Sub Placement in Alcove

[Splotto]

Hello:

I received my HSU sub yesterday and I am very happy so far with the quality and sound.

I am in the process of finding a good placement for the sub.

The documentation for the HO says that it is acceptable to place the unit inside a cavity in an entertainment center.

I have 2 such options in my room (see attached picture).

1. I could rearrange the shelves to the right and place the unit under the AV equipment. If I chose this option, what is the best orientation for the sub in that alcove?

2. I could place the unit BEHIND the TV. There is an alcove there built for a standard CRT TV which could house the sub. It would be behind an LCD monitor and a black curtain I use the hide the area.

Option 2 is interesting to me because it saves floor space but I am not sure that the 100% enclosure wouldn't impair the sound quality.

I appriciate any advice.

Splotto

[Splotto]

Hello:

I forgot to mention the room dimensions.

15 foot wide (left to right in the pic) and 18 feet deep (wall to back of couch).

Thanks,
Splotto

[Pete_Hsu]

Dear Splotto,

Would it be possible for you to place the VTF-3 HO sideways behind your couch? I think that would work really well in your room.

As an alternative, next best would probably be in the front right corner where you have the shelves. Orientation shouldn't make a huge difference, just make sure there is a few inches of space in between the ports and the back wall, and two or three inches of space in between the driver and any surface it fires into.

Thanks for the kind words so far. Your pool looks really great by the way!

Sincerely,

[Splotto]

Dear Splotto,

Would it be possible for you to place the VTF-3 HO sideways behind your couch? I think that would work really well in your room.

As an alternative, next best would probably be in the front right corner where you have the shelves. Orientation shouldn't make a huge difference, just make sure there is a few inches of space in between the ports and the back wall, and two or three inches of space in between the driver and any surface it fires into.

Thanks for the kind words so far. Your pool looks really great by the way!

Sincerely,

Peter:

Thanks for the prompt response. I appriciate the direct attention HSU provides to it's buyers (even the novices like me...<g>).

After reading all the materials I could find, placing the sub behind the couch was clearly the best choice. If my only consideration was the sound quality, it would be there now.

However, like with most decisions, compromises need to be made between opposing interests. Behind the couch is a tile walkway leading to 2 bedrooms. The walkway is about 3 feet wide and there is a kitchen bar/countertop with stools across from the couch. I would need to move the couch forward in the room by about 2-3 feet to make room for the sub. If it's any consolation, I tried. :-)

I placed the sub on the floor under the av equipment (as you suggest). See the pics below for a view.

The sound quality seems fine once I ran the EQ program on the Denon. All the HSU speakers sound great. I am very happy.

Thanks for you help.

Splotto

PS Thanks for the comments on the pool. Now if I could just get rid of the tornados it would be perfect. :-)

[Pete_Hsu]

That looks like an awesome setup, Splotto!

In the VTF-3 HO's current position, try pushing it to the left as much as possible so that the rear-firing ports have extra space to breathe. Another thing to experiment with would be actually rotating the subwoofer by 90 degrees, so that the woofer is firing into the side right wall (with at least a couple inches of space in between the woofer and the side wall) and the ports to the rear. A final configuration that would be interesting to try is to flip the subwoofer upside down and then rotate 90 degrees, so that the ports are at the bottom rear half of the subwoofer firing backwards, and the woofer firing sideways away from the side right wall (since the subwoofer is being used without turbocharger, it can be flipped one way or another to have the driver firing left or right).

I'm very happy that you like the speakers. The horn bookshelf speakers don't get nearly as much attention as the subwoofers, but they really should! :)

Take care

[Splotto]

That looks like an awesome setup, Splotto!

In the VTF-3 HO's current position, try pushing it to the left as much as possible so that the rear-firing ports have extra space to breathe. Another thing to experiment with would be actually rotating the subwoofer by 90 degrees, so that the woofer is firing into the side right wall (with at least a couple inches of space in between the woofer and the side wall) and the ports to the rear. A final configuration that would be interesting to try is to flip the subwoofer upside down and then rotate 90 degrees, so that the ports are at the bottom rear half of the subwoofer firing backwards, and the woofer firing sideways away from the side right wall (since the subwoofer is being used without turbocharger, it can be flipped one way or another to have the driver firing left or right).

I'm very happy that you like the speakers. The horn bookshelf speakers don't get nearly as much attention as the subwoofers, but they really should! :)

Take care

I think I need MORE wires behind my game consoles. :-)

I have moved the sub as you said, as close to the left wall as possible. I will play with it for a while before trying your 2 other suggestions. I know that when I cycle through the Hz levels on the companion CD various household items shake or rattle while there is no distinguishable vibrations for the listener coming from the sub. This happened whether it was in the alcove or in front of it. I took that as a good sign.

Overall, I am very happy. I will certainly be ordering from HSU again should I need additional HB's for my surround speakers or maybe even the MBM.

Thanks again,
Splotto

[Pete_Hsu]

That's Splotto, let us know how it goes!

[Splotto]

Hello:

I will keep you updated.

I do have some other questions about the bookshelf speakers if you have time - The bookshelf speakers shipped with only 2 rubber feet each (which I didn't attach). I have them, amazingly, sitting on a bookshelf. Were the 2 feet meant to be used if the speakers are on stands or should they be on the speakers? If so, the front or the back? Should I go out and get 4 rubber feet if the bookshelf speakers are on a hard surface (mine are on tile)?

Thanks,
Splotto

[Pete_Hsu]

Splotto,

Give us a call and ask about getting more of the rubber feet. You would only need them if you noticed any buzzing or movement of the speaker on the surface it is placed on.

Sincerely,

[Splotto]

Splotto,

Give us a call and ask about getting more of the rubber feet. You would only need them if you noticed any buzzing or movement of the speaker on the surface it is placed on.

Sincerely,

Peter:

Thanks for the offer. If I ever need them I will.

Right now it sounds fine and I have no vibrations.

Splotto