There is a lot of internet talk about HSU vs. SVS subwoofers...

[Cane1992]

How would you compare or contrast your subwoofers?

Also have any in this fourm used or compared HSU subwoofers to the SVS subwoofers?

I would like to see(hear) how my VTF-3 does against those boys...

Scott

[Michael Bain]

The reviews from established industry pros is a place to start. Compare the following numbers:

T. Nousaine (tests with <=10% distortion):

-->Hsu VTF-2 in max output mode: 109.7db's (25-60Hz avg SPL)
-->Hsu VTF-2 in max extension mode: 93db's (20Hz SPL)

H. Ferstler:

-->Hsu TN1220HO at maximum output levels: 110db's at 20Hz, 112db's at 31.5Hz, or 106db's at 20Hz and 113db's at 31.5Hz (depending on which review you go on).
-->Hsu TN1220HO: extremely clean output at very high output levels down to 20Hz, with virtually no port noise at these levels
-->Hsu VTF-3 at maximum output levels: 115db's at 31.5Hz
-->Hsu TN1220HO: flat frequency response to 20Hz
-->Hsu VTF-3: flat frequency response to 20Hz

D. Keele (Audio Magazine):

-->Hsu TN1220HO: frequency response at +/-3db at 15Hz

R. Deutsch (Stereophile Guide to Home Theater):

-->Hsu VTF-3: flat frequency response to 16-20Hz, in maximum output mode or maximum extension mode
-->Hsu VTF-2: Rated Class A product

P. Aczel (Audio Critic Magazine):

-->Hsu VTF-2: .63% nearfield distortion at 50Hz, 1.6% nearfield distortion at 40Hz, 1.7% nearfield distortion at 30Hz
.................................................. .................................................. .

The subjective reviews are also out there. Hsu products excel at music and theater, without exception.

Hsu gets compared very well with REL for it's musical quality. Hsu gets compared very well with Velodyne for it's low distortion and subjectively and objectively clean sound. All while providing very high output levels, very flat frequency response, at very good prices relative to the competition.

[Michael Bain]

More to add:

-->Hsu 500 watt amp: perfect for 2-channel enthusiasts, utilizing very high quality components and amplification and allowing hookup options for even the most critical enthusiasts, and can drive up to two TN-type subwoofers
-->Hsu subwoofers are designed, without exception, to seamlessly blend with a wide variety of loudspeaker types, including difficult to match speakers such as Quads and Magneplanars

-->Hsu TN1225HO and TN1220HO take up roughly 50% less floorspace than comparable "tube" subwoofers.

-->Hsu VTF-3 and Hsu VTF-2 have selectable crossover frequencies as low as 30Hz, to ensure proper blending with full range speakers
-->Hsu VTF-3 and Hsu VTF-2 have variable tuning that is true to form in every sense, refined through excellent engineering over the years, so that these subwoofers can maintain a flat frequency response in either tuning mode

[Rob Babcock]

Hsu seems to just stay above the comparisons and controversy. Without saying anything about Tom or Ron, it seems in the past that the "controversy" surrounding the two companies is based on a few "overenthusiastic" boosters of SVS. When they first started selling subs a lot of people that bought them did a lot of chest-beating and making claims that the SVS subs "smoked" everything else, blah blah.

The comparison is inevitable, I guess, since Hsu Research popularized the sonotube sub format (invented it, in the commercial sense). When you are only the second major company to offer that style, comparisons will be made.

Again, I think Dr. Hsu is wise to rise about the pettiness and focus on great products and customer service. As a customer going on three years I can say that the performance speaks for itself and speaks volumes. That pretty much says it all.

[cschang]

Rob, I couldn't agree with you more. I am new to this stuff and enjoying what I have been reading...and really enjoying my Ascends and VTF-3.

I think any non-biased objective person can read some of the boards and see the "mine is better than yours" syndrome going on.

[Sasha_G]

We don't like to compare our subs with others. We prefer to let our customers do the bragging for us! ;) In the end, it is all about customers and how well the subwoofers work with their systems and rooms. That gives us more time to focus on research and development, and to create more innovative designs.

[Ddavidson]

Not that you guys need my advise but I am very glad you guys stay out of all the biased internet rubbish on forums and newsgroups. It seems like creating a big self important image is all that some people do all day.

Hsu Research would be well advised to stay out of the cat fight for superstardom as it can only end in misquotes and silly inuendo.

Certainly there are some real defensive owners around on the net with lots of spare time on their hands. These guys are never going to be objective about a Chev if thay have a Ford in the driveway.



Ddavidson

[MFH]

One of the primary reasons that I chose HSU was flexibility. Look at the crossover for SVS: it's low x-over point is 40hz. That works for satellites, but what if you have a speaker strong to 30-36hz and want to fill in the 1st ocatve only without overlap?
The HSU crossovers at 30hz or lower!

In my book, a sub should be effective from the teens to 30hz. That is where I use it, and that makes the HSu more flexible to use with more types of speakers than SVS.

As far as internet bias goes: owners do tend to favor what they bought. -However-- the SVS forum has openly bashed competition. Not just TOM V, but users as well. I did not appreciate the snobbery and venom they displayed.

The tn 1220 HO with 500 watt amp is purely a killer sub with high output for music or HT.

[Mike Sloan]

I currently am running dual VTF-3's and am constantly amazed at how good they sound...that being said...I also have had the opportunity to listen to the SVS 20-39PC+ in the same room as the VTF3's. I personally thought the two subwooffers sounded very similiar (in comparison to a single VTF-3.) I prefered the VTF-3 for music and thought the SVS 20-39PC+ may have had the edge with movie soundtracks with prodigous LFE material when levels approached reference. So I guess the secret is to audition both subs in the same environment.