HSU vs SVS

fgr41

I was sold on SVS then I see HSU haveing some great sales for their STF-2 and STF-3. I was going to get the 20-39 PCi then started thinking that I have also seen some great reviews of the HSU brands and I could save a few hundred with the STF-2 or step up to the STF-3 and still save $ because they are offering free shipping.

Does SVS ever offer any deals besided B-stock?

Do you think the HSU can perform as well or close to as well as the SVS in question?

$ is not something I have a lot of these days, even the cost of shipping the box back if I don't like it would be painful.

kingtut

A friend of mine had the VTF2. I am very impress by the VTF2. It blends in music really well, and it's very good for hometheater. The STF2 should be similar to the VTF2.

Lsi9

I have a HSU andI love it...people here say that SVS is better, I can't be the judge of that since I am obviosly biased due to lack of use I have with SVS

pjdami

For $399 shipped, that's one heck of a deal on a brand new sub with a 200 watt BASH amp. HSU and SVS both get a lot of respect in many of the audio forums I venture.

The 20 - 39 PCi will dig a bit deeper and have lower extension than the STF-2 or 3. The question is is it worth the extra $250 to you. Tough question. For $399 shipped I'm starting to ask the same question to myself. I've been looking into getting a new sub to replace my PSW-350.

Early B.

I just received my Hsu VTF-2 a few days ago and it's absolutely awesome. I, too, was struggling with going for the SVS 25-31 Pci or the Hsu. I went with the Hsu because of the price, size, WAF, and reviews. It's so powerful that I don't need to turn the volume up beyond the "9 o'clock" position. And I paid $499, right before the new STF-2's came out for $399.

There's a never ending debate about which one is better -- SVS or Hsu. Well, for $250 cheaper, the Hsu should be your top choice. I'd go for the Hsu and never look back.

pjdami

For $399 I willing to bet that there is no sub that can rival it in its price class. Glad to hear you are liking the VTF-2. I think the STF-2 is the same as the VTF-2 but one doesn't get any options as far as variable port tuning. Its either max extension or max output.. not quite sure but I'll get my read on..

Early B.

pjdami --

Take your own advice, sell the PSW-350, and get yourself an STF-2. You'll be glad you made the right decision. I've started watching some of my DVDs again. They're also great for music. A real big plus is that my wife loves it!!

If you decide to order one by November 25th, the shipping is free.

pjdami

Nice looking sub. I just might do it to be "different". Looks like the STF-2 is the VFT-2 in max extension mode. Found some specs that are interesting. I'm not much of a basshead or bass guru for that matter.

-->Hsu VTF-2 in max output mode: 109.7db's (25-60Hz avg SPL)
XX SVS 20.39: 109.5db's (25-60Hz avg SPL)

-->Hsu VTF-2 in max extension mode: 93db's (20Hz SPL)
XX SVS 20.39: 91db's (20Hz SPL)

pjdami

another..

pjdami

another...

Dr. Spec

The specs you quote for the SVS is for a very early model with the 190 watt Fidek amp and not the "improved standard driver". A new 20-39 PCi with the 325 watt BASH amp and the ISD will better those numbers by about 4 dB.

Although SVS does not advertise minor changes, they are committed (as is any good company) to continuous quality improvement and their subs have undergone a host of changes that when viewed in whole make the current production models considerably more potent in all respects (output and extension) than the original models.

It's high time one of the big name reviewers got some current production and like-priced SVS and HSU products into the same test room under the same conditions and crunched some numbers.

I'm planning on a few face-offs myself when hunting season is over and I can get around to rounding up some subs in the area. In-room and ground plane FR and THD at various frequencies and SPL.

SVS does not offer any other discounts other than B-Stock. They offered a "sale" once and although demand was huge, they had problems with late comers asking for the sale price, etc. Now, instead of running "sales" they simply work hard to keep the price as low as possible all the time.

Also, don't get sucked into the term "free shipping". Although SVS breaks out the shipping price (and only charges what UPS or BAX charges them), a more accurate phrase on the HSU website would be "purchase price includes shipping". SVS is actually losing money on the PB2-ISD shipping right now at the special rate of $50.

Also, HSU products are built in China, where labor can be had for pennies on the dollar. SVS sources all of its parts in North America and its woofers are built in California and its enclosures and subs are built in Ohio. Personally, I like the fact that SVS is USA made. It might not matter to someone else, though - to each his own on that talking point.

