Which finish(es) on the VTF-2 would you prefer.

[Sasha_G]

Some people want the VTF-2 to fit better into the decor of their home, designed to be a part of the owner's lifestyle. The question is then, what finish would fit best in YOUR home decor? You can pick more than one finish. Please post a reply in this thread if you have some other suggestions!

[tzim]

Yes, I'm waiting on a flat black or piano finish on the VTF-2 before I order. However, I think the flat black should be pretty simple, and should cost no extra. I can see the piano finish costing extra, I really don't know how much. For piano finish, I'd pay $50-$75, but would probably go flat black for nothing, $20 max which is pushing it...

Thanks...I'll be waiting for the news when the new finishes come out!

[BradJudy]

This may be counter to the 'luxury' nature of the additional finishes, but why not offer one in raw MDF? This would give those with a bit of DIY nature to finish them to their liking. It wouldn't represent an additional production process or additional cost to the consumer, but would make the product much more flexible.

[tzim]

Not a bad idea at all, I actually thought about ordering the existing VFT-2, taking it apart, sanding it and stripping the original finish. But I'd rather not mess with it, I'd pay $20, if that much, for a flat black. Your idea is a good option if the MDF used is good quality. Where are these things made anyway?? I looked the entire site and couldn't find mention of where they're made.

If made in the far east, a decent finish should be very cheap. I don't mind HSU making a few bucks on a value added service such as this, just don't price gouge us. Their reputation for a great product at a reasonable price is becoming legendary. I can't wait to order mine!!!! 8-)

[Sasha_G]

Currently our entire VTF line is put together in the US about 30 minutes away from our showroom. The standard cabinets are made in the US. Some parts are made in Asia to keep the cost low for Americans.

The Rosewood cabinets in the upcoming VTF-3R (that is the official product name now) are currently made in Asia just about *exactly* the same way Rocket cabinets are. Assembly will still be in the US for the time being.

The new finishes on the VTF-2 would cost no more than around $150-$175 extra, depending on the cost and how many cabinets must be rejected as B-stock. I'm not sure just $50-$75 extra is possible, though. We'll see what happens.

By the way, I took off flat black because it really wasn't intended to be a "Luxury" finish. Sorry about that.

[Ddavidson]

Piano finish is very cool because you can easily match fingerprints to the person who messed with your sub.

Trouble is with offering the all over piano finish, you may have to also include a feather dust buster and cotton gloves. It can get messy positioning an all over black piano finish.


Ddavidson

[kevinhochen]

Hi, Sasha. I just wanted to put my reply in. I demoed the hsu subs and LOVED them. I would have walked out with one (keep in mind that this is before I even had any other speakers) if it wasn't for the finish. i hate to say looks matter but it does. I still plan on getting one but I'm waiting to see if you guys come out with some new finishes. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!

Kevin

[Sasha_G]

The interesting thing about Hsu Research is that we get high-end audio listeners as well home theater listeners. I would say that the high end listeners are more focused on having a nice finish than the others--and that is a good thing. It pushes us to improve the selection of finishes, which will probably benefit all the subwoofers in the distant future--even if it is in small ways. Currently, we use a similar painting process as other large mainstream brands. Maybe we can push ourselves beyond the status quo while still offering a good bang for the buck. Rest assured, if it comes down to choosing between sound quality and finish, sound quality will always win, since the characteristic of the sound is what gives us our identity.

[Lwang]

Where is the zolatone finish in the poll?

[Sasha_G]

Zolatone? Is that like the previous VTF-2 truck bed liner finish?

[Lwang]

It more of the faux granite finish on the older subs.

[Ddavidson]

You can see Zolatone here on the top of the HRSW series. It was the finish used on Hsu subs. The HRSW12Va also came in oak and walnut .

Finish: Zolatone (granite look), medium walnut, or light oak top, with seamless black knit cloth over the cylinder.

Most got the Zolatone finish however. The wood was much more expensive.




Ddavidson

[jklow888]

I've delayed buying a VTF-2 purely on the basis of looks. Even Adire Audio has been passed over based on looks.

I have Sonus Faber walnut speakers with dark cherry Salamander stands and dark cherry wood furniture around the place. That said, its hard for any audio manufacturer to come up with several quality wood finishes and keep costs down. Perhaps a VTF-2 in an all gloss piano black would be the most common option - but I'd love to see something in a small grained wood with options of a dark cherry stain or walnut or pale maple to cover the 3 basic stain tones for wood lovers.

[Sasha_G]

Here is a tip for current VTF-2 owners: if you have the painted finish, you can use some Armor All or Son of a Gun on the painted surface, and it will appear shiny and quite glossy.

[Dave]

I'd like to see a dark walnut or wenge:) At my custom frame shop our most popular finishes are Mohagany & dark Walnut. Burl finishes are extremely popular but overall people are looking for a tight grain.