[robertrobert]

comparison to make that most do at the same price point. Right now HSU is offering the STF-2 for $319 w/ $39 shipping. The ED A2-300 is $415. Maybe this is why HSU lowered their price. It seems the ED A3S - 250 Subwoofer

for $350 is a better comparison especially with it also a 10" sub.


So with this in mind, how does the A3S-250 ED sub compare with the STF-2 for a small 10' x 10' x 10' room. I keep reading where folks instantly think the STF-2 isn't the best choice due to the 10" subwoofer. Many keep saying it is best for music. My priority is 100% movies. I guess many believe a 12" is automatically better for movies when I don't know if that is fair. I have a Martin Logan Descent that uses 3 10" woofers that I will gladly put up against any 15" / 18" sub. There might be some that just puts out more SPL's but won't be faster and I definitely notice when a sub can't keep up with rapid machine gun fire or helicoptor blades turning. It is the more common sounds like this that are more distracting for me when a sub can't be tight and fast than just pure SPL levels.


With the price of the HSU STF-2, does it now stand alone as the best sub to get without going up to $415 without shipping for the ED A2-300?



Robert

 

[5seonds]



Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrobert /forum/post/19509022


With the price of the HSU STF-2, does it now stand alone as the best sub to get without going up to $415 without shipping for the ED A2-300?

I can't speak to the performance difference betwen the 3 subs you mention (though I do own an A2-300 and am thrilled with it) but the price of $415 for the A2-300 includes shipping within the US

 

[shadyJ]

The STF2 is a ported designs whereas the A3s-250 is a sealed design. Everything else being equal, a ported design will have significantly more output than sealed. For your purposes you will want a ported sub. As for the A2-300, I would expect it to have slightly more output and a bit more extension than the STF2. I have no idea about how they compare as far as sound quality, although I used to have a STF2 and it was quite good within its limits. I also had a A3-300 which I thought also did well. I don't think you would be displeased with any of these.

 

[robertrobert]



Quote:
Originally Posted by 5seonds /forum/post/19509186


I can't speak to the performance difference betwen the 3 subs you mention (though I do own an A2-300 and am thrilled with it) but the price of $415 for the A2-300 includes shipping within the US

Thanks, I didn't realize the $415 price included shipping, good to know.

 

[robertrobert]



Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ /forum/post/19509196


The STF2 is a ported designs whereas the A3s-250 is a sealed design. Everything else being equal, a ported design will have significantly more output than sealed. For your purposes you will want a ported sub. As for the A2-300, I would expect it to have slightly more output and a bit more extension than the STF2. I have no idea about how they compare as far as sound quality, although I used to have a STF2 and it was quite good within its limits. I also had a A3-300 which I thought also did well. I don't think you would be displeased with any of these.

Thanks, appreciate the input.

 

[robertrobert]

I have a question on the ED A2-300 as compared to the HSU SFT-2. The SFT-2's internal crossover can be bypassed, at least on the website's spec sheet. I don't believe or at least I don't see where the internal crossover on the A2-300 can be bypassed. That means if I use my receiver to crossover than I would be messing up the signal with the A2-300's crossover being in use as well. I guess it might be a mute point since the crossover on the Ad-300 goes from 40 - 160 Hz. The HSU SFT-2 only goes from 30 - 90 Hz. I guess it would be recommended to use the crossover in my receiver since I am using small Klipsch Quintet III speakers that may have more of a 120 Hz crossover.


Maybe all this doesn't really matter. Still it is nice the crossover can be bypassed on the SFT-2. Hopefully the crossover in the A2-300 is good enough that I never would want to bypass it.

 

[BillCinLR]

The LEFT low level input is labled "Left/Mono/LFE" on the ED A2-300. Using that input ALONE will bypass the built-in crossover.


