Advice?

[Shawnee]

Hello All,
this is my first post here and I am asking for a little advice. I am about to purchase my first sub. I don't have a lot to spend but want to get the right sub the first time. I am considering the Velodyne VX-10 (because it's only $170) and the STF-1 or STF-2. Here is my current setup:

Yamaha V-800 5.1 receiver
Paradigm monitor 9's in the front, monitor 3's in the rear, and a CC-350 in the center. My room is 19x24x9 with carpet but will be wood floors soon.

I didn't intend on building a big system but I got the monitor 9's used and couldn't pass them up for the price. Then I got the rears and center to match a year later. Space is not much of an issue although a small footprint would be nice.

I listen to music mostly and don't really care too much about the movie rumble that much when I watch movies. I just want to hear the kick drum and bass guitar when I play CD's. I borrowed a cheap JBL 10" sub from a friend and I was really happy with what it did for the sound so I'm not super picky. I had to turn it up to about 90% though. It's rated as a 250 watt amp so realistically, it's less than 100 watts RMS. Anything that I would buy will probably sound better than that (which was acceptable to me). I know that this website recommends a size "3" sub for a room as big as mine but I just don't think I need it. I was looking at the STF-1 or maybe the STF-2. I don't think I need the variable setup with the VTF-1 in my case. So what do you guys think? I don't want to over buy because money is tight but I don't want to be disappointed either. I really think that the Velodyne VX-10 would be fine for me (especially at $170) but am considering upgrading to the HSU. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance,

Shawnee

[cacihome]

That Velo model sounds good but it is too weak for your size room....

Save your money, dont buy the Velo, dont buy the STF's...

Buy a VTF-2 MK3.(4100 cufeet room is big) (This sub is great)

If money is tight, very tight....Buy the VTF-1 at least man...

[SubTom]

I have to agree. I have a VTF 2 Mk3 and it is extremely musical, with great extension. It's worth it, and especially given your larger space.

[Shawnee]

LOL You guys aren't telling me what I want to hear! Thanks for the honest advice. I read some comparisons between the VTF-1 and the STF-2 on other forums and they said that for music, the were really identical. Both are the same size, have 200 watt RMS amps and 10" drivers. Since I'm no audiophile, I probably wouldn't spend the extra for the variable model for my needs. You really don't think that the STF-2 would be enough sub for me? Afterall, a cheap Chinese JBL was making my day. The STF-2 has to be twice the sub that that the JBL is right?

[SubTom]

No doubt that any HSU sub will be an upgrade. However, just looking at your room dimensions, (~4100 cu. feet) the Vtf 2 Mk3 is appropriately sized.

You won't be sorry, seriously.

[cacihome]

Shawnee,

First, I think that the VTF-1 is a little more powerful in max output mode than the STF-2...Pete can correct me there.

Second, I have several HSU subs...I have a 3,100 cufeet room which is smaller than yours. In my space, the VTF-2 (similar to STF-2,VTF-1) feels like it is there, but has no authority at times, no room pressurization, and has problems keeping up with my mains at high volumes...It sounds very good and tight, but for a room of say 1000cufeet, in which I have heard it also.

The 2.3 is a much more powerful subwoofer that in some instances even feels like the 3.3 with just a little less output, which is HSU most potent-feel-like sub...
WIth the 2.3 you will get all the extension you will need for your music, and the power you need for movies.

[Shawnee]

Well money is really an issue right now. I could probably scrape up enough to do the STF-2 but the model you guys are recommending is almost $600 shipped (which I really can't do right now). That's why I was going to just get the Velodyne VX-10 for $170 and if it wasn't enough, I could upgrade later and put it in the bedroom for a smaller HT system down the road (when my daughter gets out of college!). At least I would have something in the mean time. Like I said, the cheap JBL made a big difference but I have to give it back!

I don't know if it matters at all but I have everything set up in just half of the room and faced the sub toward the couch which gave some pretty good vibrations. The back half of the room is taken up by a baby grand piano (that my wife had to have instead of a pool table :( ).

[Ddavidson]

I know several people that have the VTF-1 (STF-2/VTF-2Mk2) in a 4000 cu. feet room, but IMO for headroom and deeper bass response the VTF-2 Mk3 is the more ideal option. The jump up to the 12" driver in a sensible sized enclosure really is worth the effort.

PS: Sorry I Just read your tight budget so I will add that the STF-2 is a big step up from the Velodyne VX-10 in all areas.

Ddavidson

[cacihome]

There was a 2.3 in bstock which maybe you can ask at HSU if it is still available...The vinyl finish is $559 I think...Ah by the way...Their customer service is excellent...
If your budget is tight go for the STF-2/VTF-1. A lot better than a similar priced Velo of course.

[Shawnee]

Well I ordered the STF-2 today. I was all set to order it last week but I discovered another company that has great prices for the output. I almost pulled the trigger with them but just couldn't do it. I know that the HSU will be more musical although it will have less output. If I wanted something strictly for home theater, I may have chosen the other sub but since I am going to use this 75/80% of the time for music and not HT, it had to be an HSU. I guess I could have gotten the VTF-1 instead of the STF-2 but I don't think I would use the maximum output mode anyway. I know that this sub is a little under sized for my room but I am purchasing my first sub and don't think I will be disappointed. Surely the STF-2 will be a huge upgrade over nothing! I think it will work well for a solid kick drum and bass guitar sounds. I hope I made the right choice!

[cacihome]

Well congrats. You now own a true sub...
No doubt it will be better than your previous subs...
Anyway if you feel you need more kick or extension, you can return it and get the 2.3...