Sub Suggestions

velodyne spl 1200r's sound pretty amazing!

I think the Rockets have a parametric EQ on board also, yes? Not sure on that, but think so. That would help as well

I want something smaller than the Aerial SW12 and I don't want to spend that much given that it would only be used for HT and sit there 98% of the time doing nothing. I like 2 channel music most, everyone else wants surround sound. But know that this mode will be rarely used for the most part.

The Rockets do have parametric EQ on board, which is very helpful when setting them up. If music is most important to you, I think you will love it. Very compact also.

Rel Acoustics makes some excellent subs. I don't know what the Aerial SW 12 costs, but the Rel Storm 3 can often be found right here on Audiogon for around a thousand, or so. I own a Rel Storm 3 and love it. Quadophile has written an EXCELLENT review (right here on Audiogon) of the Rel Acoustics Strata Mk III. Here's the link to it:
Rel Strata Mk III: Review by Quadophile