cheap subwoofer: Velodyne HGS-12 vs HSU VTF-3 MKIII

cokewithvanilla
cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
edited July 2010 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
These subwoofers are very different in design and I am wondering what I would benefit more from. The Velo is much smaller, sealed and is servo controlled. The HSU is twice the weight and ported.

The HSU seems to get very good ratings, but I've also heard good things of the velodyne servo subwoofers. The velodyne also looks similar to the other speakers in my system, while the HSU is quite ugly.

I use my system for music, movies and games. Until recently, I didn't really do movies or games... but that is where I really noticed that my lack of a subwoofer hurts the system.

I would like a sub that sounds good with the 25's in music, but excels in movies and games. Which one would be better? These are both around $525.

Thanks
Post edited by cokewithvanilla on
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Comments

  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited July 2010
    I would say that if you want a sub that "excels" at movies and games I would get a ported sub.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited July 2010
    The HGS12 is a great very musical sub, but it's getting close to it's end of life. The DD series replaced it in the early 2000s. Velo may or may not continue to support it...just a thought.

    I auditioned a DD15 here for about a month and owed an SVS cylinder 20-39+.
    The Velo was refined and hit hard, but wouldn't dig like the SVS. For movies, at that time, I much preferred the SVS and it wasn't that far off for music. It's been years and my attitudes have changed, but I still might make the decision to send the Velo back. Not for the Plus, but something else. The DD15 is more sub than the HGS12 and the current VTF 3.3 is more sub than that older Plus, perhaps not quite as visceral, but more musical an quite powerful.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    I was kind of wondering about the age of the velodyne. It doesn't really bother me as I was going to purchase a 20 year old M&K if I could find one...

    Sounds like the HSU is the better sub.

    I've been looking around all morning and it seems that at 550, it's hard to beat.

    edit: just realized the mfw-15 is 500 new....interesting.
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited July 2010
    I am curious where you are getting the vtf3 for $550? It is more than that on their site and it is currently on sale for about $70 off the normal price.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    used. The reason I am debating it is it's in maple. I really don't want maple, but will take it if its a good price.

    I saw that MFW15 and now I am wondering. It gets a better rating on craigsub list... however, there is a thread at HSU that says thats BS and whatever... but who knows.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    FYI AV123's owner is Mark L Schifter. I would tell you to google that before purchasing from them.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    FYI AV123's owner is Mark L Schifter. I would tell you to google that before purchasing from them.

    I saw that... I don't know why that bothers some people. It certainly doesn't affect the quality of the subwoofer.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    I saw that... I don't know why that bothers some people. It certainly doesn't affect the quality of the subwoofer.

    Well, for starters they had a lot of problems with the Amp's in the MFW's. Second getting replacement amps became a long term endeavor for a good # of people. 3rd there is all the undelivered high end speakers. 4th there is the "raffles".

    I am surprised it doesn't bother you.

    I tend to purchase from companies that have a better track record. To each their own. Just trying to put it on your radar. If you're ok with that company then by all means.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    Well, I saw the amp issue.. apparently the models made after this time last year have had a different amp with no problems.... haven't heard about undelivered speakers, but that would suck. The raffles don't bother me... someone won, right? Oh so what, he didn't give the money to charity... I don't trust those charitable organizations anyhow...

    Thanks though...

    I haven't bought it yet... but it seems to be a killer value, even if it's coming from a company with an owner who has a slightly bent moral compass.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    Holy crap guys... the MFW-15 is $250!!

    I know what I'm buying.

    Wow. I ordered it at 348.50 and was charged 598 to my credit card.

    So.. yeah, don't try that.
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited July 2010
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    Holy crap guys... the MFW-15 is $250!!

    I know what I'm buying.

    Wow. I ordered it at 348.50 and was charged 598 to my credit card.

    So.. yeah, don't try that.
    Good luck...it's a Mark Seaton design that's been more than just problematic due to the part sourcing and troubles of the company. If you get one without problems, then it's a great sub. If not, then be prepared for some pain. There's a reason a sub that should have sold all day long for a grand is now being given away. Caveat Emptor was coined with this sub in mind.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    Holy crap guys... the MFW-15 is $250!!

    I know what I'm buying.

    Wow. I ordered it at 348.50 and was charged 598 to my credit card.

    So.. yeah, don't try that.

