Just how much better is the ULS-15 than the VTF-3 MK3?

[Matt_Smi]

Has anyone had a chance to hear both of them, or anyone upgrade from a VTF-3 to one? I have owned my VTF-3 for a year and half now and have no plans to replace it anytime soon as I have yet to have one of those “oh man my sub could have handled that much better” moment as I used to have frequently with my STF-2 which I owned prior to the VTF-3.
So yeah on paper it goes lower, has a bigger driver and almost twice the amp power going for it, but I am assuming that is because it is sealed. However the weight is almost the same as the VTF-3, but it is a smaller cabinet. The VTF-3 still has those massive 4” dual ports that I can fit my arm in up to my elbow haha and an overall bigger cabinet, now I understand that a sealed sub is going to be totally different to get it to perform correctly but I just cannot see it being all that much better than the VTF-3. Esp. for the $600 price jump, now please don’t get me wrong I am not trying to start a war here or anything I would just like some input from those who have heard both and maybe you can sway me around.

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Matt,

The ULS-15 does in general sound cleaner than the VTF-3 MK3. It also plays deeper, and has a nicer feature set. That said, due to the larger enclosure and large ports, the -3 MK3 actually has more raw max output capability near the port tuning frequency compared to the ULS-15. But at and above 25Hz, the ULS-15 more than holds it own. The ULS has 2-3db more max clean output in the 25-63Hz range compared to the VTF-3 MK3 in extended bass mode.

There is no doubt that ULS-15 DualDrive would be a big upgrade over the -3 MK3. But if your budget is not that flexible, then may as well just stick with the -3 MK3 for now, especially if you are using the system mainly for movies.

Sincerely,

[Matt_Smi]

Hi Matt,

The ULS-15 does in general sound cleaner than the VTF-3 MK3. It also plays deeper, and has a nicer feature set. That said, due to the larger enclosure and large ports, the -3 MK3 actually has more raw max output capability near the port tuning frequency compared to the ULS-15. But at and above 25Hz, the ULS-15 more than holds it own. The ULS has 2-3db more max clean output in the 25-63Hz range compared to the VTF-3 MK3 in extended bass mode.

There is no doubt that ULS-15 DualDrive would be a big upgrade over the -3 MK3. But if your budget is not that flexible, then may as well just stick with the -3 MK3 for now, especially if you are using the system mainly for movies.

Sincerely,


Thanks for the helpful reply Pete!
That makes perfect sense, I would expect the ULS to play a bit tighter and more accurate due to the sealed design and I bet it sounds amazing and very musical as I really cannot imagine something much cleaner that my VTF-3 haha! Like you said I bet two of the ULS-15’s would be a huge upgrade over my VTF-3 but for $2,200 I would rather upgrade my front soundstage as for now I am completely happy with the VTF-3. But I am anxious to see what new subs HSU has in store for the VTF line (or another new line) I am sure they will be amazing and make me want one when they are announced. Then I may go on to being a 3 time HSU sub owner!

[hjones4841]

I have not heard the VTF series, but am a new owner of the Quad Drive ULS-15s. Whether you get one, two or four, you cannot go wrong with this sub. The extension and control (tight bass on kick drum and electric bass, for example) is something to behold:)