I recently had an opportunity to sample this product. What impressed me was that I could not determine it's location when I heard it. For the price, I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to save money. The only thing I do not care for is the textured surface on the subwoofer. But with the money saved, I can change that.

Price

Finish

I recently received my VTF-2 directly from Hsu Research. Delivery time was good. I received it in about four business days. Shipping from California to Florida I thought that was pretty good.

When I plugged mine in something about the ground on the three plug prong caused my sub to hum. It didn't even sound like it was getting a signal from the receiver so I called Hsu and they suggested a "cheater plug" that adapts the three prong plug to a two prong. That resolved the problem. I got the "cheater plug" from Radio Shack. It was $1.75 for two.

I don't have a lot of experience with subs. I'm putting together a system piece by piece, as my budget allows, because of one that I heard here in Tampa at Sound Advice. I have a Yamaha RX-V795a receiver, a Toshiba SD-3109 DVD player, a Toshiba 36" TV, Boston Acoustics VRM60 front monitors, a cheapy RCA center speaker, and now a VTF-2. All that I really want now are two Boston Acoustics VRMX surrounds.

Like I said, I don't have a lot of experience with subs but I think that my system sounds truly incredible. This sub got a lot of rave reviews above and I personally believe they are warranted. I'm not so sure about the few detractors. I think that this sub is amazing.

On the X-Men DVD setup you can scroll down and select "THX." In the audio setup there is a section for testing the sub. I'm telling you, when it reaches it's lowest frequency the ground seriously vibrates. I didn't think that a 10" sub would be able to reproduce a frequency that low.

Based on the proce of this sub I don't see how you can go wrong by purchasing a VTF-2. I wish that HSU would put a better finish on it (maybe that would increase the price too much) but I can live with it.

Similar Products Used:

None

deep, controlled bass

that strange, rough suface treatment

I searched for <$1000 subs, using this site as a starting point. I was also shopping for main speakers and became (re) convinced that small mains with a sub made more sense than larger mains (better imaging, easier placement, sub can be adjusted to suit the room).

Other $500 subs only produced muddy, thumpy, loose noise. This is a somewhat musical/serious sub. I'm not a sub expert to know all the products out there, but have had speakers with lots of deep, quality bass in the past.

I did hear a $1100 M&K push-pull model that sounded very good, but that was a little beyond my budget. I'm a big believer in getting as many components as possible from the same source to minimize vendors pointing the blame to "the other guy" and getting caught in the middle. And frankly the M&K S-85's left me cold.

I also considered ACI, but for my 3000 cu. ft. room they were recommending their new $1000 Titan II sub. I've built speakers before and could of saved a bunch of money with kits, but the thought of building cabinets and then finding out I didn't like the sound (on top of my less than stellar wood working skills) turned me off.

When I stumbled onto Ascend Acoustics I found musical, very affordable standmounted speakers (that can work very well without a sub in small rooms). They also offered the VTF-2 with their CBM-170's at a $60 discount (not much, but better than a stick in the eye) which also saved the hassle from multiple orders/deliveries.

Adding the sub provided a foundation for music and especially DVD movies. Even movies without lots of special effects, like "Contact" that I watched last weekend, are certainly made more enjoyable with the sub. It's silent until needed, can't be located when on, blends in well with the Ascends when set to 65 hz crossover and 10:00 on the volume, and supplies bass impact when called upon. Musically it still amazes me as I'm going through my CD collection and find deep bass on recordings like Sarah McLaughlin's "Surfacing".

I'll give two 5's because it's value far exceeds other products out there, however with the Hsu name and 40+ reviews below mine no one should be surprised by the quality of this product.

Similar Products Used:

M&K, paradigm, others (can't remember)

none

I have used Audioreview as a great resource for my audio system selections.When I got my Denon 2800,I didn`t have boomy ground pounding bass,instead I discovered clean and clear sound.I discovered quality sound.I feel the HSU sub is quality all the way.For the last 6 months I have had zero problems,no auto on/off noise or delay,nothing.
Its interesting to change the settings between 27 and 32 HZ, you can tell a difference.
I live near the HSU factory in Anaheim,California and drove up there to audition the sub.The studio is casual,the sub is set up with a average amp,average 16 ga wire.I brought some of my favorite cd`s.I must say I was rather alarmed when the suspended ceiling tiles started moving at the first low notes from Planet Drum !Private Ryan was very impressive!I didn`t think I needed a sub to complete my HT system,but a sub can add a lot.
For music I turn the amp down a little and the sub brings a welcome lift or fullness that accentuates my mains.Try calling the HSU factory,they are most helpfull.

