Subwoofer slam vs boom

Generally speaking what causes a subwoofer to be boomy, verses crisp and "slammy"?

Does placement and room acoustics greatly affect this, or is this just a common problem with lower end subs?

Currently I am using 2 HSU VTF-3's with opposite front corner placement, with all speakers set to large. The processor supports stereo subs, kinda a moot point with all large speakers thou. The subs should be doing the least amount of work possible, i.e. I am not rolling over 7 channels into one sub.

Thanks all
Marty