VTF-2 Mk2 vs. STF-2

[DavidD]

For someone who intends to user max-extension mode always, is there any practical benefit in going with the VTF-2?

[tdekany]

For someone who intends to user max-extension mode always, is there any practical benefit in going with the VTF-2?

More Power? :D

[cschang]

hmmm.....more power?

[Bplayer]

Yes more power. The new VTF MKII has a 250 w amp vs the 200 w in the STF-2

[Dudley]

How much more volume does the 250 w give you though? Don't you need to double the power to get a 3 dB gain?

Not that the extra headroom wouldn't be nice, as well as the tunability and finish options, but it is not really going to be noticeabley louder (remember the old VTF had 150 watts, and it managed pretty well).

If you truely are going to stay in Max Extention mode, then I think the STF would be a fine choice.

[boomer]

If you truely are going to stay in Max Extention mode, then I think the STF would be a fine choice.That was my thinking, and I am very happy with my STF-2 for both music and HT. (But then, because I live in an apartment, I am not testing the upper bounds of the power range.)

Too bad the STF-3 does not match the VTF-3 in bass extension, or I would have bought it instead.

[Dudley]

Too bad the STF-3 does not match the VTF-3 in bass extension, or I would have bought it instead.

The first production run of the STF-3 did match, too bad that is no longer an option - maybe they will bring back a ME STF-3.

[Bplayer]

(But then, because I live in an apartment, I am not testing the upper bounds of the power range.)


Can you provide some feedback on your aparment experience with the sub, e.g.,
- listening level (-??db),
- relative location of sub to adjacent apartments,
- size of room
- any measures taken to reduce low frequency travel to other apartments.

Too bad the STF-3 does not match the VTF-3 in bass extension, or I would have bought it instead.


Using an STF-3 with lower extension would be even worse for your neighbours.

[boomer]

Can you provide some feedback on your aparment experience with the sub, e.g.,
- listening level (-??db),
- relative location of sub to adjacent apartments,
- size of room
- any measures taken to reduce low frequency travel to other apartments.


I usually listen with SPL peaks at about 85 dB. Use is about 50/50 between music and HT. Music is half classical, half jazz, rock and other. It is the jazz/rock that causes the most problems with the neighbor, who says only the bass is what comes through. My HT programming has plenty of kabooms.
The sub is in the living room, next to an exterior wall. My bedroom is on the opposite side, between the living room and the BND, whose bedroom backs to mine. The mid-rise building is allegedly built to "condo standards," and I never hear voices next door. There are concrete subfloors.
The main living/listening area is about 20 X 15, with 9' ceilings.
The best step I have taken is the installation of a GRAMMA riser from Auralex under the STF-2. It decouples the sub from the concrete subfloor, which not only reduces mechanical sound transmission but tightens the bass I hear. (See my separate post.) I also have weatherstripped the door to my bedroom (the buffer area), and always keep that door closed. The next escalation would be to replace the hollow-core bedroom door with a solid-core unit.