STF-2 vs. VTF-2

[MrTomasulo]

I just placed an order for a new set of speakers from Ascend Acoustics and I plan on buying a Hsu sub to match. I held off on ordering though because while I was planning on just ordering the STF-2, DaveF over at Ascend suggested that the VTF might be at least a bit more desirable for music (lower extension, sounds a bit tighter, et al).

I am more concerned with how my system sounds with music than when used for HT, although will be used for both. My room is only medium-sized so I think either the STF or VTF will give me the pure power that I need.

Any opinions on whether the VTF-2 is definitely worth the extra money?

[wid]

You could fill out the product recommendation form (http://www.hsuresearch.com/support/index.php?id=36)and see what Dr. Hsu will recommend for your application.

[MrTomasulo]

I'll do that.

Cany anyone tell me though if they think the VTF would be better for music?

[Hans Gruber]

VTF-3 MK2 or the HO version. Does anybody buy a BMW without leather seats? No, unless you're on a budget, get the best. Buy a VTF-2 for your bedroom setup.

[Kjohn]

VTF-3 MK2 or the HO version. Does anybody buy a BMW without leather seats? No, unless you're on a budget, get the best. Buy a VTF-2 for your bedroom setup.

I agree if you can swing it get the best.

[MrTomasulo]

I'm pretty new to this, but I'm scared of building a bass-dominated system. VTF-3 is not a consideration for me. Too large, too much bass. I think of the VTF-2 vs. the STF-2 the same way you're talking of VTF-3 vs. VTF-2.

[MrTomasulo]

I guess a more precise question about the difference between the STF-2 and the VTF-2--- will the VTF-2 in high output mode produce a tighter bass that is better for musicthan the mass extension mode? Or is it simply just louder? If it's just plain louder, than I'm not that interested.

[Kjohn]

The only way you can have a bass dominated system is if you make it that way the VTF-3 will play lower with less strain and give you a much cleaner output the way you set it up determines how much bass it puts out but the VTF-2 is still a good choice but once again it can be bass heavy if not setup properly.

[tafguy]

I'm not sure you can use the turbocharger for the STF-2 but you can with VTF-2 Mk2.
So far I'm pretty happy for both music and movies with my VTF-2 Mk2 blended with a pair of B&W 601dms3 hooked through a NAD 320BEE.

Sure that a VTF-3 MK2 will be my top choice but at that time I bought the VTF-2 MK2 and the VT12 set, budget was tight to get the VTF-3 Mk2.

It is pretty powerful in my basement room 15'x36' but only half is used for HT.

Hope this helps in your decision!

[wid]

I'm pretty new to this, but I'm scared of building a bass-dominated system. VTF-3 is not a consideration for me. Too large, too much bass. I think of the VTF-2 vs. the STF-2 the same way you're talking of VTF-3 vs. VTF-2.

First off you have not mentioned what type of receiver you will be using in the system.The only way I would take the VTF2 over the STF2 is if you were running a 2 channel receiver with preouts to connect the sub with.If you are using an AVR then I would recommend the STF2.

You say music is your number on priority,right,most people when using a VTF2 plug one of the ports for the 25hz tune.The STF2 comes standard tuned in the 25hz mode.It seems to me there would be no clear advantage going with the VTF2 over the STF2 for your application.

I haven't heard the STF2 but I doubt you would be able to hear a differece in the two subs in the 25hz mode.I would think that Dr. Hsu would have made the two to have very,very similar ( if not the same ) sonic characteristic's.

[wid]

I guess a more precise question about the difference between the STF-2 and the VTF-2--- will the VTF-2 in high output mode produce a tighter bass that is better for musicthan the mass extension mode? Or is it simply just louder? If it's just plain louder, than I'm not that interested.

