Hsu "flagship"?

[spiffnme]

I know others here have asked, but I've just heard the first subwoofer that sounded better than my Hsu. (At least my first impression)

If...err - more than likely "when" rather than "if" at the rate this hobby is going - I upgrade my VTF-2, is there a Hsu subwoofer in the works that would be the hands down "King" of all subwoofers?

I heard a Rel Stadium III this weekend and was truly impressed. I want to hear it again with some more demanding music. I realize it's expensive...that's not really my point. I buy everything used or b-stock anyway, so it's really (in my mind) a $1500-2000 sub.

Can Dr. Hsu work his mojo and keep me a lifetime Hsu family member? (He's got PLENTY of time...I won't be upgrading my sub for a good long time) I'm just wondering if it's even in the cards.

Though it probably goes without saying, I'll say it anyway. A sub of this price range HAS to be more than a big black box. Those Rel subs are truly beautiful pieces of furniture.

[Michael Bain]

There are already models in the current lineup here at Hsu that are better than the VTF-2. The VTF-3R is a great value, about $920 (including shipping and tax) for the b-stock, with rosewood and glossy black endcaps (very nice looking), really hard to beat that. If I am reading correctly, Hsu will now be working on a so-called flagship model, with some probably significant improvements to the current VTF series. Your guess is as good as any other, Hsu employees are being pretty guarded about this which is natural because they don't want other companies to run away with their ideas.

[tdekany]

I looked at their site - I am sure that it is an excellent sub. It will cost you $ 2999.00 - for that price one could incorporate 6 VTF 2s or 3 VTF3s Rosewood. Imagine what each of those setups would sound like (6! VTF2s)? And anyone saying that it wouldn't sound good - TN has (7!) 15" subs in his home theater system.

This is another reminder why HSU subs rule! Maybe one day I'll buy 6 VTF 2s! What would beat that? Holy macro - just thinking about it makes me hungry. I am going to eat! Appreciate your VTF 2.
For $ 499.00 or less you have got one of the best deals in audio. Period!

How about a 15" sub Mr Hsu?? :D :D :D

[spiffnme]

Please don't get me wrong! I LOVE my VTF-2. The ONLY thing I'd trade it in for would be something let the Rel (or Hsu's new flagship!)

If you see my posts on other boards I rave about my VTF-2 all the time!

But I know someday I'll want more - and of the things I've seen/heard, the Rel is the one. My point was that when that day comes, I'd prefer to buy another Hsu, and brag about that sub, rather than change companies.

I'm sure Dr. Hsu could come up with a nice box sub that could go toe-to-toe with the Rel, and his would cost 50% less. (At least that's what I'm hoping :) )

[tdekany]

I know you love your VTF 2. Have you tried taking your sub to his place and see how the VTF 2 sounds there? that is the only way to compare.

[spiffnme]

Compare what? My VTF-2 to the Rel?

The Rel was at a local AV store. I don't need to hear them side-by-side though. The VTF-2 simply can't reach the depths that the Rel does. I don't expect it to be able to. It's not even a fair comparison.

If (when) Hsu comes out with a real flagship sub, I'll be VERY interested in hearing them side-by-side though.

[Michael Bain]

To be fair, the VTF-3 plumbs the depths much more than the VTF-2. It is a solid improvement over the VTF-2 if one has the money. When they are back in stock, maybe you could try one and with free shipping the monetary liability is that much less.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by spiffnme
Compare what? My VTF-2 to the Rel?

The Rel was at a local AV store. I don't need to hear them side-by-side though. The VTF-2 simply can't reach the depths that the Rel does. I don't expect it to be able to. It's not even a fair comparison.

If (when) Hsu comes out with a real flagship sub, I'll be VERY interested in hearing them side-by-side though.

I wasn't suggesting that the VTF 2 would be better then another product that cost 6 times as much - however it would be the only way to tell the real difference. That is all. And I'd say the same if that sub was compared to a $15000 sub.

PS: you should hear the VTF 3 though.

[spiffnme]

I've heard the VTF-3. I'd like to listen to one more closely again though. What I heard before was good, but nothing like what I heard from that Rel. (Hell, it shouldn't be...it's less than 1/3 the price)

Like I said, I'm keeping (happily) my VTF-2. I won't be getting anything new until the day comes that I've got $1500+ to splurge on a new sub. (trust me, that's a long way off) I'm just hoping that when that day comes, Dr. Hsu will have his flagship sub ready.

THEN I'll do some serious comparison shopping.

[Michael Bain]

If you didn't listen to both subs in the exact same room with the exact same equipment using the exact same settings, then the comparisons are somewhat moot. To add to the difficulty, the best settings used for the REL may not be the best settings to use with the Hsu with respect to crossover and tuning points, and the best placement for the REL may not be the best placement for the Hsu. Also of critical importance is the choice of cd or dvd. In a double blind test in your room, you may come to a different conclusion. The VTF-3 hangs pretty good with some of the best of them irrespective of price, but yes there is room for newer and better flagship models from Hsu. We are all anxiously awaiting their arrival

[spiffnme]

I know all about double blind testing, room placement, crossovers, etc...

If you'd heard the Rel, you wouldn't be questioning my reluctance to compare it to a VTF-3.

[Michael Bain]

I have heard some very expensive REL's. They are good products, but overpriced I feel. To my ear, the Hsu's have more clean output at very low frequencies. For a pure 2 channel music system with price no factor, REL is one of the best options. Most of us are looking for maximum performance for the dollar, where Hsu reigns supreme. Maximum performance for any dollar is obviously very debatable.

[spiffnme]

That's exactly why I'm interested in Hsu's "flagship".

I'm willing to bet he can make something equal to (if not better than) the Stadium III, at a FAR more reasonable price.

[Sasha_G]

Originally posted by spiffnme
I know all about double blind testing, room placement, crossovers, etc...

If you'd heard the Rel, you wouldn't be questioning my reluctance to compare it to a VTF-3.

Spiffnme,

I appreciate you sharing your opinions, but we don't really invite comparisons to other products on this forum unless we know a bit about the person and methods used in comparing them. Michael Bain had some points:

There are quite a few factors you are ignoring, such as your room placement vs. the room placement in the store. A few feet can change the frequency response by 10 dB or more at a particular frequency. Also, you are doing the comparison by memory, and comparing a $500 product to a $3000 product.

Currently, our flagships are the TN series. A pair of them powered with our 500 watt amp will offer clean, detailed sound that our customers say sounds better than RELs costing much more. Want more output? Buy four.

One reason is that the TN's enclosure is more rigid than heavy boxes.

I'm locking this thread because of the "x brand sub" vs. "y brand sub" nature of this topic.