Is it just the SVS PB10-NSD? I can't find anything new or used which is supposed to be better than it. Anyone have other opinions lmk. The room I will use is 10x10 with tiled floors, wood walls and a ceiling made of those office tiles. Mostly this will be for movies and FPS games off of a Panny XR57.

Looks like the SVS PB10-NSD goes the lowest and is the best for the $$.

For the >$400 range, the PB10NSD is tough to beat.

btw is there a minimum post count to post in the FS b/c I would like to see if anyone wants to sell their 10 to upgrade to a 12 but can't. I don't mind contributing but $35 is a bit steep for something I will rarely use lol.

What about the HSU STF2 and VTF2? Those are on the HSU site for $349 and $399 respectively. Any thoughts from anybody who has heard one of those? I'm looking in this same price range as well and am trying to decide between HSU and SVS.

What about the HSU STF2 and VTF2? Those are on the HSU site for $349 and $399 respectively. Any thoughts from anybody who has heard one of those? I'm looking in this same price range as well and am trying to decide between HSU and SVS.

You mean VTF1 don't you? :D

Yes, sorry, I meant the VTF1. So, how would you knowledgeable folks compare the Hsu STF2 & VTF1 against the SVS PB10NSD? From what I've been able to read, the Hsu offerings sound like they may have a more "accurate" overall sound but a bit less deep extension. Personally, I play more music than movies so the reputed musicality of the Hsu subs appeals to me. On paper, though, the SVS certainly appears to have the edge (more power, beefier driver, etc.).

That's a pretty subjective subject, OrangeTJ. So much depends upon the room, and individual definitions of "musical." One person's preference will not be the same as another's.

I own both Hsu and SVS subs, although not the models in question. To me, both sound great for music, but for my tastes it was necessary to carefully integrate them (including EQ) to achieve the desired results (flat frequency response).

Some people prefer a slight mid-bass emphasis, and deem subs that deliver that to be more "musical." Others will be quick to advocate their choice even if they haven't actually listened to both in the same room.

My own very subjective, unscientific, oversimplified and general opinion is that by design SVS's deliver more power in the very low frequencies and Hsu's have a bit more mid-bass "oomph." This contributes in the former's forum reputation as "better" for HT and the latter's for music. The differences are less than some insist them to be. Both are very good, and you are not likely to be unhappy with either.

Cool. I'm leaning toward the SVS at this point. I don't think I can go wrong either way, but I just have a better feeling about the SVS for some reason. The reviews of this thing are just universally excellent. The fact that it's made in America is nice as well, even if it doesn't make much difference in the grand scheme of things. Now....I'm starting to get torn between the PB10 and the PCi 25-31. Arghhhh!

I am sooooo sorry to possibly bloat your budget, but the 12-NSD unit is in overstock for white and silver (go white) for a hundred more. Well, something to consider. I think, possibly in this case, it just might not be a representation of the law of diminishing returns...fwiw

Not sure if you saw this recent thread comparing the PB10 to STF-2:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=850955

I am sooooo sorry to possibly bloat your budget, but the 12-NSD unit is in overstock for white and silver (go white) for a hundred more. Well, something to consider. I think, possibly in this case, it just might not be a representation of the law of diminishing returns...fwiw

Yeah, unfortunately it is just on the wrong side of too big for my tastes. We spend more time in the room not listening to music or watching movies than we do listening or watching so I don't want to give up too much in the way of aesthetics. If I had a dedicated HT/music room, I'd go big for sure!

Cool man, sorry. Ya, I should've guessed you would know of all the options out there.

Interesting link Pete! (hey, btw, thanks for the support in that other thread. I missed it until today.....)

I agree with Mac...I've heard the VTF2 and VTF3.2, both are fine subs, but the differences between SVS and Hsu are better addressed through calibration, placement and treatments. There's not enough difference between the 2 brands to bleed the cause of overwhelming superiority for either. Those that do need to rein it in... :p

Interesting link Pete! (hey, btw, thanks for the support in that other thread. I missed it until today.....)
You're welcome. I'm still not sure what his problem is. :)

I agree with Mac...I've heard the VTF2 and VTF3.2, both are fine subs, but the differences between SVS and Hsu are better addressed through calibration, placement and treatments. There's not enough difference between the 2 brands to bleed the cause of overwhelming superiority for either. Those that do need to rein it in... :p
here's some sanity in the insane world of ID subwoofers people. the referenced link is an interesting and valid review, but it is coming directly from the HSU website via one of their most shameless fanboys, so take it with a grain of salt.

either sub will knock your socks off. it comes down to cost and personal taste at this level. good luck with whatever you choose.

here's some sanity in the insane world of ID subwoofers people. the referenced link is an interesting and valid review, but it is coming directly from the HSU website via one of their most shameless fanboys, so take it with a grain of salt.
Of course. Pretty much every review is subjective and should not be taken out of context. It's just one data point. I wouldn't expect a bad HSU review on a HSU forum, just like I wouldn't expect to see a bad SVS review on an SVS forum (if they had one.) :)

Personally, I like the looks and build quality of the SVS better, so I think I'd go for the PB10 if I had to choose between the two. From all I've read, they're very close performance-wise, and a lot depends on your room acoustics/treatments anyway.

here's some sanity in the insane world of ID subwoofers people. the referenced link is an interesting and valid review, but it is coming directly from the HSU website via one of their most shameless fanboys, so take it with a grain of salt.

either sub will knock your socks off. it comes down to cost and personal taste at this level. good luck with whatever you choose.

Don't you own a SVS sub? Would the bias you are talking about not be applicable to yourself and your posted comments on many threads?

I agree with Mac...I've heard the VTF2 and VTF3.2, both are fine subs, but the differences between SVS and Hsu are better addressed through calibration, placement and treatments. There's not enough difference between the 2 brands to bleed the cause of overwhelming superiority for either. Those that do need to rein it in... :p
Very well spoken there Ron. I applaud your statement. Amen there brother!!!!! :p :p

Don't you own a SVS sub? Would the bias you are talking about not be applicable to yourself and your posted comments on many threads?Pretty much every post G-Star has made that I've read pretty much echoes that sentiment no matter what sub he owns...haven't read them all, but I doubt if he would contradict himself.

With a 10x10 room you really don't need a $400 sub especially since you're using it for HT and music.

I would suggest the Dayton 12" sub - keep the money in the bank.

I don't own an SVS Sub...........yet. It will be on its way this week. I as well took that review with a grain of salt. Had it come from craigsub's listings, that might be a different story. But then again, I take all reviews with a grain of salt. For me it came down to price vs performance. At 325 for a b-stock pb10-nsd, HSU didn't have much that on paper looked like it could compete in the <25hz area. I know room gain will help, and I'm counting on it with the SVS, but from the looks of things it has a better chance. Guess I'll find out just like everyone else though!

After Craigsub's review of the Elemental Designs A2-300 sub I would strongly recommend taking a look at it. ;) See Craig's ratings thread for a detailed review.


Ian

Cool. I'm leaning toward the SVS at this point. I don't think I can go wrong either way, but I just have a better feeling about the SVS for some reason. The reviews of this thing are just universally excellent. The fact that it's made in America is nice as well, even if it doesn't make much difference in the grand scheme of things. Now....I'm starting to get torn between the PB10 and the PCi 25-31. Arghhhh!

Here were my impressions when I upgraded, and had the 25-31 tuned to 22hz:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=750909