The difference in the max output mode and the max exstention mode is this.With max output mode you set the sub up with both ports open and switch ( via back panel ) it to 32hz.This will give you around 4 db more gain but will sacrafice the very low notes below that tune.With max exstention mode you plug one port set the switch to 25hz mode ( via back panel ) which will drop overall gain but will give you the ability to go lower.The 25hz mode seems to be prefered by most for music applications.

[MrTomasulo]

Thanks for the nice responses.

As far as receivers, I'll probably end up using an HK AVR-435.

Based on your input, the STF makes more sense to me.

Do buyers of the VTF prefer them to the STF due to greater power?

[wid]

Thanks for the nice responses.

As far as receivers, I'll probably end up using an HK AVR-435.

Based on your input, the STF makes more sense to me.

Do buyers of the VTF prefer them to the STF due to greater power?

In the case of the STF2 and the VTF2 there is only a 50 watt difference in the power rating.I highly doubt one could say they can hear a huge difference based on only a 50 watt difference.

[MrTomasulo]

If most users prefer the max extension setting for music applications, what is the max output setting used for?

Also, is it true what Tafguy said above that the turbo charger could be added to the VTF?

[wid]

If most users prefer the max extension setting for music applications, what is the max output setting used for?

Also, is it true what Tafguy said above that the turbo charger could be added to the VTF?

The max output mode would be for movies, as far as I understand it.Yes the VFT2MK2 will be able to accept the up coming turbo but the STF2 will not.From what I have been able to understand from the forum concerning the turbo it will be another $200 as an add on.That would end up bringing the cost of the VTF2 with the turbo to around $699.If I were to spending that kind of money I would opt for a VTF3 MK2 in the first place.

[smartbot]

Your reall splitting hairs. From all I've read about your needs I suggest the STF.

[MrTomasulo]

I'm just trying to figure out why one buys the VTF over the STF if everyone plays their VTFs in the same max extension mode as the STF. Does the VTF have a better sound? Or is it strictly for the power?

[tafguy]

I'm just trying to figure out why one buys the VTF over the STF if everyone plays their VTFs in the same max extension mode as the STF. Does the VTF have a better sound? Or is it strictly for the power?

For me, other than HSU's forums talks, the like of trade-off as the VTF allows one to switch to 2 open ports for movies and 1 open port for music. I personally found the 1 port open (maximum extension) is well suited for both movies and music.

But the real reason my choosing the VTF over STF was the review of Tom Nousaine's back then on the first version of the VTF-2. It was more than enough to convince me how good it will be with a better driver and better internal bracing besides beeing a very musical sub. At that time, the turbocharger was not in the picture. But today's, its availability as an add-on will add some weight one one's decision buying an VTF over STF.

But I don't know about the STF-2 but it has been said they should be the same in extension mode and you also get it for less money.

Again like Wid says, a VTF-3 Mk2 sounds right than an VTF-2 Mk2 with turbocharger.

[smartbot]

The thing is that most HSU owner do keep their VTF in Max extention mode. The reason is that they find it has plenty of output and power for movies. If you would like more than they have the option to take the plug out flip the switch and let her rip.

I don't know if you relize that with the plug out it will not go as low, but many many many movies will not go that low amyway. With out worring about how low it will go they can opt for the max output.

Since you are more conserned about music and understanding that max extention has gobs of output, I again think you should go for a STF.

I have owned both and I preferr the STF.

[wid]

If it were me I would give the Stf-2 a try, if by chance you don't think it's what you are looking for send it back.I really doubt that will be the case though.When I first bought my Vtf-2 there was no Stf model, if there were I do believe I would have gotten the Stf instead.I have never ran mine with both ports open.


Just hit the "add to cart button " and enjoy what you are about to hear http://www.hsuresearch.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif.

[smartbot]

I saw today a used STF-2 on ebay.

[MrTomasulo]

tafguy, Wid, smartbot-- Thank you.

Wid-- how come you haven't ever used the max output? Wouldn't this mode give tighter bass/less distortion? As an 'outsider', I would think frequencies below this level would occur more in movies than in music.

