Piano black offering on VTF-3?

[Iceblade]

Hey guys,

I am currently thinking about purchasing a VTF-3 in the near future and was wondering if a piano black option was going to be offered at or near the same time as the rosewood finish option (supposedly in June?)? Any plans to offer this? Also, are there any pics available of what the rosewood finish will look like? What about pricing on the finish compared to the standard VTF-3?

Thanks and regards,
Jeff

[Sasha_G]

We are starting off with the Rosewood VTF-3 and seeing how popular the finish is. If it succeeds, we will offer a Rosewood VTF-2 and consider other finishes. Some suggestions include Maple and Piano Black. So far, there is quite a bit of interest in the Rosewood VTF-3, so the chances of Piano Black coming next year are not bad :)

Here is a picture of our working down-firing VTF-3 prototype:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/images/vtf-3_rosewood.jpg

The downfiring orientation should make it a little less localizable than the front firing version, but otherwise sonically identical. We are estimating a retail price of $1149.

[Rob Babcock]

Man, that's a beauty!:) Definately very classy. I bet you're gonna sell a million of those things to Rocket owners, too. It's a perfect match for their finish. It will match Monitor Audio's rosemah finish very well, too, I think.

Any chance of a VTF-2 in that finish?

[Sasha_G]

Rob,

We have a rough working prototype of the Rosewood VTF-2, but are not making additional cabinets yet.

The VTF-3 is about the same height as most tables at about 20 inches. I think the solid brass spikes make it a little taller than 20 inches. In that sense, the VTF-3 makes a good endtable while the VTF-2 tucks away perfectly under many end tables at 16 inches. Many prefer to hide the VTF-2 away.

We have a prototype of the Rosewood VTF-2 on display in our official factory outlet in Anaheim:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/images/vtf-2_rosewood.jpg

[Iceblade]

Sasha,

Thanks for the info. Looks like the new finish options will prohibit me ordering one both from a time frame and pricing standpoint.

Thanks anyway,
Jeff

[dholly]

I too am smitten with the down firing rosewood vtf-3. Rob is dead nuts on re: Rocket owners.

But at a 50% premium over the current model? Darn! :(

[Dr_Hsu]

It would be about 35% more, not 50% more.

[Rob Babcock]

Will the rosewood finish be an option one can order via the web order page? That is just about the most beautiful subwoofer I've ever seen.

You guys never cease to amaze me; the one legitimate knock that anyone could ever level at you is that the looks are very utilitarian, and you respond with the best looking sub a person could imagine for under $1500! Way to go.

BTW, I really dig the look of my TNs. My system has a no-nonsense, almost intimidating look that says "I mean business." The Hsu's look like weapons! Very cool.

A couple months back, the cable guy stopped in to install digital cable; he about fainted when he saw the system, complete with 100" Da-Lite screen. He said, "I'm not intimidated by a system very often, but I am here!"

Thanks a lot.

[dholly]

I came, I saw, I waited...???

I came to order a vtf-3 and found the current sale. Yippee! What great fortune! But then I was cursed to spy a pic of that new Rosewood beauty...arrgh! A picture is worth a thousand words and now, even at +50% over current sale price, I'm REALLY tempted to wait.

Two thumbs up. Please advise if you have a wait list going for early availability. Thanks.

[Sasha_G]

Originally posted by Rob Babcock
Will the rosewood finish be an option one can order via the web order page?
...
A couple months back, the cable guy stopped in to install digital cable; he about fainted when he saw the system, complete with 100" Da-Lite screen. He said, "I'm not intimidated by a system very often, but I am here!"

Thanks a lot.

Yes, it will be available on the web page. It is estimated to be available June 1. When we start to assemble them sometime in May, we will put up a wait list on the website where people can order them, but their card will not be charged until the unit is shipped.

Each unit will be closely inspected before delivery. They are more delicate, and more may be damaged in assembly. The added cost is not only from the cabinet, but from special needs in assembly, and handling of these units. We also may have more B-stock Rosewood VTF-3s at 20% off, for those who are price concious. Many of our customers are, and we understand.

I guess this Rosewod VTF-3 shows the softer side of Hsu Research. Getting it might save a few cable repair guys from fainting from the utilitarian looks. :D

[Ddavidson]

Is the Rosewood VTF-2 at the show ?

Now that the Rosewood VTF-3 is out and shipping, you must be finding out how popular it might be. So, will any other finishes now be offered in the VTF series besides Rosewood ?

Ddavidson

[Sasha_G]

It is too soon to tell if the popularity of Rosewood will lead us to other finishes. We like to buy in quantity to keep costs low, so having a number of finishes of different colors changes the equations. The VTF-3R IS currently at the show.

[YeeDude]

Hi Sasha,

Any updates on the possibility of an all black version of the VTF-3?

My buddy bought a VTF-3R from you when you were up here in S.F. two months ago and he's very happy with it. I like it pretty much as well but cannot live with the rosewood or standard model's finish.

Thanks.

[Sasha_G]

I'm glad you asked.

Piano black is in the works, and should be released by Christmas (99% chance). We don't know what the retail price will be yet.

[YeeDude]

Thanks for the reply/news!

And for those who're wondering, I "can't" get the standard VTF-3 because the driver is front firing, not because of the pebble grain finish. I'm not a Liberace piano black fan or anything! :D I don't have any kids yet but will down the road and would hate to have a poked/pushed in driver due to little hands or feet!

In any case, thanks again!