Question about VTF-15H

[jrittz]

I was reading the thread attached to the audioholics review and someone asked what I felt was a valid question and I would love to hear more about it...

Posted by tgeorge34 on 05-FEB-2011 post #122 @ http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=789444&postcount=122


I have been reading all of the posts about this sub, but I have one question. I have always had rear ported subs, and have liked the sound of the bass coming out of the port and having a chance to hit the wall. It makes it seem like there is more bass coming out of the sub. I turned my current sub around (VTF-1) with the ports facing me, and it didn't seem to be as full. Does this sub provide plenty of bass without having to face the ports into the corner of the wall?


Now what his post brings to my attention is that the VTF-15H may not fit in my current sub location but lets say it does. Now the port(s) will be forward facing us in our seating position.

My room is approx 20'x14'x9' but is wide open to the dining room, kitchen, and the stairs up and down. Since I'm not a seasoned veteran with HT, I'm not sure what placement options there are. I have attached a rough sketch of my room and current setup. I'm not sure if the ports have to face the seating position? The sofa facing the TV is where we sit and to the right of that sofa is a table-like piece of furniture and I'm not sure if it could possibly go there as an end-table? Then that question again begs the answer about the sub and where the ports face?

To be honest, I just have no idea about sub placement in regards to which direction the port needs to face, or if it is even something to worry about?

If anybody could shed some light on this question, I would greatly appreciate it. I am very near the submission of my order for the VTF-15H but it would be good to have these answers in preparation.

Regards,
Jaime

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Jamie,

Thank you for the diagram! The best places to put the subwoofer will be either front left corner or back left corner (as viewed from the listening position, ie. upper left or lower left corner of the diagram).

I would set up the subwoofer so that aesthetically it looks the best. With respect to the VTF-15H, one does not need much space on the sides nor back of the unit, but one should keep at least 3-4" of space in front of the unit.

I'm not sure that orientation of the ports should make a huge difference in-room. That said, if the ports are pushed very close to a wall, the frequency response may change a bit, and some people may prefer that (as they may feel it sounds louder that way) but other people may not prefer it (as they
may feel it sounds boomier that way). In theory, one can rotate the whole enclosure in 90 degree increments to their tastes as long as they provide at least 3-4" between radiating elements and any nearby surface.

Sincerely,

[movieboy]

I have had this same experience. I don't own a VTF 15 yet but i will one day soon. I had a Velodyne in my back corner and noticed when I had it facing out with the slotted port towards the seating position, the sound was good but not too powerful. One day I played with positioning and turned it sideways with the port facing the wall and it made a noticable difference. The sound was more full and "appeared" to go deeper. With something as powerful as the VTF 15, I don't think it will need to be turned around.:D

[jrittz]

Yeah, being the front left corner with the VTF2 currently has less than 1" clearance on either side, I may not have that option with the new sub. I can tell you this, where there's a will, there's a way. :)

Currently, as most people would probably have it, my VTF2 has the port approx. 6" from the wall and of course, it sounds great. With how the 15H is designed, I would imagine that wall-facing would be the opposite because you would then have the amp side facing towards the viewing position.

I had also considered putting it to the right of the main viewing sofa (in place of the existing table-type thing) but again, that would mean there wouldnt be a wall within 2 feet of any side of the sub. I don't know how that would sound. I'm no expert but I'd imagine that placement may not be a viable option.

I'm still a work-in-progress. :)