Official HSU ULS-15 Thread [Text View]

gchuva

04-23-09, 04:23 AM

cacihome

04-23-09, 09:42 AM

Ok. I have one ULS in a 3,100 cufeet room.

1. The ULS is the best sounding sub I have heard to date in SQ...Also for its size and price.... I have not heard a more powerful, or with as much extension, sub yet.
2. I have not heard a Rythmik sub.

The amount of low clean bass this sub produces is amazing...For music, especially pipe organ, it is definately awesome.

Azanon

04-23-09, 12:21 PM

Any thoughts on the ULS-15's place in the market?

Also, other HSU alternatives; namely the VTF-3, Mk. 3. Less expensive, and technically larger, but depending on where its going the design might actually be better. For instance, my VTF3, Mk. 3 fit in a corner behind my couch and fires across the back of the couch.

In practice, and positioned length-wise against my wall, it takes up less (usable) space than most of those other subs you listed because it sticks out less than most of those other subs you listed would.

Kain

04-23-09, 03:34 PM

Azanon

04-23-09, 03:47 PM

My question is, does the ULS-15 really sound "better" than the PC13/PB13-Ultra? I know it's a matter of sealed vs. ported but the question still stands valid due to their fairly equal price points.

I'm going to guess if you have the room to accommodate the PB13-Ultra, that it would be the overall better sub. To me, those subs are for different markets. The ULS-15 is for someone who needs either a smaller sub or wireless. PB13-Ultra is bang for buck for someone who doesn't need wireless or isn't concerned about size. I would have probably gone with that sub had I had the space for it and extra money.

Also though, I'd definitely want to know what one primary uses their system for. If you're like me, 75%+ HT, 25% or less music, then a heavy hitter makes a lot of sense. But if you only listen to mostly music... I'd focus more on a sub known for being musical.

spyboy

04-23-09, 03:51 PM

cschang

04-23-09, 04:00 PM

My question is, does the ULS-15 really sound "better" than the PC13/PB13-Ultra? I know it's a matter of sealed vs. ported but the question still stands valid due to their fairly equal price points.
IMO, yes.....but that needs qualifying....If you do not require the output of the Ultra, and I have not heard the Ultra in its sealed configuration.

Kain

04-23-09, 04:01 PM

I'm going to guess if you have the room to accommodate the PB13-Ultra, that it would be the overall better sub. To me, those subs are for different markets. The ULS-15 is for someone who needs either a smaller sub or wireless. PB13-Ultra is bang for buck for someone who doesn't need wireless or isn't concerned about size. I would have probably gone with that sub had I had the space for it and extra money.

Also though, I'd definitely want to know what one primary uses their system for. If you're like me, 75%+ HT, 25% or less music, then a heavy hitter makes a lot of sense. But if you only listen to mostly music... I'd focus more on a sub known for being musical. I'm considering the PC13-Ultra not the PB13-Ultra so size is quite the same. I listen to movies/music 50/50 but I concentrate on better sound for movies more than for music.

Are you going to neuter the PB-13 by running it sealed all the time? I never said anything about running the PC13-Ultra in sealed mode. I'll be most likely running it in 15Hz mode.

Kain

04-23-09, 04:11 PM

Hksvr4

04-23-09, 04:12 PM

I was surprised that there was no offical thread about the ULS-15. I remember there are a few who owns one or four of these on the board. Maybe a hand full? From personal opinion the ULS-15 is a bit pricy compared many popular ID brands. The wireless option is not a big deal or a strong selling point. Even though my Dragon might not have more output or go deeper, but it's is priced $200 less. That's all for an 18" driver. I know, the size of the driver doesn't mean much. Maybe that's another reason why the ULS-15 is not so popular. There are other ID brands that will perform just as if not better at a lower price.

Why buy three when you can have one with the same output? One Epik Conquest. That's only if you the space for it. When I was looing for a ID subwoofer, the ULS-15 was on the bottom of my list. The VTF3.3 was more attrative.

Azanon

04-23-09, 04:19 PM

I'm considering the PC13-Ultra not the PB13-Ultra so size is quite the same. I listen to movies/music 50/50 but I concentrate on better sound for movies more than for music.

Perhaps if you're talking about footprint, but that's about where the size comparison stops. The ULS-15 definitely does not resemble a water heater.

If movies is your preference, go with that SVS if you can afford the space and the eye sore (my opinion on that latter). I visually could accept the box subs, but those huge cylinder subs look pretty horrid to me.

cacihome

04-23-09, 04:25 PM

Do you have any problems with reaching reference levels for movies with a single ULS-15 in your room?

With a single ULS you won't get to reference levels in a 3,000 cufeet room.Not from 10hz-80hz. In fact very very few commercial large subs can do that, if any.

However it is very good and clean sounding, and as I said before for the price vs performance vs size there is nothing I know of that comes close...

The experience is nice beacuse of the clean and powerful the low bass sounds, which becomes even more appreciated when listening to pipe organ music or some movie content of very deep passages...

spyboy

04-23-09, 04:25 PM

I don't own this sub, but am very close to buying one (probably three). With that prospective purchase in mind, I thought I would start the official thread (my 9 to 5 job remains terrifingly quiet).:(

A few initial thoughts as a non-owner.

1. Hsu is general, and the ULS-15 in particular, does not seem to get credit/respect in these forums compared with SVS, JL Audio, Submersive, etc. Any thoughts on this?

2. I think the ULS-15, but also the Rythmik DD15-SE (and Sunfire if you can accept a smaller driver) monopolizes a high value, high quality niche of strong SQ, premium finishes, reasonable size. The commercial competitors:

A. JL Audio Fathoms, Earthquake, Velodyne - More expensive
B. SVS - Larger
C. AV123 - Having organizational issues
D. Seaton Submersive, Epik, ED - No premium finishes

Any thoughts on the ULS-15's place in the market?

You may want to take Sunfire off your list. Amp failures seem all too common and Sunfire charges a flat $450 for you to return the sub to them and fix it regardless of what is wroing. I don't know if Sunfire has a local repair option for buyers in Singapore.

My thoughts on the ULS-15s place in the market is that it was released at a time when Rythmik was being picked up by Ascend. I think that Rythmik has a slight edge in sound quality, probably due to the servo, and is also less expensive.

Just a case of bad timing for HSU. With the difference in price and probable slight advantage in sound quality, the ULS-15 is facing very stiff competition.

Fit and finish edge goes to HSU ULS-15 and wireless is a nice feature, but I wonder how much of a deal-maker it is.

Kain

04-23-09, 04:28 PM

With a single ULS you won't get to reference levels in a 3,000 cufeet room.Not from 10hz-80hz. In fact very very few commercial large subs can do that, if any.

However it is very good and clean sounding, and as I said before for the price vs performance there is nothing I know of that comes close...

The experience is nice beacuse of the clean and powerful the low bass sounds, which becomes even more appreciated when listening to pipe organ music or some movie content of very deep passages... Where have you placed your subwoofer? Near-field or far-field?

cschang

04-23-09, 04:31 PM

Why buy three when you can have one with the same output? One Epik Conquest. That's only if you the space for it. When I was looing for a ID subwoofer, the ULS-15 was on the bottom of my list. The VTF3.3 was more attrative.
A couple of things....two or more subs will help the overall room FR. Secondly, sound quality may be more of a premium.

