Magnolia

Yes. For $500 you aren't going to get anything close to what SVS gives you from Magnolia. Stick with SVS. Shipping isn't that much and you've got 45 days trial / return period. You have to pay a re-stocking fee with returns to Magnolia (from what I've heard).

Are you thinking about the PB-10 or the 25-31 PCi?

PB10-ISD @ $429

25-31 PCi @ $549

20-39 PCi @ $599

I think the PB10 will fly WAF wise as much as the best sub youll get in your price range at Magnolia. She might freak at the cyliner. at least the PB10 you can sell as an endtable (if you absolutly have too)

Well, I'm not sure about the Best Buy mini-Magnolias, but the stand alone Magnolias have a 30 day, no questions asked return policy. No box, no problem. And no restocking fees. They just sell it open box and suck it up. It's on the salesperson to get you into the right gear in the first place. For $500, everyone is right, you can't touch the depth and heft of SVS with anything Magnolia has. The Martin Logan Dynamo gets you most of the way there, with a hell of a lot more accuracy than SVS, especially for music, but even that is $600. However, if you're not opposed to financing, I would suggest the Martin Logan Grotto for $1000 over the PB10 every day of the week. Sleek, attractive, small and the glory of ML's musicality and sealed box design. You may give up a few Hz in extension, not really noticable, but you gain a lot in terms of tightness and accuracy. At least do yourself a favor and go experience one. I can't say enough good things about Martin Logan subs. They also have a level of craftsmanship that I feel SVS can't match. They are high-end dealer products, so it goes with the territory.