealed vs. ported

English, I do not have any experience with the Stadium III. I'd read some of the professional reviews to see if its the one for you. One thing to look into: Can the Stadium be hooked up via speaker terminals and a processor's SUB OUT simultaneously? Since you want use for both HT and music, you want to make sure you'll get the LFE signal for Dolby
material on movies and HD concerts (if that's your thing).

http://www.stereophile.com/subwoofers/1004rel

Another model to consider if you're still shopping... the Vandersteen V2W. A used one would easily fall into your budget and they get great reviews. This model falls into the HT category, but uses a similar design to their 2WQ which gets rave reviews as a low end support "woofer" for 2 channel audio. Both models use 3 8" drivers for faster response. The V2W also has a 12" passive radiator to help with movie material. I'd personally love a pair of 2WQ's with a V2w wired via SUB OUT for movies. But 3 big boxes aren't going to happen in my house. ;-)

I believe so, in fact they recommend speaker level in and LFE. I'm planning on looking at it tomorrow, and IF the guy will deal, we'll see. Thanks for the Vandy recommendation. I have a dealer somewhat close, although he suggested dual PSB's or one JL Fathom, but that's not happening!

I had a REL Stadium II for 10 years in my system and paid less than $4000 new, over 15 years ago.
Can't see how it's still worth $1700 today?
At any rate...... I now have two Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofers which quite frankly make the REL sound unconvincing in comparison?
You could buy a new Vandy for the same price as the used REL and add another one when you have the funds?.......or try and purchase two used ones?
You won't regret it.

Yeah, I let it go...I got a ULS 15 coming for $700. I figure it may be a tad high for used, but if I really don't like I can get most of it back resale. SVS would have been first choice, but for half the money I figured I'd try this. Now the interminal wait for the brown truck. Thanks for all the input. It seems any of the 'main' manufacturers have their die-hard fans, and pros-cons, but ultimately the sonic differences are likely to be negligible in my system at my level of experience. Having nothing now, anything will be a huge improvement. Plus the all-important factor of SWMBO preferring the Rosenut finish to the black.

Next up: center channel, mains and real amplification....

Good to hear English,
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once you'e spent some time with the ULS. I think you'll find it provides ample amounts of bass. Best of luck.