Once you have excellent sound quality, you can get more output by using more of the same subs. If you go for output first, you can not add sound quality (other than room FR) by adding more subs.

cschang

04-23-09, 04:33 PM

My thoughts on the ULS-15s place in the market is that it was released at a time when Rythmik was being picked up by Ascend. I think that Rythmik has a slight edge in sound quality, probably due to the servo, and is also less expensive.

Just a case of bad timing for HSU. With the difference in price and probable slight advantage in sound quality, the ULS-15 is facing very stiff competition.

Fit and finish edge goes to HSU ULS-15 and wireless is a nice feature, but I wonder how much of a deal-maker it is.
My thoughts exactly.

spyboy

04-23-09, 04:34 PM

With a single ULS you won't get to reference levels in a 3,000 cufeet room.Not from 10hz-80hz. In fact very very few commercial large subs can do that, if any.

However it is very good and clean sounding, and as I said before for the price vs performance there is nothing I know of that comes close...

The experience is nice beacuse of the clean and powerful the low bass sounds, which becomes even more appreciated when listening to pipe organ music or some movie content of very deep passages...

Can you enlighten us as to how far you think the Rythmik F15 with 370 watt amp falls behind the ULS-15? Can you point to test figures to back up any statements?

Azanon

04-23-09, 04:35 PM

Fit and finish edge goes to HSU ULS-15 and wireless is a nice feature, but I wonder how much of a deal-maker it is.

I think the feature's huge, and other sub makers would be wise to be scrabbling to add it. Are there any other subs in this price range that have that feature? That one feature allowed 3-4 possible locations for that sub in my living room, whereas pretty much all other subs only had 1 feasible location.

I'm trying to talk my dad into going ULS-15 because he has a great hidey spot for it on the other side of the room where it'd be very difficult to get a wire to. He has WAF issues like many of us do (my mom, in this case).

cacihome

04-23-09, 04:37 PM

Can you enlighten us as to how far you think the Rythmik F15 with 370 watt amp falls behind the ULS-15? Can you point to test figures to back up any statements?

I have not heard a Rythmik...that is why I say "that I know of" meaning: from what I have tested.

I believe however that curtis have said that the Rythmik does not have as much output as the ULS...
I have a ULS and the driver has lots of clean excursion spyboy...But I wont argue with someone who does not own one.

cjv998

04-23-09, 04:40 PM

I would like to hear everyone's input regarding the ULS-15 vs. PC13/PB13-Ultra. I know I have started a thread before regarding this topic but I have yet to come up with a conclusion. I CANNOT hear these subwoofers prior to buying them and thus must rely on people's opinions/comments.

Basically, it came down to the ULS-15 sounding "better" than the PC13/PB13-Ultra while the PC13/PB13-Ultra has more output than the ULS-15.

My question is, does the ULS-15 really sound "better" than the PC13/PB13-Ultra? I know it's a matter of sealed vs. ported but the question still stands valid due to their fairly equal price points.

I'm in the exact same situation as you. Trying to decide between the Ultra, ULS-15, and any other similar subs (feel free to add to my list!). My usage is also roughly 50/50 music/movies, maybe a tad more on the music side.

I, too, don't think I can hear the subs before buying, unless I find someone nearby that has them (nearby = 1-3 hour drive, unfortunately).

I currently have an STF-2, and while I'll stand by it as being a great entry-level sub, it simply isn't cutting it now that I've upgraded my mains. I want more impact and more clarity, which means spending more, hence looking at the ULS. I agree about not caring about the wireless connection and small-ish footprint; those aren't selling points for me. I do like the finish on both the subs though, so a nice finish is a must-have IMO at this price.

spyboy

04-23-09, 04:41 PM

I think the feature's huge, and other sub makers would be wise to be scrabbling to add it. Are there any other subs in this price range that have that feature? That one feature allowed 3-4 possible locations for that sub in my living room, whereas pretty much all other subs only had 1 feasible location.

I'm trying to talk my dad into going ULS-15 because he has a great hidey spot for it on the other side of the room where it'd be very difficult to get a wire to. He has WAF issues like many of us do (my mom, in this case).

SVS will be releasing its 16 inch sealed sub with wireless. Release probably for the Christmas shopping season. With the already stiff competition from Rythmik, the SB-16 is going to make things even more difficult for HSU.

Azanon

04-23-09, 04:47 PM

SVS will be releasing its 16 inch sealed sub with wireless. Release probably for the Christmas shopping season. With the already stiff competition from Rythmik, the SB-16 is going to make things even more difficult for HSU.

All that being true, I'd sweat the most if I was Rythmik, ..... not SVS or HSU. Rythmik still seems to have much further to go to even have parity with either SVS or HSU from a business model perspective.

Sounds like they have a great start though with their first retail model subs.

cschang

04-23-09, 05:04 PM

SVS will be releasing its 16 inch sealed sub with wireless. Release probably for the Christmas shopping season. With the already stiff competition from Rythmik, the SB-16 is going to make things even more difficult for HSU.
I am looking forward to the SB-16 and SB-13, but I think the 16 is going to be a fair amount more money than the ULS-15.

I have been critical of SVS in terms of sound quality in the past, but from hearing the latest Ultra, they have come a long way. I still think Hsu as the edge though...especially per dollar.

Azanon

04-23-09, 06:04 PM

I have been critical of SVS in terms of sound quality in the past, but from hearing the latest Ultra, they have come a long way. I still think Hsu as the edge though...especially per dollar.

I certainly agree with that last statement. I occasionally peer through my window shade to see if the cops are coming to get me for the $629 retail I paid for this mammoth VTF3.3. I could have paid a few hundred more for more or less the same overall quality of sound.

I like the Rythmik, ULS-15, and the top SVS's, but ouch those prices make me hurt a little bit! I have the money, just a little too tight to let that much fly out of my wallet.

Pete_Hsu

04-23-09, 06:47 PM

While I think a single ULS-15 is quite nice given it's size, the ULS really shines when used in multi-sub configurations. Two/three/four or more ULS-15's certainly challenge some of the biggest and baddest subwoofers on the planet in terms of performance and flexibility in a subwoofer system (based on customer feedback), while being very reasonably priced in multi-sub configuations. The truth is that there are tradeoffs in any subwoofer design, but provided that one has the money, multiple sealed subwoofers can be a real treat that is hard (if not impossible) to match with a single larger ported subwoofer.

In our demo room, we have two ULS-15's spaced equidistant from the main listening position, in the back left/right corners. I am able to set the crossover on the receiver as high as 150Hz without being able to localize the ULS's from the main listening position (which is only 6 feet away from the subs!), all while maintaining a flat upper bass response. The dynamics and bass quality in this setup are simply awesome, by far the best sound we've ever had in our demo room for both music and movies. And then reality sets in, and I have to set crossover at 80Hz to demo single subwoofers to customers... :)

David_SG

04-23-09, 07:14 PM

I was debating between the ULS-15 and the Rythmik 15. I'm at 60/40 movies/music. 12' x 20' room in basement that opens into another 150 SF or so. Townhouse, so not really planning to listen at high levels. Pulled the trigger on the ULS-15 last night.

