From time to time (including right now) I use a pair of 12" Rythmik subs (2 x $800) with MMGs ($600) in a system that costs just over $2K. I've also owned the significantly more expensive 3.5s in the past. Not in the same system, room, etc. - so the proverbial grain of salt is mandatory - but this system is VASTLY superior to the 3.5s (subject to the caveat above).
There is a catch:
I use an Audyssey enabled pre-pro to assure optimum integration of panels and subs. It also provides full-range room EQ. I've also successfully used a Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller ($400) and NHT X-2 active x-over unit (was $300, now discontinued) successfully for this task in the past. In this set-up, room EQ is limited to the subs and the MMGs do their thing "unprocessed". The x-2 is a much more fllexible (and, IMO better sounding) low cut unit than that provided within the SMS-1 (fixed at 80hz, 6 db/octave). The 80hz is actually a pretty good x-over point for room EQ since the most audible room nasties fall between 50 and 100 hz is most well-treated rooms (IME), but the x-2 worked better for me.
Audyssey xt-32 enabled pre-pros start out just under $2k if you prefer that "non-audiophile approved" approach. Either way, the total outlay meets your stated budget.
IMO, both approaches work well, but one or the other is virtually mandatory for best results. The good news: the MMG, SMS-1, and the Rythmik subs are all (I believe) sold with an in-home trial period. The total outlay for this approach is $2600, plus the "optional" x-2 to low-cut the MMGs.
Marty
There is a catch:
I use an Audyssey enabled pre-pro to assure optimum integration of panels and subs. It also provides full-range room EQ. I've also successfully used a Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller ($400) and NHT X-2 active x-over unit (was $300, now discontinued) successfully for this task in the past. In this set-up, room EQ is limited to the subs and the MMGs do their thing "unprocessed". The x-2 is a much more fllexible (and, IMO better sounding) low cut unit than that provided within the SMS-1 (fixed at 80hz, 6 db/octave). The 80hz is actually a pretty good x-over point for room EQ since the most audible room nasties fall between 50 and 100 hz is most well-treated rooms (IME), but the x-2 worked better for me.
Audyssey xt-32 enabled pre-pros start out just under $2k if you prefer that "non-audiophile approved" approach. Either way, the total outlay meets your stated budget.
IMO, both approaches work well, but one or the other is virtually mandatory for best results. The good news: the MMG, SMS-1, and the Rythmik subs are all (I believe) sold with an in-home trial period. The total outlay for this approach is $2600, plus the "optional" x-2 to low-cut the MMGs.
Marty