hsu amplifiers not reliable?

[ekÆsine]

I've read the reviews of the VTF-2 MK2 from http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speak...0_2741crx.aspx and there are 2 people who say that after 1 year or more the amplifier fails on them. One person complains about having it fixed many times but with no success. I'm interested in buying the VTF-3 MK2. I assume it uses basically the same amplifier as the VTF-2 MK2 but with more power output. I'm worried about the reliabilty of the VTF-3 MK2 amplifier, even with the 2 year electronics warranty. $750 is a lot and I want to know that the product I'm buying is worth my hard earned money. What is strange is that the STF-2 reviews I've read don't complain about those amplifiers being a problem. The STF series subs use a different kind of BASH amplifer, I think. could that be the reason of their greater reliablity compared to the VTF series or at least why the VTF-3 has more problems?

Reviewed by: chicagoish, Casual Listener

Summary:
Sounded great when it was working. However, in the 4 years I had this sub, it broke 3x, the first two times it cost me $100++ for repair, and I had to wait two weeks to get the sub back from HSU. After it broke the third time I moved on.

Strengths:
Sounded good when it worked

Weaknesses:
Poor electronics.
-------------------------------------------

Reviewed by: A-V fan, Audio Enthusiast

Summary:
The VT-2 provides unbeatable sound for a low initial cost. I tested mine with the Stereo Review audio setup disk, and this unit provided clean, voluminous sound down to 26Hz. If you live in an apartment or a condo, you'll never come close to realizing its full potential.

On the downside, my VT-2's signal detection circuit, the one that turns on the power to the unit, failed after three years, out of warranty. There's a lot to be said for the simplicity of passive drivers.

Personally, I expect modern electronics to be nearly bulletproof; I've never experienced a failure in any piece of audio equipment I've ever owned - until now.

I've had three great years of solid bottom end with the HSU VT-2, but I'm disappointed with the electronic failure and the prospect of shipping and repair expense.

Strengths:
Low initial cost, clean powerful and balanced response down to 26Hz

Weaknesses:
Signal detection circuit failed after 3 years.

[Dudley]

Don't really know the details - maybe he was overdriving the amp, or maybe the sub was right by a hot radiator.

One thing though these units were not MKII's because it has not been around long enough to be out of warrenty. They are both the old VTF model.

[cschang]

On top of what Dudley said.....the amp for older models were also warranted for two years. Chicogoish did not mention the unit being repaired under warranty.....just that it cost him $100....sounds fishy to me.

It does not look like A-V Fan contacted Hsu for a repair.

Looking at all the reviews, those two look out of place.

[tgrisham]

There will always be someone out there who has a "story" to tell. That's one of the problems with the internet forums. There is no way to reliably judge the truthfulness of the poster (or poser!). Don't forget that it is easy to post against one company if you support another manufacturer; not that this is the case, but how do you know? If there were quality control issues, there would be plenty of talk on the forums, and it just isn't there. Also, the customer support here is very good and it is very unlikely that someone continued to have problems. I am extremely happy with my VTF-3R upgraded with the Mark II amp. I doubt I will ever buy another sub for that room. I love my sub! Good luck and happy hunting!

[Pete_Hsu]

Dear ek,

The amps on the original VTF-2 and VTF-3 subwoofers were class A/B amplifiers that had relatively large heatsinks and relatively high weight in comparison to the current BASH amps. In comparison to the current day BASH amplifiers, they were not as efficient, did not run as cool, and generally were not as reliable either. So I do not doubt the validity of those reviews. Reliability of the amplifiers is much less of an issue today, and the amps are relatively easy to fix if need be and are covered by warranty for two years.

Sincerely,

[ekÆsine]

cschang he said it cost him $100 and that had to wait two weeks to get the sub back from HSU so I'm assuming HSU fixed it for him. I didn't realize there was a mark 1 VTF3. Yes, the possibilty that its a fake review is possible. I live in Richland WA 99352 and there is no dealer close that I can listen to these subwoofers. All I have to rely on is internet reviews, there are not too many VTF3 MK2 reviews around other than what's said on this forum, but this is the HSU forum so I'm more skeptical and cautious. On the other hand I have a boomy POS Pinnacle AC400 12" sub, anything would be an improvement for me. Thanks for the advice

[lradden]