For me, the deciding factor (on the blind faith assumption that both are comparable from a sound quality standpoint) was fit & finish. Not a fan of the piano black (I went with the espresso finish on the ULS-15). Wireless was also nice, but not a primary consideration, as I don't plan to use it right now but you never know when that feature might come in handy.

Certainly more than I thought I would spend when I first started researching various options, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Heck, I've never owned a sub before so I should be ok with anything half decent. Wife thinks I'm insane, but she's getting a new kitchen so figured this was a good opportunity to splurge a little on myself.

cschang

04-23-09, 07:19 PM

The available finishes on the ULS are very nice.

gchuva

04-23-09, 10:15 PM

Fit and finishes are important to me also (I like the Piano Black) and that is what stops me from the Rythmik. Cost is what stops me from the Fathom. Is the sound quality difference in the Rythmik or the Fathom significant?

cschang

04-23-09, 10:47 PM

Kain

04-24-09, 07:29 AM

With a single ULS you won't get to reference levels in a 3,000 cufeet room. What about in a 1,639 cubic feet room?

Pete_Hsu

04-24-09, 02:39 PM

Wow, you guys actually listen at reference levels??? That is waaaay too loud for my ears!

The problem with a 1600 ft^3 well-enclosed room is that there may be some frequency response anomalies that may not be present in a deeper room. So even if a single subwoofer can fill the space easily, one may get a significantly better result with multiple subwoofers...

t6902wf

04-24-09, 02:44 PM

error

spyboy

04-24-09, 02:45 PM

What about in a 1,639 cubic feet room?

I think the answer to your question lies in the first couple of sentences in post #25 by Pete_Hsu.

Curtis can correct me if I am wrong, but I seem to remember him stating that Reference Level for the LFE channel is 115 db.

People keep trying to point out that each design has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Meanwhile, everyone seems to be looking for one sub that has no weaknesses.

Much as I like HSU products, the PB-13 in 15 Hz tune is a very successful compromise between output, extension, and sound quality.

t6902wf

04-24-09, 02:46 PM

spyboy

04-24-09, 02:57 PM

Spyboy did you listen to both subs in the same room?

The list of subwoofers I would like to try in my home includes:

Genelec HTS6
Epic Conquest
Submersive
PB-13
HSU ULS-15
Rythmik 15
Def Tech Trinity
MFW-15
Ed A7-900
Danley TH-50
JTR Captivator
Velodyne DD-18
J L Audio F113
J L Audio F112
J L Audio F212
J L Audio Gotham

There are others, but in-home comparisons are not affordable. If money was not a problem, I could do what several people with more money than I have done and compare whatever I wished to compare.

I am interested in which subs you have compared in the same room, and at the same time, since audio memory is poor.

cacihome

04-24-09, 03:19 PM

What about in a 1,639 cubic feet room?

One of my friend has a sealed room of 1,200 cufeets... We tested my sub in his house....the SPL meter was crazy!

I obtained the same SPL levels,(peaks of 115dbs sometimes, sustained bass over 105) and the same feeling I have in my house with my ULS and A7s-450 pair!

That friend of mine has an VTF2-MK3 in that room and sounds impressive, but the ULS just felt stronger.

cacihome

04-24-09, 03:23 PM

Spyboy did you listen to both subs in the same room?

No. He is just making things difficult for the ULS... HAHA

He probably hasn't even heard a ULS...

t6902wf

04-24-09, 03:23 PM

I have 2 ULS-15’s in a 1800 cubic foot room. I had a single for a month or so before I went to two. A question was raised, will one hit reference levels? I would like to know how you define reference levels? I don’t think anyone actually listens at true reference levels it is much too loud.

With two running level with the mains I regularly hit 116 db peaks on War of the Worlds heat ray scene and Master and Commander canon battle. Master and Commander will just about knock the wind out of you. For music it is awesome, the best thing I can say is that it blends in and you do not notice the sub. It is in no way boomy. I think the % music to movies number is flawed. There is lots of music in movies which is critical to the illusion and plot, every sub must be musical.

A PB13 or PC13 would not really fit in my room and it would look horrible, it is too big for me.

Here is a REW reading in room at the listening position. That’s pretty flat and pretty low. This is with Audyssey as an EQ.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/463912051_esN56-XL.jpg

Here are the subs without EQ, flat to 5 hz.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/464074315_XCwej-XL.jpg

Here is a photo of the room
http://bill-stan.smugmug.com/photos/440627799_dqKKQ-XL.jpg

Top quality in my opinion.

t6902wf

04-24-09, 03:26 PM

The list of subwoofers I would like to try in my home includes:

Genelec HTS6
Epic Conquest
Submersive
PB-13
HSU ULS-15
Rythmik 15
Def Tech Trinity
MFW-15
Ed A7-900
Danley TH-50
JTR Captivator
Velodyne DD-18
J L Audio F113
J L Audio F112
J L Audio F212
J L Audio Gotham

There are others, but in-home comparisons are not affordable. If money was not a problem, I could do what several people with more money than I have done and compare whatever I wished to compare.

I am interested in which subs you have compared in the same room, and at the same time, since audio memory is poor.

So you are siting your expert opinion on this sub vs the Rhythmic but in truth you have not listened to either one.
Why render an opinion on something you have no knowledge of?

cacihome

04-24-09, 03:27 PM

Yeah...Try to convince spyboy and you will learn my respect....HAHAH

cacihome

04-24-09, 03:28 PM

So you are siting your expert opinion on this sub vs the Rhythmic but in truth you have not listened to either one.
Why render an opinion on something you have no knowledge of?

The word SVS f_ n, ring a bell to you?

t6902wf

04-24-09, 03:30 PM

Yeah...Try to convince spyboy and you will learn my respect....HAHAH

I am not trying to convince him of anything.

t6902wf

04-24-09, 03:31 PM

The word SVS f_ n, ring a bell to you?

It is safe to say this is the SVS forum not the AVS forum. I have come to terms with that.

cacihome

04-24-09, 03:34 PM

i am not trying to convince him of anything. I am just perplexed as to why he renders these never ending expert opinions? If he posts craigsub or tom n graphs again i may pass out. He must have the links alphabetized for easy retrieval.

hahhahhahah
+1

cacihome

04-24-09, 03:37 PM

The list of subwoofers I would like to try in my home includes:

Genelec HTS6
Epic Conquest
Submersive
PB-13
HSU ULS-15
Rythmik 15
Def Tech Trinity
MFW-15
Ed A7-900
Danley TH-50
JTR Captivator
Velodyne DD-18
J L Audio F113
J L Audio F112
J L Audio F212
J L Audio Gotham

There are others, but in-home comparisons are not affordable. If money was not a problem, I could do what several people with more money than I have done and compare whatever I wished to compare.

I am interested in which subs you have compared in the same room, and at the same time, since audio memory is poor.

I'll give you mine...

A7s-450, A7-450, ULS-15, VTF2.3, VTF3.3 Turbo, VTF2, MBM-12,SPL1200R, VLF810,
CHT12R, DD15.

