Quote Originally Posted by bfalls
I purchased a BRS passive sub from DAK (Do you remember them?) many years ago for $99. It has a 15" woofer in a Oak vinyl 24"x18" cabinet. I didn't like the sub (too boomy), but kept it because it made a better coffee table than I could find at a furniture store. I later bought Legacy Focus speakers with 3 12" woofer/ch, so I didn't need a sub, but still have the coffee table. I've seen end table designs and if designed correctly could be your solution, but they weren't cheap ($500+).
If you do decide to go with a sub within a cabinet make certain the design is compatible. If the cabinet is enclosed (no open back) you'll want a sub which is front or down firing with a front port. A sealed front-firing would be perfect, but the design, although more accurate, would require more power because it's less efficient. I always found Yamaha speakers to be less than adequate. I believe they make good receivers, amps, DVD players and sound reinforcement (PA) speakers, but find them a little harsh for home use. I always get better results buying speakers from a speaker company. The one time I didn't (BSR) I got a coffee table. Actually, come to think of it, $99 for a good coffee table isn't too bad.
That was a BSR subwoofer, and If I had a known you back then I would have came after ya with a switch. That was a terrible sub that for its size couldn't bust a grape in a wine factory. Too much distortion, not enough woof!