Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

[scott1019]

I currently have an HSU HRSW10V, I talked to DR. HSU personally, he suggests for me to keep it for my home theater. I am now in need of a great sub to go with a set of JBL Decade 36's.

What is the difference between the VTF-2 subwoofer, and the VTF-2 MK II's??

[Pete_Hsu]

Good evening Scott,

Are you asking about the differences between HRSW10V versus VTF-2/VTF-2 Mk2? There are certainly some notable differences, the biggest differences being the size and shape. However, you would probably want a VTF-2 HO, VTF-3, VTF-3 Mk2, TN1220HO, or VTF-3 HO to really have a noticeable upgrade in low bass output and extension.

Sincerely,

[scott1019]

as I asked before,

"What is the difference between the VTF-2 subwoofer, and the VTF-2 MK II's??"

And whats the VTF-2 HO??

[Pete_Hsu]

That is an easy one, but aren't you interested in how these VTF-2's compare to HRSW10V? :)

VTF-2 Mk2 is a refreshed version of VTF-2, with updated driver, more powerful amplifier, and different form factor and cabinet finish.

VTF-2 HO prototype was shown at 2005 CES in January. It will have a 350 watt amplifier, a new higher excursion driver, a new 4" port, and will be taller, deeper, but slightly less wide than the VTF-2 Mk2. Release date is still uncertain, sometime early next year we hope.

Cheers

[scott1019]

That is an easy one, but aren't you interested in how these VTF-2's compare to HRSW10V? :)


Cheers

Of course I would, how will it compare?

[Pete_Hsu]

HRSW10V is no slouch in performance compared to VTF-2. It uses a relatively large enclosure, a 4" port (which is approximately equal in port flow capability to the dual 3" ports on the VTF-2), and 10" driver. The VTF-2 does have some improvements to aesthetics, driver, and amp, but a more noticeable jump in performance would be to something like a VTF-3.

[scott1019]

Of the models that have been released the VTF-3 Mk2, HRSW12V, TN1220HO, and 1225HO., which would be the best subwoofer/amp combo??

How much will the new VTF-2 and VTF-3 cost? And will they be out for certain by the end of January?? I want to get a new sub before then.

[Pete_Hsu]

Hello Scott,

The TN1220HO with our 500 watt amp is arguably the highest quality out of those options that you listed.

The VTF-3 HO will be the new top of the line when it comes out. We hope to have it shipping soon, and end of January timeframe in particular should be just fine. Official price is $899 for the standard model, and $999 for the 'turbo' model. No pricing yet on the VTF-2 HO.

Hope this helps!

[zora]

Peter,

Wouldn't the HRSW12Va (with the 250 or 500 watt amp) be the equal of the TN1220, or perhaps the VTF-3 MkII w/turbo? It has a bigger enclosure, dual four inch ports (to tune lower with less port compression, the exact thing that the turbo option does for the VTF models), and is tuned very low. In my listening tests, the HRSW12Va with the updated driver plays louder and lower than the VTF-3 in max extension and the TN1220. The old "beast" is still very competitive with the newer models.

JP

[Pete_Hsu]

You are absolutely right, zora. The HRSW12Va with updated driver should have the edge over all those options (ie. VTF-3 Mk2, HRSW12V, TN1220HO, and 1225HO)! Quite an impressive design to hold up so well after all these years.

VTF-3 HO should be a noticeable improvement over HRSW12Va though :D

[scott1019]

Ok, I have an opportunity to go with a HSU HRSW12V for $400, you guys mentioned upgrading the driver on this unit? for what reason?? And will the amplifier used with this subwoofer work just as well as your newer amplifiers?

http://avsf.videogon.com/cgi-bin/buy_cl.pl?subwactv&1136255132

Thanks!

[Lwang]

There is no need to upgrade the driver. Only if you have had it a long time and you were looking for an improvement, a driver upgrade would have been one of the options instead of getting a new sub.

This amp looks like the 250w amp, which has a high quality internal crossover. It utilizes discrete crossover modules for the low and high pass, with sonic quality good enough that you could run your mains in through this amp for active bi-amplification.

[jmprader]

Peter:

Zora refers to his 12va with "updated" driver. I'm a bit confused...is/was their a driver change in the 12va series? When did it take place (I have a 12va that I intend to keep after my HO turbos show up) and can I buy one if my driver is the older one?

Thanks...

[Pete_Hsu]

Dear jmprader,

I believe that zora is referring to the current VTF-3 Mk2 driver that he is using as a replacement to the original driver in the 12Va subwoofer. Sure, you are welcome to purchase an updated driver, and I encourage you to speak with Dr. Hsu about the switch too.