The best in palpable extension, and musicality was the ULS...

t6902wf

04-24-09, 03:56 PM

The best in palpable extension, and musicality was the ULS...

What do you mean by palpable extension?

Pete_Hsu

04-24-09, 03:58 PM

Easy there fellas :) He actually has a couple VTF-3 HO's and a couple MBM's. and is just expressing interest in wanting to listen to many different subs.

I'd love to be able to listen to every subwoofer, but it's just not realistic. Also, to be a fair comparison, one would need to compare one sub to another in the exact same room. And even then, one subwoofer may work better with one particular crossover frequency, and another subwoofer may work better with another crossover frequency...or one subwoofer may work better with one placement position, and another subwoofer may work better with a different placement position...or one subwoofer may work better in one room size, and another subwoofer may work better with a different room size. And after all that, there are user preferences in play. So there are many different variables to factor in.

It's enough to give one a headache if they think about it too much :D

Pete_Hsu

04-24-09, 04:10 PM

cacihome

04-24-09, 04:12 PM

What do you mean by palpable extension?

Palpable bass...mmmm let's say that my ULS make me feel more some very deep content that even my 3.3 turbo wasn't... So for that ultra low content it is, in my room, adding a little "air sensation presence" that wasn't there before it.
Hard to describe,small, but, it is there...

In the the new Incredible Hulk for example.... When Edward Norton is trapped at the bridge, and is turning into The Hulk when he touches the glass walls of the bridge...You receive a very deep wave...that just isn't as strong with my 3.3 in the same spot.

t6902wf

04-24-09, 04:20 PM

Bill, your setup is so beautiful and clean, I always enjoy seeing it :)

Thanks,

Many people say they don't need wireless but I like the total lack of wires around the subs. I have jacks in the walls and I truly don't need wireless but I use it.

I also want to get an MBM when wireless is available. On an MBM in my setup wireless is a big deal for my layout.

Any ETA on the MBM? My birthday is in July I have to begin laying the groundwork with the fun police.

King_David

04-24-09, 04:22 PM

SWEET!:)

That is not a projector is it?

Is that a flat screen LCD or Plasma? If so, what size is it?
I have 2 ULS-15’s in a 1800 cubic foot room. I had a single for a month or so before I went to two. A question was raised, will one hit reference levels? I would like to know how you define reference levels? I don’t think anyone actually listens at true reference levels it is much too loud.

With two running level with the mains I regularly hit 116 db peaks on War of the Worlds heat ray scene and Master and Commander canon battle. Master and Commander will just about knock the wind out of you. For music it is awesome, the best thing I can say is that it blends in and you do not notice the sub. It is in no way boomy. I think the % music to movies number is flawed. There is lots of music in movies which is critical to the illusion and plot, every sub must be musical.

A PB13 or PC13 would not really fit in my room and it would look horrible, it is too big for me.

Here is a REW reading in room at the listening position. That’s pretty flat and pretty low. This is with Audyssey as an EQ.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/463912051_esN56-XL.jpg

Here are the subs without EQ, flat to 5 hz.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/464074315_XCwej-XL.jpg

Here is a photo of the room
http://bill-stan.smugmug.com/photos/440627799_dqKKQ-XL.jpg

Top quality in my opinion.

Pete_Hsu

04-24-09, 04:27 PM

t6902wf

04-24-09, 04:56 PM

Hey Bill,

It looks like Dr. Hsu wants to come out with a more basic MBM for now that has newer finishes and a sealed/ported variable tuning switch. Adding wireless to the unit will require a much more significant board redesign, and will add significant expense to the unit, so he wants to hold off on adding wireless for now. Bummer :( That said, maybe later down the road you can accomodate one or two more ULS-15's instead :)

I can't see how more ULS will improve things. My FR is smooth and I have the power. I am sorry to hear that the wireless MBM is not being done now. I could run a wire but wireless would sure be easier.

t6902wf

04-24-09, 05:00 PM

SWEET!:)

That is not a projector is it?

Is that a flat screen LCD or Plasma? If so, what size is it?

Thanks for the compliment.

It is an Epson 1080UB, I like it a lot. The Screen is a Stewart Firehawk with a narrow frame option. It stands up to ambient light really well although I can control the light.
If you have a Superbowl party or something like that you want to be able to keep the lights on dim for people coming and going.

Pete_Hsu

04-24-09, 06:23 PM

I can't see how more ULS will improve things. My FR is smooth and I have the power. I am sorry to hear that the wireless MBM is not being done now. I could run a wire but wireless would sure be easier.

We'll see, maybe at some point down the road, we will be able to come out with a wireless MBM. For now, I think there are some aftermarket wireless devices that can be used if necessary.

On the bright side, we should be getting the MBM-12 MK2 sooner than expected, since we don't need to make big changes. I would expect availability within 2-3 months.

Sincerely,

David_SG

04-30-09, 12:12 PM

Well my single ULS-15 arrived yesterday. Unfortunately my basement renovation isn't complete yet so for the next week or so it will remain in its box, serving as nothing more than a new perch for the cat. I'll report my thoughts/impressions once I've got everything set up.

wingnut4772

05-01-09, 10:02 AM

I have the ULS-15 Quad Drive and I like my subs. The wireless is a mixed bag. At first I liked the versatility of it but I was getting too much interference with my Bluetooth PS3, my wireless network, Squeezebox etc. I decided just to hook them up the old fashioned way and they sound great. If I were to put them in a custom room I would not use wireless but would run cables to their positions.

wingnut4772

05-17-09, 11:17 AM

Wow. This thread died quickly. Where did everyone go?

ssabripo

05-17-09, 11:27 AM

Wow. This thread died quickly. Where did everyone go?

they went to steal your Von Schweikert's!

http://www.xmission.com/~sna/pictures/ot/forum/seinfeld_yeah.gif

gchuva

05-17-09, 10:10 PM

I decided to buy the Fathom (for appearance and SQ reasons) so I will not be driving this thread.

wingnut4772

05-18-09, 01:27 AM

they went to steal your Von Schweikert's!

http://www.xmission.com/~sna/pictures/ot/forum/seinfeld_yeah.gif

LOL. I am vigilantly protecting them.

hometheatergeek

05-18-09, 02:19 PM

After reading this forum for 9 months I decided to go wth a ULS-15 Dual Drive system. Here is the reason I picked the ULS-15s. I wanted a powerful subwoofer (1000 watt) with super low extension (10 HZ) in a premium finish (Walnut) to be placed inside a family room which is open to everything on the first floor (8000 cubic or more). My listening habits are 50% HT/ 50% Music so I was leaning towards a sealed sub.

Since I already own a Velodyne HGS-12 and a VA-1012, my midbass in room response was great. While I was waiting on the Hsu's to arrive I even thought "Why do I need any more wooferage?" :confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

Well after setting them up and dialing them in, which took almost three weekends, you all know, place one here then move one there then swap this one with that one and so on I put the normal demo material on. TDK, Ironman, Incredible Hulk and others. All I can say is the same as Robin in Batman and Robin: "Holy (insert), Batman!" :eek::eek:. The Ironhide flip in Transformers was grinning provoking. :cool: I have never experience the full spectrum of bass like that before. The sound cannons in Incredible Hulk chased away all of the wildlife in the back yard. :D JK but it was easy for the Hsu's to play the 10 hz information in that scene. I also now believe that I am in the cave with Ironman. Along with watching David Gilmore live at the Royal Albert Hall and the Eagle's Farewell tour from Melborn my collection of video concerts including the ones played on the MTV HD channel Paladium never sounded better.

