Heh, I have heard the Vtf-3 Mk2...which my friend let me borrow. The room I was using it in was huge (18x17x22), although I didn't have too much time to play with it and do proper placement, it sounded great, which is why I went ahead and ordered. I hope the "supposedly" and "shoulds" didn't scare people.

HSU does subs very well - they really should stop selling the VT12, because it only damages their name. I have an STF-2 subwoofer and it's the most nimble sub I've ever heard. Maximum excursion is a bit low on the STF-2, so this new sub is likely to be one of the best subs out there for medium-large sized home theaters, while still retaining the amazing accuracy HSU is known for.

Dayton, Velodyne etc. are fine for punch me in the face explosion movie subs, but you don't know what you're missing in regards to clean, accurate bass.

IMO: HSU is #1 in this price bracket if you're going for a rig where you like to sit and enjoy music as well as movies. SVS is #1 if you're looking for pure movie action that is still quite refined.

Lomic said:HSU does subs very well - they really should stop selling the VT12, because it only damages their name. I have an STF-2 subwoofer and it's the most nimble sub I've ever heard. Maximum excursion is a bit low on the STF-2, so this new sub is likely to be one of the best subs out there for medium-large sized home theaters, while still retaining the amazing accuracy HSU is known for.

Dayton, Velodyne etc. are fine for punch me in the face explosion movie subs, but you don't know what you're missing in regards to clean, accurate bass.

IMO: HSU is #1 in this price bracket if you're going for a rig where you like to sit and enjoy music as well as movies. SVS is #1 if you're looking for pure movie action that is still quite refined.

+1 for SV subwoofers, have a pb12-isd/2 and it is simply amazing. movies take on a whole new aspect.

HSU makes a nice sub as well.

Last year, I called Hsu to to get some info in contemplation of ordering a sub. The guy who answered the phone started asking me questions about the receiver used, room size, where the doors and windows were, etc. He spent a good deal of time with me, answered all my questions and gave me some really great advice. At the end of the phone call, I requested his name so I could ask for him again if I needed more info. He said "Dr. Hsu."
I ask "the guy who owns the company?" He just laughed and said he was.
Now that is service.

I have a Hsu VTF2- Mk2 and couldn't be happier with it. I tried two other "brand name" subs and returned them. The Hsu stayed. Will buy from Hsu again.

zmt said:How well do these subs perform with music? I've heard good things about HSU accuracy, so I'm guessing well. I've got a klipsh 10" that I picked up cheap a while ago to match up with my vandersteens, and I'm wondering if this would be a better pairing. I've heard that it's difficult to match subs with the vandys, and while my experience has been pretty good so far, I'm concerned about what'll happen to the transition when I move to a different, larger room.

If "musicality" is your highest priority, then you want a sub that happens to be "sealed" [i.e. there's no port/hole on the outside].

HSU & SVS do pretty well with music, particularly even though they're ported. [although some models at both companies have foam pieces to "fill" those ports for better musicality]. HSU's do seem to do a little bit better for music, but SVS is generally known to own for movies. It's all relative to how much better for each. [small degrees].

I'd recommend posting that question of either of the 2 website links in my earlier post [direct to each Forum's subwoofer subforum]. Enlightened folks there can better respond with choices in each price range. [they are fanatics after all].


kraut said:...gave me some really great advice. At the end of the phone call, I requested his name so I could ask for him again if I needed more info. He said "Dr. Hsu." I ask "the guy who owns the company?" He just laughed and said he was. Now that is service.

Yup, that's Dr. Hsu for ya. Tom from SVS does the exact type of customer service & detailed analysis. One of the major reasons why both companies are prospering!

for those looking for a SVS sub:
linkity
new subs added every few days.

I have a HSU STF-2 and it kicks butt. Got it at CrapUSA for $200 clearance many long times ago. Very well made and it really gives movies that extra something special.

On their forum there has also been talk about an upcoming VTF-2HO. Seen pics overthere. Supposedly this one has a plug so that you have have it both ways, ported or sealed. But not much info yet posted over there.