I've been reading on this site a lot recently and I have pretty much decided to get either an SVS PB10-NSD or the HSU VTF-1. But, I was just browsing around audiogon and found a Sunfire True Subwoofer Jr. for sale at $375. I think its been sold, but is that a deal I should have taken? Has subwoofer technology improved enough in the past 5-10 years to not buy an older model? Thanks for your input.

the reason the sunfire is "higher powered" is because it is a small and sealed box. the two other ported subwoofers you are looking at and this sunfire have different goals, the sunfire is after small size, the other two are bang for the buck subs with no regard for size.

you are better off with the two other choices.

I haven't heard a Sunfire Jr. Pretty expensive I think, except alot of people have had
quality problems with it. It's selling point is that is small and puts out alot of bass
for a sub that small....I could be wrong, just what I've read.

A HSU VTF-1 will fill out a 3000 cu ft room with plenty of very good bass down to 25HZ in
max ext mode, and 32 HZ in max output for $400 plus shipping. It's a very good sub.
I've owned the origonal HSU VTF-2 and it was an awesone.

About the SVS PB-10-NSD I haven't heard. But SVS puts out quality subs just as HSU.
The SVS PB-10 is $429 in black, and their overstock (in white and silver) runs $375.

Both very good subs from different companies. Your can't go wrong with the SVS
or HSU. I've always stayed with HSU because I feel you get a little more on the
performance side. I think the SVS subs have a slightly better overall finish....
(but great performance also).....can't go wrong with either............vardo

I've been reading on this site a lot recently and I have pretty much decided to get either an SVS PB10-NSD or the HSU VTF-1. But, I was just browsing around audiogon and found a Sunfire True Subwoofer Jr. for sale at $375. I think its been sold, but is that a deal I should have taken? Has subwoofer technology improved enough in the past 5-10 years to not buy an older model? Thanks for your input.

It depends. If you want real low end, one of Sideshow Bob's little lunchboxes isn't going to do it for you no matter what its vintage. The Hsu and SVS subs will be manifestly superior, just as Dr. Hsu's subs were back then.

However, an older subwoofer from Velodyne, Hsu, Janis, etc. could very well do it. I think they are in general better now, but for the money a good-condition 15 year-old Velodyne ULD-18 (for one example) would still be more than competitive with anything that costs new what the Velodyne costs used.

the reason the sunfire is "higher powered" is because it is a small and sealed box. the two other ported subwoofers you are looking at and this sunfire have different goals, the sunfire is after small size, the other two are bang for the buck subs with no regard for size.

you are better off with the two other choices.

Just to note, the Jr is a "ported sub", as it uses a passive radiator which is a form of a port. For what it is, the Jr. is a great sub, it gives strong usable output down into the mid 20hz range, something no other sub it's size does. The Sunfire subs roll off quickly above 50hz, so they need main speakers that have decent bass of their own to properly integrate. They take a bit of work to set up properly but when done right, they integrate wonderfully with larger speakers.

All that said, if you have the space a larger sub from HSU or SVS will give you better performance. Smaller subs have compromises, it takes much more power to get the same output and extension from a small box than a big one.

Really appreciate the advice guys. It seems no matter what the issue, HSU and SVS come out victorious. Thanks for the recommendations. Now theres nothing left but to pull the plug and start enjoying the rumble.

hahaha. don't you know? all subwoofer questions are answerable by three words? Fathom, SVS, HSU ... in no particular order. I'm sarcastic of course.

if you had said you needed a compact subwoofer ... I would have said sunfire. of course others would have said Fathom :) and SVS SB12!