All of the demos i have shown to friends and neighbors all commented the same way. They proclaimed "That's the cleanest bass I have ever heard."

Also. I can't believe some of you that actually bought the Quad drives. But I guess in my own way I am using four subs so I guess I understand. I could get by with just the two Hsu's, since they are quite powerful even when the gain is only set at 10:00.

So if you all are looking for outstanding cabinet workmanship in a well rounded 15" powerful subwoofer you too might want to check out the ULS-15s.

See signature for location of pics. One is by the couch and one is in between our recliners.

Peace

cacihome

05-18-09, 02:29 PM

Glad you like them man!

They are true deep bass machines...

wingnut4772

05-18-09, 04:28 PM

Yep. Glad to hear. :D

Pete_Hsu

05-18-09, 09:01 PM

Thanks hometheatergeek, I really appreciate that! I'm so happy that you like them :)

Recently in our demo room, we have been running two ULS-15's in the back left/right corner (along with the other STF/VTF subs in the back). Everyone who gets a chance to listen to the multiple subs is amazed at how much difference it makes vs a single subwoofer. Interestingly enough, I am able to set the crossover at 150Hz and even 200Hz without the ULS's being localizeable at the main listening position! The ULS has a flat response out well past 200Hz (to maybe 400-500Hz), and very low distortion in general at regular listening levels too, so it works very well in this scenario.

I'm glad that some of you guys are able to try out multiple subs. It is a real eye opener for a lot of people when they get a chance to experience it!

Dan Woodruff

05-25-09, 07:54 PM

Hi Pete,

I'm still having trouble with the clipping on my ULS-15. I've done everything you suggested but it's still there and driving me bats!

Dan Woodruff

05-26-09, 02:03 PM

Thanks for talking with me on the phone, Pete. It will be on it's way as soon as I can get it to FedEx.

WhskyTangoFoxtrt

06-05-09, 12:17 PM

I don't recall seeing the ULS-15s discounted before.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls15.html

ULS-15 DualDrive

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls15dualdrive.html

cacihome

06-05-09, 01:17 PM

Yep. It is actually the first time.

hometheatergeek

06-05-09, 03:34 PM

That is a great price for a great sub. Its like getting a discount plus free shipping from regular price. Wish I knew this was coming, I could have saved some mulah.

If anyone is on the fence this just might put them over the edge and pop for one or two. I can seriously say they really are great subs and I wished I had bought mine last year when thery first came out.

vivid

06-09-09, 08:50 PM

Duel ULS-15s here I come... just ordered them, big shout out to Hometheatergeek for one wicked demo and Pete at Hsu for the pre-sale help.

I really can't wait... but I have a vacation between now and when the subs arrive... I can't wait for vacation (June 25th) to be over so I can start playing with the subs

t6902wf

06-09-09, 09:58 PM

prophcy0

06-10-09, 12:41 AM

hometheatergeek

06-10-09, 08:58 AM

I have been trying to decide on subs for my 5000^3 ft + bonus room. I was leaning toward getting a single SVS PB13 Ultra now and buying another later. I was also considering getting two SVS PB12+ subs; however, the current deal on the ULS-15 is really, really nice.

How does the DualDrive ULS-15 compare to the above configurations? This will mainly be used for HT and gaming, but I also enjoy listening to music.

If you post in this thread you can almost guess the response you will get and if you also post in the SVS thread same kind of results.

They are all excellent subs.

So it comes down to your budget.

If you look at my eariler post I explain why I went with the Dual Drive. I listen to as much music as I watch movies.

This is not to say that the Ultra PB-13 is not musical. I have never heard that sub. I would like to hear a SVS Ultra if there is anyone in Atlanta Metro that owns one. Then I could give a comparison but it still would not be as good as comparing them in the same room at the same time. Unless we have a SUB GTG.

Tough dilemma ain't it? If you want the HSU ULS-15 at the sale price you will have to hurry. On the other hand maybe you can see if anyone in your area can let you listen to the models you are considering and hope another sale will come along. Hope this helped.

Peace

JackOften

06-13-09, 01:36 PM

Didn't really have the ULS-15 on the radar for my sub purchase (my price point was $1000 bucks) to replace my Infinity IL120 but when it went on sale I took the plunge for my 4500 cu. ft. irregularly shaped room.

Ordered on friday evening, shipped monday and arrived wednesday (CA to AZ) in great shape via FedEx ground. After about 3 attempts at calibration using Audyssey (Onkyo 876) and a failed wireless connection (more on that in a bit) I ended up placing it in the back corner due to my wiring limitations as opposed to the nearfield as recommended and couldn't be happier. I put in "Master and Commander" and those gun battles just rock the room. The Audyssey ended up putting the db's on the sub at -8.5 (the ULS-15 is about 10 feet from the sweet spot listening area) and it's nice tight bass sounded amazing. I was a little concerned I may have needed dual-drive when it shipped but I no longer see the need... it's a ton of subwoofer for the room.

The only issue I ran into on the sub was with the wireless setup. I have a 4 wireless sources in my room (Xbox 360 wireless LAN, Wii, Directv has a wireless LAN connected to it for OnDemand, and the wireless controller for the XBox 360) and on all four channels of the HSU, it would interfere with something. The wireless transmitter messed with the 360's controllers the worst... bringing the xbox to actually freeze when a subwoofer signal was sent.

My A/V setup is all about movies and gaming... despite the ULS-15 as being proclaimed as a 'musical sub' it's more than up to the task as a HT sub. The wireless issues aside (wireless wasn't the primary reason for me purchasing, i was looking for a fantastic sub) i'll be very happy with the ULS-15 for the forseeable future.

hometheatergeek

06-14-09, 09:44 AM

JackOften

06-14-09, 02:58 PM

Welcome to the family Jack,

Glad you are enjoying your new purchase and finding out, that the naysayers on this forum, incorrectly state that no one would be happy with these subs. You might just have to start to listen to some good CDs to further enjoy your sub.

haha, you must be talking about THIS GUY (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16643775#post16643775). He definately has a system of which sub to purchase (SUBMERSIVE > SVS > EPIK > HSU> VEL... ) without taking into account different models, room sizes and budgets. One thing you learn quickly on these boards is it's all subjective. Is a Submersive better than a JBL? We'd all say yes if we skipped over the paragraph stating the purchaser has a $400 budget and is going to pair them with his 3" sony satellite cubes.

WhskyTangoFoxtrt

06-25-09, 09:12 PM

Fourth of July Special on the ULS-15 as well as other Hsu products. Wood Veneer and Piano Black finish this time.

