STF-3, VTF-3MK2 plain or VTF-3MK2 Piano black?

[heffalump]

$599 + $50 = $649 STF-3 Shipping now, VTF-3MK2 in plain finish might ship in January? ($699) or wait for a VTF-3MK2 Piano Black finish ($799) now estimated to ship in April?

Is anyone still holding out for a VTF-3MK2 in Piano Black?

Hsu teases you with an estimated shipping date, then pushes it back time and time again until you wonder, is it worth the wait?

Note: OpeeBear says the initial batch of STF-3's is tuned for Max Extension instead of Max output!

Note 2: edited to reflect $50 shipping cost for STF-3
----------------------------------------
March 26 update:
The STF-3's shipping now are tuned for Max Output. Piano Black finish is now $849. The VTF-3 MK2 is now available in Rosewood $899. Order when items are backordered and receive Free Shipping, otherwise add $50.


STF-3 $599+$50=$649 (tuned for Max Output)
VTF-3 Mk2 Matte Black $699 Free Shipping while backordered (est. 3-4 weeks)
VTF-3 Mk2 Piano Black $849+$50=$899
VTF-3 Mk2 Rosewood $899+$50=$949

Pictures!
STF-3 (http://store1.yimg.com/I/hsusubs_1784_623199)
VTF-3 MK2 Matte Black (http://store1.yimg.com/I/hsusubs_1785_1771085)
VTF-3 MK2 High Gloss Piano Black (http://store1.yimg.com/I/hsusubs_1787_267701)
VTF-3 MK2 Rosewood Finish (http://store1.yimg.com/I/hsusubs_1785_562288)

[Michael Bain]

There will be no VTF-3MKII plain finish as far as I know. The piano black version is scheduled to be released in one month. I know it has been pushed back quite a bit since last year, but any Hsu sub is worth the wait. The pictures of the MKII's from CES look really great.

Speaking solely in terms of performance for the price, the STF-3 looks like a really winner at it's price.

[tdekany]

HSU is not teasing - you just don't know what it takes to bring a product to the market. So many things can go wrong. Don't be a baby - if you want the latest just suck it up & wait for it. It will be well worth it. :D :D :D

[smartbot]

Go for the STF-3! I highly recommend it! And stop crying. J.K. :o)

[Ddavidson]

$599 STF-3 Shipping now, VTF-3MK2 in plain finish might ship in January? ($699) VTF-3MK2 Piano Black finish now estimated to ship in April?

Is anyone still holding out for a VTF-3MK2 in Piano Black?

Hsu teases you with an estimated shipping date, then pushes it back time and time again until you wonder, is it worth the wait?
Where is this mentioned?
No one has mentioned that they are releasing a plain finished VTF-3 Mk2?


Ddavidson

[opeeBear]

It is True, I spoke with Sasha yesterday and he said that the manufacturers were having trouble with the piano finish on the new MK2s and shipped them in the standard finish (Textured black Vinyl). They retain the lit Logo and brass feet only difference is the finish.

Now get this,,,, he also said that the new STF3s were tuned just like the STF1s and 2s IN EXTENDED MODE and not high otput mode. thats right it is a suped up VTF3 in extended mold. That explains the port on the picture of that guy with his new STF3.

But don't jump on this without doing some math.

As reported in this thread the STF3 goes for $599 plus shipping (~ $50) and has 300 watts rms. If you order VTF3 mkII for $699 free shipping and 350 watts to boot thats approximately a dollar a watt upgrade from the STF3. This has to be one of the best sub deals out there????/

[Dudley]

Hold the phone.

Is this true? The STF-3 is tuned for max extention!
VTF-3 is available in a plain finish for $100 less than the piano black.

Can anybody confirm this?

[sputnikv8]

Ok... so...

what are the real specs on this STF3 I have now? And has the mystery of the port plug been solved by this finding?

[italia]

Originally posted by opeeBear
It is True, I spoke with Sasha yesterday and he said that the manufacturers were having trouble with the piano finish on the new MK2s and shipped them in the standard finish (Textured black Vinyl). They retain the lit Logo and brass feet only difference is the finish.

Now get this,,,, he also said that the new STF3s were tuned just like the STF1s and 2s IN EXTENDED MODE and not high otput mode. thats right it is a suped up VTF3 in extended mold. That explains the port on the picture of that guy with his new STF3.

But don't jump on this without doing some math.

