Difference between STF and VTF series

[ALTHEA5333]

Could someone explain to me the differences between these 2 series. I am trying to figure out which one would be best for me. I know the VTF has the variable tuning for the crossover and the STF doesn't?? My receiver has adjustable crossover settings (Denon AVR 3803) so is there no reason for me to have a sub with the variable tuning, such as the VTF-2? In addition does the STF-2 or 3 compare with the VTF-2 (which is currently my top choice) and is the STF series bottom firing? Thanks for any help!

[Ddavidson]

STF Series

STF-1
8" - 32Hz - $330

STF-2
10" - 25Hz - $440

STF-3
12" - 22Hz - $610

STF Series Dimensions:
Height/Width/Depth

STF-1
19" x 10" x 15.63"

STF-2
19" x 14" x 17.63"

STF-3
22" x 15" x 22.63"

VTF Series

VTF-2
10" - 25Hz - $499

VTF-3
12" - 18Hz - $849

VTF-3R
12" - 18Hz - $1150

VTF Series Dimensions:
Height/Width/Depth

VTF-2
16" x 16" x 19.5"

VTF-3
20" x 15" x 22"

VTF-3R
22" x 15" x 22"




Ddavidson

[ALTHEA5333]

Thanks. What about the crossover issues between the two?

[lbholde]

The main difference between the VTF-2 and the comparable STF sub is that the VTF-2 has a variable output mode which has nothing to do with the crossover. The VTF-2 can be set to play deep (almost flat to 25hz), or can be set to play not as deep (flat to 32hz) but a few db louder. The deep bass mode is called maximum extension, while the louder but not-so-deep mode is called maximum output. However most owners, including me, prefer the VTF-2 in maximum extension mode. It is plenty loud in that mode, believe me! :D The STF series does not offer a choice, but is preset to maximum extension mode.

By the way, I own a Denon 3802 which is nearly identical to your 3803, and I leave the crossover on my sub turned off (out) and use the Denon's bass management instead, as most HT users would.

[ALTHEA5333]

Thanks for the help. One more thing, do you know if the STF is down firing or from the side?

Also, i have some older Polk bookshelf speakers with single 5 1/4 bass drivers, what should I set my crossover at. Right now it is at 80hz. Thx.

[Ddavidson]

The other issue to remember is that the inbuilt crossover in both series (like 99% of current subwoofers) is only really any good for certain stereo setups. Not sure about the STF series as its not out yet, but keep in mind that the VTF series is LP only. (no HP) You can however buy an outboard switchable (two frequency's) HP filter box from Hsu.

Your 3803 will do the selectable frequency and slope for all channels. So all that crossover curcuitry inside any sub you choose, will be unused and of absolutely no use to you. Do not engage the subs crossover, and for peace of mind turn it to its highest frequency setting avaliable (after you diengage the crossover). This is the same no matter what sub you choose to use.

As mentioned by Sasha previously all STF subs are downfiring as Dr Hsu prefers it.



Ddavidson

[lbholde]

I don't know if the STF subs are down firing. As far as the crossover, experiment to see what sounds best for you. I found that dialouge sounds most natural on my system with the Denon crossover set to 100hz and all my speakers set to "small." My thinking is, with a powerful, high quality sub such as the VTF-2, why try to make your other speakers and amps try to produce bass when they don't have to? I have Tannoy Mercury Mx3's, 2 sets of MxR surrounds (for 7.1) and the matching center channel. BTW, I'm very happy with the sound of my system, VTF-2 included.

[Sasha_G]

The crossover is the same on both the VTF and STF.

The main difference will be

1) VTFs have a customizable maximum output mode, which allows you to get extremely loud bass if you want it. The majority of people never need to change modes anyhow.

The STFs have fixed port tunings. By the way, we are chaning the names of the STFs to be more inline with our VTF series. It goes:

STF-1 : 8 inch woofer, no similar VTF model.

STF-2: 10 inch woofer, 25 Hz extension, tuning equivalent to VTF-2 in max extension mode

STF-3: 12 inch woofer, 22 Hz extension, tuning equivalent to the VTF-3 in max output mode.

2) The finish will be different, with the STFs having a vinyl finish with special vacume formed rounded edges. The VTFs will use layers of paint.