Happy Birthday America.

timlinca

07-01-09, 07:08 PM

I got one! I ordered it Friday and it arrived Tuesday. That's fast service. The rosewood is finished beautifully.

hometheatergeek

07-01-09, 08:14 PM

Welcome to the family. Rosewood must look awesome. Need pictures ASAP.

cocobeli

07-01-09, 11:11 PM

I got one! I ordered it Friday and it arrived Tuesday. That's fast service. The rosewood is finished beautifully.

Color me ever so slightly jealous. I jumped on the black satin two-fer Fathers' Day sale. OTOH, that hammered my wallet quite enough. ;)

I'm still trying to learn a vocabulary to speak about what I hear. :D

eightninesuited

07-02-09, 01:45 AM

I want to order 2 ULS 15s in Rosenut but I live in Canada. Dammit!! :mad:

hometheatergeek

07-02-09, 07:35 AM

I want to order 2 ULS 15s in Rosenut but I live in Canada. Dammit!! :mad:

Call Pete at HSU. Last time I checked they ship to Canada. Or is it the duties and extra fees that concern you?

BTW nice name you got there. I play poker too.

eightninesuited

07-02-09, 12:40 PM

Call Pete at HSU. Last time I checked they ship to Canada. Or is it the duties and extra fees that concern you?

With shipping and taxes it wouldn't be worth it. I'm talking nearly double the price. The only HSU dealer in my area is now selling SVS. I got a PB10, which is a wonderful sub but I'm relocating my HT room and need a dual setup to be effective.

In canada we have ONE subwoofer option - SVS, that's it.

BRAC

07-02-09, 01:22 PM

With shipping and taxes it wouldn't be worth it. I'm talking nearly double the price. The only HSU dealer in my area is now selling SVS. I got a PB10, which is a wonderful sub but I'm relocating my HT room and need a dual setup to be effective.

In canada we have ONE subwoofer option - SVS, that's it.

That is not necessarily true. We do have a few decent options. SVS, Axiom, Paradigm, Velodyne, just to name a few. And, I know of another Canadian member who just recently got some reasonable quotes on a few US ID products, all taxes, fees and shipping included. The one quote I remember off the top of my head was the Seaton Submersive to his door for a little over 2400. Not too bad really...

spyboy

07-02-09, 01:27 PM

That is not necessarily true. We do have a few decent options. SVS, Axiom, Paradigm, Velodyne, just to name a few. And, I know of another Canadian member who just recently got some reasonable quotes on a few US ID products, all taxes, fees and shipping included. The one quote I remember off the top of my head was the Seaton Submersive to his door for a little over 2400. Not too bad really...

I seem to remember that the SVS PB-13 Ultra has a delivered price of under $2,000, but I don't the exact figure.

BRAC

07-02-09, 01:44 PM

I seem to remember that the SVS PB-13 Ultra has a delivered price of under $2,000, but I don't the exact figure.

Taxes in, the PB13 from Sonic Boom would put most Canadians in the ~2200-2250 range, and in Alberta ~2100. Considering that price on a PB13, it makes an imported Submersive for ~2400-2500 look very attractive.:)

Yosh70

07-04-09, 05:22 PM

Taxes in, the PB13 from Sonic Boom would put most Canadians in the ~2200-2250 range, and in Alberta ~2100. Considering that price on a PB13, it makes an imported Submersive for ~2400-2500 look very attractive.:)

The highlighted portion is something I cant ignore....let me just say that there are better
looking subs out there.:p
I do understand your talking about value for your money tho....

Anyways, what I really wanted to add, if a product is sold to an individual outside the province from where it came, only the GST has to be paid. Its not just an Alberta deal.

And with a price of $1995 U.S., a price of $2400 Canadian would be very good. Unfortunately with the exchange rate and shipping costs, I would think more in the $27-2800 range.

hometheatergeek

07-04-09, 06:19 PM

You all won't mind taking your talk about your PB-13 to your own thread now. This is the ULS-15 thread. Thank you very much. ;)

cschang

07-06-09, 08:53 PM

New review of the ULS-15 is up. Not my favorite publication, but it is a review.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue44/hsu.htm

Pete_Hsu

07-09-09, 05:35 PM

I want to order 2 ULS 15s in Rosenut but I live in Canada. Dammit!! :mad:

We ship quite often to Canada, and have sent many ULS's there too. The cost of shipping/taxes/duties is not bad at all on these units. Total landed cost for two ULS-15's sent to Canada would be close to $3k USD (not anywhere near double the price). Feel free to email us for a quote...

Sincerely,

keef95

07-09-09, 06:10 PM

You all won't mind taking your talk about your PB-13 to your own thread now. This is the ULS-15 thread. Thank you very much. ;)

It's funny how no matter where you go, things are the same... I'm a member of several motorcycle forums and people will come on the Ducati forum and talk about their Ninja or to the GSXR forum to talk Honda...I love it! :D

keef95

07-18-09, 04:06 PM

I got my ULS-15 the other day and all I can say is "HOLY COW!" that's an impressive piece of kit! I thought my old Sony WM-500 wasn't a bad sub. Compared to the ULS-15, it's not a sub at all but rather a powered bass speaker.

My room is 2500 cubic ft, Paradigm Monitor 7 fronts, CC490 center and Titan rears pushed by a Yamaha RX-V663.

I have no perspective with this stuff as I don't know anyone with real "HT". One thing I do know is it's very cool having equipment that shakes my guts!

Thanks Pete!

John H

07-18-09, 06:55 PM

cocobeli

07-18-09, 06:57 PM

i got my uls-15 ... And all i can say is "holy cow!"

+1 :)

hometheatergeek

07-18-09, 08:18 PM

cocobeli

Have you come up with a vocabulary to describe your Dual Drive yet?

Pete_Hsu

07-18-09, 08:52 PM

I just moved my ULS-15 QuadDrive back in my HT room. I had them setup briefly a few months back.

My room is a dedicated sealed HT.

13' 10" W x 21' 7" L x 8' 6" H (2538 cf)

There are GIK Tri-Traps in all 4 corners from floor to ceiling.

Floor is thick pile carpet over cement.

Could someone explain how the ULF Trim operates? In a room this size what would be a good starting point?

I will be using an SVS AS-EQ1 for correction.

John

John, the trim control will adjust the low frequency rolloff of the subwoofer when measured in an anechoic environment. So if set to 50Hz, the sub will gently roll off below 50Hz when measured in an anechoic environment. When set to 16Hz, the sub will gently roll off below 16Hz when measured in an anechoic environment, etc.

There is no "correct" setting per se. Some people prefer to have a bit more mid-bass punch, and/or have a lot of room gain in the deep bass, and may opt for the 50Hz setting to maximize headroom. Some people prefer to have a deep bass response that gradually slopes upward, and/or have less room gain in the deep bass, and may opt for the 16Hz setting. Some people split the difference as a good compromise.

With a room of your size, the best starting point would be 50Hz.

If you get a chance, listen to the canon pulse scene on the Hulk Blu Ray disc. The ULS-15 is much more powerful on that burst than any of our ported subwoofers, even when set to max extension mode.

Let us know which trim setting you end up preferring.