As reported in this thread the STF3 goes for $599 plus shipping (~ $50) and has 300 watts rms. If you order VTF3 mkII for $699 free shipping and 350 watts to boot thats approximately a dollar a watt upgrade from the STF3. This has to be one of the best sub deals out there????/

HSU/Sasha this is all very interesting and important information, please confirm or deny.

[Liaury]

Originally posted by italia
HSU/Sasha this is all very interesting and important information, please confirm or deny.

I'm not Sasha but:

It's all true. From the home page, click on VTF-3 in the first paragraph. It'll take you to a page for VTF-3 MKII where you can preorder on-line. It has the plain finish vs piano finish, prices, shipping date for piano finish, etc. etc.

Can anybody guess how long the preorder deal (price and no shipping) for the plain finish will last? Near the bottom of the home page it states VTF-3 MKII will ship on 2/12. I wonder if this applies to the plain finish. If so, I guess the preorder deal will last just prior to 2/12.

[diad98]

I saw it.
So it's 50W/rms(200W/peak) more than STF-3, 2db tighter than STF-3(+/-2 vs +/-1) with an extra Bass CD and two tunning options for $50 more only (699+free shipping vs 599+50 shipping).
It sounds a greater deal than STF-3.

[Dudley]

Looks like there is a plain finish on the VTF -3 mkII.

Now is the STF-3 tuned for max output, or max extention. My guess is that if one port is plugged it is max extention, but that could be dangerous if there is so switch on the back to change the eq if someone removes the plug. Is the plug easily removable?

[tdekany]

Originally posted by Dudley
Looks like there is a plain finish on the VTF -3 mkII.

Now is the STF-3 tuned for max output, or max extention. My guess is that if one port is plugged it is max extention, but that could be dangerous if there is so switch on the back to change the eq if someone removes the plug. Is the plug easily removable?


It is a no brainer - $699.00!!! for a new VTF3 MKII???

that is better than a steal!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Michael Bain]

For those who have an STF-3 stuck in maximum extension mode (with one port plugged), the subwoofer probably should be left as is. The amp already is set for extension mode, and apparently this will not be defeatable in the STF subs. It would be interesting to see how one of these versions measures and sounds with the same tuned amp and without the port plug, however this is not necessarily recommended because this is not the intended use.

[sputnikv8]

Geez, I just got the STF3 and the forums already call it a sub "stuck in max extension" like it is inferior already.

I thought $599 with no shipping was a good deal for this.

[Dudley]

$599 with no shipping is a good deal, and max extention mode is the mode that most people prefer. I thing HSU originally decided on max output mode, because they did not want to take sales away from the VTF series.

Yes the VTF-2 MKII is an excellent deal. For $50 over an STF it is a no brainer, however for $100 over (once the free shipping goes away) I think they are both equally good deals.

[Lwang]

The sub stuck in "max extension" mode is what's preferred by many people. Hsu could have held onto it and sell it as a limited edition. People would be jumping on it.

[Michael Bain]

Don't read too much into the words "stuck on" max extension. All that means is a fixed tuning point, ie. no variable tuning like in the big-brother VTF series. Generally it is not a good idea to tune at a non-optimal point of tune, so you should be much better off with the port plug left in as intended. Incidentally, many VTF-3 owners prefer this configuration anyway.

The original VTF-3 in maximum extension mode could hit 112db's@31.5Hz measured at the listening position, while maintaining a frequency response more or less very flat down to 16Hz-20Hz. That is quite a bit more output and extension than the VTF-2 had, and STF-3 gives that in addition to any improvements/enhancements to amp/driver/ports/finish that have been made along the way. Definitely one of the clear value leaders in subwoofers.

[sputnikv8]

K.

No doubt I'm happy with the STF3. I got in on the free shipping so, its $100 difference. It is thunderous. I just started to detect a tone (one that didn't exist I guess) to this thread and I was like "ahhh...man..."

[Active Speaker]

Is this plain black finish on the discounted VTF-3 MKII the same as the finish on the original VTF-3? Or is it different. Also, did anyone else notice that the VTF-3, the VTF-3R, the STF-3, and the VTF-3 MKII are all speced slightly differently? I wonder if the performance of all four is identical or if is noticeably different. Also, I wonder if the TN1220HO with either the 250 watt or 500 watt amp is superior in terms of sonics?

[tdekany]

Originally posted by Active Speaker
Is this plain black finish on the discounted VTF-3 MKII the same as the finish on the original VTF-3? Or is it different. Also, did anyone else notice that the VTF-3, the VTF-3R, the STF-3, and the VTF-3 MKII are all speced slightly differently? I wonder if the performance of all four is identical or if is noticeably different. Also, I wonder if the TN1220HO with either the 250 watt or 500 watt amp is superior in terms of sonics?