Similar Products Used:

previewed Velodyne,Boston,Klipish,M&K

DEEEEEP BASS

none

When i first plugged it up it sounded very quiet compared to the rel i was trying. I was just watching a regular tv program. after burning it in overnight i got serious with it. I calibrated both subs and sat down to compare. Both were excellent and the only way I could even afford to compare the Rel was that I found it as a floor sample for $599. I called a teenage cousin down the street and we searched for deep passages on my cd's. My favorite music is hard rock and havy alternative but I like most types.
On music, the Hsu was a clear winner, in that there were notes reproduced bu it that you did not hear on the Rel, or were not as prominent. The Hsu could shake the house whereas the Rel did not have as much impact. As much as the Hsu shook the house, it did Not sound boomy at all. The Rel waas nice, but seemed to die off a few hz shorter on the bottom end. On movies, i preferred the Rel ever so slightly, but I can't absolutely say why. I compared both of these for over 3 weeks before returning the Rel. What impresses me most, is hearing bass notes that I never heard before in some of my cd's plus I was hearing some other instruments and things out of my mains that I has not noticed before. To be totally fair, i replaced my whole system except for my speakers so i can't be sure the sub is responsible for this, but I'm sure not crying about it. I apologize for this essentially one paragraph format, but I'm a neophyte on the computer. I have read the criticisms some of the other reviewers have had, but I have not experienced any of these problems. Mine never turns off and it packs plenty of punch, with my mains running out of steam before the sub, and this is filling a large room with soft furniture and carpet (18 x 21 x 9) with a floor to ceiling opening 5 feet wide at the back of the room that extends another 12 x 30 feet back into the house. I am acheiving 107 db 13 feet awayfrom the mains and 15 feet from the sub, and am afraid to turn it any louder (don't want to blow up my mains). I have yet to hear the sub bottom, but have heard my mains do so. I also heard the Rel bottom a couple of times. The best cd's i have found so far are CHASING FURIES: WITH ABANDON (an alternative Christian group with interesting recording techniques used), ALICE IN CHAINS: JAR OF FLIES, several Metallica albums, and interestingly enough, today I stumbled across the best one yet today, which finally inspired me to write this review; CELIENE DION: FALLING INTO YOU, courtesy of my wife. Liste to ALL BY MYSELF (track 6 I think) 3:50 into the song. The bass apparently goes subsonic there. I essentially don't hear it, but immediately recognized what was happening, and when replaying it with my hand near the port that was open, it felt like an air conditioner blowing out air! The bottom line is, I would give it a 4.8/5 if possible simply because I think there is bound to be something out there that sounds better (but only minimally so) at a much greater price, and a 10/5 for value. I would give the Rel a 4.6/5 for sound. If you are serious about good sounding bass, I don't see how you could go wrong with this sub, but if you are one of those people that I pass on the street with your car sub(s) going BOOM BOOM BOOM, the i'm sure that you can find something loose and boomy for your house at a much lower price.

Similar Products Used:

rel strata II

Equip:
QTY (4) OM10b 900
HSU Research VTF 2 500
B&K 202 1500
Monster Cable Flat for rears, clear tube for fronts
I don't have a center yet. 60 -100
HDTV Fiber cables 70
Sony DVD player s360 Christmas
Sony Vega 36" 1st years model 1000 don't ask me how


I bought this sight unseen. I read a lot of reviews. They all pointed to this one. Even though I could have purchase a sub for $200 less that I liked the sound. I went with HSU. Out of the Box I did not like the box. It was not the look. It was the sound. I was so upset. I felt like I was ripped off. But then I remembered it has to be broken in. I am so glad I did not return this puppy. Even though I doubt I could. WOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!! This little guy rocks. Can you say BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!

Bjork: Track two. "Safe again with you" ??? Shake your house sonic boom. I love it.

I might have to place it better. I almost get good imaging with Titanic CD track 2 with the base drum. But I only have basic connects for this guy. He is self powered.



The B&K has 105 or 100 watts of power. I would love to go to the 307. Anyone have $4000 they don't need? I got the B&K for a sweet price $1495. This was the only piece used(floor model).

Clearity:
Very good. You do get separation of instruments with Jazz. Titanic CD I don't get the imaging that I got with Areal Accoustics (I did not like the voice on the Areals). I did not see the base drum getting hit. I bought a HSU Research Sub to take care of that. I sound really good.

I have Matix. It is not it DTS. Gladiator in DTS. It rocks!. I am missing the Center. In the stadium scene when they first enter the Rome Coliseum, I don't have the feeling of beeing there yet. I feel like I am close to the center of the Coliseum. I need the center to complete the setup. I need $750. My girlfriend was watching this with me. There was a background sounds in Gladiator. It scared here at one point. She was like "what was that?!?!?". I think she thought it was the boogie man. You have to love DTS. God that felt good. I will turn here over to the DTS side. Oooooohhhhhhhhh!