Thanks

Sincerely,

J_Palmer_Cass

07-18-09, 11:11 PM

John, the trim control will adjust the low frequency rolloff of the subwoofer when measured in an anechoic environment. So if set to 50Hz, the sub will gently roll off below 50Hz when measured in an anechoic environment. When set to 16Hz, the sub will gently roll off below 16Hz when measured in an anechoic environment, etc.

There is no "correct" setting per se. Some people prefer to have a bit more mid-bass punch, and/or have a lot of room gain in the deep bass, and may opt for the 50Hz setting to maximize headroom. Some people prefer to have a deep bass response that gradually slopes upward, and/or have less room gain in the deep bass, and may opt for the 16Hz setting. Some people split the difference as a good compromise.

With a room of your size, the best starting point would be 50Hz.

If you get a chance, listen to the canon pulse scene on the Hulk Blu Ray disc. The ULS-15 is much more powerful on that burst than any of our ported subwoofers, even when set to max extension mode.

Let us know which trim setting you end up preferring.

Thanks

Sincerely,

Here is a waterfall of the canon pulse scene.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/Red_Foreman/capt_Hulk-2_Ch-10_0hr_54min_30se-2.jpg

keef95

07-20-09, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by keef95
i got my uls-15 ... And all i can say is "holy cow!"
+1 :)

I didn't say "holy cow!"... I said "HOLY COW!". :D

hometheatergeek

07-20-09, 07:05 PM

I didn't say "holy cow!"... I said "HOLY COW!". :D

So I take it that you really really really like it. Anyway you made a good choice and now you need to save your money so you can buy a sibling so they can play together (pun intended).

cocobeli

07-20-09, 10:07 PM

Have you come up with a vocabulary to describe your Dual Drive yet?

I wish I could say I’ve come up with some worthy descriptors, but so far my similes stink and my metaphors miss their mark. I think about the deepest, darkest chocolate. Words like thick and rich and creamy come to mind.

Or, how about… they purr and mutter at need or blast and surge when asked. There’s a palpable thickness, a sepulchral presence, from movie sound tracks that I’ve never heard before. They are full and rich and mellow; orotund and abyssal. They boom without boominess. I can hear to the bottom notes the way I used to be able to see all the way to the bottom of Tahoe back in the olden days. Elephantine infrasonics.

Maybe “HOLY COW!” sums it up pretty well. :)

Note, since speakers like our subs are part of a system, it’s probably well to mention the rest of the story. My HT speakers have for years been satellites of one sort or another. I very much liked having three identical speakers across the front. To fill in the hole between the satellites and my trusty HRSW10 subs, I’ve employed an old C-V Sat-6 subwoofer unit as a mid-bass module. It was the shredding of the surround on the C-V woofer and then the acquisition of different speakers all around that led to the ULS-15s. My receiver is a Denon 988 and I’ve employed the Audyssey MultEQ XT (a marvelous accessory) throughout. I will note that I used to spend hours trying to EQ the room, looking for that perfect flat response and all the while lusting for an Acousta-Voice Equalizer. I never got that flat response or that equalizer. But I think I was tilting at windmills and now I try to just enjoy the ride. The ‘15s are currently positioned with one up front and the second in the rear, behind our seats.

I could wax on, as others have, about how clean they sound and how deeply the ULS-15s reach. They can do that while hitting volume levels exceeding my desires in an 8000 cu. ft. space. I’ve read about gizmos you attach to chairs to get a “magic fingers” experience, but our chairs are vibrating already.

My prior experience with true subs (the HRSW10s) doesn’t give me a very broad basis for comparison. Musically, I don’t notice a large change from the old subs. Standard warhorses like the Saint-Saëns No.3 (a piece that I have heard performed live) seem to me to sound about the same. The ULS-15s can certainly speak louder, with more authority, if you like; kind of like having more notes and less thrump. I wish it wasn’t so doggone hard to bring the old subs (and their amp) back into the picture for a side-by-side comparison.

It’s HT that puts the big demands on the subs and it’s here that the improvement truly shows. I confess that I’m still running the ‘15s ‘hot’ right now just because I can and because it’s fun. There’s horsepower to spare. Rumbles and explosions certainly seem to be reproduced fully and without distortion; they sound right to my ear (but, they’re noise, so who really knows?). The ‘15s manage the vortex scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the scene that shredded my old C-V MBM, with flying colors. I believe that what I hear here is easily equal what I’ve heard in any movie house. We’ve been playing through a number of movies noted for deep bass (some new, some already on my shelf) and we’re having a blast. :D

On the subject of the wireless capability I can say I did try it and it worked great, but since I’d already hardwired lines to the rear of the room, that’s how the rear sub is getting its signal now.

So what are the ULS-15s really like? Well, back to chocolate…

hjones

08-07-09, 06:46 PM

I am the proud owner of new walnut ULS-15s in the Quad Drive package and I thought I would share what led me up to the purchase and my initial impressions of the sub system.

For about 6 months or so I have contemplated a sub upgrade. For the past 11 years, a Velodyne FSR-18 was my HT sub. While its LF extension was fine, it was somewhat limited in output. This time I wanted something that could keep up with my Klipsch Heritage setup - 4 K'horns (one in each room corner) a Belle center and a pair of Heresy IIIs for the side surrounds. Truly, the new sub would have to have the proper mix of sound quality and output capability to satisfy me this time.

At first, I considered adding another Velodyne but the cost now floored me. For a while I looked around for a used one, but backed away from that idea. Then I looked at the Epik Conquest, but it was discontinued before I decided to make the purchase. I looked at the offerings from SVS and ED, but wondered if ported would sound OK since I had a sealed sub for 11 years. Then I looked at the Submersive - certainly it was a worthy contender. But, Mark said two were needed to really get the most out of it. I did not know anyone locally that had any of these, so anything that I bought would be unseen and unheard and based on other's reviews.

Then I happened across the AVS thread about 2 ULS-15s being equal to a single Submersive. Well, to be honest, I had not checked Hsu out and did not even know they made a 15"er now. Hmmm, looks nice - walnut veneer might look really nice with my walnut Klipsch. Folks are saying that SQ and LF extension both were outstanding. Smaller and lighter enclosure than anything I had been looking at...

I posted a couple of questions about the ULS-15 on Hsu's website and Pete supplied answers very quickly. I sent him a few PMs, all of which were answered same day. Maybe these guys are serious about customer service...

So, the decision was made. Now, Dual or Quad Drive? The discount on the Quad was almost buy three and get one free. Well, whatever I bought I wanted to truly be wowed to make the $s spent well worthwhile. If I bought the Dual, Hsu offered to sell me two more at the same price as the Quad if I did it within 30 days. There's that customer service thing again. You know, I bet these folks will be easy to contact if I need service on one of them...

After all the rationalization was done, I knew that I would end up with the Quad Drive anyway, so why not start with it. After all, Welti's paper said 4 was the best setup. What more justification does a fella need?:)

So, on Thursday July 30th I ordered the Quad Drive in walnut from Hsu's website. Got an e-mail from Pete saying they would ship the next day. Sure enough, Friday night 4 tracking numbers came in by e-mail. Three arrived on Wednesday, Aug. 5th. FedEx put #4 on a different route and it came in the following day.