I am no expert but the TN1220 with the 500w amp would be the flagship product. I don't know about being superior since all HSU subs are exceptional.

[DavidD]

Indeed, the TN1220 is the current flagship product, and I think the main advantage over the VTF-3 is slightly greater extension and reduced port noise. If you can fit the long cylinder in your room, and that isn't as tough as it seems (since it can be laid down), it is the best of a great bunch.

[Dudley]

I Think Sasha said somewhere that the VTF-3 MKII had a little more volume than the TN. FWIW

[Lwang]

Originally posted by Dudley
I Think Sasha said somewhere that the VTF-3 MKII had a little more volume than the TN. FWIW

Internal volume should not be much different from before, but the VTF-3 MkII in max-output mode has slightly more output than a 250w TN1220, albeit with less extension.

[jlsylve]

Hopefully I won't offend anyone with this question, but HSU seems to be busy with CES and the STF-3 problem so I can't seem to get a response directly. (I e-mailed a recommendation request last Monday or Tuesday.) I have a large room (5500+ >3 ft) and wanted to consider HSU and SVS. Based on a sketch I provided, SVS recommended either 25-31 PC+ or PB2 ISD. Can anyone tell me if the VTF-3 MK2 is a suitable alternative (smaller amp vs. SVS, etc.)? Given my budget considerations I'm willing to give up the lowest end bass, but obviously need to be able to fill a large room. Thanks and I apologize if the question is inappropriate on a HSU forum.

[Dudley]

The HSU should do fine against those, and will probably sound more musical.

You could also consider 2 TN 1220's and the 500 watt amp. That is the top of the line right now. Or you could get two VTF-3 MKII's. they are only $699 w/ free shipping now.

Remember that adding a sub only adds volume, and not extention. You could start out with one, and if it is loud enough stop there, if not add a second.

[Ddavidson]

jlsylve I find emails can be a "bit slow" and with the aftermath of the CES you probably would be better on Monday give them a toll free call on 1 800 554 0150 and ask Dr Hsu directly over the telephone.

FWIW I have my current VTF-3 in an even bigger room and I really could not imagine you would be disappointed. Its capable of sustained higher levels than my ears ever could listen to. Either the STF-3, VTF-3R or upcoming VTF-3 MK2 will provide you with enough Spl and depth to fill your 5000 cu ft room.

The best issue about any one of those three models is that both music and movies are equally at home being reproduced. Although capable of high output its the level of balance and neutrality that really shines with a Hsu subwoofer. For the price the STF-3 looks to me to be the best buy on the value vs performance stakes. the STF-3 certainly has me interested, for use in my other system.

Ddavidson

[Active Speaker]

So, back to these questions: Is this plain black finish on the discounted VTF-3 MKII the same as the finish on the original VTF-3? Or is it different. Also, did anyone else notice that the VTF-3, the VTF-3R, the STF-3, and the VTF-3 MKII are all speced slightly differently? I wonder if the performance of all four is identical or if is noticeably different. Also, I wonder if the TN1220HO with either the 250 watt or 500 watt amp is superior in terms of sonics? Anyone have any experience with this? I like the SIZE of the box subs AND the price, BUT they have no active high pass filter which essentially limits them to being home theater subs (unless you add $300 -$400 for the high end crossover).

[EMT]

Is this plain black finish on the discounted VTF-3 MKII the same as the finish on the original VTF-3? Or is it different.
I'm curious about this too. The gloss piano black finish on the MK2 was preventing me from ordering one of these subs. But now that a plain finish is available, I am quite interested. Can we get some more info? How about pictures?

[jlsylve]

Based on an e-mail I received from Sasha, the matte black finish is smooth. I had asked because it wasn't clear to me if it was smooth or rough like some of the other models.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by jlsylve
Based on an e-mail I received from Sasha, the matte black finish is smooth. I had asked because it wasn't clear to me if it was smooth or rough like some of the other models.

I'd guess it is similar to the STF finishes - smooth

[Ddavidson]

I am now looking at getting the new STF-3 for my second system and in a phone conversation was told the finish on the Feb available VTF-3MK2 would be the STF-3 finish. The Piano Black is not till April.


