Do I need to go down to 20hz?

I wish I could say that I've listened to these side by side, but I can't.


I can tell you this - I recently got an HSU STF-2, and my room is very similar in size to yours. I love it!


Also, HSU is known as being honest and conservative in their #'s. The STF-2 has usable bass below 25hz, it's just not flat. My guess is that you would not hear a very big difference between the two.


I made my choice to go with the HSU b/c I live in Calif, so the shipping was cheaper and faster. This might seem like a silly reason to make a decision, but that's what it had to come down to. They are both great products and I had to pull a straw.


You mentioned that you like the HSU for size, price and WAF. It sounds like that would be the way to go. I doubt that the SVS would give you any amount of increased performance that could make up for those three factors.


Regards,


Karl


PS - Again, I have not demo'd an SVS and I think it's a great company with a great product. I'm just offering an endorsement for HSU to help our friend make a decision

Quote:
No.


There isn't a whole lot of movie info at that level (20-25hz) anyways.

The subs are tuned to that frequency. This means that due to the port and box design there will be a increase in output at that frequency. While output below that frequecy will drop off, you will still have some output at frequencies below the tunning frequency.

25Hz is pretty low. Low enough IMO. You might also want to consider the new Outlaw LFM-1. Form factor is close to the HSU (who helped with the design.) From outlawaudio.com :


Model LFM-1 Specifications [partial]

Amplifier Power Rating: 325WRMS; 1300W peak

Frequency Response: 25Hz. -180Hz. +/- 2 dB

SPL: 115dB (subject to placement and room gain)

Dimensions: (HxWxD) 21.75†x 15.0†x 22.0â€

Weight: 58 lbs

Quote:
Well, the simple answer is 'No'.....but the HT enthusiast answer is a resounding 'Yes'.


Going down to 20 hz is one of those ideals crossed off the list when going for the ideal surround environment..Though one is ub is rated at 20 hz and the other's at 25 hz, it really doesn't mean anything as they are manufacturer specs and your set up, room will vary things.


Most subs will give some 25 frequencies but the real question is what is the output at that level???? Or is it 6 or 10 db below calibration level. IF so, it really doesn't count.


That said, there is no way to tell what sub will do what in your room at 20 - 25 hz without testing them out........


That said, if HT is 75% buy the beefiest sub you can afford and odds are you will get down into that power house frequency level of 20-25 hz (or below).

If you desire lower extension and waf is a concern, get the STF-3 for $600. This sub is close to the VTF-3 in performance. Read some of the STF-3 review on the Hsu-centric forum. Some of them have owned the VTF-2, and notice a huge improvement in maximum output levels and low frequency response extension. We are talking true 20Hz frequency response with the STF-3, and much more output because of the nice 12 inch driver and more amp power and box size.


The VTF-2, with it's smaller size and tuned to 25Hz, will obviously not play as low and as loud as a much larger (and more expensive) sub tuned to 20Hz. Above 25Hz it does quite well, but still not nearly as good as a STF-3 or VTF-3 when really pushed in a very large room. For it's size and peformance for the $, it does extremely well. However, your room is not so humongous, and the STF-2 or VTF-2 would fill it well.


The STF-2 is really a little bit more capable than the current and older VTF-2 with one port plugged. It has more port diameter, newest tech and driver, and more amp power.


With the increased budget, the Outlaw looks to be a good deal too. Rumor has it that Dr. Hsu helped design that product. There is also a sub from ADIRE that is lower tuned and available in the $600 range. Even a VTF-3 MKII available in black finish is going for $699 (free ship) next month. Generally more options open up as price increases, but for $399 there are two standouts, ADIRE and Hsu.

I just watched "Blood Work" on HBO HDTV. It's the first movie I've watched with my brand new STF-2. Had to take a shower in the middle of the movie. When I got upstairs to my bedroom I put the movie on my bedroom set so I could still follow the plot while I got ready for the shower. I could feel the gun shots.........UPSTAIRS!


What really impressed me was the LFE was so smooth and natural compared to my old boomy sub. The old sub was intrusive; the STF-2 blended with my other speakers for a realistic, pleasing experience. Sorry I'm not using the proper technical terms.


My room is roughly 11x18. It is my humble opinion that the STF-2 is all I need.


In truth, though I've never heard a (an?) SVS sub, I'd wager you can't go wrong with either SVS or HSU. You just have to figure budget, WAF, room size, and aesthetics of the sub itself.


Make your choice, order it, and unless it bugs you in some way. Be happy with your choice.


Good luck. Let us know what you chose, and how you like it.