Which Hsu Subwoofer to buy, given my experiences?

[esaleris]

Hi Hsu Research,

I have finally decided to pursue a subwoofer with my sound system! I have heard many great things about Hsu subwoofers and wondering if you can give me some advice on which model to purchase.

I currently have B&W CM7 fronts, powered by a Rotel pre-amp and amplifier system. My room is 18' wide - 10' of which is completely open (no door or doorway) to the kitchen - x 12' deep x 10' high. While I watch a lot of movies, I only care about sound production for music. I live in a high-density building, so I'm not looking for the deepest infra-sonic extension, but usable extension within the audible range.

I've been well-aware of Hsu Research products for years, and this was the first place I looked. However, I have to admit, I did purchase a competitive product, the SVS SB12, simply because it had a very small footprint (14" cubed) and it was often regarded as "highly-musical." However, I was really disappointed in the product and a little puzzled by it all. I will be sending it back because it simply did not provide what I would call "musical bass" - no "punch" for kick-drums, low bass guitar strings, etc. It sounded incredibly sterile, even after a lot of tweaking, placement, etc.

I then borrowed a friend's BIC H100, which I know was a product your company assisted BIC on, and - voila - I found that "punch" that I was looking for - for instance, kick drums sound crisp and tight and bass guitars suddenly sound full, etc. After this experience, I am willing to give up a few more inches of floor-space for better musical production!

Given my experience with the SB12 and the H100:

1. Will a VTF-1 give me the same or better musical extension I require?
2. With designs focused on low-end extension, can I still expect the bass to be tighter and more accurate through the frequency range I am describing?

What else can you recommend? My budget doesn't allow me to pursue a MBM-12 + Sub option at this time, so I hope to achieve what I need with one device.

Thanks for your help! I look forward to working with your company!

[cacihome]

In my opinion:
1. The VTF2MK3 seems like the one you need. (Much more powerful than VTF-1, with more extension...)
2. Yes, Hsu subs are very very good. The VTF2.3 is a killer sub if you compare it to the Bic, and to the little SVS cube... It is simply in another league.

Always buy the most powerful sub you can have...You simpy won't regret it.

[esaleris]

Thanks cacihome!

I looked at the VTF-2, and the size is a bit daunting. Plus, since I am not looking for infrasonic extension, I'm still thinking about the VTF-1.

So do you think even the VTF-1 will address the musicality of the midbass, ranging from 50 to 200Hz? When folks talk extension, they are usually talking about the bottom end (20-25Hz) not midbass extension.

As I mentioned in my original post, that was what I was missing with the other options!

[cacihome]

18x12x10 ~= 2,200 cufeet...Ok for VTF-1. Is that the total open space you have?
How far will you be seating from the sub?

[mojave]

I have a VTF-1 that I use in maximum output mode for two channel music. It is very musical in this configuration. I have also had a VTF 2.3 and would say that for most music listening the two are quite similar. The VTF 2.3 definitely extends deeper and has more overall output capability, but the VTF-1 is an excellent performer from 30 Hz and up with an extremely flat frequency response.

[esaleris]

Thanks for your thoughts... I am getting pretty excited about it.

Is the Satin Black finish a very smooth, sort of plastic-looking finish? I just noticed the VTF-1 on sale, so wondering if the "Espresso" is worth the premium! I can't get a sense of what the default finish looks like from the site - does anybody have a live picture in-situ?

P.S. - I hope I did not violate the ettiquette on this forum by mentioning the other subs :(. If I have done so, I deeply apologize.

[Pete_Hsu]

esaleris, the Satin Black finish is a smooth painted black finish. It looks quite nice, and not plasticky. The Espresso finish is significantly more luxurious, and is a dark brown real wood veneer (almost like dark chocolate).

Sincerely,

[esaleris]

Hi all,

I just wanted to update my post - I ordered a VTF-1 last week and it arrived today, in good condition from FedEx.

First, the Satin Black finish is absolutely fantastic. The pictures on the website give it no justice at all - I would describe it as automobile-grade finish, very sleek and elegant. It does NOT feel or look, lightweight or plastic-like at all. The sub itself is something else - very solid, very well-machined.

Second, it is everything I thought it should be and more for music. The sub delivers articulately, in tight fashion. I have not even calibrated the sub, but I am in love with it (probably running it hot). I like the 32Hz tuning better for music, but I like having the choice when it comes down to it.

All-in-all, a fantastic purchase - bravo!

[Pete_Hsu]

Thank you very much esaleris! Very very much appreciated! I completely agree with your impressions on the VTF-1, spot on :)

Sincerely,