Looking for Advice (First Sub Purchase)

[Jwilly019]

Sometime between mid-December and the new year I'll be purchasing my first subwoofer. I'll be putting in an apartment and the room it will be in will be 12x15. The room also opens to a 9x12 dining room (see floor plan below).



I've thought about putting a hanging acoustical "wall" similar to what Crazy has in order to somewhat separate the two rooms. Leaving 30"-36" on both sides of the treatment. I'm not sure how I'll have the furniture placed just yet, still deciding.

My budget is around $300. I obviously want the best performance I can get, if I have to turn the sub down since I'm in an apartment, then so be it.

Anyway, so far this is what I'm considering, open to all suggestions.

1. Acoustic Audio HD-Sub12 - $198.88 (with free shipping)

I would probably have to go with the maple or cherry finish, not that it's a big deal, but I would prefer black. The AA seems like a popular choice here and everyone seems to be happy with them.

Also, weren't these going for $169 recently? When did they go up in price?

2. Acoustic Audio HD-Sub15 - $268.88 (with free shipping)

Available in the black finish. I don't believe too many members here have the 15" AA, but I can assume from all the positive reviews of the 12" that the 15" is a solid choice.

3. Dual Acoustic Audio HD-Sub12's - $397.76 (with free shipping)

While this would be over budget, if I could find a good Live cashback (I think it's a 8% now) when I go to purchase, I could probably swing it. If it would outperform all the other choices of course. If only the price was still $169...

4. Premier Acoustic PA-120 - $229.00 (plus $29.00 shipping)

While not as popular as the AA's, they have gotten good reviews from the members that do have them. I just noticed on the eBay page that they won't ship until the end of March and the price is scheduled to go up soon. I'm not sure if I want to wait that long, but I will if it's the best choice.

5. Elemental Designs A2-300 - $350.00 (with free shipping)

While it is over-budget, I assumed that most of you would recommend something over-budget anyway, just beating you to the punch.

From what I've read, the eD should outperform the rest of the subs on my list (possibly with the exception of the dual HD-sub12's). However, I've read they aren't great for music. What exactly is the drawback with music playback? Also, is the boost in performance worth the extra cost (nearly $100 more than the HD-Sub15)?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for all the advice, and again, if you have any other recommendations, don't hesitate to voice them.