View Full Version : HSU MK3 vs. VTF-3 vs. Epik Castle vs. SVS SB12 Plus/2


PeterAudio7
01-26-08, 03:08 PM
I have to say I'm confused... I like the SVS because it looks to be a very reputable brand with nice overall qaulities. The HSU's are both described as very powerful subs. Is there a large difference between them? And the Epik Castle... appearantly is VERY powerful and has an attitude. :D

I really can't decide.

CADOBHuK
01-26-08, 03:31 PM
There's not much to decide, Castle will squash the others you listed.

pdadi
01-26-08, 04:28 PM
I don't there is SB12 plus/2 may be you meant PB12 plus/2 and it is a monster for HT.
Both PB12 plus/2 and castle should be close for HT.

If it mostly HT either SVS or epik will do fine. SVS is a well established so thier pre and post
sales support is awesome. Epik is great company to deal with but they are going thru growing pains.

Btw what is your room size?

Jakeman02
01-26-08, 04:45 PM
Also there is no HSU MK3, there is the VTF-3 MK3 which is the same sub.

The SVS SB12-Plus is a small sealed sub meant for applications where space is an issue, it's not a fair comparison to with the larger ported designs like the VTF-3 MK3, PB12-Plus/2 or Castle.

Squash is quite an optimistic for the performance of any of these subs in comparison to the other. The Castle is imo the best bang for the buck with the PB12-Plus/2 holding it's own.

r1dude57
01-26-08, 06:59 PM
I just got a Castle. Had considered the Plus/2, but after the ranking on craigsub tests, decided far and away a Castle. I haven't regretted my decision once, and it supposedly has more bang for HT than even the SVS Ultra. The decision should be pretty easy if looking for performance first and foremost.

CADOBHuK
01-27-08, 02:45 AM
22 points of difference on the list..if thats not squash, what would you like to call it? smash? rape?

pdadi
01-27-08, 02:49 AM
Make those statements when you have auditioned both of them not just based on one mans ranking. Looking at the facts dual 12 incher with 900 w amp is just one more point than single 12 incher with 325 amp. so much for the facts:-)

kip_
01-27-08, 09:26 AM
There's not much to decide, Castle will squash the others you listed.

Yup

r1dude57
01-27-08, 12:06 PM
Make those statements when you have auditioned both of them not just based on one mans ranking. Looking at the facts dual 12 incher with 900 w amp is just one more point than single 12 incher with 325 amp. so much for the facts:-)

However, that one guys uses the exact type of measurements for both subs, so his results will be consistent from sub to sub. He may as well be testing them back to back, since the same tests are used and measured accordingly . Just because a plus/2 has 900 watts with dual 12" drivers doesnt mean its going to perform as well/better than a 500 watt 15 incher. There are some serious sub players out there right now rewriting the rules, and unfortunately the plus/2 is a big victim of this process.

David James
01-27-08, 12:32 PM
Maybe I'm just being anal but when someone uses craigs measurements as the basis for their opinion, I think they should say so.

If someone comes here for a recommendation and 10 people say "x" is better then "y", they should know the basis for that opinion.

Please...this has nothing to do with craigs reviews, I really appreciate them and believe they are performed honestly and objectively. I just want people know if the "second opinion" they are getting is actually the "first", only restated.

cschang
01-27-08, 01:03 PM
I just want people know if the "second opinion" they are getting is actually the "first", only restated.
I don't think that can be emphasized enough.

If people were able to listen to even just few quality subwoofers, I think they many would finally learn that SPL numbers do not correspond to sound quality.

The basis for a solid opinion is one's own experience.

pdadi
01-27-08, 01:31 PM
However, that one guys uses the exact type of measurements for both subs, so his results will be consistent from sub to sub. He may as well be testing them back to back, since the same tests are used and measured accordingly . Just because a plus/2 has 900 watts with dual 12" drivers doesnt mean its going to perform as well/better than a 500 watt 15 incher. There are some serious sub players out there right now rewriting the rules, and unfortunately the plus/2 is a big victim of this process.

but squash by a margin of 22 points . gimme a break

r1dude57
01-27-08, 02:17 PM
but squash by a margin of 22 points . gimme a break

But you would agree that the PB13 Ultra handily outgunned its top of the line predecessor, the PB-12 Ultra by 19 points. Which in turn being SVS's top sub at the time, outperformed the plus/2, which it should have. So it shouldn't be unfathomable that the new Ultra beat out the plus/2 by 22 points also. I believe everything falls in place where it should, considering the recent advancements in driver/cabinet design. Saying that, I don't understand your sarcasm unless you are plus/2 owner in denial.

pdadi
01-27-08, 03:01 PM
But you would agree that the PB13 Ultra handily outgunned its top of the line predecessor, the PB-12 Ultra by 19 points. Which in turn being SVS's top sub at the time, outperformed the plus/2, which it should have. So it shouldn't be unfathomable that the new Ultra beat out the plus/2 by 22 points also. I believe everything falls in place where it should, considering the recent advancements in driver/cabinet design. Saying that, I don't understand your sarcasm unless you are plus/2 owner in denial.