If your skeptical about reviews on this forum just read a little bit of how my Hsu story started (make sure you read the big post near the middle it starts with Problem solved to see the outcome). Needless to say I was not a happy camper.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1671

After you read that read my review. Trust me the VTF-3 MKII is that good. It made a person like me who posted nothing but bad comments completely change his opinion. Now I can't get enough of the VTF3.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1683

[BradJudy]

There are professional reviews of Hsu subs out there although not much on the most recent generation of products. I have owned a VTF-2 MkI for a couple of years without any problems. It is important to consider that those are two bad marks out of 120+ reviews on that site. There have been a number of comparisons between Hsu and other companies on other forums like AVS and Home Theater Forum. I think there's a thread here that links to some of them. Unfortunately, Hsu's forum policies don't allow most comparisons to be posted here regardless of the outcome.

No one is near a dealer of Hsu because there aren't any other than Hsu itself. For a while you could get them at CompUSA, but that arrangement has ended.

BTW: I used to live in Richland, WA about 17 years ago.

[Pete_Hsu]

Please allow me to also add that we offer an extended warranty on our amplifiers for an additional cost of +$60 on the VTF-3/STF-3, +$45 on the VTF-2/STF-2, +$30 on the STF-1, warrantied up to 5 years. Usually I would say that the standard warranty is good enough, as most problems tend to happen within one or two years of purchase, but for those who need the comfort and security of a longer warranty, this option is available to them.

Sincerely,

[danman]

I would of liked to have been able to buy the extended warantee but it was not offered in Canada. However, it should be and if HSU would allow, I would still pay for it even after owning for 1 year. Could you tell me why it is not offered?

I also had a minor issue that I hope I have fixed and can vouch that I was not happy about it BUT only because I thought that I was not being taken seriously. After receiving email from Dr. Hsu himself, I felt bad about the way I conducted myself and have learned more about this wonderful company.

[new_to_bass]

I just bought a STF2 and am in western Washington. I know it's a long drive, but if you're headed over the mountains anytime soon, I'd welcome a visit.

I don't have it completely calibrated yet, but am very impressed so far.

Like you, I was hesitant to buy audio gear without hearing it, but an in-depth study of the impartial reviews referenced here on Hsu's page, combined with the support and spirit of the Forum won me over.

So far, I really feel that I made a wise choice with my VT-12/STF-2 system.

The Customer Support from Hsu has been absolutely phenomenal, helping me assemble an all-silver system when the common information was that it couldn't be done, and much, much more in the way of great service.

Dr. Hsu has made some amazing advances in quality subwoofer and speaker systems, and I like his philosophy of "affordable quality for the masses". (I even took his advice on an Onkyo receiver over the harmon kardon I was considering, and I'm hundreds of dollars ahead on a receiver that will serve me VERY well for years, I'm sure! Great advice in abundance to be found here....)

I'll post a more detailed review of my speakers when I get it all installed and calibrated, but right now I'm very pleased, and I'd encourage you to take a chance, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised. And if someone relatively close by can help in ANY way, please let me know!

Just my two cents...
Best regards,
-Glenn

[tafguy]

Originally Posted by new_to_bass

So far, I really feel that I made a wise choice with my VT-12/STF-2 system.

Glenn, very wise choide, indeed! You do need to calibrate and trust me, sound will be much much BETTER. Every movie, music I throw, they just reward me each time plenty of bass.

My brother had a HT Energy Take 2 with Energy sub XL S8, I'm not sure if it the first generation or the S8.2. He bought the set over 1k Cad + Taxes says probably 3 years ago when I did not have the VT12/VTF-2 Mk2 just a year ago which I bought a little less than his system, but not comparing money because of difference of date, but he felt pretty pretty bad after hearing the sound of HSU products. He felt like in real theater in HSU system than his and the truth of it can be demonstrated at any time someone can ask me for a demo.

May be a little off topic here, but honestly, it is probably online unless you read carefully some small advertising on some magazine of HSU brands, not a LOT of people is aware of HSU high quality subwoofers though there are reviews from time to time in a particular magazine issue.

But again, IMO I think if HSU makes agressive advertising in big format in magazine and not at the end of the magazine, people may notice more of HSU name. One thing that is great for us that HSU can be bought, for a while, through Canadian dealers that could not be possible before.