[smokey982]

I'm trying to make a decision on a few different subs, and I have a question on the HSU subs. Could someone tell me in "newbie" terms the difference in the VTF-1 and the STF-2 subs? I see on the website that the VTF-1 is variable tuning. I have no idea what that means. Is that something that's worth paying the extra money for? I have a 21'x13'x8' room and it will be used 95% movies/TV and 5% music/games. I will also be using a Denon 1909 receiver. I haven't decided on the remaining speakers yet.

 

[smokey982]

bump. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[cschang]



Quote:
Originally Posted by smokey982 /forum/post/15467251


bump. Anyone have any thoughts?

From Hsu's website:


"What are the differences between the STF and the VTF subwoofers?

Variable tuning allows you to choose how deep your subwoofer plays, on-demand. Choose between a music mode (lower bass extension) or a home theater mode (higher headroom and more impact) in just a few seconds. Subwoofer designs involve tradeoffs - one cannot optimally design a subwoofer to play low deep notes, and at the same time play loud. Usually the designer chooses a tradeoff for you. With the VTF series, we build in flexibility so that the listener has uncompromising control.

• STF - Single Tuning Frequency. The bass characteristics are fixed.
• VTF - Variable Tuning Frequency. The bass characteristics can be varied between lower extension (music' mode) or higher headroom (home theater' mode). "

http://hsuresearch.com/faq.html

 

[smokey982]

Thank you. I didn't notice the FAQ.


So I wonder if the fixed STF subs are fixed for music mode (lower bass extension) or a home theater mode (higher headroom and more impact). Or maybe it can be ordered either way?

 

[warpdrive]

Variable tuning allows you to choose slightly deeper bass or higher maximum output. With a big room like yours, I'd probably recommend you run it in maximum output mode, so you would probably want to choose the STF-2.

 

[cschang]

The STF-2 is tuned to 25hz, which is the equivalent to maximum extension mode on the VTF-1.


In your room, I would think about moving up to the VTF-2MK3.

 

[smokey982]

So in "newbie" terminology, 25hz (maximum extension mode) would be a loud tight bass or low booming bass? And also, at what hz would be on the opposite end of that spectrum? Sorry for the stupid questions, but I'm slowly trying to learn this stuff.

 

[Pete_Hsu]

The whole music vs movie mode description may be a little bit outdated. In the past, many years ago, movies actually did not have very much deep bass content. Today, there is significant deep bass content in many movies.


So, to the extent that the music or movie program material doesn't have very much deep bass content below 30Hz, then one is generally best off running the VTF-1 in max output mode (ie. both ports open, and bass extension switch set to '2 port open' mode), and in other cases where there is significant deep bass content, then one is generally best off running the VTF-1 in max extension mode (ie. one port plugged).


Variable port tuning is the biggest difference between the STF-2 and VTF-1. There are some other differences though. The magnet on the VTF-1 woofer is stronger. Even with one port plugged, it can play a bit louder/cleaner in the deeper bass than the STF-2. Also, the frequency response of the VTF-1 is flatter. Finally, the finish quality is significantly improved on the VTF-1 compared to the STF-2.


Sincerely,

 

[fkjr2]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete_Hsu /forum/post/15469187


The whole music vs movie mode description may be a little bit outdated. In the past, many years ago, movies actually did not have very much deep bass content. Today, there is significant deep bass content in many movies.


So, to the extent that the music or movie program material doesn't have very much deep bass content below 30Hz, then one is generally best off running the VTF-1 in max output mode (ie. both ports open, and bass extension switch set to '2 port open' mode), and in other cases where there is significant deep bass content, then one is generally best off running the VTF-1 in max extension mode (ie. one port plugged).


Variable port tuning is the biggest difference between the STF-2 and VTF-1. There are some other differences though. The magnet on the VTF-1 woofer is stronger. Even with one port plugged, it can play a bit louder/cleaner in the deeper bass than the STF-2. Also, the frequency response of the VTF-1 is flatter. Finally, the finish quality is significantly improved on the VTF-1 compared to the STF-2.


Sincerely,

hi Pete - which one of your subs would be equal to the SVS pb10 sub? thanks

 

[cacihome]

Maybe VTF-1