Hsu VTF-2 Mk. 3 Performance?

[skool]

Hi guys, I am in the market looking for a sub under $600. I was considering the VTF-1, but it looks like I will go bigger so I won't worry about upgraditis later. Anyway, it looks like the VTF-2.3 is in my range. However, I can't find any up-to-date information regarding the performance of the sub. It seems everything else I research is about the VTF-3.3. Is the VTF-2.3 being overlooked? Given its price point, it's in direct competition of the SVS PB12-NSD. However, based on reviews, it looks like the PB12-NSD is closer in performance to the VTF-3.3 than the VTF-2.3.

I know the SVS has been revised recently, but what about the VTF2.3? How does it performs compare to the VTF-3.3 and PB12-NSD? Is it capable of producing LFE effects for HT duties at reference volume in a 3000 square feet with openings to the kitchen and laundry room?

[cacihome]

Hi, skool:

How much is the total space w/ laundry and kitchen?

The 2.3 and 3.3 sound very similar... Only that, when pushed hard, the 3.3 has simply more output.SQ wise, at moderate levels, they are very very difficult to distinguish from each other..

The thing with HSU subs is that they are truly balanced products. Finish vs Size vs Output vs SQ...

About how they feel when driven to their limits.... I would say that, to say something that can describe it best to you, the 3.3 feels about a 2.3 and a half as powerful...

The 3.3 in maximum output mode has 2 x 4" ports, which make it a very clean sounding sub at the deep regions, even when pushed very hard...It has a lot of output in this mode for a 12" driver sub. To date the most powerful 12" sub I have heard in overall performance.

[skool]

I would say total space would be no more than 4500 square feet.

I understand the 3.3 would have more output due to bigger cabinet with more internal volume and bigger ports. If the sound quality of the 2.3 is similar, then I may have an idea of what it sounds already since my friend has the 3.3.

Is there any graph or chart that can give me a better idea?

[cacihome]

If that is the size of the room, the 2.3 or 3.3 should manage it very good.

Yep. Actually, the 2.3 is a 3.2 with an amp 100w less rms power...
Also its response is now flatter, making it more musical than before, at least to my taste.
In hometheatershack.com, there is a graph of a 3.2.
By the way, the 2.3, and 3.3 share the same 12" driver.

At least this can give you some ideas...Not everything, but an idea...
3.2
Max output mode:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/987-hsu-vtf-3-mk2-maximum-output.html

Max extension mode:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/986-hsu-vtf-3-mk2-maximum-extension.html

[skool]

I've seen that graph already. However, if I'm not mistaken, the new 2.3 and 3.3 have a different 12" driver that would contribute to its flatten frequency response, is that correct? That is why I hoped to see if there's a newer more updated graph.

Also, the VTF-2.3 was began at $499 price point and have since climbed to $549. Since then, I'm curious to what factors contributed to justified its jump to current price point of $549? I would appreciate if maybe Pete could chime in to offer some thoughts. Thanks.

[Pete_Hsu]

The main reason the VTF-2 MK3 is $50 more expensive now than when it first came out is because it is using a much more expensive and luxurious Satin Black finish with a "seamless" enclosure design, while the old VTF-2 MK3 used a Vinyl Black finish where you could see the seams where the endcaps were put on. Also, the response is a bit flatter too.

I just got word that we will be putting VTF-2 MK3 Satin Black on Father's Day sale tonight, so it will be $50 off :)

[skool]

Does the flatter frequency response due to better cabinet design or driver revision?

Wow...are you serious about the sale? Does that mean we will finally see the VTF2 MK3 at 10% off? This may be the tip of the iceberg for me.

Thanks for the quick reply Pete. Thanks for your contributations as well, Cacimar.

[Pete_Hsu]

skool, we made some upgrades to some components of the amplifier, and in turn we modified the amp for a flatter response.

The VTF-2 MK3 Satin Black is officially on sale for $499!

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

Sincerely,

[cacihome]

Does the flatter frequency response due to better cabinet design or driver revision?

Wow...are you serious about the sale? Does that mean we will finally see the VTF2 MK3 at 10% off? This may be the tip of the iceberg for me.

Thanks for the quick reply Pete. Thanks for your contributations as well, Cacimar.

My pleasure to help!

The difference with HSU, is that they really modify the amps, to have flatter responses vs what you get when you just put a driver, and an amp in a box...

[skool]

Does the dimension of the VTF3.2 on the site includes the spike feet or just the cabinet itself? Regarding the rear ports, how close can I place it near the wall? Since the sub will be placing at the front stage, I am afraid I may not have enough clearance.

