Question on VTF-2 and room size

[MSuero]

First time poster here, hello all.

I'm currently planning my HT/Music setup and have a question about whether the VTF-2 will be big enough for the room I'll be in. The system will be in a living/dining room area that's 17 x 23 with vaulted ceilings that go from ~8 to ~14. In addition the open kitchen area is off to the side and is another 6 x 12. Will the VTF-2 be able to handle a room with this kind of cubic footage? The system will be used for 50% Music, 50%HT. Upgrading to a VTF-3 isn't out of the question, however its a $350 that would be difficult to justify unless the VTF-2 would be plainly inadequate.

Other info that may or may not be pertinent: the rest of the system will consist of a Yamaha RX-V2300 receiver and Axiom m60 or m50 mains, Axiom VP100 center and Axiom QS4 surrounds. Main listening area will be in the center of the room, though I'll be spending a lot of time listening to it from the computer which will be at the opposite end of the long side of the room (23 feet away).

Thanks in advance,
Marcos Suero

[tdekany]

I never heard the VTF-2, but I can tell you that the VTF-3 will put a smile on your face EVERY SINGLE TIME you hear it. IT IS WORTH IT my friend.
m2c

[cschang]

Marcos,

The best thing for you to do is fax the layout of your room to Hsu Research and ask their opinion.

That is a pretty large room and I think it would benefit from the VTF-3......but I am not the expert.

curtis

[maxman]

My new room will be 16x21x8.5 - I'm going with the VTF-3. By the way, you missed the sale price...

[Sasha_G]

Originally posted by MSuero

The system will be in a living/dining room area that's 17 x 23 with vaulted ceilings that go from ~8 to ~14. In addition the open kitchen area is off to the side and is another 6 x 12. Will the VTF-2 be able to handle a room with this kind of cubic footage? The system will be used for 50% Music, 50%HT.

Considering the 50% HT usage and the adjacent open kitchen, I would recommend the VTF-3. The best way to get advice is to provide us with a little more information on your room by filling out this form, which Dr. Hsu will answer personally:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/support/index.php?id=36

Your room is on the threshold of size for the VTF-2. The rule of thumb is that under 16 x 20 is the best size for the VTF-2, although there is no hard and fast rule. *Many* people enjoy the VTF-2 in larger rooms thanks to good room placement, and the VTF-2 is a very loud subwoofer.

Another such rule of thumb is that sitting directly in the center of the room is the worst for even bass. Why are there so many complex rules for bass placement? Because room acoustics play a major role in deep sounds below 200 Hz or so.