Matching VTF3.3 to existing sub?

[oddness355]

When my VTF3.3 (non turbo) arrives, I need to match it up somewhat with my existing home built sub. My existing sub uses a Peavey Lowrider 18 in a 10 cu ft ported enclosure, using a sixth order alignment, tuned to 24 Hz, with an integral equalized amp providing 4 dB boost centered at 22 Hz with a subsonic filter. Anyway, the existing sub is strong to 25-28 Hz and drops like a rock after that. It is centered under my flat screen wall mounted TV, in between the front speakers. I plan to locate my VTF3.3 on the rear wall, directly opposite under my rear speaker array. The existing sub has a sensitivity of about 97db/1w/1m, and a maximum output of around 117 dB. My hope is that the VTF3.3 can fill in some of the gap in the 20-30Hz range where my existing unit drops off. Do you think I might want to consider a corner placement to help augment the output or do you think the opposite wall from the existing sub might work out better? ( Yes, I know, I'm a bit of a higher efficiency nut) -this is in a 16 x 25 x 8-1/2 ft room, carpeted, heavily upholstered furniture. Any thoughts?

[cacihome]

I think you shoud try the 3.3 alone, first in max output mode. The SQ and power of the HSU 3.3 sub is very very good!

[oddness355]

Received and installed the new VTF3 today, running it in max output mode. Positioned in the center of the back wall. Must say, it does complement my original sub quite nicely. I did however have to bump up the gain setting on the VTF3 to about the three o'clock position to more nearly match the output level of my original sub, which is a fair amount more efficient. The Hsu does a great job in the below 30Hz range, filling in the gaps where my original rolls off. On movies and music both, I have to say it is an excellent unit! Haven't tried at ear splitting levels on music yet, but I suspect it will do just fine. My compliments to Dr. Hsu and the team for a well engineered and solidly built product.

[Pete_Hsu]

Thank you so much oddness, I'm sure Dr. Hsu will be thrilled to read this, very much appreciated :)

Sincerely,

[fourg63]

I did however have to bump up the gain setting on the VTF3 to about the three o'clock position...........

I'm no expert but that seems a bit high to me. Couldn't you lower the gain on your other sub instead?

[monkuboy]

Yes 3:00 gain is pretty high - you must have some house-shaking bass going on at your place! :D
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[Pete_Hsu]

That may seem high at first glance, but notice that the VTF-3 MK3 gain has to be bumped up to match the high sensitivity peavey.

[oddness355]

Yes, Pete, that is correct. The lowest sensitivity of any of my speakers is 97 dB/1w/1m, so my VTF-3 needs more gain to match the output of my other sub, since they are driven by the same LFE output from my receiver. Were I only using the VTF-3, I could indeed lower the gain at the sub and increase the drive level of the LFE output. The VTF-3, since it has more Xmax is able to keep up with the peavey at sane listening levels, but wouldn't make it to the maximum output of 120+ dB that the other sub can hit. Since I don't listen at levels that high, the VTF-3 has more than sufficient output available and the added bonus of going lower than the peavey. I have since switched to using the single port / 18Hz switch setting and find that to be a little more satisfying for both music and movies in my room. :cool: