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Used Velodyne DEQ-15R for $300?

1366 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by sd_smoker, Oct 11, 2019

sd_smoker

Discussion Starter · Oct 11, 2019

I currently have a Dayton SUB-1200 and I had my mind set on an HSU VTF-2.5. However, a Velodyne DEQ-15R just popped up on Craigslist for $300. I know it's fairly old at this point, but it appears to be in great condition. If I can get anywhere close to the performance of the HSU for $300, I'd be all over it, but I just don't know. I do about 60% movies and 40% music. My main complaint with the Dayton is the lack of musicality. It does pretty well for movies, but it's pretty muddy for music (though I would certainly enjoy some more bottom end for movies!).

So, on a scale of Dayton to HSU, how would the Velodyne rank?

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sk373

· #2 · Oct 11, 2019

I wouldn’t bother with that Velodyne. It’s a very old model—$300 feels spendy to me.

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eljaycanuck

· #3 · Oct 11, 2019 (Edited)

Velodyne DEQ-15R
- 15" driver
- 750W (RMS/continuous) amp
- 23-120Hz +/-3dB

HSU VTF-2 MK5
- 12" driver
- 350W (RMS/continuous) amp
- +/-2dB extension to 22Hz (2 ports open) or 16Hz (1 port open)

The Velodyne:
- is half the price of the HSU;
- should have more overall output; and
- has built-in, 5-band EQ w/ auto-cal plus user-selectable presets.

The HSU:
- is brand-new will full warranty;
- is a well-rated performer in its price class; and
- offers tuning flexibility.

For $250 more than the Velodyne - and ~$60 less than the HSU - the well-rated Monoprice Monolith 10" is worth considering:
- 10" driver
- 500W (RMS/continuous) amp
- +0/-6dB (+/-3dB) extension to 18Hz (ported mode, extended EQ) or 20Hz (ported mode, THX EQ)

It may not be as strong overall at the HSU but - like any of the subs under discussion - it will crush your current Dayton sub.

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dpc716

· #4 · Oct 11, 2019

For musicality the Velo and HSU would probably be pretty comparable. Sub drivers and cabinets can last a long time, amps are a wildcard. If you're thinking about buying it, I would reach out to Velodyne first and find out if replacement amps are still available and their cost, and factor that in to what you might offer. In other words, assume an amp replacement is in your future.

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sk373

· #5 · Oct 11, 2019

eljaycanuck said:
Velodyne DEQ-15R
- 15" driver
- 750W (RMS/continuous) amp
- 23-120Hz +/-3dB

HSU VTF-2 MK5
- 12" driver
- 350W (RMS/continuous) amp
- +/-2dB extension to 22Hz (2 ports open) or 16Hz (1 port open)

The Velodyne:
- is half the price of the HSU;
- should have more overall output; and
- has built-in, 5-band EQ w/ auto-cal plus user-selectable presets.

The HSU:
- is brand-new will full warranty;
- is a well-rated performer in its price class; and
- offers tuning flexibility.

For $250 more than the Velodyne - and ~$60 less than the HSU - the well-rated Monoprice Monolith 10" is worth considering:
- 10" driver
- 500W (RMS/continuous) amp
- +0/-6dB (+/-3dB) extension to 18Hz (ported mode, extended EQ) or 20Hz (ported mode, THX EQ)

Here are data-bass’s output measurements of the Velodyne EQ Max 15, which is the DEQ-R’s successor:

https://legacy.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=67&mset=72

Here are HSU’s output measurements (subtract 9 dB):

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk5.html

Based upon these measurements, the HSU is the stronger performer at every frequency, especially down low.

The Velodyne’s response drops off steeply below 28 Hz. I see no good reason to buy it at the offered price. IMHO, $300 is simply too much for a 10+ yr old model with that level of performance.

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eljaycanuck

· #6 · Oct 11, 2019 (Edited)

sk373 said:
… I see no good reason to buy it at the offered price. IMHO, $300 is simply too much for a 10+ yr old model with that level of performance.

Ummm...okay.

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sk373

· #7 · Oct 11, 2019

eljaycanuck said:
Ummm...okay.

Did you check the links?

The CEA 2010 max output (2m RMS) for the Velodyne measured at 84.8 dB @ 20 Hz, 95.7 dB @ 25 Hz, 104.2 dB @ 31 Hz, 110 dB @ 40 Hz, 114.2 dB @ 50 Hz, 114.8 dB @ 63 Hz, 111 dB @ 80 Hz

The CEA 2010 max output (subtracting 9 dB for 2m RMS, 2 ports open) for the VTF-2 MK5 according to HSU is 99.5 dB @ 20 Hz, 106 dB @ 25 Hz, 108.8 dB @ 31 Hz, 111.5 dB @ 40 Hz, 113.2 dB @ 50 Hz, 113.8 dB @ 63 Hz, 113.6 dB @ 80 Hz

No measurements were given by HSU for 100 Hz or 125 Hz, so I stopped there.

It is clear that the VTF-2 MK5 is the stronger sub, and it’s not that close. Factor in the age of the Velodyne, and I just don’t think it’s a good buy for $300. A brand new Polk HTS-12 can often be had for around $300 on sale, and offers comparable performance to the Velodyne. Just my opinion.

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eljaycanuck

· #8 · Oct 11, 2019

sk373 said:
Did you check the links? …

I did.

… It is clear that the VTF-2 MK5 is the stronger sub, and it’s not that close. Factor in the age of the Velodyne, and I just don’t think it’s a good buy for $300. …

Okay.

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sd_smoker

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 11, 2019

Thanks everyone. After sleeping on it and reading the opinions, I think I'm going to go with my gut and go for the HSU. I'm planning on sticking with whatever I get for a long time, so a 10 year old sub is probably not worth it, even if the performance was equal.

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