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View Full Version : STF-3 Newbie Questions


Slee_Stack
October 28th, 2003, 6:31 PM
Hi all. I've been an on-off lurker in this forum for a month or so. I am interested in the new STF line, particularly the STF-3.

Some background: I have an all-Rocket system at present. For the bottom-end I am at a sort of crossroads in finding the best sub or subs to complete my system. I prefer 'inexpensive' and I think I prefer extension. I'm looking for some ideas on how to get my best bang-for-the-buck.

I have been using a Rel Q201E for a few months and it is a very nice sounding sub to me. My only nitpick with it is that there is very little 'seat-of-the-pants' or 'hit-you-in-your-chest' feel. There's a little bit, but I'd like more. Musically, I think it's amazing. Just more SPL I guess.

This week I have been playing with a pair of Rocket UFW-10s. I am still really trying to figure out if they are the subs for me or not. Off the bat, it seems like I get a little less extension, and a little more SPL but still not to the level I'd like. It's still a work in progress...

My room is sizeable (3000c.f.) and I am thinking that a 10" or (2) 10's are not going to cut it.

That said, I am considering Hsu as well as SVS. Primarily, due to cost. Another Rel or a Velodyne is just out of the question pricewise.

How would a single STF-3 fair? Also, I am a little concerned with the stated 25Hz extension as my current Rocket subs are rated identically and I 'think' I need better extension. I realize the VTF-3 has the rated extension I'm looking for, but I really want to stick with cheaper and am not so much into the add-ons of EQ's, modes, etc. Also the sub finish is not so important either.

I want to stick with a box design as well. Is the STF-3 even worth considering to me? If so, would (could) a single one do the trick? Thanks for any help!

Michael Bain
October 28th, 2003, 7:28 PM
One thing to keep in mind is that Hsu spec is consistently conservative, especially when the product has not been reviewed by an independent reviewer yet. Not only that, but Hsu is one of the very few who consistently meet or exceed the manufacturer spec for frequency response. Many companies will fool customers by advertising a low tuning point or a low F3 (-3db) point, but when they are actually tested they do not come anywhere near this rated extension. The Hsu subs will not only extend very low, but play very loudly and cleanly at these frequencies. The difference in your system should be noticeable.

Thankfully Hsu has free shipping to minimize the cost of auditioning the product. We are all as curious as you to see and read more about the STF-3 in the future.