HSU makes good subs, no doubt. HSU's recent rash of new products is clearly in response to the fact that SVS has been draining the oil from its tank and SVS is now undoubtedly a larger company with higher sales figures. The STF-3 is a virtual clone of the PB1-ISD, albeit introduced 2 years later. I'd like to see a shoot-out between these two subs.

Doc

Early B.

Hsu is obviously going after a different market than SVS with their new lower priced subs. As a more mature company, Hsu Research recognizes the need to diversify its product offerings (SVS will probably do the same thing in a few years). In fact, they're even offering a 6 speaker package, so it seems as though Hsu is working towards becoming a speaker company, not just a subwoofer company. So I doubt that Dr. Hsu perceives SVS as a competitive threat for his newer products. I applaud Dr. Hsu for going after an untapped market -- lower priced, high quality subs that go real low. Sounds like a good business strategy.

The real issue for many audio consumers comes down to price vs. value, and in this category Hsu is a winner, especially for those of us who don't want to pay more than $400 or $500 for a sub. SVS appears to have tremendous value, too, for those that can afford to pay for it.

dorokusai

I don't think that this market segment is that huge. I am sure that HSU is very aware of SVS simply due to the HTF forum discussions. They are both great subwoofers, thats a given.

If a small homegrown company like Signal Cable, can end up being the supplier of the stock power cable, for the new Velodyne $15K subwoofer....then it has got to be possible that HSU is aware of SVS, and is attacking that market segment.

Whether it's in direct reflection or simple business procedure...the war is on.

fgr41

I think there is a large market for the <$500 sub that can reach down deep. I don't care what some people say there are more and more people that are living on less and less $. It's hard to find a quality sub that will shake your bowels with out taking a dump in your wallet.

When I started looking around for subs I found it disapointing that you either get an ok entry level sub for 2-300 or you have to step up to the 6-700 range to get a better but not the "end all" sub.

Anyway, I have been doing some research for a bit on SVS and HSU and there seems to be a bit of rivalry. One says they have the advantage over the other but both are highly respected.

I don't want to turn this thread into a bashing session between the two, there has already been enough of that. The real issue is they are offering their new sub at $599 with free shipping for a limited time. SVS has the 20-39 witch "reportedly" will perform almost the same if not a tad bit better for $599 + shipping. Question is, is a "tad bit" worth the price of shipping?

I also heard on another board that the 25-31 that SVS sells can be tuned at the factory to reach 22Hz. Does anyone know about this?

Dr. Spec

You would be hard pressed to hear more than subtle differences between these four subs:

25-31 PCi (25 Hz tune)
PB1-ISD (22 Hz tune)
"22-31" PCi (a 25-31 PCi with a factory 22 Hz tune - longer vent)
20-39 PCi (20 Hz tune)

They all employ the same driver, vent size, and amplifier.

The PB1-ISD and the "22-31" PCi will sound the most similar, since they have the same tune point.

The 20-39 PCi will troll the lowest, but it probably won't be obvious on most program material. And the 25-31 PCi will play the loudest by a small margin (maybe 1.0-1.5 dB) due to its slightly higher tune point.

The cylinders are a bit less expensive to manufacture, so they offer a slightly higher performance/$$ ratio. And they have a smaller footprint. The box is more traditional, and a box design is important to many prospective buyers.

Since they will all offer very similar performance, I think aesthetics and personal preferences will probably influence your final decision the most.

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by Early B.
As a more mature company, Hsu Research recognizes the need to diversify its product offerings (SVS will probably do the same thing in a few years).

I guess you haven't visited SVS' website recently. HSU's R&D has been absolutely glacial compared to SVS'. You want to talk about product diversification?

SVS now offers no less than 6 box subs and 14 cylinder subs:

Box Subs:

PB1-ISD
PB1-Plus
PB2-ISD
PB2-Plus
PB2-Ultra
B4-Plus

Cylinder Subs:

25-31 PCi (with 22 Hz tune at no exta cost)
20-39 PCi (with 17 Hz tune at no extra cost)
16-46 PCi

25-31 CS (with 22 Hz tune at no exta cost)
20-39 CS (with 17 Hz tune at no extra cost)
16-46 CS

25-31 PC-Plus
20-39 PC-Plus
16-46 PC-Plus

25-31 CS-Plus
20-39 CS-Plus
16-46 CS-Plus

20-39 CS-Ultra

SS

Not only that - SVS has some "VERY exciting" product offerings in the works for 2004. They have been dropping hints at a few forums and I for one can't wait to see what they've got cooking.

fgr41

I sent Ron from SVS a note asking some more questions. I sent the email late last night, a Saturday, and he had a detailed responce to me Sunday afternoon. I have been very pleased with the info and attention to detail I have been given from SVS.

