What are the diffs between VTF-2 Mk1 and Mk2?

[monomer]

I own a VTF-2 original version (circa 2001)... I was wondering what the differences are between it and the Mk2. I know the Mk2 has 100-watts more and is a BASH amp... but is the 10" driver the same in both? If not, what is the difference? What type (Class) of amp is in my sub?

Why is it, I've seen several used VTF-2's (Mk1) for sale, advertised as being superior to the 'newer' Mk2?... is this just some marketing hype to get more $$ or is there some other rational behind it? I've searched the net but can't find anything to justify these statements... anyone?

BTW, I've had this VTF-2 for 3 months now and its given me a lot of respect for HSU subs... I'd 'up-grade' if I could find a substantial reason to do so but so far this sub has been soooo perfect in my system I'm afraid of messing things up.

[Pete_Hsu]

Dear monomer,

There are defintely some improvements in the VTF-2 Mk2 vs the original VTF-2. The amplifier is more powerful and much higher headroom, and the driver has seen improvements over the years too. That said, the VTF-2 Mk1 still is a fantastic subwoofer. Your best bet if you wanted to upgrade at some later date is to consider a larger new or used S/VTF-3 variant or the new VTF-2 Mk3.

Sincerely,

[mojave]

monomer,

I was just reading yesterday on avsforum and saw that you had the VTF-2 Mk-1. I also had the MK-1. I bought it in September of '04. I sold at the end of January for $50 more than I paid (I had purchased it from HSU as B stock with free shipping for $299) and bought a VTF-2 Mk-3.

I have set up the Mk-3 and calibrated with a Radio Shack digital SPL meter and Room Equalization Wizard software. It is 2 dB low at 14.25 Hz in my room. The Mk-1 started to roll off at about 22 Hz. Not only does the Mk-3 go lower, but it is also much more dynamic and has greater impact up to about 30-35 Hz. Even if the Mk-1 and Mk-3 are playing at the same SPL, the Mk-3 seems to have more authority in the room.

I have two Buttkickers mounted to my floor joists and the the VTF-2 Mk-3 by itself produces an effect similar to the VTF-2 MK-1 and the Buttkickers. There isn't quite as much shake, but I was amazed.

Here is a comparison of the VTF-2 series.

[monomer]

Peter, I certainly appreciate that you didn't try the hard sell... too much of that elsewhere anymore. If I do upgrade it will most likely be new from HSU directly... in hindsight that's probably what I should have done 3 months ago... in any case I will enjoy my current VTF-2 for at least a couple of more months. The new VTF-2 Mk 3 would probably make the most sense in my room and current set-up.

Mojave... thanks for that table! I think maybe I now know why some might think that the Mk 1 is better... its probably the Class A/B amp vs the BASH. However I believe the signal quality difference is too little and the freqs too low to be discernable PLUS the BASH is soooo much more efficient with the greater headroom... its a no-brainer really. I also like that the Mk 3 has better specs but am concerned that it might be at the expense of accuracy at the higher frequencies... like 40-80Hz range as my receiver's minimum cross-over is 60Hz. My other choice would be to get a different receiver and cross-over at 40 or 50Hz. My current main speaker (Infinity Reference Sixes) have an in-room FR (according to REW) down to 26Hz before starting to drop-off (the published specs say 35Hz) so they definitely could handle such a low freq x-over. Anyway thanks for the info...

EDIT: Oh, and I just wanted to add, I've noticed HSU subs do seem to have very high resale values... and that always helps when its time to upgrade...

[monomer]

monomer,
...Here is a comparison of the VTF-2 series. Even though I had the Mk-1, I'm not sure of its weight.
Due to a recent discussion, I got to looking at this old thread again and will answer a question and then ask one in return. Actually the original VTF-2 weighs 62 lbs. That's 6 lbs MORE than the 2.2 even though the 2.2 is the physically larger sub of the two! Can anyone tell me why that is? Heavier speaker magnet/components? a heavier power supply or other amplifier component? a change in the cabinet structural components/design used? I'm talking about a 10% weight reduction, which I think is quite substantial really.

[Ddavidson]

Due to a recent discussion, I got to looking at this old thread again and will answer a question and then ask one in return. Actually the original VTF-2 weighs 62 lbs. That's 6 lbs MORE than the 2.2 even though the 2.2 is the physically larger sub of the two! Can anyone tell me why that is? Heavier speaker magnet/components? a heavier power supply or other amplifier component? a change in the cabinet structural components/design used? I'm talking about a 10% weight reduction, which I think is quite substantial really.
Combination of a much heavier class A/B amp with heatsink (vs lite weight bash digital hybrid) along with a heavier enclosure with a heavy truck bed liner finish.

Ddavidson