Bill C

 

[Matt Tower]



Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrobert /forum/post/19509558


I have a question on the ED A2-300 as compared to the HSU SFT-2. The SFT-2's internal crossover can be bypassed, at least on the website's spec sheet. I don't believe or at least I don't see where the internal crossover on the A2-300 can be bypassed. That means if I use my receiver to crossover than I would be messing up the signal with the A2-300's crossover being in use as well. I guess it might be a mute point since the crossover on the Ad-300 goes from 40 - 160 Hz. The HSU SFT-2 only goes from 30 - 90 Hz. I guess it would be recommended to use the crossover in my receiver since I am using small Klipsch Quintet III speakers that may have more of a 120 Hz crossover.


Maybe all this doesn't really matter. Still it is nice the crossover can be bypassed on the SFT-2. Hopefully the crossover in the A2-300 is good enough that I never would want to bypass it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillCinLR /forum/post/19509622


The LEFT low level input is labled "Left/Mono/LFE" on the ED A2-300. Using that input ALONE will bypass the built-in crossover.


Bill C

Howdy, just wanted to chime in real quick about the crossover. On the LT.200 used in the A2-300, the crossover is not defeatable by using the LFE input. The same goes for the LT.300 and LT.500. The LT/1300, however, is. Typically, if you want to control the crossover through your receiver, turn the crossover all the way up (clockwise) and use the crossover in your receiver.


Hope this helps.

 

[robertrobert]



Quote:
Originally Posted by BillCinLR /forum/post/19509622


The LEFT low level input is labled "Left/Mono/LFE" on the ED A2-300. Using that input ALONE will bypass the built-in crossover.


Bill C

Thanks, good to know. Now for my stupid question. I thought when you use the LFE input on a sub that they typically expect a full LFE signal to be sent from the receiver / processor to then have the sub's crossover be used. How do you make connections on the A2-300 if someone wanted to do this? I gues there is a L/R input connection that would be used instead of the L only?

 

[alexlindeman]



Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrobert /forum/post/19509558


I have a question on the ED A2-300 as compared to the HSU SFT-2. The SFT-2's internal crossover can be bypassed, at least on the website's spec sheet. I don't believe or at least I don't see where the internal crossover on the A2-300 can be bypassed. That means if I use my receiver to crossover than I would be messing up the signal with the A2-300's crossover being in use as well. I guess it might be a mute point since the crossover on the Ad-300 goes from 40 - 160 Hz. The HSU SFT-2 only goes from 30 - 90 Hz. I guess it would be recommended to use the crossover in my receiver since I am using small Klipsch Quintet III speakers that may have more of a 120 Hz crossover.


Maybe all this doesn't really matter. Still it is nice the crossover can be bypassed on the SFT-2. Hopefully the crossover in the A2-300 is good enough that I never would want to bypass it.

As Matt mentioned, the crossover cannot be defeated on the A2-300, but turning it all the way up and to the right, it will not effect your receivers crossover settings, especially if adjusted to 80hz.

 

[robertrobert]



Quote:
Originally Posted by alexlindeman /forum/post/19509692


As Matt mentioned, the crossover cannot be defeated on the A2-300, but turning it all the way up and to the right, it will not effect your receivers crossover settings, especially if adjusted to 80hz.

Sorry, I was typing and posted before reading his reply and clarification on the crossover.

 

[robertrobert]

Okay, here's a crazy question. As I research more and more, I find that the HSU SFT-1 use to be $399 a year or so ago and now $299. The SFT-2 is now $319 and use to be much more as well some time ago. I guess this is the state of the economy lately with things getting cheaper to maintain business. I just wonder if quality is still being maintained at the lower prices without any corners being cut?


I'm not trying to find a flaw on the HSU subs. In fact, quite the opposite. It seems to have the best comments on reliability. I've been going between the HSU SFT-2 and ED A2-300. I guess the ED use to be cheaper and is now more expensive. I'm not really liking that I keep reading it takes a full 4 weeks to get the ED sub once ordered. I don't really like paying for something on my credit card before having it delivered. Anyway I found one post where someone had the SFT-2 and upgraded to the ED A2-300 when he moved to a house with a bigger room. Even though he liked having more output of the ED sub, he still missed the accuracy and tightness of the SFT-2. With my small room and lower price of the SFT-2, it seems to be a no-brainer with having enough power and tightness and accuracy even if I'm only using it for home theater. The SFT-2 also looks better and like the spikes provided.


