New Model

[javis]

Hi,
The word is that there will be a VTF-3 MKIII or VTF-4 comming out soon.
If so, some indication of when and what we can expect would be great.

Thanks.

[Ddavidson]

Dr Hsu is always working on improvements behind closed doors, but if you do a search this has been well talked about before. His current models are already among some of the best performing subwoofers available for any sort of money so there is no need for releasing models for the sake of it. As can be seen with his previous model releases he doesn't believe in long drawn out intros so any new models are going to be shown in the product section and shipping rather than hyped up in pre-release form. If you can find a better sounding subwoofer for the money today then you should buy it because I have not heard anything better and I have heard most on the market


Ddavidson

[javis]

No need to bite my head off man. I was simply asking a question.
I don't think I suggested that Dr.HSU would be releasing a model for the sake of it.. did I?
Nearly all the things you read about the HSU product range are positive. As a result I will be purchasing a STF-3 or VTF-3 very shortly. I'm sure I will be very very satisfied with either one. Just trying to decide on which.
Would I stall my purchase for the sake of 4 or 8 weeks if a new model were to be released in the early part of the New Year? Yes!
I think that's fairly reasonable.

Javis

[Rob Babcock]

Ddavidson was just trying to answer, not insult you. Far as I know he's right- I haven't heard anything conclusive about a new model. Most companies do keep releasing "new" products simply for the sake of having new products, but I like that Hsu doesn't. If it's not broke, they don't pretend to keep fixing it every year. Many speaker companies just change the shape or dimensions of the enclosure to create the appearance that the model is new when it's essentially the same.

If you bought one and Hsu came out with a new one within a month you could always return it. And they hold their value pretty well. You could sell it on Agon or Ebay for a pretty good percentage of new price.

Just buy one! You know you want one! :D Why cheat yourself out of great bass now for the possibility of something better down the road?

[javis]

Your right Rob,
No reason to stall on this one. I think in the end the VTF-3 is the bad boy I'll purchase as I can no longer live with my current boom box. I can always upgrade later on if need be. My research however tells me the VTF-3 is definitley a musical sub that can mix it with the best of them so perhaps an upgrade will be out of the question for me for quite some time.

Ddavidson,
One thing's for sure regarding your reply. You beleive in HSU and the products they manufacture. I am absolutley certain based on your reply that I will be absolutley gob smacked.

Cheers!

[Ddavidson]

Sorry if you misunderstood the intent of my answer. I have owned Hsu subwoofers for a long time so its easy to get blas'e. I first found Hsu after reading Stereophile (Peter Mitchell) reporting on just how well Hsu Research subwoofers reproduced deep loud accurate bass. This was back well before home theater and the *boom boom* mentality that took hold. The HT influx was also when most subwoofers designers started with biases towards enhancing special effects (crazy boom box mentality). I guess I still like to reminish about days gone by before accurate *stereo* music reproduction became such a cheap dirty word.

Put simply every Hsu model that I have owned from the first HRSW right up to the TN, VTF, STF has all excelled in any direct comparision to other brands of similar or greater value. As a point of reference I still have pretty much every model since those early days and its interesting to compare just how good Dr Hsu's first designs compare to his very latest designs. Thats why I can easily say its no wonder he does't have to make sweeping changes or bring out dozens of models because his designs and nuetral tonality hold up even ater all those years of development.

You simply will not be disappointed with any Hsu subwoofer, and best thing is they guarentee it or else you get your money back. There are no poor models in the Hsu lineup so enjoy whichever Hsu you want and let us know what *you think* when you get one.

Ddavidson

[MacG]

Been reading the Hsu forum for a couple of months. Read a lot of good things about Hsu subs. Finally decided to buy a 5.1 system from Ascend Acoustics. PR CMT340M, CMT340C, PR CBM170, HSU VTF3 MKII. Unfortunately, the VTF3 MKII was only available in the matte black finish from Ascend. :( Wanted the piano finish but had to pay much more. Can't tell you how excited I am about trying it out. Should be delivered to me TODAY!! Can't wait to hook everything up to my Denon AVR 3805. I think I am capable of the hook up, but may be needing ya'lls help if things get out of hand.