[MrTomasulo]

By the way, ^^ this is what Dr. Hsu basically told me in a follow-up email.

He said max output would allow for less distortion and greater headroom. (although I don't know what headroom means :))

[AdilM]

Having placed the VTF2 and STF2 in many rooms I have always found myself prefering the VTF2 to the memory of the STF2 or prefering the VTF2 memory to the STF. My mind says one thing, but the VTF series sounds tighter and quicker.

Now I just stock the VTf and move customers from the STF for a small difference. I think we currently have one STF2 for comparison sake. The STF comes in a nice small box, but I prefer the VTF amp, feet, and upgradeability.

[tafguy]

He said max output would allow for less distortion and greater headroom. (although I don't know what headroom means :))

Check below link to get better meaning of headroom!

http://timefordvd.com/hardware/receiver/AVReceiverBuyingGuide.shtml#Headroom

[tafguy]

Having placed the VTF2 and STF2 in many rooms I have always found myself prefering the VTF2 to the memory of the STF2 or prefering the VTF2 memory to the STF. My mind says one thing, but the VTF series sounds tighter and quicker.

Now I just stock the VTf and move customers from the STF for a small difference. I think we currently have one STF2 for comparison sake. The STF comes in a nice small box, but I prefer the VTF amp, feet, and upgradeability.

There is also an important overlooked feature is that the VTF-2 supports which is the line level low pass for 2-ch system that the STF-2 lacks.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/

Let's me explain:

Unless I'm wrong, but with this feature alone, you can not purchase a STF-2 to use with integrated receiver or system(s) which has only subwoofer output or system that has pre-out/mains-ins. That's is why the Right(Red)channel on the VTF-2 Mk2 is reserved only for that since most movies lovers used only the Sub-In/Left(White) on the VTF-2 Mk2.

I had to hook up with my NAD 320BEE stereo receiver from its pre-out/mains-in that could not possibly done with a STF-2.

[wid]

tafguy, Wid, smartbot-- Thank you.

Wid-- how come you haven't ever used the max output? Wouldn't this mode give tighter bass/less distortion? As an 'outsider', I would think frequencies below this level would occur more in movies than in music.

The reason I don't use max ouput is I don't need anymore volume for the VTF2.It is plenty powerful enough for me in max exstention mode.Keep in mind I have one of the first gen subs with the 150 watt amp.I use this sub and a set of the Hsu VT12s for H/T purposes only.I have a seperate system for music which I have an STF3 doing the work on the low end.

There is also an important overlooked feature is that the VTF-2 supports which is the line level low pass for 2-ch system that the STF-2 lacks.

While this is true the op is going to be using an AVR in his system so there's no real reason to sweat the line level lowpass on the VTF series.

[tafguy]

While this is true the op is going to be using an AVR in his system so there's no real reason to sweat the line level lowpass on the VTF series.

Wid, since no one has said, I thought it was important to mention in the context of the title of this thread for those who don't use AVRs: STF-2 versus VTF-2.

Better to know than later find out you can not do it! By then, it will be too late if you decide not using the AVR anymore!

[wid]

Wid, since no one has said, I thought it was important to mention in the context of the title of this thread for those who don't use AVRs: STF-2 versus VTF-2.

Better to know than later find out you can not do it! By then, it will be too late if you decide not using the AVR anymore!

Tafguy,

There is no doubt the info you gave is of great value to someone that wants to use a sub that is not using an AVR.Even though one could always make use of the speaker level inputs on a STF 2.

[agupta]

My room size 23ft X 17ft X 10ft (height). Has brick walls and a marble floor with 5 doors. My wife cannot tolerate too-loud volume. I will use only the max extension mode in case I get the VTF-2. Will I be missing out on anything if I go for the STF-2 instead of the VTF-2 MK 2. Does the VTF-2 really has a better driver and enclosure. Can any give me the link for Tom Nousaine's review of the VTF-2.

Thanks..