Already have VTF-2...should I upgrade?

[Jeffy]

I already have a VTF-2 subwoofer. Now that the VTF-3 is out and getting such rave reviews, should I upgrade? I've got upgrade fever. My room is about 15x18.

Would there be an advantage to keeping the VTF-2, if I get a 3? Or is that *insane*? And where would I place them?

Would a second VTF-2 make more sense?

Thanks for your time.

[Sasha_G]

I believe it depends on a few things.

Does your room have any large unclosable openings?

Do you prefer the kind of bass that shakes the air all around you (the bass below 25 Hz)? There is not much of this bass in most program material, but there is a trend towards including more in movie LFE tracks. If you are an organ music fan, than you NEED the ultra low bass.

If you want more chest pounding bass, the kind above 25 Hz, a VTF-2 or 3 placed closer to the listener might add a little something.

[Jeffy]

No unclosable openings.

I think I might like bass that shakes the air all around...I'm not that familliar with it.

How would I choose between two VTF-2s and replacing my VTF-2 with a VTF-3?

[Dr_Hsu]

You are local. Come by and listen for yourself. One VTF-3 is better than two VTF-2s. It goes lower and it has a rubber surround that lasts a lot longer. Use the VTF-2 in your secondary system.

[cschang]

Yeah Jeff,

I visited the Hsu Research offices/showroom. I went to listen to the VTF-2 and walked out with a VTF-3. If they have any "B" stock left, the VTF-3 is a great deal, only cosmetic flaws...my VTF-3 only has a tiny white speck on it. I don't think I will be buying another subwoofer for a long time!

curtis

[Music_Smurf]

I currently own a VTF-2. The VTF-2 is placed between the TV and the left front speaker. I am thinking of buying another VTF-2 and placing it between the TV and the right front speaker. I also want to buy a VTF-3 and have it handle only frequencies below 30hz. Since I live in a small studio apartment, 20'x16', do you think this is a good setup, or do you think it is overkill? Oh, by the way, I first placed the VTF-2 near the corner of the room but the sound seemed like it was coming from the corner. The sound did not correspond with the action on the screen. For example, an explosion would occur on the right side of the screen but the sound would be coming from the corner on the left. That is why I placed the subwoofer between the TV and the front speaker.

[Ddavidson]

Stack the second VTF-2 with the first VTF-2 or else you will run into cancelation problems. That way you will add the extra headroom without fear of room modes working against you. Email Dr Hsu with your layout and he will advise best.

Ddavidson

[tdekany]

TN, in his home theater has 8!!! 15" subs!!!!!. Talk about bass...

[Sasha_G]

Two subs right next to eachother is the best way. It avoids the cancellation that causes very bumpy frequency response.

If you can get a long enough cable, putting two subs near the listener behind the couch usually works great. Not only is the bass more intense, it disturbs the neighbors less since the subwoofer level can be turned down a little.

[tzim]

Originally posted by Dr_Hsu
...One VTF-3 is better than two VTF-2s. It goes lower and it has a rubber surround that lasts a lot longer. Use the VTF-2 in your secondary system.

Any numbers on MTBF (mean time before failure) on VTF-2 vs. VTF-3 for the electronics, for the sub-woofer driver?

Do you sell replacement drivers for VTF-2 or VTF-3? If so, how much? Just curious, if the VTF-3 lasted 10 years vs. VTF-2 driver lasts 5 years...then I could calculate a breakeven point.

Thanks,
TZ

[Sasha_G]

Tzim,

I don't have any hard data, but the subwoofers should last at least 5-10 years, if not more.

The foam surround used to break for some people when they turned their VTF-2s up too loud for too long. Now, all our VTF-2s have a protective coating on the surround that should drastically reduce or almost eliminate the breakage. This breakage is covered by a 5 year warranty and new drivers were sent out to those who broke theirs.

If the sub goes out of warranty we sell replacement drivers and amps. We have replacement drivers for our discontinued models. Dr. Hsu seems to keep enough around to last around five years or so. The amps are also very compatable with each other.

By the way, subwoofers are avoided by a number of companies since there are so many things that can go wrong. They are highly mechanical, like a car, and the amplifier is also built into them which can be driven to hard or hot. For this reason, good customer service and tech support are important factor to consider when buying a subwoofer, since these people will be coming to your rescue if something goes wrong.