Hsu Research VTF-3 mk4 vs. VTF-15H - Deilemma!

Dudesicle

So eventually I am going to be setting up a studio. It's going to take quite some time.
I am purchasing some 703's for recreational listening. I kind of need a really good sub for them, anyway.
So basically, I am buying a Hsu Research sub, and later on it will be the sub in my studio.

However, I am in a bit of a dilemma.

I know that a single VTF-15H is more than enough for my room and needs. However, my room is quite small (at the largest, this sub will be in a 15x15 room). I have been reading that this is going to result in some cancellation causing FR irregularities. I have read that the controls, config options, and some EQ on the VTF-15H will possibly let me deal with some of this. But since this system is going to be 100% for music, and hopefullly for mixing/production, I really am focused on accuracy, and not just sheer volume.

However, my sub(s) needs to be able to handle a clean 20Hz tone. The VTF-15H can definitely dig much lower than that, and do it well, but possibly not in a room as small as mine.

So, I am also considering that instead of a single VTF-15H, I could get dual VTF-3 mk4's. It is a 12" vs. a 15", but I have been reading that having 2 12" subs will help mitigate some of the cancellation my small room is going to cause.

The only thing I'm worried about is the VTF-3's ability to dig low enough.

What do you guys think I should do?

rpf65

If you compare the specs on both of those subs, you'llfind the vtf-3 is very close to the 15. The 15 will get lower, and have a richer sound, but the 3 should preform fairly close. Just a thought here, you may want to look at the SVS sb-12. It's a sealed box design, but the specs look really good on it. Smaller footprint, and can get to low freq. May be something to consider, may be a better fit for music.

All else fails, ask HSU what they think. They have really good customer service, as does SVS.

Dudesicle

I had considered the SB-12 NSD
The VTF-3 and VTF-15 both have sealed modes, as well.

The only other sub I was really considering was the PSA XB15, but that one doesn't have the configurability of the Hsu models.

pearsall001

Also look into Velodyne, REL & Vandersteen subs.

Dudesicle

Okay thanks. As far as I know the Velodynes are all sealed and out of my price range. I've heard everywhere that they make great subs, though.

Will have to check REL and Vandersteen.

Also checked out some Rhythmiks, but again, sealed and/or out of my price range. Specifically, the FV15 and F15.

Do you guys know any specific models I could check out?

pearsall001

What's your price range?

Dudesicle

Initially, I had decided it would be under 800.

I think it needs to be more flexible, though. The purpose of this sub is to be used to produce music, so it is entirely an investment.

The XV15 is approx. 799.
The VTF3-mk 4 is aroudn 700, shipping not included. Makes it about 800 out the door.
The VTF-15H is aroudn 870, but shipping is NOT included like with the XV15. This brings the price to around 1000.

I am willing to pay any of those amounts of money, but I need to be sure I am making the right investment.

I will say that my absolute max is 1150. I can't justify spending more than that on a sub at the current time.

chiptouz

If I remember correctly, and I own the vtf3-mk4 it can hit as low as 18 hz and lower if you have it set in the right mode. My mode is setup for HT and with my hz gauge I see 20hz consistently.

BTW I love this sub and would completely recommend it for HT. HSU tech support is great and will help you set it up, they helped me. I cant say enough good things about them.

Chip

KLapinas

Are you looking to buy new or used?
I don't know where you are located, but I have a Velodyne F-1500 servo 15" for sale. Asking $525 or best offer.

With that said I also have an HSU VTF 2 mk iii that I use for home theater that is awesome. I also have a pair of REL Q201e subs that are pretty sweet too. They are definitely more musical than the HSU.

Dudesicle

Thanks guys!

I am much more interested in music reporduction than a sub for Home Theater. I will be using this sub for music 100%.

I also have no preference as to used or new. As long as the sub is in top condition, I will be happy.

I still need to check into some of these other manufacturers you guys have mentioned. I'll get back to you all by the end of the day.

Thanks so much for your help thus far!

Dudesicle

So I checked out REL and Vandersteen. They both look like great companies. The REL subs, in particular, have a very sleek aesthetic.

However, I could not find a price in easy view on their sites for any of their subs.

I am guessing that they are out of my price range.

The REL subs Serie R 528 also was a 12" with less output and range than listed on the other subs I am considering. The advantage of Q control is still there, but after reading about Q control, I am thinking that I will probably opt for the setting at its lowest possible. I am looking entirely for tight, punchy, musical, accurate bass. I do not need loose, loud bass (which would entirely be beneficial for HT, I can tell).

Accurate music reproduction is paramount here.

Thanks for the advice, so far.

thsmith

The HSU subs are very musical but if it were me I would go with the UL-15 I think it is, their sealed 15" sub. I prefer sealed sub over ported for music.

Dudesicle

So I chekced out that ULS15, and it looks like it was built with my purposes in mind. In fact, a couple of the reviews are people talking about how good this sub would be in a production/recording rig.

So here's what I'm thinking. The ULS15 is just too much for me to justify buying it right now.

However, I still have my Polk DSW Pro 660i.


I'm wondering how the 660 would compare with a Hsu VTF-2 mk4? The VTF-3 is also a nice sub, but I think for the extre 120 bux (+more for shipping as it is heavier), you really aren't getting enough more in performance to justify it. Plus, I could run 2 VTF2's if I decided to, which would easily give me more output than a single VTF3 between 18-20 Hz.

So how does the VTF-2 mk4 compare to the DSW Pro 660i?

thsmith

Cry once or cry twice.

WLDock

Dudesicle wrote: »

So I chekced out that ULS15, and it looks like it was built with my purposes in mind. In fact, a couple of the reviews are people talking about how good this sub would be in a production/recording rig.

A sealed 15" is what I think will suite my music/HT taste as well. The ULS-15 seems like everything I would want in a very clean home sub that has deep extention. However, I have been really turned on by the idea of DIY and the Stereo Integrity products.

In your case going DIY could offer a lot of clean bang for the buck!

Two - Stereo integrity HT 15" subwoofers -$170 each
http://stereointegrity.com/index.php?id=60

One - Crown XLS1000 or Behringer EP4000 or Dayton Audio SPA1000 1000 watt amp ~ $275-$338
www.amazon.com , www.partsexpress.com

Two - DIY Sound Group Flat Pack 3 cu ft sealed enclosures - $90 each
http://www.diysoundgroup.com/subwoofer-flatpacks-2/3-sub-flat-pack.html

---

= $820 + $125 S&H/misc. stuff ~$945 Total

This would offer a good deal of performance for just under $1K

www.data-bass.com test of the 18" version of this sub:
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=driver&id=46
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=90