davrud
January 4th, 2004, 11:36 PM
I have been a long time promoter of HSU subs, having purchased my own TN1225 with 250 watt AMP a couple of years ago. When I heard about the new Ventriloquist I was intrigued as my parents had just told me about their need for a replacement TV (previously had a 1983 27" tv, upgraded to a Samsung 46" Tantus DLP) and curiousity into making their living room "sound like mine." BTW, they did not even have a DVD player. With an audio budget of around $1000, I did some homework. I settled on a final receiver recommendation of a refurbished NAD L70 http://www.nadelectronics.com/av_receivers/L70_framset.htm(they wanted a combo unit to minimize the number of components) new=$999, factory refurb=$499, but was not convinced of the Ventriloquist since I had never seen it, let alone heard it. I decided to put my faith in the good Doctor, and recommended the Ventriloquist with an STF-2 sub.
Finally, this weekend I setup the whole system for them following a trip to the local CompUSA (FYI all stores in the area had the VT-12 system in stock, but most were out of the subs). The STF-2 box was ratty looking, almost as if it had been opened before, but the intensely rude and completely uninformed Sales Associate assured me that it was untouched and also tried to push one of the competing Infinity systems. Afterward, he "passed along" his business card so he could get the commission upon check-out for doing nothing. As you can probably tell, I was reluctant to go there, especially because I cannot stand their 15% restocking fee policy.
Anyhow, while trying to fit everything into an old Celica, I kept hearing a rattling noise come from the sub box. I was concerned, but thought that perhaps an accessory was loose in the box. When I got to my parents' house, I unpacked everything and got to work.
To my dismay, the rattle turned out to be a completely detached plastic tube/port in the STF-2. After a few minutes, I was able to secure it into position, but am concerned that it may detach again. In addition, when I opened the VT-12 box, and removed the plastic bag from one of the satellites, the plastic "Ventriloquist" label dropped to the carpet. I placed it back onto the cloth grill and it stuck. This did not make for a good first impression. One other thought, while on the subject of looks, I was a bit disappointed by the finish on the STF-2. I was hoping that it would have a more "professional" look to it, but it appears amaturish, almost like a prototype. Aside from the poorly glued logo, the satellites looked more "polished" and of better quality.
Once I ran the wire, assembled the speaker stands and wall brackets, attached all the cables, and calibrated the system with an SPL meter and Avia, I was blown away! The fidelity of the sound was amazing with a full mid-range, and well matched highs and lows. The system never sounded strained or harsh when playing CDs, DVDs.... even the stereo. To fully demonstrate the system I brought the S.W.A.T DVD which has good LFE effects along with a well rounded music score. Needless to say everyone was extremely pleased, including my critical self. I have owned Bose, B&W, and most recently Martin Logans and can say that without a doubt, this is the best sounding home theater speaker system for the price - a top notch value.
Final thoughts: If HSU wants to play in the big leagues they must do EVERYTHING better - not just sound quality, but fit and finish. Those in the main stream would have immediately returned the system upon unpacking and gone with a household name brand, never having given the system a chance. I hope HSU continues innovating, but does not forget that build quality often makes up the majority of a first impression.
Finally, this weekend I setup the whole system for them following a trip to the local CompUSA (FYI all stores in the area had the VT-12 system in stock, but most were out of the subs). The STF-2 box was ratty looking, almost as if it had been opened before, but the intensely rude and completely uninformed Sales Associate assured me that it was untouched and also tried to push one of the competing Infinity systems. Afterward, he "passed along" his business card so he could get the commission upon check-out for doing nothing. As you can probably tell, I was reluctant to go there, especially because I cannot stand their 15% restocking fee policy.
Anyhow, while trying to fit everything into an old Celica, I kept hearing a rattling noise come from the sub box. I was concerned, but thought that perhaps an accessory was loose in the box. When I got to my parents' house, I unpacked everything and got to work.
To my dismay, the rattle turned out to be a completely detached plastic tube/port in the STF-2. After a few minutes, I was able to secure it into position, but am concerned that it may detach again. In addition, when I opened the VT-12 box, and removed the plastic bag from one of the satellites, the plastic "Ventriloquist" label dropped to the carpet. I placed it back onto the cloth grill and it stuck. This did not make for a good first impression. One other thought, while on the subject of looks, I was a bit disappointed by the finish on the STF-2. I was hoping that it would have a more "professional" look to it, but it appears amaturish, almost like a prototype. Aside from the poorly glued logo, the satellites looked more "polished" and of better quality.
Once I ran the wire, assembled the speaker stands and wall brackets, attached all the cables, and calibrated the system with an SPL meter and Avia, I was blown away! The fidelity of the sound was amazing with a full mid-range, and well matched highs and lows. The system never sounded strained or harsh when playing CDs, DVDs.... even the stereo. To fully demonstrate the system I brought the S.W.A.T DVD which has good LFE effects along with a well rounded music score. Needless to say everyone was extremely pleased, including my critical self. I have owned Bose, B&W, and most recently Martin Logans and can say that without a doubt, this is the best sounding home theater speaker system for the price - a top notch value.
Final thoughts: If HSU wants to play in the big leagues they must do EVERYTHING better - not just sound quality, but fit and finish. Those in the main stream would have immediately returned the system upon unpacking and gone with a household name brand, never having given the system a chance. I hope HSU continues innovating, but does not forget that build quality often makes up the majority of a first impression.