I know its frustrating to have the names changed, but it reflects the similarities between the lines. the STF-2 is very similar to the VTF-2, except the VTF line will contain more innovative features and designs.

[tktran]

lbholde:

Hi,

I've just noticed your post re. the VTF2 crossover setup.

I also have mX3. Could you spare a few minutes to describe your setup? Is it primarily for home theater, music (what types of music do you listen to) or a mixture of both?

I am considering VTF2, (AUD$1200=US$800) but am concerned about it's performance with music. What do you think of it's performance and integration with the front speakers? Do you set the 100Hz crossover for the subwoofer or the mX3?

I find the mx3 limp in bass. With the port left open the bass is a dull thud (weak, one note bass), with the foam plug in the port the sound is a little more accurate, but every more deficient in bass. What are your thoughts on the mX3? What are your thoughts on the mx3 + VTF2 for music?

I do not know whether to buy the VFT2 or if the USD800 is better spent on better front speakers (move mx3 to the back as rear surrounds).

Your help is much appreciated.

yours sincerely,
Thanh

[tdekany]

Let me put it this way: Every audio buff should experience HSU sound once in their life. A sub will bring most any speaker back to life. Hope this helps.

[Sasha_G]

Originally posted by tdekany
Let me put it this way: Every audio buff should experience HSU sound once in their life.

And we dind't pay him to say it! :)

[tdekany]

Well it is true!

Dr Hsu and his team is appreciated.


And we dind't pay him to say it!

[lbholde]

Dear tktran:

I have a Denon AVR-3802 HT receiver (I believe that it might be called a AVR-1082 in some parts of the world), Tannoy Mx3 fronts, MxC-M center channel, and two pairs of MxR surrounds (2nd pair is for use with DTS ES / DD EX material), and the Hsu VTF-2. I would guess that 40% of the time I spend listening to music, and 60% movies. My musical tastes vary all the way from classic/ progressive rock (Kansas, Yes, Styx) to pop (Vannessa Carlton) to new age (Yanni, Enya) to heavy metal (Iron Maiden) to classical. I have to agree with you that the mx3's are a little weak in the bass. But having said that, I will admit that I haven't really tried to optimize them by filling them with sand and screwing on the spikes, or even by playing with the foam plugs. Also, they're in a less-than-optimal location for music, basically one is in a corner and one has it's back up against a wall. I set the crossover on the Denon to 100hz so that low frequencies are sent to the sub. Since the mid/bass driver on the Tannoy is relatively small, I think it makes it easier for the speakers to produce the upper ranges if it's not burdened with trying to produce deep bass. I think that the VTF-2 and the Tannoys sound very good together. To me, the main weakness of the mx3's is the bass. Other than that, I think they are beautiful sounding speakers (I do move them out into the room on occasion for serious listening, like when my wife isn't around). The VTF-2 is very musical, and is at least the musical equal of the Tannoys, IMO. The Tannoys are probably not optimal for heavy metal, but the VTF-2 helps here, and they sound great with most music. If I had to do it over, I would do it the same way, mx3's + VTF-2, rather than more expensive speakers with no sub. Take Enya, for example. This combo was born for Enya! I can play this system loud enough that the walls vibrate but the music is clear and crisp and not lacking anything. As regards home theater, I'm also very happy. I like war movies, and I can feel the shells crashing all around me as I try to dig a foxhole in my living room. ;-) But also, dialogue and general material sounds very good on this combo too. I don't think you can go wrong by adding a VTF-2 to your Tannoys.

Best regards,
Dan

[mhorgel]

Why is the STF-2 tuned to maximum extension, while the STF-3 is tuned to maximum output? This just doesn't seem consistent. I am seriously considering buying a STF-3, but I would greatly prefer if it went to 18 Hz, as does the VTF-3 in max extension mode.

[Michael Bain]

Most people enjoy and prefer to use the VTF-2 in max extension mode in general (very good extension and very good output). The mode of choice on the VTF-3 is generally max output mode, because it has very good response linearity and very low response in this mode (think that it responds better than spec, flat to 20Hz in output mode! Dr. HSU is almost always conservative in his spec).

[seircram]

Will any of the VTF series include shielded drivers (for use next to a HT CRT)?