Funky 15.3 VS HSU-VTF-15H

I wish I could help you decide. I have a pair of the HSU 15H. (which I like very much). I haven't listened to any of the FW subs.

If I was starting from ground zero, that sub is nicely discounted as a demo.
I doubt that sub would disappoint. (I'm a fan of dual subs minimum). You might want to consider the price of duals if you go that route in the future.

When you're figuring out your room size you need to calc cubic feet, that includes all open spaces. In your case, living room + kitchen and dining room.

Where do you see a FW 15.3 in the same price range? If I had to choose between a VTF15h and a FW 15.3 with a 1k amp, I would go with the FW, but that FW should be almost twice as expensive. At least it is according to FW's website. Also, FW isn't as old as Hsu but they are not a brand spanking new company, they have been around for a few years at least.

In that case - I personally would go with the FW....

I would prefer a TC driver in there and that would increase your SQ over whatever driver is in there - perhaps he would be flexible enough for the increase in cost... You won't get a better SQ driver then an 15" TC-LMS-R in comparison to any other sub out there IMO, except something from SVS, JL or Paradigms Sig subs. It would be worth the upgrade in driver.

The Passive Radiator sub will be closer in sound to a sealed sub but still have that enormous output of a ported....

You will absolutely find no better finish work from any manufacturer then funky waves, you can click on my link to see what you get from the pics... only the very best woodwork from Nathan at Funky Waves...

More amp power depends on the efficiency of the driver - so no more amp power doesn't always mean better..

I prefer a longer warranty as well. That wouldn't deter me but it's not my money.

That's horse of a different colour. Nice info digging on the parts btw.

That explains the 1 year on the amp which is 1/2 of most ID subs. Considering that ED has had amp issues in the past (not sure if this is one of them though) that would make me leary. Too many mixed opinions on ED stuff for my tastes.
I was expecting TC Sound drivers which is somewhat disappointing.

I'm sure it would sound good but not what I was expecting.
The amp alone would put me off. Of course that's my own opinion based on reading ED threads and not personal experience.

YMMV.

Well with all the negative comments sputter has you should go with the HSU.

Those are just my thoughts man, yours or others may differ.

I haven't seen anything either. One owner was going to post a couple inside the sub pictures but he never did.

I think you'll be glad you went with hsu. The customer service is great and my hsu vtf 3 mk 3 is fantastic. Very accurate and smooth in music and a beast on movies. Amp has a two yr warranty and 7 yrs on the speaker with the option to upgrade the amp warranty to 5 yrs. Honestly, while the hsu has a nice satin black finish and I like it, that other sub in the picture is gorgeous. There's nothing quite like the beauty of natural stained wood.

Some people feel safer having that extra warranty. Others would prefer the better craftsmanship and performance. Each to their own. Good luck with whichever you choose...come back and give your impressions.

I don't feel you'll be be disappointed.

Not that it matters at this point, but the Titanic MKIII is a very well regarded driver, as are the CSS drivers. I'm not sure one could make a claim that the HSU driver is as good or better. As a DIY you'd be looking at about $800 to $900 for materials alone on that sub, so at $1k is a pretty good deal.

The LT1300 amps have had their bad rap for good measure, haven't heard of many failures of late though, but could be wrong. It's still one of the best performing plate amps under $1k though.

Definitely agree on the warranty side of things.

The HSU has a first class warranty, and lots of documented happy owners on this forum alone, and have been a well known and respected ID brand for numerous years. FW seems to be more geared towards the DIY'r who typically spends much more time researching drivers, enclosures, modelling them in WinISD to get an understanding of how well the sub performs, etc. and is therefore more comfortable than an average consumer in what FW delivers, and wants a custom made kick-*ss enclosure.

Anyhow, you're going to love your sub, and even if the FW one "could" outperform it, you'll not have to worry about it as you'll a) never know and b) will be too happy playing with your new toy to care.

Everything that came with Warp's subs were 'stock' items that FW uses regularly.

Anyway, you'll probably love the Hsu sub and it has a solid warranty on the driver.

I don't think that's true... he has the LMS drivers in his, which are considered to be the upgraded drivers. yeah they may be "in stock" but that isn't what he meant. The 15.3 FW sub does not have the same drivers. There are two reasons that people are loving his subs.
1.) Great workmanship
2.) The LMS drivers you can get in his beautiful cabinets.

I'd say the LMS driver is what always comes with the sub he ordered, unless you wanted something different. All of the listed drivers that FW uses are great in their own right. The SDX15, Fi, Mach 5, Aurasound and on down the line...they all have their applications. Not everyone can afford the LMS 5400, but many want the incredible craftsmanship that's offered.

Let us know what you think. (i'm sure it will be decent).

Wow that's awesome. You got yourself a sweet lookin' gem with that sub. I'm really looking forward to seeing pics and hearing your impressions. Congrats.

I'm sure in due time we'll need to start FW owner's thread..... You won't be disappointed...congrats on the new sub..