WTB: Polk DSW Pro 400 or HSU VTF-2 MK2 or MK3

jmwest1970

I just missed a deal today on a HSU VTF-2 MK2 for $250, but such is life.

My POS JBL sub is dying and I'm looking for something decent to replace it. I've narrowed it down to these models so if you have one or know where to grab one please let me know.

treitz3

Allow me to interrupt please. What's wrong with the JBL sub? If you are pleased with it, would it not be cost effective to try to repair that one?

If not, try to get a DSW. They are still relatively new, so a used one may be hard to come across but ya' never know...

jmwest1970

treitz3 wrote: »

Allow me to interrupt please. What's wrong with the JBL sub? If you are pleased with it, would it not be cost effective to try to repair that one?

The sub is a JBL PB12 and is "chirping" when turned on and intermittently during operation. The research I've done is that it uses a proprietary amp that has no parts available and the woofer is a 2 ohm sub so common plate amps won't work.

treitz3 wrote: »

If not, try to get a DSW. They are still relatively new, so a used one may be hard to come across but ya' never know...

I've found a DSW Pro 400 at At Your Service Electronics
for $278, but I'm not inclined to buy it there as I don't see them on the Authorized Online Dealers list.

jmwest1970

I'm still looking to replace the JBL. Anyone looking to part with a DSW400 or DSW500?

ViperZ

jmwest1970 wrote: »

I'm still looking to replace the JBL. Anyone looking to part with a DSW400 or DSW500?

I have a lot of experience repairing the PB12 in particular. If the serial number of yours starts with 'AM', then it's an older model and it uses a proprietary amplifier module (basically, it's a "normal" amplifier, but encapsulated in epoxy, so it does not get enough heat dissipated from the transistors). Replacing that amp module will usually cost around 150 dollars and will last 6-12 months.

If your serial number stars with 'HA', then it's the newer model, there is no proprietary amplifier (just discrete parts), and the amp is definitely repairable.

jmwest1970

ViperZ wrote: »

If your serial number stars with 'HA', then it's the newer model, there is no proprietary amplifier (just discrete parts), and the amp is definitely repairable.

I took a look at it's an HA. Is the amp replaceable, or is repair the best route to take? Also, what's your opinion on this sub?

ViperZ

jmwest1970 wrote: »

I took a look at it's an HA. Is the amp replaceable, or is repair the best route to take? Also, what's your opinion on this sub?

The amp is definitely repairable. Check the Harman/JBL site for local repair sites. In Canada, JAM Industries does most of the repairs.

PB12 was one of my first "real" subs. Since then I moved to dual JBL Studio S120PII, then to dual Velodyne DPS-12. Now I have a single NHT SubTwo in one setup, and single Velodyne ULD-15 in another.

After going through several subs, I definitely think that this sub is good only for the home theater, but not for music. It's loud enough for the explosions, but otherwise, it won't cover music well at all. I don't want to say that it's boomy, but it does not differentiate well between different low frequencies. I guess, I am too spoiled now with the sealed servo subs.

In the price range for that sub, if you want to stay with JBL line-up, I'd look at JBL S120PII (you can even get new ones on ebay) or whatever replaced it. S120PII is a ported forward-firing 450W RMS sub and was pretty good even for music.
The amplifiers in the Studio series are much much better in terms of performance and build (heat dissipation).