Ddavidson

[Michael Bain]

Active speaker,

All the VTF-3 MKII versions should perform similarly, the main difference being finish options (matte black, high gloss piano black, and rosewood). The STF-3 is a variation with slightly less power and single tuning point.

The TN1220HO is still quite appealing, especially the dual package using 500 watt amp supplied by Hsu. Quite possibly the cleanest sounding, with the most feature-filled amp including active high/low pass crossovers.

Many high pass filters included in subwoofer amps are not of very high quality. Dr. Hsu has his reasons for not including a HP filter in the VTF amps. If someone really needs to keep bass out of their mains, then the Hsu bass optimizer box can be used as a dual setting high pass filter for $100 shipped.

[Active Speaker]

Do you think that the high pass filter in the 500 watt amp that comes with the 1220 is as good as the one that can be configured with the bass optimizer? Secondly, which of the subs are magnetically shielded? Whichever sub I get (VTF-3 MKII or TN1220HO), it will have to fit in a corner behind my right rear speaker which is approximately 2 1/2 by 2 1/2, so the sub magnet will have to be between 1 and 3 feet from the CRT.

[Lwang]

Originally posted by Active Speaker
Do you think that the high pass filter in the 500 watt amp that comes with the 1220 is as good as the one that can be configured with the bass optimizer? Secondly, which of the subs are magnetically shielded? Whichever sub I get (VTF-3 MKII or TN1220HO), it will have to fit in a corner behind my right rear speaker which is approximately 2 1/2 by 2 1/2, so the sub magnet will have to be between 1 and 3 feet from the CRT.

The class-A crossover in the 500w amp are very good, utilizing cascading 2nd orde Buttworth crossover of Sallen Key design to achieve a phase correct 24dB/oct 4th order Linkwitz-Riley crossover. The Bass Optimizer as high pass filter utilizes a 12dB/oct 2nd order crossover. Plus the crossover in the 500w amp has individually adjustable high and low pass crossover, allowing overlappig and underlapping xo, good to smooth out humps and holes if they occur while integrating the sub with the main speakers.

Here is what Paul Seydor of TAS (an audiophile rag, that doesn't just write about the boom, bam and rumbles of a sub) wrote when they reviewed the TN1220 with the 500w amp & crossover:

So how does this thing sound? Starting with the crossover, like next to nothing at all, so transparent and characterless that, practically speaking, it’s almost impossible to tell whether it’s there or not. This superior transparency resulted in a subtle but unmistakable effect at the beginning of Dark Side of the Moon: the ticking clock emerged from under the beating heart fractionally sooner and with a slightly longer fade up.

This and another review in the Audiophile Voice of the TN1220 were never re-printed by Hsu, even though they both gave some of their highest praise to the sub.

[Active Speaker]

Thanks Lwang, now does anyone know the answer to the magnetic shielding question.

[Lwang]

The VTF subs are shielded by an plate at the end of the driver. It should also apply to the 1220 sub.

[tomes]

I was told by the Ascend guys that the finish is much like their speakers, if that tells you anything (can't find the right words to describe it, just now, sorry :)

Oh, and I ordered one :)

[david_da_kine]

My TN needs to be at least one to two feet away from the TV in order to prevent interference.

[Active Speaker]

Have you ever considered the plexiglass mod where you turn the sub over and attach 1/4 inch piece of plexiglass to the bottom and the spikes to the 4 corners of the plexiglass?

[Active Speaker]

How close to a wall or corner can the 1220HO be placed without a problem? The VTF-MKII? Any ideas? Also, how hot does the 500 watt amp run? I was planning on stacking it on top of my receiver, and I'm not sure if it will be a problem.

[cschang]

The TN1220HO's in Hsu's demo room are right up next to the wall. As long as they do not touch the wall they are fine.

The VTF?STF series need to have three inches of clearance on the port side.

[Sorny]

Curtis beat me to it regarding the TN1220HO subs. I've got my pair about 1/2" from the baseboard. Like he said above, as long as they don't touch the wall, they are good. I also agree that as long as you have about 3" on the port side for a VTF/STF sub you should be good to go.

Stacking the amp on top of a receiver is a bad idea. The amp, I assume, gets hot enough (the manual says forced cooling **may** be required if running 2 subs) without any help from a receiver sitting right below it. Give the amp some space; give your receiver space as well. Heat is the enemy of electronics...

Sorny

[Active Speaker]

I'm running out of room in my entertainment center/rack; does anyone have any thoughts how I can stack the 500 watt amp on top of my B&K AVR202 while still leaving 2-3 inches clearance? How much clearance will the 500 watt amp need? I will be running one 1220HO.

