[hjmiller]

I am working on finishing my 7.1 setup that already includes an Onkyo 605, Polk R150's, in all front/surround positions, and the CSR center. I plan on upgrading to Polk Monitor or RTi towers eventually in the front but for now this was a very affordable way to get something better than just buying the Onkyo HTIB.

So I still need to add a sub and of course based upon my speaker selection you can see I am on a failry tight bugdet relatively speaking. I had originally planned to get the BIC H-100 based upon how well received it is online, but couldn't help but wonder if I should save up my $$$ for a HSU STF-2 or VTF-3 or SVS PB-10 so I wouldn't ever worry about upgrading. Then I considered a DIY sub as a god compromise between the cost of the H-100 and the performance of the HSU or SVS, but want some feedback on choices and expectations I should have.

Here are my design criteria I would look for if I proceed:
Cost - $200 to $300 total.
Amp - Buy a plate amp. PE 240W or BASH 300W? Others to consider?
Driver - Thinking 12" but obviously I would consider any recommendation that meets my overall criteria.
Performance - Would like something to reach ~18-20Hz in room. I am not going to listen to it that loud to be perfectly honest as my wife and two little girls will complain and I never get to watch a movie completely by myself, but it is nice to have something with some oomph if needed. Most use is HT, but do listen to a fair amount of music on the system as well.
Size - Want to try and squeeze it in a corner behind a large chair out of sight. The corner probably creates a 3' X 3' tiangle or so. There is a heat register I will have to deal with if the sub encroaches on it. Would want the sub to stay below the back of the chair which is probably 36" or so high.
Room - 17 X 19 X 10' ceiling, open 60% on one end to kitchen and hall.

I have a large set of good tools and a decent background in woodworking and home remodeling so construction of the sub from a cabinet standpoint is not an issue.

Detailed questions:
Driver - Recommendations? I kind of think the driver would be $100-$150 of the budget, but not sure how to split the cost between the driver and amp so that one is balanced with the other (1000W amp hooked up to puny driver not good, and monster driver hooked up to underpowered amp is a waste as well). I originally was looking at the Dayton Reference driver , or Dayton Titanic, but there are probably many others to consider. 12" a good compromise for the performance and size restrictions I have?

Amp - As mentioned been looking at the PE Dayton 240W or the 300W BASH. If they cost the same I would go with the BASH amp most likely. 300W vs. 240W plus based upon the lack of a major heatsink it is apparent it is a much more efficient design (less likely to kick the breaker and less $$$ in electricty), however not sure the extra $50 is worth it at my budget. If I go with the Dayton should I get the bass boost version or standard? Other brands in a similar price range to consider?

Design - Any recommendation on a starting point for a plan for a ported box design that I can tweak once the driver is picked out? The fit would be easiest if I made the box taller, and miminized the width. Are there restrictions on aspect ratio to be concerned with other than just bracing?

Thanks,
HJ