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Is weight any indicator of sub quality?

845 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  Legairre, 
C
I've posted a few times about my dual sub indecision regarding adding the HSU VTF-3 or a Mirage S-12 to my existing Mirage S-12. One more thing that I'm wondering about-


The VTF-3 is 90+ lbs, the Mirage only 51 lbs. They really aren't *that* different in size. Is that an indicator that there's better stuff going on inside the HSU? $250 worth of better stuff, to be exact? (price difference between the two)


I'm really spinning in circles on this decision. I know the S-12 is a quality sub, for sure, but I'd pay the extra for the VTF-3 if it's "worth" it.
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M
I dont think the driver in the HSU is overbuilt by anymeans, atleast my STF-2 wasnt. So Im asuming the extra weight is just a better & thicker enclosure and added mass for a box is always a good thing.
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S
Yes, like with amplifiers, generally heavier is better. Question is, do you want the sub that measured -3db at 16Hz, outdoors, or the one that won't touch 16Hz? If you get the Mirage, you are always going to wonder what you are missing. How much is $250 spread over 10 years? 8 cents a day?
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G
More weight *generally* means a stronger magnet. Stronger magnets produce better bass tones. I would compare the specs on the actual cones to see what they are.
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K
Quote:
Originally Posted by cneely8
I've posted a few times about my dual sub indecision regarding adding the HSU VTF-3 or a Mirage S-12 to my existing Mirage S-12. One more thing that I'm wondering about-


The VTF-3 is 90+ lbs, the Mirage only 51 lbs. They really aren't *that* different in size. Is that an indicator that there's better stuff going on inside the HSU? $250 worth of better stuff, to be exact? (price difference between the two)


I'm really spinning in circles on this decision. I know the S-12 is a quality sub, for sure, but I'd pay the extra for the VTF-3 if it's "worth" it.
Consider it well worth it in the long run you won't be looking for another sub anytime soon.
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C
>Consider it well worth it in the long run you won't be looking for another sub anytime soon.
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G
>Some folks have suggested to me that when running dual subs, they should be the same make and model. Any more feedback on that?


Remember this a forum of audiofiles; people on here debate sound issues that only computers can pick up. There is a difference since the enclosures will be different and the subs themselves are different; wether you can tell/care is another issue.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoodOmens
More weight *generally* means a stronger magnet. Stronger magnets produce better bass tones. I would compare the specs on the actual cones to see what they are.
Not always. Sometimes the large magnets are just overkill. Sometimes, they are just for show. Other times, they are designed for pure SPL. Dan Wiggins of Adire Audio has stated before that the Bramah line of drivers worked just fine with a single magnet slug but he added use three slugs in the production model. It added no more BL but the target market for the sub liked huge magnets.


-Robert
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoodOmens
>Some folks have suggested to me that when running dual subs, they should be the same make and model. Any more feedback on that?


Remember this a forum of audiofiles; people on here debate sound issues that only computers can pick up. There is a difference since the enclosures will be different and the subs themselves are different; wether you can tell/care is another issue.
Hah! People on here also debate sound issues that the computers *can't* pick up! Just check any speakerwire/interconnect/powercord flamefest... :p


To the OP: In subs weight often is an indicator of quality (for the reasons already suggested - driver & magnet strength, enclosure density, etc) - HOWEVER - as with most generalities, I'm sure there are plenty of exceptions. No doubt we could find a heavy sub that is a one-note boom box, and likewise I'm sure we could find a relatively lighter sub that is tight & accurate. As an example, I think the SVS 20-39 PCi weighs significantly less than the SVS PB12-NSD, yet I think most folks would say their performance is very similar - they are simply two very different enclosure designs. Personally, I would pay attention to the performance specs and my own ears, and less to the physical characteristics.
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You should never use 2 different subs to cover the same frequency response. At their lowest frequencies the phase / group delay characteristics will be different.


If you want to augment a decent sounding small sub with a different sub then consider using a crossover to bring in the 2nd sub at the lowest frequencies. My guess around 25Hz.


Rob.
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The phase & group delay will be different even for the *same* model subs if they aren't co-located due to room interactions.
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L
The Hsu's shipping weight is 92 lbs, the sub's weight is about 67lbs. Hsu does an incredible job with the packaging and double boxes so theres' an extra 25lbs worth of protection traveling with the sub. You've been agonizing over this purchase for a while now, I say get the Hsu and never say "would have, could have, should have". Once you get the Hsu and have it to compare to the S-12 you'll sell the S-12' on ebay or audiogon and get another Hsu so you have dual matching subs covering the same frequency range.
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