[heffalump]

Earlier I asked if it was worth the wait? The short answer = YES!

Thanks to the good Dr. Hsu, I received my VTF-3MK2 and to my delight, I received one in High Gloss Piano Black, my first preference. It's a beauty! :)

[heffalump]

It's difficult to photograph this unit b/c of its highly reflective surface. (think shiny black mirror)

[birdwizard]

It's difficult to photograph this unit b/c of its highly reflective surface. (think shiny black mirror)

MORE PICTURES OF THIS SHINY BLACK SUB PLEASE!!!!!

(I'm trying to decide on it and can't find any pictures:)

[Ddavidson]

WOW I thought the Piano black was april, at least that is what is on this site. Heffalump was this $799 not $699? Is the finish nice? It sure looks shiny.

Ddavidson

[Michael Bain]

Great pic heff!

Did Hsu charge you extra for engraving your email address on the top plate of the subwoofer? :D

Looks very good, well done

[heffalump]

BWiz, new MK2's (http://www.hsustore.com/vtf3.html) in high gloss black have arrived and are shipping this week! Is yours one of them?

DD, The good Dr. took care of me. :) btw, High gloss black is shipping now ahead of the matt black, but new orders have a different price b/c of changing production costs. IMO, the finish is very nice, and yes it's very shiny!

Thanks MB! no charge for an email address on the sub! ;)
Unfortunately, after many of my photos turned up in other people's eBay auctions w/o my consent, :( I now add watermarks as a preventive measure.

More pics to follow.

[Influence]

My MKII piano black shipped out yesterday. I can't wait to get this thing hooked up! I'll see if I can get some decent pictures with my crappy digital camera to post for all of your guys. Sure am glad that I placed the pre-order. I told my fiancee' that it was a good idea, and that I'd be buying it anyway, so why not get in on the free shipping and 799 intro price. Now it's already 849 and I'm sure that the free shipping will go buh-bye.

[heffalump]

Hey all,
fwiw, I updated the original post on Page 1 to include Hsu's additional offering, the MK2 in Rosewood, and updated the post to reflect current models and pricing.

Also you'll find links to pictures of all of them. Enjoy!

[heffalump]

MORE PICTURES OF THIS SHINY BLACK SUB PLEASE!!!!!:)
Here's another pic

[heffalump]

bump. Added a 30-day poll to this thread. Vote once for your favorite! then check out the results here (http://hsuresearch.com/forum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=8)

[Active Speaker]

Get a TN1220 and the 500 watt amp.

[birdwizard]

Here's another pic
You're too late. I already bought one :)

[Michael Bain]

Good, now you can take pictures of the sub from different angles than "Heff" :D

[Denis Y]

The sub is very beautiful ! Really nice!!

[BradJudy]

I dig the piano black, but the seams/caps for the top and bottom ruin it for me. It just breaks up the clean lines that are one of the big aesthetic benefits of the glossy black look (it doesn't stand out nearly as much to me on the matte black versions). Oh well, I wasn't looking to buy one anyway - I have no reason to upgrade from my VTF-2.

[Michael Bain]

If you saw it in person, you might have a change of heart :D Most people find the seams/endcaps to be a attractive cue that helps the styling of the relatively large black box. To each his own.

[heffalump]

fyi, poll closes April 25, so vote for your favorite if you haven't already.

[r3Wind]

I kept going back and forth between the TN1220 and the VTF-3MKII, I finally decided to order the VTF-3MKII when I realized that my three cats would make pretty short work of a cloth covered tube :D

[agupta]

I am curious.... The poll (http://hsuresearch.com/forum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=8) says that the High Gloss Piano Black is more popular. Then why is it on sale (or being phased out according to another thread)??

Does any one have good clear pictures of both the matte finish and the piano black finish so that someone like me can make a decision. I am going nuts trying to decide whether to buy the piano black or the matte. The current pictures on the site and a these forums are not good enough.

[heffalump]

I am curious.... The poll (http://hsuresearch.com/forum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=8) says that the High Gloss Piano Black is more popular. Then why is it on sale (or being phased out according to another thread)?? I was the OP for this thread which is now almost two years old, and waay back then, the piano black delivery date had been extended many times throughout most of 2003. The limited finish selections, and the promise of something new, combined with its scarcity, fueled the ostensible demand for High Gloss Piano Black at the time. My guess is the other thread you mention is not of the same time period as this poll.