Advice on Sub

[Bholt2]

Hi guys I'm new to this forum and was looking for some advice. I currently am in the process of replacing some of my A/V equipment that's about 6 years old. Along with a new TV and Receiver I'm also looking for a new Subwoofer (as my old JBL is no longer working), and two new rear speakers to bring my setup from a 5.1 to a 7.1 system. For the five speakers I have they are two bose 701 speakers, two bose 301 speakers, and a bose VCS-10 center speaker. I know people don't think highly of bose these days, but 6 years ago I was a college student that didn't know any better. I've read very good reviews for the VTF-3 MK with turbocharger, but I'm curious if that would be too much sub for my apartment. My living room is about 15 by 25, and like I said it's an apartment so I can't have super loud bass. However, I want something that will last me awhile, and I don't plan on being in an apartment for more than another year or so. I'm also curious how the HSU sub and two HB-1's would mix with my bose speakers. Would I need to also replace my 301's so that all of the surround speakers where HB-1's or am I better off just buying another set of bose rear speakers for now? Would I need to replace the center speaker for an HSU also? If possible i'd like to put off replacing all the speakers for a year or two (to recover from all this spending), but I also don't want to have a set of speakers that doesn't sound well together. I appreciate any advice people have. Thanks -Brian

[cacihome]

HSU products are great!
I would not mix them with Bose.Stay away from Bose!!!HAHAHHA

[kmitchell]

Hi Brian,

Welcome to the forum. The HB-1's will definitely overpower your Bose system. If I were you I would add another set of 301's for the rear surround (or don't do anything and stick with 5.1 for now) and the VTF3-MK3 (not sure about the turbo). I'd get some other opinions from the group on the turbo vs. not as I've seen several posts that say they like the VTF3-MK3 better without the turbo. You can always turn down the sub if it's a bit too much bass for the neighbors and you can use an isolation pad as well. BTW, A true subwoofer is a great way to meet your neighbors as long as you don't "introduce yourself" for the first time late at night.

Once you are ready for the speaker upgrade I'm sure Pete will give you some kind of a break on a nice 7 speaker set of HB-1s and an HC-1.

[Bholt2]

Thanks for the input. One other question though, if in the futre I do switch to a full HB-1/HC-1 setup how would that compare to bose setup I currently have? I would assume it would be a heck of alot better for movies, but what about for just music where it's only the front two speakers? Can the front two HB-1 bookshelf speakers really stand up to my 701 towers, considering the 701's cost me about 4 times more? I was expecting HSU to offer a larger slightly more expense speaker for the front two mains, but it looks like I would just end up with 6 HB-1's. Is that something I should consider? I know i'm going to purchase an HSU subwoofer, but should I consider a different maker for my speakers? For example I've read good things about Ascend speakers, how would those match up to the HB-1 setup? And lastly, if I want to sell my bose setup and make the switch now, would they have any used value? If so what kind of price could I get (they're in good shape). Thanks again for all the help, I really appreciate the advice. -Brian

[cacihome]

Having heard Bose, and many HSU products I can tell you this:

The HSU's will blow away any BOSE speaker design you have heard. The HB's sound a lot bigger than what their size is...
And if you come into their subwoofer territory you will be very impressed, cause there is where they specialize....
From the VTF-2 MK3 - up, your house will shake!

There are a lot of people that hasn't heard any better than BOSE, so they will find your BOSE attractive...Having said that, I think you can squeeze good money out of them...

The systems from HSU have very clean, distinct, and powerful bass which is very different from BOSE boomy, and distorted sound...It is really difficult to explain if you haven't heard one...But your movie experience will change a lot from your current, I can guarantee that...
Also HSU's customer service is the best I have experienced in the market.
Welcome to the forum man!

[kmitchell]

Hi Brian,

I would recommend that you take your time. If you know you want to get a HSU subwoofer then do that first and see how much it improves your existing 5.1 system. Then you need to LISTEN to some speakers and get an idea of what you like. As Cacimar has said I think you will find that the HSU HB-1s sound much better than the Bose but until YOU listen to them you won't know that. I have a Bose Acoustimass system (2.1) that I will never get rid of because it sounds good and offers great value because of its size and mounting options. That being said I cannot even begin to compare it to the HB-1 MK2/HC-1 MK2/VTF2-MK3 system that I now have in the TV room. As most of the folks on this forum will tell you building up a new system is more of a journey than a race to get to the finish line.

BTW, I've listened to music with the HB-1s in both "2-Channel Stereo mode' and "7-Channel Stereo mode" and they sound great in both cases. You don't always need "Big Mains" to get good stereo sound.

I don't know where you are located but I"m in Northern CA so if you're in that area you are more than welcome to come over and have a listen.

Ken

[cacihome]

Hi Brian,

I would recommend that you take your time. If you know you want to get a HSU subwoofer then do that first and see how much it improves your existing 5.1 system. Then you need to LISTEN to some speakers and get an idea of what you like. As Cacimar has said I think you will find that the HSU HB-1s sound much better than the Bose but until YOU listen to them you won't know that. I have a Bose Acoustimass system (2.1) that I will never get rid of because it sounds good and offers great value because of its size and mounting options. That being said I cannot even begin to compare it to the HB-1 MK2/HC-1 MK2/VTF2-MK3 system that I now have in the TV room. As most of the folks on this forum will tell you building up a new system is more of a journey than a race to get to the finish line.

BTW, I've listened to music with the HB-1s in both "2-Channel Stereo mode' and "7-Channel Stereo mode" and they sound great in both cases. You don't always need "Big Mains" to get good stereo sound.

I don't know where you are located but I"m in Northern CA so if you're in that area you are more than welcome to come over and have a listen.

Ken

+1

[Bholt2]

Thanks for the invite Ken, I'd take you up on the offer but I live in NY. I've been reading through a bunch of these threads on the forum and noticed people talking about the nearfield, frontstage, etc. Can someone explain to me what this terminology means? Also I've seen people talking about putting the subwoofers on a 'subdude', is that necessary? What exactly does a subdude do, and what size would I need if I order the VTF3? And my last dumb question is on the MBM's. Do I need an MBM to go with a VTF3, and if so how can you run two subwoofers if my receiver only has one subwoofer output? Thanks again, -Brian

[kmitchell]

Hi Brian,

Nearfield is close to the listener. Front Stage is the area close to the TV, panel, or screen. A "subdude" is an isolation pad (dense foam) that keeps the subwoofer from vibrating the floor which causes unwanted harmonics. They are many times used when the sub is on hardwood or similar but some folks use then on any surface. Grama pad is another brand. You'll have to check the dimensions of the VTF3 and then get one that fits. Finally, an MBM is a "mid-bass" module that is designed to perform between 50Hz-120Hz allowing the subwoofer to be tuned to perform best at 50Hz and below. The MBM-12 will make a noticeable difference in your system but it is not required. To run multiple subs off of a single LFE output you simply use a Y-splitter cable to feed both subs.

Ken