[Ddavidson]

The Ascends are a great speaker and match up well with the Hsu subwoofer.
Its great that so many new people are getting to hear Hsu subwoofers that I have been raving about for years. Retail subwoofers of this sort of value and performance are just pipedreams for B&M shops.


Ddavidson

[javis]

MacG,
One week ago I took delivery of a Denon AVR 3805. It replaced my NAD T762. Wow! what a difference. As I am more into music 80%, I am using the pre out as I have a very nice 2 channel reference amp to drive my front speakers. Really like the (pure direct) setting as its shuts off all unnecessary electronics. Just have to learn how to use it properly now and set it all up to suit my room and ears, but that's half the fun.

Ddavidson,
Most people that end up being good friends start off on the wrong foot.
I will definitley tell you what *I think* after I take delivery of my VTF-3. Maybe I'll just bag it, to tick you off!
On a serious note. Could you please describe in your opinion (disregarding asthetics) whether the TN1220 has a more musical definition than the VTF-3 or is it much of a muchness.

Javis

[Ddavidson]

Its about the last getting the last 1/10th for an audiophile so asking what value to put on obtaining that 1/10th is like asking is the Pope a Catholic.

Its all about below 25Hz and if like me your into pipe organ and sustained 16Hz notes then the TN with its 4" long port doesn't compress anything like the 3" port on the VTF. A 16Hz wave is enormous and at volume the velocity through that port is very high. If you look at Don Keeles test of the TN1220 you will see that below 25Hz the TN is clearly better all the way down to the 16Hz fundamental. The price you pay for that extension is a big not so WAF cylinder with extra costs and perhaps the not so convenient issue of the outboard amplifier. Of course opinions vary on how big an issue these are but it’s definitely an issue for some people. It’s the flagship performer in the Hsu range but Dr Hsu designed it for sound first not for convenience and glamor. There is a clear reason why Dr Hsu prefers to rate conservatively because he has always maintained high standards of truth rather than just pushing marketing blurb.

The basic issue is that you are pushing a single short 3" port below 25Hz at velocity. Of course if you’re not into 16Hz notes at equal volume then STF/VTF actually work better in the main sound reproduction area above 25Hz. Its all design limited because the fact still remains their are many trade offs that a designer has to make in selecting cost vs size vs output vs distortion. You just got to ask yourself how important the under 25Hz area is. Many people need that for organ but for other people let the truth be known its probably more for *bragging rights* than actual usage.



Ddavidson

[javis]

Ddavidson,
Very well put, clear and concise.
Most of the music I listen to would be above the 20HZ mark. So the TN would not be for me at the moment. Probably don't even need the VTF-3 but thats the puppy I'll get.
Thank you for your feedback you've been a great help.

[MacG]

Javis,

Good choice in the receiver. Just got mines early this week and the features are endless. Kind of overwhelming. But I agree, figuring it out is half the fun. I'll recommend the VTF3 MK2 even if it's overkill for your needs. Atleast you won't be bothered by upgraditis.

[javis]

MacG,
Re: Upgraditis,
I wonder if it is at all possible to eliminate from the back of our minds the desire to at some stage upgrade. I think for most of us, equipment upgrades (in the right direction) are all about creating new and exiting listening experiences. Raising the bar so to speak. As an up and coming audiophile, I spend most of my listening time scrutinising the sound coming from my system rather than listening to the music. Which is wrong I know. But how many of us can say they are completely innocent of that.

I read a post written some time ago from a chap who stated "you know you have reached nirvana when your sound system can actually make you weep."

Wow! Is that possible?
For me it was certainly inspirational.

[Rob Babcock]

"I read a post written some time ago from a chap who stated 'you know you have reached nirvana when your sound system can actually make you weep.'"

Hmmm...now always true. B(l)ose 901's make me weep! But anything would be an upgrade over them! :p