Subwoofer Guidance

[P-I-C]

Hi,

First off, I apologize if this is the wrong section for this.

Okay, I’ve been looking for a new sub for about a month now. I’ve looked at Axiom, Hsu, SVS, Velodyne, etc. After many headaches and confusions, I’ve narrowed it down to two possibilities: The Hsu VTF-2 MK3 and the Axiom EP350.

Now, I have about an $800 budget and I’m buying for a 10Hx15Wx20L room. Basically, I want a sub in that price range (or two) that will give me the best possible performance for DVD and Blu-ray. I also need the sub to be smaller in size. The max would be around 23Hx20Wx23D.

To be honest, I don’t really understand the frequency response ratings for these subs. They state that they can reach 18Hz, but "regular" folks on most of the forums I go to, say that probably isn’t the case. And I’m really starting to go nuts with all these numbers.

I just heard about the craigsubs lists, so I thought this might be a good place to come and get some education.

Thanks for your time. :)

[Ubersanger]

If you haven't read it yet, here is good place to start:

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

If you can wait a little, I would seriously give the MFW-15 from av123.com a look. The finishes are outstanding for those concerned about looks and it scored quite well in Craig's review.

[P-I-C]

If you haven't read it yet, here is good place to start:

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

If you can wait a little, I would seriously give the MFW-15 from av123.com a look. The finishes are outstanding for those concerned about looks and it scored quite well in Craig's review.

Are those two stacked subs?

[craigsub]

P-I-C : The MFW-15 was tested both as a stacked pair and as a single unit. You will find write ups of each in our subwoofer test summary.

It is a terrific performer, with strong output to well below 20 Hz.

Getting to your choices, the Hsu VTF-2 Mark III is an excellent performer, especially considering its $499 price. It really does have good response to 18 Hz.

I would recommend it over the EP-350.

Hope this helps somewhat. :yes:

[P-I-C]

Thanks for the info. :)

Would you advice waiting for the MFW-15, or do you think I'll be just as pleased with the Hsu?

Something I forget to mention is that I have to place the sub at the front of my HT. I don’t know if that would have a bearing on your recommendation, though.

[craigsub]

Thanks for the info. :)

Would you advice waiting for the MFW-15, or do you think I'll be just as pleased with the Hsu?

Something I forget to mention is that I have to place the sub at the front of my HT. I don’t know if that would have a bearing on your recommendation, though.

That's a tough decision. The Hsu is not the same level of performer as the MFW-15, but it is $250 less money after shipping, and is available now.

Which do you think you will have wished you had done 6 months from now ... waited for more performance and paid $250 more (MFW-15), or saved the $$$ and gotten pretty good performance now (VTF-2.3) ?

[P-I-C]

Which do you think you will have wished you had done 6 months from now ... waited for more performance and paid $250 more (MFW-15), or saved the $$$ and gotten pretty good performance now (VTF-2.3) ?

Well, while I am a sucker for instant gratification, I was about to spend $758 on the Axiom. So, I guess it makes more sense to wait for the MFW. That shipping is murder, though--especially if I don't like the sub (or it doesn't like my room). I'd be out $250. Yikes.

[craigsub]

Well, while I am a sucker for instant gratification, I was about to spend $758 on the Axiom. So, I guess it makes more sense to wait for the MFW. That shipping is murder, though--especially if I don't like the sub (or it doesn't like my room). I'd be out $250. Yikes.

If one subwoofer does not like your room, none will. You may find yourself having to spend time tweaking it, but a good sub will make a big difference in your system.

That's why you see a LOT of threads about "WOW, my new sub is making my house shake" and very few expressing disappointment. :thumbsup:

[billnchristy]

While Craig is right, some styles do perform better. My former sub was a Mitsubishi 10" (yeah I know...Mitsu made subs??) which was a downfiring front ported design.

My current sub is a sealed front firing design.

The sealed sub has definitely been harder to get right, the Mitsubishi, even though it was too small for the room, did an admirable job, and did it without much fuss.

It might be the total opposite for you though.

[craigsub]

Bill, what you experienced is pretty simple: The Mitsu didn't have enough energy to make resonances, peaks and nulls in your room apparent.

You now have a sub that does.

:boom:

[billnchristy]

What? Are you saying 50w is not adequate in a 16x24 room?!!??

You are probably right. I do think bottom firing subs are *generally* a little easier to place.

[craigsub]

What? Are you saying 50w is not adequate in a 16x24 room?!!??

You are probably right. I do think bottom firing subs are *generally* a little easier to place.

They aren't ... Even at 80 Hz, the length of the wave is 14 feet. Down firing, front firing, neither matters much.

It is the interaction between the specific room and the output from the subwoofer in that room position that matters.

[RC Dave]

I have two HSU VTF-2 MK3's, and am floored every time I play music or movies. I'm only using one right now, until we move into a bigger house in a couple months, and it does the job very well. I can't wait to use both, full time. The HSU's are the real deal, and are priced pretty damn well too. I think they might be pretty close to your size requirements as well. So, my biased opinion would be, to go with the HSU's, but the AV123 will be better from what it sounds like, and how it scored on craig's test. I imagine two VTF-2.3's would be pretty comparable to the MFW, but that would be a lot more money.

[P-I-C]

So, is it crazy to get an in the meantime sub? Something to tide me over until the MFW-15's are available in July/August. :scratchchin:

[RC Dave]

I would say that if you want a "in the meantime sub" the HSU is not the right way to go. It's much more than that. I would actually be tempted to say that the VTF-2 would be a lot closer competition to the MFW than some would think. Maybe somebody could correct me if I'm wrong about that. If you bought the HSU, maybe you could use it along with the MFW when it arrives, or just use it in another room or something. Are you subless right now? If so, and you think you really need some bass to hold you over, than maybe just look around on audiogon, or just go down to BB and buy a cheap ass sub for your 35 HZ or so. Anyway, good luck on your quest. I hope that MFW arrives soon.:thumbsup: