VTF-15H or VTF-3 MK 3 or something else?

[Mk4UmHa]

After almost buying a klipsch sub and being told there are better subs from other companies, I started doing some research and decided to get an HSU sub. I just don't know the differences between the VTF-15H or VTF-3 MK 3.

I'm mostly using it to play music and movies and am only looking for hard hitting clean bass. Are these two even good for what i'm looking for? My budget is around 1k.

What is everyone's opinions on this?

[jrittz]

Without question between VTF3.3 and VTF-15H...the 15H will be far superior. Awesome sub, great bang for the buck (pun?)...and so much more.

After almost buying a klipsch sub and being told there are better subs from other companies, I started doing some research and decided to get an HSU sub. I just don't know the differences between the VTF-15H or VTF-3 MK 3.

I'm mostly using it to play music and movies and am only looking for hard hitting clean bass. Are these two even good for what i'm looking for? My budget is around 1k.

What is everyone's opinions on this?

[cacihome]

Think of the VTF-15H as two colocated VTf-3mk3

[Sputter]

After almost buying a klipsch sub and being told there are better subs from other companies, I started doing some research and decided to get an HSU sub. I just don't know the differences between the VTF-15H or VTF-3 MK 3.

I'm mostly using it to play music and movies and am only looking for hard hitting clean bass. Are these two even good for what i'm looking for? My budget is around 1k.

What is everyone's opinions on this?

Room size and placement are key, even the biggest/expensive sub will sound like crap if you don't consider these.

A 1k budget I'd go 15H. If you're looking for sealed however i'd seriously consider the ULS 15.
Of course this is just general advice as we don't know your room size or other details.

YMMV

[Mk4UmHa]

So this might be a n00b questions. What's the difference in sound between the sealed vs open sub knowing that they are both HSU subs.

[dnoyeb]

Today, the biggest difference between sealed and unsealed is the price. You can get quality deep bass out of both.

In practice, no one will walk into your house and be able to determine if your sub is sealed or not.

Also, please do give your room size. Im running a mk2v3 and I find the room size recommendation of HSU to be more than adequate.

[lradden]

You can also run the 15H in sealed mode by inserting both port plugs. The "H" in VTF-15H is for hybrid, because the sub can be used ported or sealed, so you get the best of both worlds.

Below are the various configurations from the manual:

By adding or removing a foam port plug(s) and flipping a switch on the sub amplifier, the user can operate this subwoofer in one of five different hybrid operating modes, providing the user with ultimate performance and flexibility for virtually all types of music and movie program material.

1) Ported Max Output Mode: 2 ports open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ2”. This mode is ideal for those with medium-to-large room sizes who listen at high playback levels and want the strongest mid-bass possible.
NOTE: Never operate the subwoofer with 2 ports open and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ1’, as this may damage the driver and void the warranty.

2) Ported Max Extension Mode: 1 port open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ1’. This mode is ideal for those with medium-to-large room sizes, or small to medium rooms but who listen at low-to-moderate playback levels where the rising low bass from room gain will help compensate for the ear’s insensitivity to bass at lower levels.

3) Ported Max Headroom Mode: 1 port open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ2’. This mode is ideal for those with medium-to large room sizes who listen at high playback levels and want the deepest bass extension.

4) Sealed Max Extension Mode: 0 ports open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ1’. This mode is ideal for those who prefer a sealed box sound and deepest bass extension.

5) Sealed Max Headroom Mode: 0 ports open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ2’. This mode is ideal for those who want the sealed box sound and listen at high playback levels.

BTW: get the 15H it's a lot more sub than the 3.3.

[Mk4UmHa]

The sub is going into one room which basically encompasses everything in the house. It includes the dining, kitchen, living room and breakfast area.

28' x 26'

I went ahead and ordered the VTF-15H. I hope it sounds better than the other brands out there! But I probably won't be able to tell that much of a difference anyway. lol

Those 15" Velodyne's have 300-400 more RMS power capability compared to the VTF-15H.

[lradden]

You have to double the wattage to get a 3dB increase in SPL so the difference between the 400 watt Velo and the 350 watt for the 15H is less than 1/2 a dB. Also the 15H has a very efficient driver with LOTS of excursion and doesn't require a lot of wattage to achieve what takes other subs more than twice the wattage to achieve.

For example I had a VTF-3 HO w/turbo and it had a 500 watt amp. The VTF-3 is the big brother to the 3.3(same cabinet with bigger amp and better driver). I would need two VTF-3 HO w/turbo to equal what I'm getting from a single 15H and two VTF-HO would be 1000 watts of amp versus a 350 watts of amp in the 15H.

[Mk4UmHa]

Thanks! Unfortunately, the vtf-15h is on back order and it looks like I have to wait a few weeks before they have some ready to ship out.

[lradden]

Man, I'm sorry you have to wait. I guess the 15H is still a big seller and there is a big demand for it. Hang in there it's a great sub and well worth the wait.

[Mk4UmHa]

Good News! Shipped today! I guess they didn't anticipate these subs arriving this quick. It will probably be here mid next week!

[Sputter]

Good News! Shipped today! I guess they didn't anticipate these subs arriving this quick. It will probably be here mid next week!

Good news. :)