Robert

 

[5seonds]

Yea, I have my A2-300 crossover set to maximum (160hz I believe) and all of my reciever crossovers are 150hz or below, so the A2's crossover does not make any impact at all. Everything is controlled by the reciever.


I guess the only way this might be an issue is if you have really tiny sattilite speakers that have a low end higher than 160hz.

 

[5seonds]



Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrobert /forum/post/19509991


Okay, here's a crazy question. As I research more and more, I find that the HSU SFT-1 use to be $399 a year or so ago and now $299. The SFT-2 is now $319 and use to be much more as well some time ago. I guess this is the state of the economy lately with things getting cheaper to maintain business. I just wonder if quality is still being maintained at the lower prices without any corners being cut?


I'm not trying to find a flaw on the HSU subs. In fact, quite the opposite. It seems to have the best comments on reliability. I've been going between the HSU SFT-2 and ED A2-300. I guess the ED use to be cheaper and is now more expensive. I'm not really liking that I keep reading it takes a full 4 weeks to get the ED sub once ordered. I don't really like paying for something on my credit card before having it delivered. Anyway I found one post where someone had the SFT-2 and upgraded to the ED A2-300 when he moved to a house with a bigger room. Even though he liked having more output of the ED sub, he still missed the accuracy and tightness of the SFT-2. With my small room and lower price of the SFT-2, it seems to be a no-brainer with having enough power and tightness and accuracy even if I'm only using it for home theater. The SFT-2 also looks better and like the spikes provided.


Robert

My first A2-300 took 2.5 months to be built and delivered! Luckily, the wait is currently at only 4 weeks. Also, they do not charge your card untill the sub is delivered.


The A2-300 is more expensive now because it was on an 'extended sale', and that promotion ended. It was a fantastic deal when on promotion, but I liked mine so much that I ordered my second one last week (And I'm paying for shipping to Canada on top of that). Again, I can't compare it to the HSU, but I know how much I like mine. It works well in my 2500-cubic foot basement livingroom, and a second is going to be great.


From what I know about HSU, you won't go wrong with either sub, but my money is on the A2-300.

 

[microphage1]



Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrobert /forum/post/19509991


Okay, here's a crazy question. As I research more and more, I find that the HSU SFT-1 use to be $399 a year or so ago and now $299. The SFT-2 is now $319 and use to be much more as well some time ago. I guess this is the state of the economy lately with things getting cheaper to maintain business. I just wonder if quality is still being maintained at the lower prices without any corners being cut?


I'm not trying to find a flaw on the HSU subs. In fact, quite the opposite. It seems to have the best comments on reliability. I've been going between the HSU SFT-2 and ED A2-300. I guess the ED use to be cheaper and is now more expensive. I'm not really liking that I keep reading it takes a full 4 weeks to get the ED sub once ordered. I don't really like paying for something on my credit card before having it delivered. Anyway I found one post where someone had the SFT-2 and upgraded to the ED A2-300 when he moved to a house with a bigger room. Even though he liked having more output of the ED sub, he still missed the accuracy and tightness of the SFT-2. With my small room and lower price of the SFT-2, it seems to be a no-brainer with having enough power and tightness and accuracy even if I'm only using it for home theater. The SFT-2 also looks better and like the spikes provided.


Robert

My HSU sub shipped already 1 day after payment. Will be here early next week

 

[shadyJ]

I don't think the prices have changed on the STF1/2 for quite awhile. When I bought my STF2 something like 3 or 4 years ago, it was the same price as it is now. I believe the same holds for the STF1. By the way, the STF1 only extends to 30 hertz, the STF2 goes down to 25. According to ED's specs, the A2-300 will go down a deeper than that, it looks like 18 hertz. By the way, the STF2's current price is a sale price, not its regular price, I would expect it to go back up to 350 in the future.