Sincerely,

[scott1019]

Ok, I am probably going to wait until the new HO's come out. Currently I am using a RCA PRO SW220P. How much of an improvement will there be if I upgrade the driver with the 12" from HSU??

[scott1019]

Here is the website with the owner's manual.

http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/4005031_PM_EN.pdf

hope this helps, thanks/

[Pete_Hsu]

Good morning Scott,

Ok, I am probably going to wait until the new HO's come out. Currently I am using a RCA PRO SW220P. How much of an improvement will there be if I upgrade the driver with the 12" from HSU??

Don't you have an HRSW10V, with 10" driver?

You might notice some improvement upgrading driver and amp, but going with something like a VTF-3 HO would be the most ideal route.

Cheers

[scott1019]

Yes I do have a HRSW10V, but for now as my home theater sub I am using the RCA, I thought maybe swapping in a HSU driver would be an okay alternative for now. What do you think? I will be getting the VTF-2 HO when it comes, but until then, I'd like something a little better for my home theater room.

[Pete_Hsu]

Dear Scott,

I would not recommend even trying to use our 12" driver with that subwoofer. I recommend keeping a close eye on the subwoofer section at audiogon.com, and try to find a nice low cost used subwoofer to hold you over until VTF-2 HO is ready.

Here is a nice Velodyne here: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1138519847

Sincerely,

[scott1019]

How will this sub compare to the HRSW10V I have now?

[adriankelly]

This is exactly why I have decided to purchase from Hsu . The advice to purchase a different brand and a link to the actual unit on sale elsewhere.Who else in almost any business would do this just to keep a customer happy. Peter you have earned my upmost respect. Thanks to all at Hsu . Adrian

[Pete_Hsu]

How will this sub compare to the HRSW10V I have now?

It should definitely sound different, Scott, since it is a servo subwoofer in a sealed enclosure. Sound should be very clean with low distortion though!

Sincerely,

[Pete_Hsu]

This is exactly why I have decided to purchase from Hsu . The advice to purchase a different brand and a link to the actual unit on sale elsewhere.Who else in almost any business would do this just to keep a customer happy. Peter you have earned my upmost respect. Thanks to all at Hsu . Adrian

Thank you very much, Adrian! It is always very satisfying to see people getting good value for their money, and Audiogon is a great place to do just that!

Sincerely,

[scott1019]

What do you mean by different??

[Michael Bain]

You need to hear a servo subwoofer to know. Servo attemps to keep distortion low all the time. Output will just compress on the low frequency bass notes, while the Hsu will have less output compression aided by a large 4" port on the HRSW. That is also a sealed enclosure, in comparison to a ported one. So HT impact might be better on the Hsu, but extension might be better on the 12" velo servo. Too bad you can't add turbo to the hrsw :D

[scott1019]

Thanks Michael, do you think this servo setup will be better suited for music or home theater?? I am currently using the HSU for music, so it will need to be better than it in order to replace it. Do you think its worth a shot for $300?

[scott1019]

Is the difference you are referring to similiar to acoustic suspension speakers vs. ported speakers?

[Michael Bain]

Thanks Michael, do you think this servo setup will be better suited for music or home theater?? I am currently using the HSU for music, so it will need to be better than it in order to replace it. Do you think its worth a shot for $300?

Probably the servo will be better suited for music, it's worth a try for $300

[scott1019]

Do you think it will sound better than the HRSW10V?

[zora]

Scott,

I have listened to that particular Velo, and was only mildly impressed. If the HRSW 10 is still in good condition I would wager that it will play lower & louder, while "sounding" just fine. I haven't heard the HRSW10, but I have the big brother (HRSW12Va) and I personally like it better than the VTF3 and the TN1220HO. If you can get an update 10" driver from Hsu, the HRSW will serve you well for years to come.

JP

[scott1019]

sure, thanks for the input, I am looking for a HRSW12V to replace it, that is my first choice, I talked to Dr. HSU and he said my current driver is fine.

[Michael Bain]

If you already have a good 10v in working order, then just stick with it until you save enough for the HO's.

[zora]

Scott,
Check your messages, I sent you a PM.

Jim

[scott1019]

I didn't get the PM, or at least I don't know where to look for it.

[zora]

Scott,

When you sign in, look at the top right of the forum screen. Under your name it lists "private messages" and you can see if you have any by simply going to that section of the forum.

Jim

[scott1019]

How favorably do you think the VTF-2 HO will compare to the HRSW12Va when it comes out??