As some of you know, I gushed on about how happy I've been w/ just my single pair of GR OB subs in simple flat baffles (the BABBs), but they did tend to run out of gas at even moderate volumes. So a week or so ago, I ordered up another pair. Got 'em hooked up last night. Even w/ my temporary mini baffles on the new ones, things sound great now. There just nothing like this. Real punch, but great articulation and tone. Plus the fact that it doesn't rattle the room. OB bass (plus servo control) rules. And yes, it works with conventional monitors for the top end. Mine are the Merlin TSM-MMe. I'd love to try the Venue, but that's gotta wait 'till after pharmacy school.
I bought these on faith, based on comments on this forum. So thanks to everyone for steering me in the right direction.