 

[JackOften]

Quote:

Originally Posted by microphage1 My HSU sub shipped already 1 day after payment. Will be here early next week

Keep your eyes open monday. My HSU sub was here in 3 business days (order saturday, here wednesday) and wasn't around to sign for it. Fedex Ground is amazingly fast. I'm in AZ though so YMMV.

 

[robertrobert]

Okay, I think I'm over analyzing things way too much which I tend to do at times. I get to the point where I don't make a decision at all mainly from reading too many opinions out there, some very good like here and others on internet not that helpful.


I read one very old review on audioreview.com that really dinged the STF-2 for not being able to setup 2 that were purchased to the point he sent them back. All other reviews were positive so guessing this is a one off type of thing since I haven't read a lot of posts about this sub being very difficult to place.


I did read a very good review, professional I believe, where SPL measurement points where taken. He got very good results from the STF-2 but said he could reach its limits when pushed hard enough on certain material. I guess any sub can reach its limit if pushed hard enough.


I guess there is no doubt the STF-2 is a hell of a sub for the money and probably all I need for my very small 10 x 10 x 10 TV room. I guess I keep reading posts about the ED A2-300 sub but wonder if it justifies the higher price knowing my room is so small along with pairing with Quintet III speakers and not full range speakers in a bigger room. The A2-300 has a current 4 week lead time as well that I confirmed today from them along with it really not looking that great. Hard to tell but someone said it has a truck liner type of sprayed coating on it. I can kind of tell it looks this way which I don't believe I would be that crazy about.


This led me to other subs such as Lava that is making me wonder if a 12" sub would be better over the long haul for a home theater only room like mine. For some reason, I am not able to log on to SVS. It keeps giving me an error so wonder if this SVS is down for the moment or something worse such as they no longer are in business? I've tried the last couple of days with no luck. If their comparable sub to the STF-2 is the long cylinder shaped one then I'm not interested.


I'm overloaded right now and wonder what is the best


Bottom line is I keep reading very good reviews on the STF-2 but expect rave ones like I do with higher level HSU subs. I guess this is hard to expect at the price point. Again with my small room and set up, I'm asking for final recommendations here on this sub for my needs. I guess it will help me get off my butt and place the order especially on sale at $319. Sorry for dragging this out. I know it is aggravating to give someone input to only keep asking. Still I'm going to get a subwoofer soon for my room since I've been without one for a couple year. You would think I would be ready to jump all over the STF-2 with this in mind. Along with the fact that my wife doesn't want me to play it loud or even get one at all knowing how loud I play my HT system in our family room.


Thanks all,

Robert

 

[Chatoboy]

I was in the same situation as you a couple of months ago. I was debating between the Emotiva Ultra 12 and the STF-2. I just missed the sale on the Emotiva (it went up to $600!!) so I went with the Hsu instead and have been very pleased with it. My room is a little larger than yours at 13 x 20 x 8 and I have the sub placed in the front corner of the room and it provides plenty of great quality bass on both music and movies. I believe ported subs are the best for giving movies the slam they deserve and the STF-2 does this easily without breaking a sweat. I cant comment on the ED, but you won't be dissapointed with the HSU. Hope this helps

 

[robertrobert]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Chatoboy /forum/post/19514974


I was in the same situation as you a couple of months ago. I was debating between the Emotiva Ultra 12 and the STF-2. I just missed the sale on the Emotiva (it went up to $600!!) so I went with the Hsu instead and have been very pleased with it. My room is a little larger than yours at 13 x 20 x 8 and I have the sub placed in the front corner of the room and it provides plenty of great quality bass on both music and movies. I believe ported subs are the best for giving movies the slam they deserve and the STF-2 does this easily without breaking a sweat. I cant comment on the ED, but you won't be dissapointed with the HSU. Hope this helps

It does help. Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.


Regarding the Emotiva Ultra 12, is this the one you are describing:

http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm


Looks like it is on sale for the Holidays for $499 w/ shipping included. What price where they offering when it went to $600? Is this the sub with your research that was supposed to be the best sub to get or some reason you preferred it to others? I didn't even look at this one yet, jeez another good sub to consider.

Robert