With the information about the 22Hz tuning port adjustment and all the great attention I have gotten from the SVS sales team I have gone ahead and ordered the 25-31PCi.

So what sold me, a few things:
1. the amount of info and time given to answering my questions, even on the weekend.
2. the ability to get the 25-31 tuned to 22Hz.
3. the reputation and reviews I have read on this and other sites.
4. 100% made in the USA.

dave shepard

Originally posted by fgr41
With the information about the 22Hz tuning port adjustment and all the great attention I have gotten from the SVS sales team I have gone ahead and ordered the 25-31PCi.

Well spank my **** and call me Charlie!!! Doc sold another SVS....

Congrats and well done
You'll have no regrets I'm sure welcome to the cult.......I mean club:D


Dave

scottvamp

What is the 22Hz all about - why not 21Hz???

Airplay355

idk, looks nicer?

DanielCSCS

My patients was exhausted with SVS. I decided to cancel my order for a 25-31 PCI last night. I must say I dont regret my decision given the quality and pricing offered by HSU. Needless to say an STF-2 is making its way to me as we speak. I doubt my neophite ears would be able to detect a difference between the stf-2 vs 25-31 pci. That said, saving a little over $200 made all the difference.

Doug Montgomery

Daniel,

With everything going on with China, Korea and the Mid West. Doesn't SVS being designed, fabricated, tested and shipped in the USA count towards a $200 investment in your country?

You say exhausted with SVS...what happened? I have read nothing but Kudo's about there customer support.

Not ment as a bas, just a legitamate question from a U.S. Army soldier.

Thanks,

Doug Montgomery
CW2 U.S. Army

DanielCSCS

Doug, I am a relatively well educated consumer and admitted neophite to the world of home theater. My exhaustion is not directed towards SVS, persay. Ron has been a gentlemen. He has patiently answered my repeated questions. That said, I was completely unaware of the recent offerings from HSU. The STF-2 seemingly is more than sufficient on paper to meet my needs. So when faced with the decision to wait for a critically more expensive SVS or purchase the HSU while saving close to $250 dollars in doing so, well its a no brainer when your in my position.

I am also eagerly anticipating the arrival of a brother of mine from overseas. May God see him home safely, he is the quintessential LOTR buff and I am extatic to provide him a HT /w sub for his first viewing of TT:EE.

Enough said, Right?

ken brydson

If it came down to price then fine. I was confused by "lost my patience with SVS" too. I have heard nothing but good reports on their CS as well

Doug Montgomery

Absolutely bud

dave shepard

Originally posted by DanielCSCS
My patients was exhausted with SVS. I decided to cancel my order for a 25-31 PCI last night.

How long were you waiting? I waited for 6 weeks and can tell you I'm glad I did, very glad. I've heard everything CC and BB had and even listened to an M&K (don't know model) and can tell you at first I was impressed with them but stuck out the wait for mine and can't say enough about it. I have heard of people waiting up to 12 weeks (that would probably try my patients) and they quickly forgave the wait when they heard and felt it's performance. This is not ment to in any way make you second guess what you are about to recieve. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, I just don't want you to feel that you were in that boat alone. When you get it let us know what you think.

Congrats with the sub

Dave

dorokusai

Daniel - Have fun with the new subwoofer. I don't think you can go wrong with either brand. I would have opted for the lesser financial option also.

Early B.

Daniel --

Good decision.

Got any plans for the extra $250 bucks you saved? Hell, add another $150 and treat yourself to two STF-2s.

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by scottvamp
What is the 22Hz all about - why not 21Hz???

Scott:

The 25-31 PCi enclosure has a 25 hz tune. The factory can install a slightly longer vent tube which lowers the tune to 22 Hz. The tube can't be much longer or it will interfere with the woofer.

There is nothing magical about the 22 Hz tune. It just happens to be the frequency which SVS selected to tune the PB1-ISD. And coincidentally it is also the tune frequency of the "22-31 PCi".

Ed