Advice for my new 3.3

[slothorilla]

My VTF-3 MK3 arrived the other day and I couldn't be happier. Prior to it's arrival, I was considering replacing my center channel and possibly my front towers. However, since I hooked up the 3.3, it's like my speakers have been given new life. Voices are so much clearer and understandable its amazing; when I used to watch movies, I was always adjusting the volume because dialogue was difficult to understand, yet action scenes were too loud (for my wife anyways). Now, I can just kick back and enjoy the movie.

I was hoping to get a little advice as I fine tune the new sub.
First, I have been told that speakers need time to get "broken in"; if this is true, then what is best way to do this for the sub?
Next, is there a way to make sure that I don't cause any damage to my HT equipment by turning the volume up too loud on the receiver?
Along those same lines, I'm trying to figure out if I should be using the "music mode" or the "home theater" mode as described in the FAQ (actually, I'm trying to figure out exactly what "loud" means). Since I use my system primarily for HT, the answer seems obvious, however, will I be losing/missing something by not utilizing the lower bass extension? Would there be a problem (like damage) if I wanted to watch movies in "music mode"?
Finally, while watching a clip from Finding Nemo (The Abyss), my kitchen windows started to rattle a little; do I need to be concerned about my windows breaking? Is there anything than can be done to reinforce them or give them more support?

I also wanted to thank Dr. Hsu for helping me pick the best sub for my room (and my budget). First class operation all the way.

[Picture_Shooter]

Its amazing when you can tell a SUB plays a very important roll to both Home Theater and Music ;)

I too am looking to get the same sub :D

[Plumman]

My VTF3.3 arrived yesterday. I upgraded from a blown JBL-DBS-12. The HSU is very impressive and well made. I haven't had much time to play with all the settings, just yet. I like the smoothness of the bass compared to the JBL. I watched some of King Kong, when the ship is pushed up against the rocks. That just blew me away. Tried it in both plug in and plug out for HT mode. Much better in HT mode with the plug out. Just waiting for my 35 ft cable to change locations.
The VTF3.3 blends very well with my speakers. Also want to try some music. Probably could have went with the VTF2.3 cause this thing is only turned up to 2.5.
Thanks HSU for making such great speaker and packing so well!!
:D

[Pete_Hsu]

My VTF-3 MK3 arrived the other day and I couldn't be happier. Prior to it's arrival, I was considering replacing my center channel and possibly my front towers. However, since I hooked up the 3.3, it's like my speakers have been given new life. Voices are so much clearer and understandable its amazing; when I used to watch movies, I was always adjusting the volume because dialogue was difficult to understand, yet action scenes were too loud (for my wife anyways). Now, I can just kick back and enjoy the movie.

I was hoping to get a little advice as I fine tune the new sub.
First, I have been told that speakers need time to get "broken in"; if this is true, then what is best way to do this for the sub?
Next, is there a way to make sure that I don't cause any damage to my HT equipment by turning the volume up too loud on the receiver?
Along those same lines, I'm trying to figure out if I should be using the "music mode" or the "home theater" mode as described in the FAQ (actually, I'm trying to figure out exactly what "loud" means). Since I use my system primarily for HT, the answer seems obvious, however, will I be losing/missing something by not utilizing the lower bass extension? Would there be a problem (like damage) if I wanted to watch movies in "music mode"?
Finally, while watching a clip from Finding Nemo (The Abyss), my kitchen windows started to rattle a little; do I need to be concerned about my windows breaking? Is there anything than can be done to reinforce them or give them more support?

I also wanted to thank Dr. Hsu for helping me pick the best sub for my room (and my budget). First class operation all the way.

Thanks for the great feedback sloth!

The subwoofer shouldn't need much break in time, maybe just a few minutes with a good CD or DVD :)

As far as system settings, if using the receiver, just run an RCA interconnect from the 'sub out' on the receiver to the 'sub in' on the subwoofer amp, and set the crossover switch to 'out' on the subwoofer amp. This allows you to use the bass management features on your receiver. A good crossover point is usually about 80Hz. Note that since the gain is fairly high on the VTF subwoofers, I would start with a volume setting on the subwoofer amp of about 9-10 o'clock.

Most of the time I would recommend using the VTF-3 Mk3 in max output mode (both ports open, and max output mode set on the subwoofer amp). With pipe organ music or anything with ultra deep bass 16Hz content, then it would be fine to use extended bass mode. Just make sure not to run the subwoofer with both ports open and max extension mode set on the amp, as this could damage the subwoofer.

Hope this helps, and enjoy!

Sincerely,

[Pete_Hsu]

My VTF3.3 arrived yesterday. I upgraded from a blown JBL-DBS-12. The HSU is very impressive and well made. I haven't had much time to play with all the settings, just yet. I like the smoothness of the bass compared to the JBL. I watched some of King Kong, when the ship is pushed up against the rocks. That just blew me away. Tried it in both plug in and plug out for HT mode. Much better in HT mode with the plug out. Just waiting for my 35 ft cable to change locations.
The VTF3.3 blends very well with my speakers. Also want to try some music. Probably could have went with the VTF2.3 cause this thing is only turned up to 2.5.
Thanks HSU for making such great speaker and packing so well!!
:D

Thank you Plum, it's a joy to see such positive impressions!!!

[Plumman]

Thank you Plum, it's a joy to see such positive impressions!!!

Pete, how durable is the top surface of the VTF3.3? Notice some buyers installing glass over the sub surface. Thanks in advance!!

[Pete_Hsu]

Hey Plumman,

It's pretty durable. It shouldn't be a problem having glass sheet on top of the subwoofer.