Even though I have a wonderful SVS PB1-ISD that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone, I think an Hsu VTF-2 fits the bill perfectly mainly because it is noticeably smaller than the SVS. If you're looking to tuck the subwoofer away to keep it out of sight, that's the one for you.
I wouldn't spend more than $1000 on a small sub, and that's enough reason to steer clear of the Sunfire or similar miniaturized subs.
However, if you could tweak your wife's idea about what a subwoofer is and get her to consider it as a piece of furniture instead, then SVS PB1-ISD would work better. In my living room, it was a much better solution since the same height as the two pieces of furniture it sits between. It can even double as a seat when we have a lot of poeple over. If you throw a pillow on it, it's pretty comfy -- just not while it's playing -- although some people would enjoy a little bumpus in the rumpus...
