AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › Hsu STF-2 vs. VTF-1 Subwoofer Comparisons, recommendations?
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Hsu STF-2 vs. VTF-1 Subwoofer Comparisons, recommendations?

post #1 of 11
3/21/11 at 5:05pm
Thread Starter 
While I had my eye on the STF-2 to go on sale(currently Sold Out), I recently noticed Hsu has the VTF-1 sub listed on sale for 399.

The VTF-1 is a notch up higher in the Hsu sub chain, but I noticed the specs are virtually the same as the STF-2, so I'm wondering what do I actually get with the VTF-1 vs the STF-2?

Also, any suggestions for comparatively priced subs in this category that are on par or better than the Hsus listed here?
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post #2 of 11
3/21/11 at 5:12pm
If I recall, the only difference between the stf2 and the vtf1 is the variable tuning. The stf2 is the vtf1 in max extension mode. Other wise it is exactly the same.
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post #3 of 11
3/21/11 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 
Does Variable tuning made a significant difference in quality for music sources? Or is just marketing?
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post #4 of 11
3/21/11 at 5:48pm
I just went through this today actually and called Hsu to speak to someone there. I was told that they are very similar and the average person would be hard pressed to tell the difference. I didn't feel the need to have the extra features of the VTF-1 so I placed an ordered for the STF-2. Hsu expects them to be back in stock in about 2 weeks
Mike
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post #5 of 11
3/21/11 at 5:58pm
VTF1 has a better finish. Satin black finish vs vinyl covering. I just visited HSU two weeks ago to demo the units before I bought. For the $50 difference now that it's on sale I felt it was worth it. You may not think the variable tuning is a big deal but at least you have the option IMHO.
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post #6 of 11
3/21/11 at 6:24pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess I'm now deciding on whether variable tuning is something I want. From what I understand, VT modes alternate between movie(max extension) and music modes. The STF-2 is in max extension mode, so what you're paying more money for in the VTF-1 is the variable tuning mode for music.
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post #7 of 11
3/21/11 at 7:26pm
I actually run my VTF1 with both ports open (can't do that with the STF2) for louder bass extension. I think the extra output is a fair trade off. This thing hits like a mac truck when it comes to movies. Runs circles around my older Klipsch sub it replaced.
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post #8 of 11
3/22/11 at 7:38am
VTF-1 has a better woofer/magnet. Less distortion is expected too...I don't know if the difference is audible though...
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post #9 of 11
3/22/11 at 8:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by techhappy View Post

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess I'm now deciding on whether variable tuning is something I want. From what I understand, VT modes alternate between movie(max extension) and music modes. The STF-2 is in max extension mode, so what you're paying more money for in the VTF-1 is the variable tuning mode for music.

There are a lot of opinions about that but from my experience, room size and eq settings have more to do with it. My room is plenty small enough So that the sub can fill the room in max ext. With dynamic eq off, the max ext mode sounds jut as good as max output with music. With dynamic eq on, max output sounds better. I think this has more to do with audyssey boosting the low end with dynamic eq on. Just my .02
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post #10 of 11
3/22/11 at 10:49am
Elemental Design's A2-300 may be worth investigating. Be aware though that they don't always have any in stock and waits can be long.
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post #11 of 11
3/23/11 at 9:38pm
Thread Starter 
Lots of great info, thanks guys. I will have to check out the Elemental Design sub for comparison.
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