I don't own plus/2. Btw do you have epik sub? My comparision is between
plus/2 is being only one point more than pb12-NSD.

you know this ranking is not bible of subwoofer testing. Lot of fanboys have started based on these ranking who never auditioned any of those subs.

If you are an epik owner then I better end this argument.

Shift
01-27-08, 03:47 PM
Dp

Shift
01-27-08, 03:49 PM
but squash by a margin of 22 points . gimme a break

Opinion....
Which squash is better?

:p

http://www.cityofholland.com/cihollandmius/images/REC_FrmMktWinterSquashNames.jpg

CADOBHuK
01-27-08, 04:32 PM
you know this ranking is not bible of subwoofer testing.
Of course it's not. It's based on facts, precise measurements, objective opinions and it makes sense. It's the total opposite of Bible.

o0Lo0P0o
01-27-08, 05:16 PM
I have to say I'm confused... I like the SVS because it looks to be a very reputable brand with nice overall qaulities. The HSU's are both described as very powerful subs. Is there a large difference between them? And the Epik Castle... appearantly is VERY powerful and has an attitude. :D

I really can't decide.

Like you said in the other thread "We are kinda in the same boat" LOL

r1dude57
01-27-08, 05:53 PM
I don't own plus/2. Btw do you have epik sub? My comparision is between
plus/2 is being only one point more than pb12-NSD.

you know this ranking is not bible of subwoofer testing. Lot of fanboys have started based on these ranking who never auditioned any of those subs.

If you are an epik owner then I better end this argument.

I am an Epik owner but not a fanoby. There are many other terrific subs out there besides Epik. I took many subs into consideration before taking a leap of faith on a sub I had never heard. I was under the impression that the nsd model received quite a significant driver upgrade sometime during its production, but the one point variation doesn't seem quite normal I agree(even if craig had tested the improved version). While I agree thats craigsubs ranking is not the bible, it does give the consumer a good comparison of how they stack up against one another using a certain set of tests. All subs will have a 'different' sound, so it is up to the listener to determine what is best. I am sure I would have been happy with an SVS, ed, av123, or many other number of subs, but took a gamble on Epik due to my coversations with Chad, and have been quite thrilled thus far.

getech
01-26-09, 12:09 PM
Wonder which will perform better in a larger home theater room?

spyboy
01-26-09, 12:24 PM
Wonder which will perform better in a larger home theater room?

Each has its own strengths. The Conquest is a bigger box and may make for a better HT (only) sub. The PB-13 may be a better all-a-round sub, in a somewhat smaller box.

Either is top notch.

This question is way off topic and has been discussed for over a year. If you do a search, you may find a lot more on your question.

Ddavidson
01-26-09, 01:25 PM
Opinion....
Which squash is better?

:p

http://www.cityofholland.com/cihollandmius/images/REC_FrmMktWinterSquashNames.jpg

Which are better Blonde's, Brunettes or Redheads?

Which is the best sportscar Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti or Zonda?

Its such a shame that we all like different things. Once we test drive them and directly compare our findings only then we find what we will ultimately prefer.

Life would be so easy if it was just down to 0-60 times, top speed or hair color but unfortunately there is much more to consider than numbers or color.

Ddavidson

MKtheater
01-26-09, 04:42 PM
I have experience with the eD 18 inch driver in both big ported and sealed enclosures. I also owned the PB12/plus/2. I would not describe one squashing the other. The are differences but both did a damn great job in my theater. I bet they sound more alike than different. I think we are getting carried away with the terminology.

tigerkn
03-01-09, 01:45 AM
Is the Epik Castle still in production btw???? I can't find it from Epik website :?

Would one Epik Castle SQUASH 2 MFW15s in your opinion knowing they are both listing at 109 points per CS's list??? :D

lalakersfan34
03-01-09, 01:59 AM
Is the Epik Castle still in production btw???? I can't find it from Epik website :?

Would one Epik Castle SQUASH 2 MFW15s in your opinion knowing they are both listing at 109 points per CS's list??? :D

No, the Castle has been discontinued. In fact, the only subwoofer left from Epik's old lineup is the Conquest. All of the others are newer models.

As for a Castle "squashing" two MFW-15's, it depends on whether the MFW-15's have working amps or not ;). Two MFW-15's should have more punch in the mid-upper bass. I think the Castle would pull away below 25hz or so. I have a Castle and love it, but I haven't heard the MFW-15 so I can't make a direct comparison. The above is simply my best guess.

TheFactor
03-01-09, 05:04 AM
SVS FTW :p :D

blued888
03-01-09, 07:20 AM
SVS FTW :p :D

Same The Factor SVS guy from Audioholics? :D

TheFactor
03-01-09, 02:43 PM
Same The Factor SVS guy from Audioholics? :D

Yes im a spy but dont tell anyone, im on the Audioholics witness protection program:p :D