ULS-15 a no brainer versus VTF3-MK3?

[Jeramee2]

Hello everyone,

I am a longtime HSU fan, but new to the forums and just about to buy my first HSU subwoofer (today if all goes well!). Looking for some guidance...

I have the opportunity to buy a ULS-15 in like-new condition from a friend locally for about the same price that I would spend for a brand new VTF3-MK3.

This is for a large room, 25 feet (l) x 16 feet (w) x 8 feet (h). The subwoofer will be used 90% for home theater. Is this a no-brainer? Is the ULS-15 the automatic choice? I know the VTF-3 has higher output due to the ported cabinet, but in reality, I do not see myself pushing either of these subs to their output limit... My wife would divorce me :-).

Let me know what you think!

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Jeramee,

This is a tough call. If you do have some enclosure size constraints, would prefer a cleaner/softer/smoother type of sound, and value features such as wireless, then the ULS-15 is a great choice. If you don't have any enclosure size constraints, and would prefer a punchier/louder type of sound, and would like the peace of mind in going with a brand new unit, then the VTF-3 MK3 is a great choice.

Sincerely,

[Jeramee2]

Has anyone done a side by side listen to the ULS-15 and VTF3 MK3? Thoughts on which one you'd choose if someone told you "You can have either one for the same price"?

Do you go for what would seem to be the obvious choice - the $1400 ULS-15 in Rosenut or does the VTF-3 MK3 get the nod because of it's power with the ported design?

[shadyJ]

As an owner of both, I think Pete summed it up pretty well. They are both terrific subs, you can not go wrong with either. If you want zero distortion, audiophile level cleanness and detail, go with the ULS, if you want home theater punch that will wow your friends, go with the VTF3, but to be honest either one will fill the other role just fine too. If you are looking to use a sub in an endtable type placement, go with the VTF3, it is a knockout there. Your friend is giving you a killer deal on the ULS, but there is a nice sale on the VTF3, decisions, decisions.. I say buy them both!

[hometheatergeek]

If you can get such a great deal on the ULS-15 for the same price as a VTF 3 then I would get the ULS-15. This way you will be ahead of the curve when you get the second ULS-15. Almost every owner that I know, that had one ULS-15, usually purchase a second one within 6 months of getting the first one, since they enjoy them so much. So a Dual Drive system could be yours for 2/3 the price of the regular price of a dual drive purchase. On the other hand, being realistic, since you only will be using it 90% of the time for movies then get the VTF3 and you will save some money. I know this did not help you in any way but OH WELL. :p

[Jeramee2]

Hey there gang,

Thanks for the input. I drove out to hear the ULS15 in person today to make my decision. Like the siren's song, once hearing it, I could not help but crash into the rocks... I had to buy it.

This sub sounds amazing, and should serve me well for years to come. I am still tempted to give the VTF3 MK3 a purchase in the coming months for my other viewing room, which sadly remains sub-less at the moment. I just have to figure out how to keep my wife from noticing the large, square shaped box that seems to rumble frequently hiding in the corner. It may be harder to hide the VTF 3 MK3 :-).

Thanks again all!

[bzmanbass]

A large doily and lamp work well:D

[hometheatergeek]

Hey there gang,

Thanks for the input. I drove out to hear the ULS15 in person today to make my decision. Like the siren's song, once hearing it, I could not help but crash into the rocks... I had to buy it.

This sub sounds amazing, and should serve me well for years to come. I am still tempted to give the VTF3 MK3 a purchase in the coming months for my other viewing room, which sadly remains sub-less at the moment. I just have to figure out how to keep my wife from noticing the large, square shaped box that seems to rumble frequently hiding in the corner. It may be harder to hide the VTF 3 MK3 :-).

Thanks again all!


Hey welcome to the club. Don't hesitate to ask for any help intergrating it into your system. And of course have fun. :)

[Pete_Hsu]

Glad to hear that you liked the ULS-15 Jeramee! That is really an amazing deal for a Rosenut unit. And no doubt, your wife will appreciate the looks and size of the ULS compared to something much larger like VTF-3 MK3!

Sincerely,

[mystik610]

Hey there gang,

Thanks for the input. I drove out to hear the ULS15 in person today to make my decision. Like the siren's song, once hearing it, I could not help but crash into the rocks... I had to buy it.

This sub sounds amazing, and should serve me well for years to come. I am still tempted to give the VTF3 MK3 a purchase in the coming months for my other viewing room, which sadly remains sub-less at the moment. I just have to figure out how to keep my wife from noticing the large, square shaped box that seems to rumble frequently hiding in the corner. It may be harder to hide the VTF 3 MK3 :-).

Thanks again all!

Get the VTF-3 in a luxury finish, shroud it in a piece of cloth, put your wedding pictures on top, and tell your wife you bought a new end table ;)

[Jeramee2]

Mystik,

I like the way you think! The charade would work perfectly, until the movies started and the wedding picture shatters on the floor at the first explosion.

I went quite sometime without a "real" subwoofer in my set-up and the ULS-15 has reminded me what a critical component a nice sub is... It has really brought my entire system together.

The challenge: my "saving" by buying the used ULS from my friend has awoken an urge to purchase a second one for my other room... This may actually end up costing me more in the long run :-).

Pete, can you price match a price offered by friends locally :-)?

[Jeramee2]

Hey there gang,

After experiencing my HSU ULS15 in Rosenut about a month ago, it was only a matter of time :-). I caved and bought a VTF3-MK3 in Walnut for my other viewing room. WOW - this thing is a tremendous value. It has some huge output, still reaches the lows, but is still as clean as can be.

I was a little scared that after experiencing a higher end sealed sub, a ported one might not suit my ears, but have no fear everyone! This thing deserves every accolade that you read about. Tremendous power, and the sound is great. The fancy finishes (Walnut, Rosenut) are worth every dollar if you ask me. Using this as an end table, and it looks as good as it sounds.

I love it... Those that followed this thread from the beginning - my wife did not kill me (YET). She must be planning an expensive vacation and thinking this will provide her more leverage (either that or she's just been seduced by the fantastic bass of the HSU ;-)).