VTF-2 or STF-2 for newbie?

[oktane]

Hello,

I am planning to purchase a HSU sub but am not sure if the STF or VTF series better fits my needs. I will likely use the subs in max. extension mode as I do not listen to music very loud.

It seems that the VTF and STF are supposed to be very similar in terms of sound, but that I will save $100 by chosing the STF-2. However, the STF is a new product and the VTF-2 is tried and tested. Spending an extra $100 is not going to break the bank, and I would prefer to get a better sounding, more "musical" sub.

My decision is complicated considering the mkII version of the VTF-2 in piano finish may be coming out soon. But I want to get a sub soon....

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[tdekany]

I yet to hear an HSU product that doesn't put a smile on my face.

Let me put it this way:

YOU CAN'TGO WRONG WITH ANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS

You will be happy no matter what product you purchase. That is how great this company is.

[oktane]

Well, what differences can be expected in terms of sound quality?

[tdekany]

Originally posted by oktane
Well, what differences can be expected in terms of sound quality?

I think Sasha or Dr Hsu could only tell you that. Haven't heard the STF yet. It is on it's way.

[DowLow]

I am also ready to pull the trigger but can't decide if I should opt to spend extra $100 for VTF-2. I know I can't go wrong with either choice but I hate the "Why If" question therefore can someone please explain the differences between the two.

Thx

[CT2]

VTF2 you get option to switch between max ext.(25Hz) and max spl(32Hz), may be important to stereo setup,but remember this is older model
with STF2 you get what VTF2 will be in max ext mode, with newer
driver, newer and bigger Amp, less money.

So the way I see it, if you want a setup with better stereo, go with VTF, if mostly for HT, go with STF.

CT2

[x94blair3]

Are there plans to update the VTF-2? Obviously the VTF3 is getting an upgrade to distinguish the old and the STF3. I agree that as a newcomer it's hard to distinguish the +'s and -'s of a VTF2 and STF2. There seem to be tradeoffs both ways.

Updating the VTF2 would seperate them again and make it easier. Perhaps that's planned for down the road?

-Nick

[Ddavidson]

The STF-2 is basically a VTF-2 in max extension mode. I have a VTF-2 which I use in 25 Hz max extension mode, and it works and plays extremely well. The VTF-2 has a long track record of consumer and pro-reviews so you really are buying a proven product that can do everything the STF-2 can do. Its a very balanced subwoofer and it handles itself very well on even the most detailed of music. Unlike many cheap subwoofers this sub is a very nice surprise and one that proves do not only buy based on the spec sheet. This subwoofer really holds up to much more expensive subs.

Unless you have a really big room or like very loud playback levels, either the STF-2 or VTF-2 are excellent choices in the under $500 price bracket. However If it was me right at the moment choosing the VTF-2 or STF-2, I would save a little $$ (while they are cheap) and go with the newer STF-2 as most people do not need the slightly higher output when in max output mode (32 Hz) that the VTF-2 offers.

I read either on this forum (or on AVS) that the VTF-2 MK2 is Piano Black (like the new VTF-3 MK2) and will have a 250w Bash amplifier . It will ship at the same time as the VTF-3 MK2 - January 2004.


Ddavidson

[ALTHEA5333]

What is the max size room you would put an SFT-2 in?

Is 16x20 square room with walls on 3 out of 4 sides too big?

[x94blair3]

Originally posted by Ddavidson
I read either on this forum (or on AVS) that the VTF-2 MK2 is Piano Black (like the new VTF-3 MK2) and will have a 250w Bash amplifier . It will ship at the same time as the VTF-3 MK2 - January 2004.

Hmm..is this confirmed? I'll have to do some searching on the forum. That's the sort of upgrade I was thinking of that would distinguish the existing VTF-2 line and the new STF-2.

-Nick

[CT2]

You shall see VTF-2 MKII in Jan CES show(Las Vegas), otherwise,
there will be reviews after the show.

[Ddavidson]

Hmm..is this confirmed?
Yes it has been confirmed, although you should ring Sasha if in doubt. I suppose while they are still awaiting and have the current VTF-2 in stock its no good announcing new a model. As CT2 has said it is also on the list of products at CES.
What is the max size room you would put an SFT-2 in?

Is 16x20 square room with walls on 3 out of 4 sides too big?
I am not one that has a "set" fixed size for a sub and and room to match. It is like asking do you prefer blondes or brunette's and how long is a bit of string. The answer can only be "It Depends" on you... your taste and how loud you like it. I personally would be happy enough with my VTF-2 in that sized room. But other people may not be including yourself. The VTF-2 averaged 107.10 dB at 10% distortion (measured spacing was at 25/31/40/50/63hz) in TN's big room.... so it can party with most of the bigger boys, although it not going to scare them in his 7500 cu ft room (13 x 23 x 18 ft with large openings). So the STF-2 will be at least the equal of the VTF-2.


Ddavidson

[Sasha_G]

We'll, although it has been listed in the CES product directory, officially we are not talking about it (you know what). I will say that the release date is likely to be after the VTF-3 Mk 2.

As for choosing between our models, I agree with many of the points already given. The VTF-2 is a proven model that has received praise from reviewers for its sound quality and overall quality. It uses a more "traditional" Class A/B amplifier. The STF-2 is a new model that has high output and great sound quality as well, although it uses a more modern BASH amp that is a hybrid between Class A/B and digital amps.

Since you don't listen to music very loud, even our upcoming STF-1 would probably be a good choice, especially when positioned properly. If you are in doubt, I suggest you use the product recomendation form here:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/support/index.php?id=36

I will predict that Dr. Hsu will say to position it near the listening seats, although I don't know the details of your room.

[x94blair3]

Originally posted by Sasha_G
We'll, although it has been listed in the CES product directory, officially we are not talking about it (you know what). I will say that the release date is likely to be after the VTF-3 Mk 2.


Perfect..thanks for the "lack of" information ;). That should be ideal timing for me since paying off some bills and buying the house to put all this stuff has to come first.

I tell you..now that I've done my research, it's killing me to not buy any...I started way to early with all this! :D

-Nick

[Ddavidson]

We'll, although it has been listed in the CES product directory, officially we are not talking about it (you know what)
That is where the info has come from I think. That's the trouble with the internet, if some info is avaliable somewhere on the net people will certainly find it.

Ddavidson

[rgraber]

Regarding inputs, on the STF-2 there are only a single sub input and speaker inputs/outputs. I have a stereo amplifier and want to use the STF-2. If I connect the speaker wires from the amp, how does the internal amp handle that signal? I had the understanding earlier from your site (or reviews) that the STF-2 had a low-pass filter. Does it not?

Bottom line: I would like to connect the STF-2 to preamp outlets and do the sub amplifying in the sub. How?

[Lwang]

rgraber,

If you hook a pair of speaker wire from your amp to the sub's speaker input, you are basically feeding the same signal as you are feeding your main speakers. The signal are summed in the sub's amp, low passed to remove all signal that is not to be produced by the sub and then amplified. You adjust the crossover freq so that it takes over where your main speaker starts to roll off.

You can't use preamp in on the sub since it only has one. That is unless you use a line level signal summer.

[rgraber]

Lwang,

Thanks for your reply. You mention a summer (I would guess a unit gain high input impedance amp). Are you aware of anything available?

The STF-3 I take it would solve my problem, but I would rather not spend the extra $100+.

[Lwang]

Its no big deal using the speaker level, just as Rel recommends. If your amp sounds warm and tubby, then that signal would also be fed to the sub's amp and it would take on the characteristics of your main amp.

Otherwise, any preamp with a mono switch would do.