Velodyne vs Hsu

[Bob Hablutzel]

I have a chance to buy two Velodyne subs, a 15 year old model ULD-15 (with its amplifier), and a newer SPL-1000R. The asking price on each of them is about the same price as the Hsu VTF3 MK3.

Although it is 15 years old, the ULD-15 owner tells me that sub is critically acclaimed as one of the best subs ever made, that it retailed for $8,000 when new, and that it is a steal at his asking price of $700. I did audition the sub in his home theater system, and it does sound good. I have not heard the SPL-1000R.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with either of these subs and the VTF3 MK3, regarding how they compare.

Thank you.

[JimLely]

I have a chance to buy two Velodyne subs, a 15 year old model ULD-15 (with its amplifier), and a newer SPL-1000R. The asking price on each of them is about the same price as the Hsu VTF3 MK3.

Although it is 15 years old, the ULD-15 owner tells me that sub is critically acclaimed as one of the best subs ever made, that it retailed for $8,000 when new, and that it is a steal at his asking price of $700. I did audition the sub in his home theater system, and it does sound good. I have not heard the SPL-1000R.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with either of these subs and the VTF3 MK3, regarding how they compare.

Thank you.

I've owned 2 ULD-15 since the early '90s. The $8,000 price for each is pure fantasy. I paid about $1700 for each, new. Let me say that they CANNOT produce very low frequencies at realistic levels, and when called upon to do so make an awful noise as the limiter kicks in. Also, their surrounds are made of foam (one of my ULDs needs a replacement foam surround), and soon will need replacing. The ULDs are 15 years old and obsolete in my opinion. Since I also own the VTF-3 Mk3 I can honestly say that the Hsu would be a much better choice.

Jim

[tedjack]

I have to agree with JimLely. walk away from this one. If you have a large budget, check out the DefTec SuperCube 1, or any the HSU subs. The foam WILL rot, and the cost to repair, if ever needed, would be very expensive. My 62 Strat sounds better with age, These "the Velodyne" subs don't.

[JimLely]

I have to agree with JimLely. walk away from this one. If you have a large budget, check out the DefTec SuperCube 1, or any the HSU subs. The foam WILL rot, and the cost to repair, if ever needed, would be very expensive. My 62 Strat sounds better with age, These "the Velodyne" subs don't.


Also the ULDs have a non-defeatable low-pass filter.


P.S. Is that a Carver amp pictured?

[tedjack]

Hi. Yes..it's a Carver. I collect Carver amps and pre-amps and Kenwood amps from the late 70's.