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Why would I want an HSU STF-1 if I can get a lower Hz sub for less?

post #1 of 14
1/31/13 at 11:38am
Thread Starter 
I read the hsu stf-1 is 32Hz. I read elsewhere claims of 25Hz in the propertly treated room. If I can get a sub that is actually rated at 25Hz, why would I buy the hsu?
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post #2 of 14
1/31/13 at 11:42am
Some reasons might be:
- performance (output, articulate/"tight" sound, etc.);
- competitive price;
- reliability and warranty; and/or
- you're someone who isn't concerned with content below 25Hz.

wink.gifsmile.gif
Edited by eljaycanuck - 1/31/13 at 11:54am
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post #3 of 14
1/31/13 at 11:58am
I'm with you on this one. There really isn't much point in buying a sub that isn't rated at -3db at 25Hz or lower. At least for movies there isn't. Maybe if you only have $250 to spend.
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post #4 of 14
1/31/13 at 1:29pm
I say for either movies or music. I wouldn't want to go back to not having at least 25Hz content. More-so movies, but a surprising amount of music I listen to seems to have some content down around 20Hz.
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post #5 of 14
1/31/13 at 5:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KidHorn View Post

I'm with you on this one. There really isn't much point in buying a sub that isn't rated at -3db at 25Hz or lower. At least for movies there isn't. Maybe if you only have $250 to spend.

Hello, What does -3db at 25Hz mean? What is that -3db mean on all the stuff I read on subs? I know it is a decibel reading, but is it like a +-X like they have on a survey within the margin of error? smile.gif. Thanks.
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post #6 of 14
1/31/13 at 5:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by likemovies View Post

Hello, What does -3db at 25Hz mean? What is that -3db mean on all the stuff I read on subs? I know it is a decibel reading, but is it like a +-X like they have on a survey within the margin of error? smile.gif. Thanks.

It means when they measured it the Frequency response (lets say 25-120hz) that is varied -/+3db. Which if true is nice biggrin.gif The reason you'd buy the STF 1 is if you are budget constraint. Yes they claim it has a FR down to 25hz but not how loud it can play. That's important too!
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post #7 of 14
1/31/13 at 6:15pm
I pretty much agree too. Although for people in a condo or apartment with shared walls, they may not really need or want all the output and extension.
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post #8 of 14
1/31/13 at 6:24pm
Frequency response specs are pretty meaningless if not accompanied by plus or minus dB specs. Assume the sub is at least -10 dB if no other spec is given. If the marketers give themselces room gain in the spec,, maybe - 16 dB.
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post #9 of 14
1/31/13 at 6:35pm
To be at - 10 dB at 25 hz a sub with a 12 dB per octsve rolloff (some will be steeper) would start rolling off at 50 Hz and be -4 dB at 40 hz.
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post #10 of 14
1/31/13 at 8:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JHAz View Post

Frequency response specs are pretty meaningless if not accompanied by plus or minus dB specs. Assume the sub is at least -10 dB if no other spec is given. If the marketers give themselces room gain in the spec,, maybe - 16 dB.

That is a LOT of variance.
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post #11 of 14
1/31/13 at 8:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by likemovies View Post

I read the hsu stf-1 is 32Hz. I read elsewhere claims of 25Hz in the propertly treated room. If I can get a sub that is actually rated at 25Hz, why would I buy the hsu?
The reason? Because it was awesome when it was first introduced years ago! Although you can find better these days, but Hsu has made a name as a company and has been in business a long time. Just another reason to feel good about buying their products.
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post #12 of 14
1/31/13 at 10:32pm
You aren't going to get much deeper bass out of something as small as a STF1, and 30 hz isn't that bad. There are a lot of subs much bigger and more powerful than the STF1 which roll off at higher than 32 hz. Tons of pro audio and commercial theater subs would be lucky to get flat FR down to 32 hz.
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post #13 of 14
2/1/13 at 9:10pm


The green line is the STF-2 in my room (one step up from the STF-1). I'd say HSU's advertised measurements are pretty spot on. It also shows you can't always rely on room gain. That said, I'm going to echo advice I should've listened to when I bought my first sub - Go for as much performance as you can afford. No one ever regrets overkill.

The red and blue lines are my DIY sonosub. The difference between it and the STF-2 is substantial. It also ended up being a good deal more costly.
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post #14 of 14
2/2/13 at 12:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zestforlife View Post



The green line is the STF-2 in my room (one step up from the STF-1). I'd say HSU's advertised measurements are pretty spot on. It also shows you can't always rely on room gain. That said, I'm going to echo advice I should've listened to when I bought my first sub - Go for as much performance as you can afford. No one ever regrets overkill.

The red and blue lines are my DIY sonosub. The difference between it and the STF-2 is substantial. It also ended up being a good deal more costly.

So on your line, when is it that you can't hear it anymore?
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