I'm very new to this and just noticed bass tubes exist. Besides the physical dimensions, what are the major differences between a subwoofer in a tube and a box? I just upgraded my stereo and am slowly changing out my home theater speakers. Right now I am using the Athena Micra system and while the sub is good, I didn't realize my room would be considered "large" (it's about 20X15) and a bigger sub would fill the room better.
I'm not going to replaceit for several months and I'm keeping an open mind to any suggestions. The sub I put on my stereo is a HSU VTF-2 MK3 and it sounds really great for music but isn't as 'punchy' as I'd like on the H.T.
I hear a 10" is better than a 12" for that chest stabbing stuff. ANy opinoins on that as well?

There's a joke in the title there somewhere... =)

Tubes have no edges. Therefore rounder sound. :D

Seriously now, there are successful examples of both tubes and boxes. It's a matter of placement, aesthetics and WAF. Walk away as fast as you can wherever you heard that 10" was "better" than 12" for "that chest stabbing stuff". :rolleyes:

smaller subwoofers ARE NOT faster....

Oh and smaller subwoofers are not better either :)

Did you hve a budget...? You room size is about medium...

I will probably end up going with the SVS that's comparable to the HSU VTF-2 MK3 ... I love it on my music only system but hear the SVS is a bit better for home theater stuff...more punchy ,

So there is NO difference between the tubes and the box? Just the way they look?

Tube subs generally:

1) have a smaller footprint than similar-output box subs
2) weigh less than similar-output box subs.

Beyond that, it depends on the specific sub design.

does one generally cost more than another?

does one generally cost more than another?


Not knowing anymore than I do I'd say that HSU should do better than what you're saying. Have you properly calibrated it, played around with the positioning and all that? If not I'd read up on that information on this forum...you might be very surprised.


I am debating building a Sonosub (tube design) but I haven't found a local supplier for the sonotube just yet although I haven't looked in earnest. If you are handy you might look into building one too...not sure what a reasonable budget is for one of those but I'd think a min of $500, but that all depends on the driver and amp choice.

uh, don't know what you are asking in the first part... I'm 100% happy with the HSU, it's on my stereo... this other sub is for the home theater.

I'm not a hobbyist.. I have ZERO desire to invest my time into researching parts and building stuff. I'd rather be hunting or fishing or watching movies...or listening to music... or for that matter just about anything else : )