JBL S120PII or HSU VTF-1

Hey all,

I need some advice. I am in need of a subwoofer. I had to sell my 25-31CS+ due to new furniture in the family room and the fact that the 25-31CS+ just stood out a bit too much and I didn't have room for it. So, considering I'm a college student and I just got into HD-DVD which has taken a big chunk out of my cash I have a budget of $400 or less.

So, I have been looking at the two subs listed above. Currently the JBL S120PII is around $350 shipped while the VTF-1 is $410 shipped. Now, I have always wanted to try out a Hsu sub but I have to wonder if the 10" woofer could compete with the 12" of the JBL. I am looking for something that has good sound quality as well as something that can play loudly.

JBL
Power Rating - 400w
Frequency Response - 22Hz-150Hz ± 3 dB
Crossover Frequency - Variable
Impedance - 8 ohms
Driver - 12"
Enclosure - Bass Reflex
Connectors - 5-way posts
Shielded - Yes

HSU
Continuous Amp Power - 200 Watts
Frequency Response (maxiumum extension mode) - 25 Hz
Frequency Response (maxiumum output mode) - 32 Hz
Woofer Size - 10 Inches
Crossover - Bypassable 24 dB/Oct, continuously variable 30 - 90 Hz low pass filter
Phase - 0/180°
Dimensions - 19.5"(h) x 14"(w) x 18"(d)
Outlet Power Requirement - 250 W,120/240V AC
Magnetically shielded


The room in which the sub will be in is 15 x 17 with 8 foot ceiling and is also open to the kitchen and dining/living room.

Hopefully some of you guys can help steer me in the right direction here.

Also, if anyone has any other suggestion I would look into that as well.

Thanks for the suggestions. Hmm, I still don't know what to do. lol. I know that neither will be up to par with my old 25-31 but I already knew that. I just have a space limitation so that's why I needed to go with a smaller box sub.

Well, the STF-2 is not in stock. I would have grabbed that in a heartbeat but I don't think it will be in stock for some time.

I am thinking I can go up a little bit more, I'll just be totally broke for a while...ahh this hobby of mine. But yeah, my absolute max limit will now be $500. So I was thinking what about the Mirage S12 which I can get for $499 shipped or the SVS PB10-NSD.

Yeah, going over the specs it looks to be similar to the STF-2. Either way, I upped my budget a bit so here are the subs I'm looking into.

Hsu VTF2 MkIII or STF-3
Mirage S12
SVS PB10-NSD

The Hsu would be the absolute limit I can go. I have always been intrigued by Hsu subs but I have to wonder, for those who own them how is the build quality? The pics make it look kind of weird, the matte finish and all. Not that it matters but just wondering. The sub will be going against a wall close to a corner but not quite and next to a sofa.

By the way, I appreciate all the replies and help guys.

Well, there is no WAF for me yet. lol. I didn't need the sub to be that small, something along the lines of the JBL. Either way, I ended up ordering the Mirage S12 for 499 shipped. I read all the reviews on it and it seems comparable to the Hsu VTF-3 but has a smaller footprint. Here's hoping all will be well and that it will rock the house.

Thanks again everyone for your input, I'll update once I get the new sub.

Well, I just want to thank everyone again for all the suggestions. I just got my Mirage S12 and so far so good. It's pretty awesome and seems very comparable to my old 25-31CS+ but a great deal better with music. It blends in with the other speakers better than my old SVS as well. So I'm happy so far and I know as it breaks in it should shound even better.