Joining the HSU club

[jvgillow]

By this weekend I should have a rosewood VTF3-MK2 in my possession that I'm buying used from a guy in central FL. I wanted something to match the Strata Minis :) Unfortunately it's got a scratch in one side but I should be able to hide that without much difficulty.

It will probably be replacing a pair of Klipsch Sub-12 that I was using with the Minis. I realized that I don't really need a pair of subs for my listening levels, and they are low-passed at 40Hz which is very nondirectional anyhow. If anybody else has a really nice deal on a VTF3-R though maybe we can talk :D. As impressive as the Klipsch are they are lacking in the 16-22Hz area and the HSU model has better control over the whole range I'm fairly confident of that :cool:. Max ext mode of course.

[Pete_Hsu]

It's great to have you on board, Jeremy! Those rosewood models are really nice looking! I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions...

Sincerely,

[jvgillow]

I'm a little late with my reply here, but on the upside I've had the VTF3mk2 for a month now.

The cabinet definitely matches the Strata Minis, as I expected. I've been running the sub on top of an Auralex GRAMMA, since the sub sank down into my carpet pretty far with the spiked feet. I was a bit worried about it hitting the carpet during high excursion, and my BIC H100 in the bedroom didn't really need to be sitting on a GRAMMA anyway.

I'm running it with high-level input in parallel with the speakers, which have their own powered woofer that's also in parallel. When you consider the amp switcher box that I use for SS/tube, the front left+right speakers collectively use 36 banana plugs and 4 spades :eek: . The crossover on the HSU is set for right about 36Hz, so it's really just filling out the lowest bass.

And it really does that well, much better than the Sub-12 that I was using before. The difference between 16Hz and 24Hz extension is noticeable I'd say on at least half of the music I listen to. Plus for movies I can run the main speakers in full-range mode without being concerned that they aren't "really" full-range. Many people say that the Minis do just fine for 2ch without a subwoofer, but after hearing them with a (good) one, I don't think I will be using them without one hooked up.

I also tried using the VTF3 as a normal subwoofer, connected to the receiver sub-out in place of my SVS Ultras. After setting the right level, it did a respectable job for the volume levels I normally use. In my apartment I could probably get away with having just a single 12" sub, but the more the merrier right :cool:

[Pete_Hsu]

Nice Jeremy! So I take it you just leave the subwoofer in max extension mode most of the time?

Thanks for the first impressions!

[majorloser]

So Jeremy,

Don't you agree that HSU needs to bring back those nice finishes? :rolleyes:

You've had a chance to see my toys in person. Rosewood and piano black WOULD have been nice.

[jvgillow]

Yeah I'd like for somebody to offer high-end rosewood subs that don't cost a fortune. AV123 might eventually have a rosewood faceplate available for the MFW-15, but they don't have any plans for a full-cabinet rosewood veneer.

The SVS rosenut finish isn't a match either, close as it might appear in photos.

So I'll just keep my eye out for any other used vtf3 models that pop up. Or any Aerial SW-12 for under $1k (yeah right!).

[Ddavidson]

Those rosewood VTF-3 MK2's had an excellent finish, its just a pity I didn't have rosewood coloring in the house. I read from peter that wood finishes are coming (at least for the new HB series speakers).

Ddavidson

[Pete_Hsu]

The prototype sub that we showed recently in Vegas will be available in real wood maple/rosewood/espresso, or a flat painted black (ie. same finish options as the new horn speakers).

[texasann]

Hi, I'm eager to buy the one and only new system I've ever owned (looking at enthusiast 2) but want the new model horn speakers...any eta as it appears the current ones are now out of stock? I'm so not technical but love to listen to good sound and think this is the system for me...Thanks in advance for your help and advice as this is a great big decision! Ann :)

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi texas, we hope to have the new horn speakers here by April.

[J0e3gan]

Hi, I'm eager to buy the one and only new system I've ever owned (looking at enthusiast 2) but want the new model horn speakers...any eta as it appears the current ones are now out of stock? I'm so not technical but love to listen to good sound and think this is the system for me...Thanks in advance for your help and advice as this is a great big decision! Ann :)

texasann, I demoed them with the VTF-3 HO and VTF-3 Mk3: I'm confident you'll love them. ;)