[irvin]

I noticed Vanns has had alot of mirage s12 for $434.00 on clearance or customer returns. Should I return the VTF 1 (still have 2 weeks left on 30 day) or is the upgrade to the Mirage only minimal. If the upgrade to the Mirage s12 is substantial I think I will upgrade. Any opinions.

 

[mainemanx]

Tuesday morning and the s12 prices have dropped:

----------------------

Customer return. Top back has big chip taken out. Works great. Box is a little rough. As is. $374.91

----------------------

Customer return. Pegs on grill are broken off. Front left leg broken off. Minor dent on left front side. Minor scuffs on sub. Works good. As is. $399.90

----------------------


If cosmetics don't count these are certainly good prices... but the folks here are gonna' want to know % music vs. HT, etc. before advising you.


I saw these, but opted for an SVS B-Stock Rosenut SB12Plus. WAF... yeah that was it, WAF

 

[irvin]

I need it for 100% movie watching. The Mirage seems like a good deal.

 

[mailiang]

The Mirage goes louder but the extension is the same. Unless your room is well over 3000 cu. ft. the VTF1 should be enough sub for you. Plus you have the tuning option.


Ian

 

[irvin]

My room is around 2100 cu ft. I guess I just need to give the hsu more time. I may be wasting money if the difference is minimal between the 2 subs.

 

[cneely8]

I haven't heard the VTF-1, but I've measured my mirage *almost* true to specs down to 19 Hz (-4 db versus stated specs of -3). Pretty flat up to 80, where my cutoff is, as well. I love it. Current room is about 3000 cubic feet very open to an additional 2000 cubic feet.


With only one S-12, it was a nice addition. I added a second one recently due to the 5000 cubic foot total space, and it's unreal. I have them stacked, rear corner. Can't speak for the VTF-1, but heartily endorse the S-12. There's also a review out there by a "professional" reviewer on some audio mag or something that said the S-12 compared favorably to his VTF-3 (although lost in the end, as it should).

 

[geneylim]

You should upgrade to the vtf2 mkIII for $469 plus shipping. It is essentially the Vtf3 mkII with 50 watts less power.

 

[cyberbri]



Quote:
Originally Posted by geneylim /forum/post/0


You should upgrade to the vtf2 mkIII for $469 plus shipping. It is essentially the Vtf3 mkII with 50 watts less power.

Exactly what I would suggest, if the OP really feels the need for a change.

 

[mailiang]

Lets be reasonable. If you contact HSU they will tell you that the VTF1 produces more then enough output in a room your size. In Tom Nousaine's 7500 cu. ft. room the older less powerful version produced over 90db spl'[email protected] cleanly from two meters in the maximin extension mode. That kind of bass should satisfy you unless you are considering a move to a much larger room.


Ian

 

[ransac]

If the choice is an S-12 for $434 or a VTF-2 Mk3 for $464, go with the VTF-2. I recall several people receiving ship damaged S-12s from Vanns. The problem was sometimes they would double box and sometimes they wouldn't. Pretty sure the HSU will arrive undamaged. Worth the extra $30 right there.

 

[warpdrive]

The S12 is a more capable sub than the VTF1 (it's pretty close to the previous STF3 in output and extension), but if you are going to upgrade, I'd aim higher if it was me. The thing that can be improved upon is extension, which something the VTF3 Mk3 would offer.

 

[Tuckfro]

Irvin,


I, also, have the VTF-1, but it is in a room closer to 3000 cu. ft. It is more than enough for a room this size. Have you properly calibrated everything? Try switching the phase. You really shouldn't be dissapointed with the VTF-1 unless your room just sucks....bass that is.

 

[happyface50]



Quote:
Originally Posted by geneylim /forum/post/0


You should upgrade to the vtf2 mkIII for $469 plus shipping. It is essentially the Vtf3 mkII with 50 watts less power.

I thought the VTF-3 MK2 has a 350 watts amp and the VTF2 MK3 has 250 watts, so that's more like 100 watt difference.

 

[PLC1843]

Well, I thought I would throw my two cents in. I just received my Mirage S12 and I have to say it is one awesome sub! Now, I am going from a 25-31CS+ using a 500 watt amp, which I had to sell due to it just being so darn big and the fact that it was not an attractive piece (Water heater look doesn't work with the furniture). Anyways, the S12 sounds about the same as the 25-31CS+ with movies but with music it's in a totally different league. It blends in a great deal better than my old 25-31CS+. I almost bought the Hsu but I'm glad I didn't, as the S12 is amazing with huge sound in a small enclosure. So, for whatever it's worth, I think you'd be very happy going with an S12 even at the price Vanns wants it new.

 

[mailiang]

Just some more comparison facts.

When Nousaine tested the Mirage's sister sub, the Energy 12.3, its maximum extension was measured at 86.9db at 20 hz. Thats about 6db lower then the numbers he provided on the less powerful VTF2. Above 25hz the Mirage/Energy is the clear winner, below 25hz, well, just see the link below for the details and you be the judge.

http://members.cox.net/fabulousfrankie/Nousaine.htm


Ian

 

[cneely8]

>When Nousaine tested the Mirage's sister sub, the Energy 12.3, its maximum extension was measured at 86.9db at 20 hz.

 

[mailiang]



Quote:
Originally Posted by cneely8 /forum/post/0


>When Nousaine tested the Mirage's sister sub, the Energy 12.3, its maximum extension was measured at 86.9db at 20 hz.

 

[pbc]



Quote:
Above 25hz the Mirage/Energy is the clear winner, below 25hz, well, just see the link below for the details and you be the judge

Given that movies have a lot more from 25hz - 50hz then they do from 25hz down, personally I'd go with the Mirage/Energy between those two choices. Now one thing to consider, don't you have to pay shipping back to HSU to return the product? That just doens't make sense to do given you won't have that big of a difference.