Upon opening them, I found the packaging to be excellent and the walnut finish was stunning. I set up the first 3, set all to the same volume at the main listening chair, ran Audyssey, REW and EQ'ed them with my BFD. I fired them up for a listen. Nice, really really nice. Family watched a Blu Ray movie and I was really impressed - wondered what # 4 would do for me.

I found out the next day. I was absolutely FLOORED at the difference the 4th one made. Same setup, same EQ settings, but magic was happening. A whole new level of performance. They were set up along a 12.5 ft wall, so at least two were within 1/4th wavelength of each other up to crossover, so I was getting co-location gain.

Another poster expressed his feelings about the ULS-15 as "HOLY COW!" Well, after a few high volume pipe organ tracks and a few SACD tracks, my impression was "LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!!"

Family watched "Knowing" on Blu Ray last night. Not only did the Quads perform well at high volume, the LF extension, impact, and overall smoothness was there even at "wife's volume."

Let me close out this long post by saying that the mission is truly accomplished. The Quad Drive has a permanent position in my HT. There are so many sub choices on the market now, but let me assure you that you cannot go wrong with the ULS-15.

I will post a picture of the setup and a REW FR plot in another post.

hjones

08-07-09, 06:59 PM

Now for a picture of the setup and a REW FR plot. The room dimensions are 12.5' x 20.5' x 8' - just over 2000 cu ft. I have a LOT of bass trapping in the room that I added in January - that is a whole different story, but you owe it to yourself to add traps if you don't have them now. OK, here is where the Quad Drive is set up.

As you can see, the outside pair are pulled out from the corner in front of the K'horns. I wondered if I would still get corner LF gain with them pulled out, but I read that if they were within 1/8th wavelength or so from the corner I would still get gain.

Distance between the outside pair and the inside pair is about a foot; about 32" between the inside pair.

The first REW plot is without any EQ other than Audyssey. Crossover was set at 80Hz and only the subs were on. I have a BFD, but it was bypassed for this measurement. Three plots were run - one at each recliner (about 11 feet back from the screen wall). The gold plot is from the center recliner; the other two plots are with the mic at the adjoining recliners.

Measurements were taken with a Behringer ECM-8000 mic and a Behringer mixer connected to an X-Fi Notebook sound card. Sound card and mic calibration curves were loaded into REW.

Although I cut the curve off at 15Hz, the output was still climbing up to about 5Hz or so. But, I did not know what the accuracy of the mic is that low even with the cal file loaded. So, I cut it off at 15Hz.

hjones

08-07-09, 07:04 PM

Now here is the plot with the BFD engaged. Three filters were used to get this response. This time the blue curve is the center chair and the other curves are for the adjacent chairs. The dip in the green curve is a room node that apparently is only present at the left chair.

Anyway, that is my story so far. I will close with this: With the Velodyne, the Skadoosh scene in Kung Fu Panda was barely audible. I woundered what all the fuss was about. I found out when I played it with the Quad Drive! Lord have mercy indeed!!!!

hjones

08-08-09, 05:30 AM

I found out Thursday that it is very easy to hurt your ears with these things. High volume low frequency content kinda sneeks up on you. Since the ears are less sensitive to LF you really don't appreciate the SPL that can come out of these things. Of course, you don't have to play them that loud, but it sure is fun.

After a few pipe organ tracks at pretty high level followed by a few SACD tracks - all played at elevated LFE settings - my ears were hurting. There were no audible signs of distress from the mains or subs. Like I said, it kinda slipped up on me as I was having some fun trying to find out the Quad Drive's limits (never did).

So, Quad Drive owners, perhaps it would be wise to have a SPL meter on if you decide to test the limits of this awesome system.

hometheatergeek

08-08-09, 08:22 AM

cocobeli,

When I asked for a vocabulary to describe your Dual Drive I did not realize that I would need to use the dictionary to look up "sepulchral" and "orotund". :confused:

I did understand "Holy Cow". That's not the exact words I used when I first listen to the pipe organ songs, on the supplied CD from Hsu, but this is a family forum. ;) Anyway thanks for the review and the two new words of the day.

hometheatergeek

08-08-09, 08:54 AM

I am the proud owner of new walnut ULS-15s in the Quad Drive package and I thought I would share what led me up to the purchase and my initial impressions of the sub system.

Welcome to the club hjones. :)

This time I wanted something that could keep up with my Klipsch Heritage setup - 4 K'horns (one in each room corner) a Belle center and a pair of Heresy IIIs for the side surrounds.

That setup is just insane. You have all of this in a 2000 cu ft room? :eek::eek:

I posted a couple of questions about the ULS-15 on Hsu's website and Pete supplied answers very quickly. I sent him a few PMs, all of which were answered same day. Maybe these guys are serious about customer service...

That is one of the reasons I went with them too. My very first call to them was answered by Pete and he seemed to be very knowledgeable about his products.

So, on Thursday July 30th I ordered the Quad Drive in walnut from Hsu's website. Got an e-mail from Pete saying they would ship the next day. Sure enough, Friday night 4 tracking numbers came in by e-mail. Three arrived on Wednesday, Aug. 5th. FedEx put #4 on a different route and it came in the following day.

Almost identical to my shipping experience with Hsu. I called at 3:00 PM EST on a Friday and received tracking numbers at 8:00 PM EST that night and I swear that the Fedex driver drove all weekend from Cali just so that I could get my first one on Tuesday morning.

Family watched "Knowing" on Blu Ray last night. Not only did the Quads perform well at high volume, the LF extension, impact, and overall smoothness was there even at "wife's volume."

They do play nicely at lower volumes but I bet they perform even better in your room due to your bass trapping.

Let me close out this long post by saying that the mission is truly accomplished. The Quad Drive has a permanent position in my HT. There are so many sub choices on the market now, but let me assure you that you cannot go wrong with the ULS-15.

I'm really glad that you are happy with your purchase and was glad to help you make that decision. It almost seems like that the ULS-15 were purposely designed to work really well with the older 90 Db+ efficient Klipsch speakers. But of course they are just well designed subs.

hjones

08-08-09, 07:37 PM

cocobeli

08-08-09, 10:44 PM

The CD was attached to the outside of one of the boxes, packing slip style, if I remember correctly.

hjones

08-09-09, 04:32 AM

Thanks, Jed. That is exactly where it was and I have it now. Guess I overlooked it in my excitement of getting them unpacked.

hometheatergeek

08-11-09, 02:14 PM

I pulled out the old Telarc 1812 CD this afternoon - the Quads handled the cannon shots very, very well. Also put in Danley's demo sound effect tracks from their website. Sounds OK, but kinda boring...

What surprised me the most in this afternoon's music session was the impact of the bass drum and electric bass on the Michael McDonald Motown II SACD. Very, very tight control, these subs have. Couple that with the ability to move a lot of air and it is a very realistic presentation.

I did not get a demo CD with the Hsus that others mention. Was it supposed to be in the box, or is it mailed separately?

You might know this but I have another recommendation for a Video concert with excellent bass. And that would be the "Two Against Nature" by Steely Dan DVD with DTS sound. I just re-visited it this weekend for the first time with the Dual Drive in the house and it sounded great. You need to check it out Mr Jones.