Need more detail regarding HSU sub specs please!

[jrittz]

Hello Everybody, I'm kind of lost when it comes to the fine details of subwoofers so I thought I'd start here before I made my final decision of which HSU sub to go with.

I am currently using an older Onkyo HTIB with an upgraded receiver which is the Onkyo TX-SR605 which does all the decoding necessary for my Blu-Ray/HT requirements.

I began looking at the Klipsch SW-450 at Best Buy and was impressed. The Klipsch sounds great but I wanted something of more quality. I then began my research to find out the best bang for my buck.

I came across HSU among other brands and have decided to make a purchase here.

I don't see my questions as being the same as the typical "which sub will fit my needs". To me it's more a question of: what's the difference, in lamens?
This is what I don't understand:
When I compare 18 Hz, +/- 1dB vs 25 Hz, +/- 1dB.... What does this translate to for me? In my case, same hertz but a difference of +/- 1 dB vs +/- 2 dB's
The VTF-1 and STF-2 are the same wattages, same dimensions, same size drivers, both downward firing...
I read that the VTF series gives the flexibility to go between musical and HT usage but what about me which is going to be 100% HT?

I appreciate great sound and I'm a wannabe audiophile and I guess I have to start somewhere. It took me at least a week to decide to buy from Dr. Hsu...My eyes are starting to bleed from all of the reading and I am hoping someone will help spell it out for me so I can easily understand why I am buying one over the other.

I prefer not to get the answer...buy this one because it's better for HT but rather, maybe help explain what the subtle or not-so-subtle differences are?
If there's a good article or page or something, I'd be more than happy to read it/them.

It looks like, if I can swing it, the VTF-2 MK3 would be the best option for HT because of it's low end of 18 Hz? Maybe I'm incorrect and I don't quite know enough about subwoofers yet? But without knowing the facts, the STF-2 or VTF-1 may be completely suitable as well...

Frequency Response (+/-2 dB) (Max. Extension Mode)? Is 18 Hz vs 25 Hz a big difference? What does this mean for me? What does this mean for HT setups?

Frequency Response (+/-2 dB) (Max. Output Mode)? Is 25 Hz vs 32 Hz a big difference? What does this mean for me? What does this mean for HT setups?

Is the above only applicable to the VTF series? All I see in the STF specs is just a straight Frequency response +/- 2 dB? Does this mean that the lowest range achievable is 25 Hz?

I apologize for writing a book, it's difficult for me to express what I'm trying to get to understand without going into so much detail or including so much information that I have yet to be educated on.

Any and all information that can be provided will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Jaime

[Pete_Hsu]

Welcome to the forum Jaime!

The VTF subwoofers have two ports on the back of the unit. One can adjust their bass characteristics by adding or removing a supplied foam port plug, and flipping a bass extension switch on the sub amplifier. If one wants max output over the more common bass ranges at the expense of deep bass extension, then they should run with both ports open (and bass extension switch set accordingly). If one wants deeper bass extension at the expense of max output over the more common bass ranges, then they should plug one port. So this variable tuning feature gives the user some extra flexibility in terms of getting a good result based on their listening preferences.

The STF subwoofers have a single port, so they do not have adjustable port tuning per se. That is why you only see one frequency response specification there.

If you think that you probably will not experiment much with variable tuning modes, and/or if your budget is quite tight, then the STF series is the way to go. If you do want the flexibility of variable tuning, and your budget is a bit more flexible, then the VTF series is the way to go.

The VTF-2 MK3 is quite a bit larger than the VTF-1/STF-2, and will play deeper (ie. it will more accurately reproduce very low frequencies down to 16-18Hz). If you can accomodate this larger enclosure, and your budget is flexible, then by all means go with it. The deeper bass extension and higher output capability will pay dividends with movie program material.

Sincerely,

[jrittz]

I'm not so concerned with constant tweaking. It's more or less a set it and forget it for me. Whether it's the STF-2 or VTF-1, it doesnt matter to me, per se.

[jrittz]

Ok so I decided to go with the VTF-2 MK3.

[Amish]

Great choice. I own it and it amazes me every time my house shakes.

[Pete_Hsu]

I agree, excellent choice, thanks!

Sincerely,