Advice please on vtf3.3 or mfw15

[ron]

Relatively new to the technical aspects of speakers and subwoofers, I find myself in trouble trying to decide which of the two subwoofers is "better." From all the researching and reading I've done so far, both Hsu Research and AV123 make amazing products. However, I have never had the opportunity to experience either of the two. I am comparing these two b/c of their price point, which is about how much I can spend. Reading the posts on the av123 forum about the MFW15 has gotten me a little worried since quite a few of pple are reporting issues with their units. How is the VTF3.3 with quality?
And in the end...is one better than other? :confused:

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[cacihome]

That is a question we cannot simply answer it with a yes or no.
It depends on what you want...
I can tell you that the VTF3 MK3 quality is A+++++++. That is one remarkable driver.
I still have mine, and so far it is the best overall 12" sub I have had.

In fact, in my opinion..

I have a ULS also.
If it weren't for the size and wireless option the ULS has, considering both prices, the VTf3 would be the better sub.

[bsoko]

I have had both and the HSU sub is the better one for SQ.

Bill

[ron]

Hey thanks for chiming in guys.

cacihome...when you say it depends on what I want, what do you mean? Overall, SQ and build quality are my two main concerns. Build quality referring to something that won't crap out on me, even through hard use. Can the 12 incher keep up with the 15 incher on the MFW-15? From what I always understood it as, the bigger the driver, the better the results (not factoring in the amp and such). Must be nice having that ULS. Have you experience any other subs that can match its performance?

bsoko...is the MFW better in anything compared to the VTF?

Im so glad to pulled off on the trigger and did some heavy research. I was super close to buying either the Klipsch RW-10d or sub-12.

[bsoko]

OK, what size is your room? From my own experience of owning both subs, the 3.3 with the 12" driver plays much flatter with less distortion then any sub I have owned. If you want a sub for 50 movies and 50 music, then the 3.3 is the sub to have, not the MFW-15.

Bill

[ron]

My room is roughly 9x20x25. I will be using it mostly for music, with about 25/25 for games/movies.

What's your set up like? Are you 50 music 50 moives? What do you use the VTF for as opposed to the MFW? Im also in need of speakers, but that will wait until after this dilemma.

[Kjohn]

My room is roughly 9x20x25. I will be using it mostly for music, with about 25/25 for games/movies.

What's your set up like? Are you 50 music 50 moives? What do you use the VTF for as opposed to the MFW? Im also in need of speakers, but that will wait until after this dilemma.



Why would you ask that question on this forum you don't have to guess what the answer will be. :confused:

[ron]

To get various perspectives that I dont see or know of. I'm aware the majority of people here will recommend the VTF, but the important point is why.

[shadyJ]

Why? Reliability, if it is being compared to the MFW. The MFW might have a bit more output, but it is notorious for QC problems, do a google search and you will see. The VTF subs are solid, they are based on a design that has been through years of refinement. They have both high quality sound and a lot of output. They also look pretty good for a subwoofer, and they are easier to move around vs the 125 lbs MFW, and they don't eat up as much room. Whatever edge in max SPL the MFW has over the VTF is very slight compared to all the other benefits of owning a VTF.

[cacihome]

Hey thanks for chiming in guys.

cacihome...when you say it depends on what I want, what do you mean? Overall, SQ and build quality are my two main concerns. Build quality referring to something that won't crap out on me, even through hard use. Can the 12 incher keep up with the 15 incher on the MFW-15? From what I always understood it as, the bigger the driver, the better the results (not factoring in the amp and such). Must be nice having that ULS. Have you experience any other subs that can match its performance?

bsoko...is the MFW better in anything compared to the VTF?

Im so glad to pulled off on the trigger and did some heavy research. I was super close to buying either the Klipsch RW-10d or sub-12.

Oh that 12" driver of the 3.3...Yes it can!
The HSU is flatter across the FR, and is extremely well made.

Most sub manufacturers focus more on the visceral impact or the punch that a sub has in the mid bass section of lets say 32hz-60hz, and focus less in being flat in all the FR(because it is harder to do).... That is why you may feel other subs more powerful in some movie scenes... But they are not necessarily as powerful in the FR, they only are more focused on those areas...

I have an Elemental Designs A7s-450 18" sub w LT1300watt amp which is way more powerful than the ULS....But only in the upper/mid bass it is....It is like a super MBM.hehe
I also heard the previous ported A7-450....I didn't like it.

I have heard the Fathom F113. It is a match for the ULS. Hard to say which one is better overall, considering the prices...The JL has more output down to 20hz.But the ULS is stronger in the deeper bass.
Have had several Velodynes, Klipsch, etc, too...

The better the design of driver, box, and amp working together... the better the sub...

[bsoko]

Ron - You got your questions answered as best as the members of this forum can. No one out there on the web builds a sub as flat as HSU does (Seaton is close). NOW, go shop for the answer some where else and see what youi get.

Bill

[ron]

shadyJ...You're right, the MFW does seem to have some QC issues. I was not aware of this before. Thanks for looking out.

cacihome...From what you said, even with all your experiences with other subs out there, its very reassuring to see that you still think so highly of the VTF3.3.

bsoko...I am on my way!

I appreciate all the help you guys contributed.
I think my research for a new sub might be very close to the end.

[cacihome]

shadyJ...You're right, the MFW does seem to have some QC issues. I was not aware of this before. Thanks for looking out.

cacihome...From what you said, even with all your experiences with other subs out there, its very reassuring to see that you still think so highly of the VTF3.3.

bsoko...I am on my way!

I appreciate all the help you guys contributed.
I think my research for a new sub might be very close to the end.

Thank you!
Yes, my personal experience and opinion, is that it is the best sub overall i have found in the market.