[kingtut]

I have a VTF3.2, which is now VTF2.3 in a similar sized room. I've owned it for over 5 yrs and don't feel a need to upgrade due its sound quality. Get it man, especially since it's on sale.

[Pete_Hsu]

skool, the dimensions of the VTF-2 MK3 enclosure not include the spiked feet and knobs on the back of the amp are 20.5"x15"x22" (HxWxD). Try to give at least 3" of space behind the unit.

Sincerely,

[skool]

I have a VTF3.2, which is now VTF2.3 in a similar sized room. I've owned it for over 5 yrs and don't feel a need to upgrade due its sound quality. Get it man, especially since it's on sale.

Yes, I am considering it at the moment. The $50 off makes it even a sweeter deal. I've heard my friend's VTF-3.3 and is quite impress by its musical tightness and accuracies. Surprisingly, I was the one who suggested it to him due to the reputation of Hsu subs for being musical and I haven't even heard it before. By the way, what size is your room the VTF3.2 is in and what mode are you using it in? I tried Maximum Output in my friend's room and find it a little overwhelming for music.

Also, I'm glad to hear your VTF3.2 lasts over 5 years. Has the sub been in service before? This is a good indication of the reliability of Hsu's amp.

skool, the dimensions of the VTF-2 MK3 enclosure not include the spiked feet and knobs on the back of the amp are 20.5"x15"x22" (HxWxD). Try to give at least 3" of space behind the unit.

Pete, thanks for the information. I needed to know so i could plan the placement of the sub under the front entertainment desk.

[terpsfan59]

I did not want to start a new thread for this one question. I keep hearing about people running multiple subs. If my receiver has only one pre out for the sub how would I do this? Thanks for any information. I currently have a VTF-2 MK3.

[shadyJ]

Wouldn't you just use a Y-splitter RCA cable? Get em at radio shack for $5. 'Subwoofer' cable is just a mono RCA cable, despite the packaging claims and price increases from Monster or anyone else.

[terpsfan59]

Wouldn't you just use a Y-splitter RCA cable? Get em at radio shack for $5. 'Subwoofer' cable is just a mono RCA cable, despite the packaging claims and price increases from Monster or anyone else.

That's what I have been hearing. Does anyone know for a fact that this works? Is this the recommended approach? Are there any tuning differences when running dual subs? Thanks for any information.

[cacihome]

The splitter that sadyj recommends is fine. Any mono RCA cable will work.

[skool]

That's what I have been hearing. Does anyone know for a fact that this works? Is this the recommended approach? Are there any tuning differences when running dual subs? Thanks for any information.


If you're planning to use two subs, then you would need a Male-to-Females Y-Splitter such as this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3526364). If you're confused by that link, don't be. Composite video cable is also known as "subwoofer" cable or "coaxial" cable. It's the same thing!

Running dual subs has several benefits. First, if your room is anything like mine, there's uneven frequency responses just walking around my room. There are many nulls and peaks in your room. Having two subs in two different places help smoothing out this uneven frequency responses in your room. Second, if you place the two subs within 6 feet of each other, you will gain an extra 3 dB in output. Unless you don't have two similar subs, there's no tuning differences.

[terpsfan59]

If you're planning to use two subs, then you would need a Male-to-Females Y-Splitter such as this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3526364). If you're confused by that link, don't be. Composite video cable is also known as "subwoofer" cable or "coaxial" cable. It's the same thing!

Running dual subs has several benefits. First, if your room is anything like mine, there's uneven frequency responses just walking around my room. There are many nulls and peaks in your room. Having two subs in two different places help smoothing out this uneven frequency responses in your room. Second, if you place the two subs within 6 feet of each other, you will gain an extra 3 dB in output. Unless you don't have two similar subs, there's no tuning differences.

Skool, thanks for the information. I have been considering this and just wanted some information. Thanks again.

[hometheatergeek]

terpsfan59,

I have actually set up 2 of the HSU ULS-15s plus 2 Velodynes in my system and I only have 1 sub out from my Yamaha RX-V1800. You just add Y adaptors as you need them. This is no signal loss at all in my 4 subwoofer setup.

[terpsfan59]

terpsfan59,

I have actually set up 2 of the HSU ULS-15s plus 2 Velodynes in my system and I only have 1 sub out from my Yamaha RX-V1800. You just add Y adaptors as you need them. This is no signal loss at all in my 4 subwoofer setup.

HTG, excellent information. Thanks. I will be giving this a try.

[phatster]

I USED PORT EXTENSION TO IMPROVE MY BOTTOM!