    I thought we went over this...:confused:
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    I thought we went over this...:confused:

    haha

    at 350 shipped it was worth a shot...no great loss. My invoice says -250 but it doesnt take it off... so either I will cancel my order, stop payment with my credit card, or get the sub for 350
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    haha

    at 350 shipped it was worth a shot...no great loss. My invoice says -250 but it doesnt take it off... so either I will cancel my order, stop payment with my credit card, or get the sub for 350

    Good luck with that. The main point that I was trying to make is the viability of the company. I am not sure as to its corporate structure so I am not sure if they can oust Mr. Schifter or not and bring in responsible stewardship. They just recently reset their entire forums. I can't purchase from a place that I perceive as not being around in a few years.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    Good luck with that. The main point that I was trying to make is the viability of the company..... I can't purchase from a place that I perceive as not being around in a few years.

    I see what you mean... but considering I was going to buy used equipment... I wasn't gonna have a warranty anyhow. I see your point... but at 250+ shipping.... it's kind of a no brainer to me.

    I'm sure it's a mistake on their website, but maybe I'll get lucky and they will honor the price... at that price, I can afford to have to replace the amp on my own dollar.

    I bet they will simply refund my money and I'll be looking into a different sub... no way am I gonna pay 600 when I have an invoice that says 350 :)

    Either way, it solves a problem, even if it's simply narrowing my choices down by one sub.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    I see what you mean... but considering I was going to buy used equipment... I wasn't gonna have a warranty anyhow. I see your point... but at 250+ shipping.... it's kind of a no brainer to me.

    I'm sure it's a mistake on their website, but maybe I'll get lucky and they will honor the price... at that price, I can afford to have to replace the amp on my own dollar.

    I bet they will simply refund my money and I'll be looking into a different sub... no way am I gonna pay 600 when I have an invoice that says 350 :)

    Either way, it solves a problem, even if it's simply narrowing my choices down by one sub.

    I think you are missing the bigger picture. Even if you have a used car as long as the manufacturer is in business you can get service and parts easily.

    If my Adcom had an issue, Adcom is still in business. 13 years ago I sent my now 32 year old IC150 pre-amp to Crown. The master gain pot was worn out and noisy. They charged me $30 to replace it and cleaned up the unit.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    I think you are missing the bigger picture. Even if you have a used car as long as the manufacturer is in business you can get service and parts easily.

    If my Adcom had an issue, Adcom is still in business. 13 years ago I sent my now 32 year old IC150 pre-amp to Crown. The master gain pot was worn out and noisy. They charged me $30 to replace it and cleaned up the unit.

    That is true. Some companies who have stayed in business still support their old products. Others, however (like Velodyne), do not support old products. A lot of the companies I am looking at (ED, SVS, EPIK, AV123, HSU) are relatively new companies that may not stand the test of time.. I guess you take a little gamble on future support for paying this little for equipment.

    I don't purchase equipment for it's support/warranty.... hell, Apple is supposed to be excellent with support... and look at how it's handing the iPhone4... a design flaw in the phone and they offer denial, arrogance (well, what did you expect from Steve Jobs?) and a 2 dollar case? You never can tell.

    Besides, if this sub lasts 2, 5, 10 years and then dies... am I gonna be hurting cause of the $350 I spent on it? Also, I'm not afraid to work on my own gear...who knows
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    I understand your approach. I tend to hold on to stuff and keep it going/maintained. It's almost like a point of pride for me. I still have my PSB Century 500i's and they are 16 years old. Even though I paid $450 back then. I believe I can still get replacement components for it.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    Actually, I might have lied.... check this out!!!

    woofer.PNG

    that's the email I got from them.... that's a killer deal... I shoulda got 2 for 600 :P
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    Holy crap, that is a good deal...
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    Holy crap, that is a good deal...

    Yeah. I shoulda bought 2.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    Haha, I knew it was too good to be true. Check this out:
    The Heat Buster coupon is valid for open box items only. The textured subs are A stock. Please do let us know if you would like to still keep a textured sub on order at a great price of $499. Thank you.
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited July 2010
    Jinjuku knows what he's talking about. One only needs to read the thread over at AVS to see that there are a lot of disappointed folks who have thrown their hard earned money into those MFW subs and wish they hadn't. Good luck with it.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2010
    Well you tried...

    I just went to the AV123 site and was shocked at the condition of the website.

    Hit the internet waybackmachine and take a look. If I were to hit a new, unknown site today and if it looked the way AV123 currently does there is no way I could confidently make a purchase. Obviously my opinion.

    If I thought my confidence in them was questionable before, it's absolutely shaken now. They would be better off with a cookie cutter Yahoo Portal.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2010
    hah.

    Yeah.. oh well. I didn't lose anything and it was worth a shot.

    Now I'm just back searching for a sub...at least I know it wont be an MFW-15
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