Wow, the SVS PB12-NSD is only 599.00 US, and Imo makes it a better bargain here. Now there are also some very good subs from HSU in that range.

Here is the Canadian distributor for HSU. Not much better pricing, seems the Axiom subs really are a bargain up here.

The HSU's can be bought online from the HSU website and shipped to Canada, not sure what SVS's policy is.

Part of the problem is that they're all really good subs. You can't really make a wrong decision. There is obviously (and rightfully so) a slight bias towards the EP500/600 around here. They are, by many reviews, amazing subs.

I narrowed my sub choices down to a VTF-3, PCi+20-39, or an outlet EP500. I've had various subs in shopping carts for the past year, and finally bit the bullet and went with SVS. I went with them because of price and because I'd just wanted an SVS for so long. Believe me, I was || <-this close to buying an EP500. I don't regret it one bit, and I'm sure I'd be just as thrilled if I had bought an EP500.

One thing to keep in mind is that SVS just bumped the price up by $100 on the PCI+ line. When I bought my 20-39+ two weeks ago, it was $799. Now it's $899. That's basically $100 difference from an outlet EP500, considering that shipping on the PCI+ is about $30.

Regardless, I am now a firm believer that a good sub makes all the difference in the world.

Hutzal, I understand your logic. The only thing is its not consistent with my priorities right now. I'm a best bang for the buck kind of guy. I chose the pioneer 1015 amp over the Denon 3805 to save some $$ and still have great performance. I then put that savings into my kids education, home improvement, hockey equip for my son, etc. I should have done this before we had kids
That being said, I'll probably look at something like the HSU Stf-3 on sale for 20% off in the US and bank the extra $600. I may regret it and upgrade later or I may find it adequate.

BTW, I auditioned some speakers at Jakewash's place yesterday and I really thought the M22's were clean and transparent sounding. The bass was present but not overpowering, not bright as some critics say. I think I will start building my HT system around a pair of them and some QS8's.

thanks for the feedback.

>>Hutzal, I understand your logic. The only thing is its not consistent with my priorities right now. I'm a best bang for the buck kind of guy.>>

I would be the exact same way if I had kids as well. I told my wife (now married for a year and 2 months) that I wanted ALL my HT gear before we have kids so that I can spend the money where it is needed later on in life. Cudos to you for being a responsible parent!

>>That being said, I'll probably look at something like the HSU Stf-3 on sale for 20% off in the US and bank the extra $600. I may regret it and upgrade later or I may find it adequate.>>

I am sure you will be more than happy with the HSU STF-3. The problem living in Canada is there aren't as good as prices as the americans get with electronics, hence why in the end I chose to go with the EP500...had I lived in the states I probably would have opted for the PC+ 20-39.

>>BTW, I auditioned some speakers at Jakewash's place yesterday and I really thought the M22's were clean and transparent sounding.>>

Sheesh! Seems like everyone and his dog has heard his system, I REALLY should get over there just to go I think I'll be over there this month to check it out, he has made it clear that his doors are open for auditions and listening sessions

>>The bass was present but not overpowering, not bright as some critics say. I think I will start building my HT system around a pair of them and some QS8's.>>

Thats great to hear, as I ordered the M22s as well. Too many reviews state Anemic bass, but if the balance is good, then that is what i call a well designed speaker.

I am sure you'll love your system!

The HSU site in the US is showing 20% off for the STF-2 and STF-3. With the shipping, customs and tax it may still be less expensive than buying an STF-3 in Canada.

ctown,

Here is a short example of what happens when you buy stuff from the states:

"Our example is a Projector.

Say the projector is: $1,699 USD
Shipping cost to BC is $ 114 USD

Your first expense is Visa / MasterCard charge you an additional 2.5 Percent on your USD to Canadian conversion rate, referred to as a Service fee. ( CIBC fees )

Today August 8, 2006 the current visa rate from CIBC Visa is 1.1398

USD to Canadian conversion. Multiply by 1.1398
So far your Canadian Dollar total for the projector is: $2,066.45

Unfortunately, The Government has not got their share yet, Local taxes.

On this $2,066.45 purchase you are paying an additional 13% Federal and Provincial tax, this adds $268.64

Running total is now $2,335.09

Still more you are asking ? Yes. Brokerage charges and Duties, we have provided links to UPS rates for your reference.

UPS and all other Brokers have a Entry Prep Fee Projector image
Entry Prep Fee on this Order is 66.70 + gst Total of $70.70
Running total is now $2,405.79
Next is the Disbursement Fees
Disbursement Fees in this case are 2.7 percent,
a total of taxes and duties paid Total $11.44
Additionally, Duties will be applied per the regulated amount by Canada Customs, this typically ranges 7.5 percent on Projector related equipment.

Add $154.95 on this shipment for Duties

Your grand total is 2405.79+ 154.95 + 11.44 = $2,572.18CDN

Your cost on this purchase from us was $2,328.82 a SAVINGS of $242.36 !"

However in our case we would only be charged 6% GST, not 13%.

Thanks, I wasnt sure what duty applied or if it was a free trade product. I know there are different schedules of duties based on the country of manufacture.

I'm thinking a $479 sub becomes approx $550 with exchange and whatever duties on it are extra.

If I buy from the Canadian site, its $799, again GST and Shipping on top of that. I was hoping an EP350 would be similar as at least you can get that for $675 plus tax delivered from the outlet. The concensus seems to be the SVS or HSU offerings are better unless I look at EP500.

Oh well, have to mull this one over some more. Thanks for the info.

In both cases I have to pay GST and shipping, although shipping from the US will be more.