Final Destination (in DTS): There is a scene right after the car and the train. The sirens in the back ground. Wow! I thought the cops were coming to get me.

DTS Movies
Pitch Black
Jerasic Park
Twister - I just want to experience the Tornado Scenes.

If you look at price of the speakers. Great value for what I paid. Overall, I have high dollar tasts. But, I am not crazy or rich.

Verry deep deep low clean bass with no distortion
goes down to 12Hz @ 101 dB

none

This sub sounds so good you would not belive it it's a 10'' sub with a 150 watts of power and this baby pounds you can relly feel and hear this bass this sub has been tested at
114 dB @ 20Hz that is verry loud
the bass on this beast is scary it just keeps on getting louder and louder to the point were you piss your pants
ilove this sub it sounds better then $ 3000 subs if your looking for an exspensive subwoofer don't pay $4000 pay $500
and you will get the same pefromance

Similar Products Used:

Velodyne / B&W / SUNFIRE / LEGACY

Verry deep deep low clean bass with no distortion
goes down to 12Hz @ 101 dB

none

This sub sounds so good you would not belive it it's a 10'' sub with a 150 watts of power and this baby pounds you can relly feel and hear this bass this sub has been tested at
114 dB @ 20Hz that is verry loud
the bass on this beast is scary it just keeps on getting louder and louder to the point were you piss your pants
ilove this sub it sounds better then $ 3000 subs if your looking for an exspensive subwoofer don't pay $4000 pay $500
and you will get the same pefromance

Similar Products Used:

Velodyne / B&W / SUNFIRE / LEGACY

Verry deep deep low clean bass with no distortion
goes down to 12Hz @ 101 dB

none

This sub sounds so good you would not belive it it's a 10'' sub with a 150 watts of power and this baby pounds you can relly feel and hear this bass this sub has been tested at
114 dB @ 20Hz that is verry loud
the bass on this beast is scary it just keeps on getting louder and louder to the point were you piss your pants
ilove this sub it sounds better then $ 3000 subs if your looking for an exspensive subwoofer don't pay $4000 pay $500
and you will get the same pefromance

Similar Products Used:

Velodyne / B&W / SUNFIRE / LEGACY

Musical...but who uses a sub for music??? Subs are mostly used for Home Theater

Slightly undersized driver and amp. Does not shake my house the way the Klipsch KSW-15 does.

I have a 21ft by 16ft living room with 10 ceiling, carpeted floor. So I needed a bigger sub or at least bigger sounding.

I tried everything I could find in the store. I take two disks one is Beethoven’s greatest hits and the other is the movies Blade. I like blade because it has more than just boom sound it actually has low frequency music and effects.

Best Buy had the usual yamaha, sony, jbl and cervin vega stuff. Nothing impressed me enough to take home.

I went to Circuit City the Velo ct120 was anemic and had no range it basically rumbled and sounded the same no matter what was played. The CT150 was decent but not worth $800. They had the Polk PWS650 which was very nice so I took it home to do a comparison.

I went to a hi-fi store and they had the Deftech 15 and the Klipsch KSW 15. I will admit it was tough picking between these two. The Def was more controlled and sounded better with music. But the Klipsch was a clear winner with the movies and still sounded good with music a very nice compromise. So I took the Klipsch home.

I also ordered the HSU research VTF-2 due to the positive ratings on this site and the good review it got in Sound and Vision.

I placed them next to each other in the middle of my living room. I set the frequency as high as possible, set the volume to half, phase to 0. I ran them together for 1 movie to warm them up (it was very loud that day).

Then I started the comparison back and forth between them.
I played the music cds and movies and my verdict is as follows.

The HSU had the best musical sound and it had plenty of thump for movies. BUT this sub could have used a bigger driver and amp. The thump is there but it does not scare you out of your seat. The amp is kind of underpowered and clips at high volumes. If I wanted the sub for mostly music and or a small room I would have picked the hsu.

Now between the Polk and Klipsch it was a dog fight they were very close. Good clean bass from both, no straining at high volumes detail was about the same. The Klipsch had a tad more lower extension and the Polk had a tad broader bass range.

THE VERDICT:
The HSU was very musical but I found it underpowered and honestly I find it hard to justify paying the same for a 10in sub when I could buy a 15in sub with twice the power. I will admit it blows away the Klispch KSW-12 but that is not a fair comparison because you can buy the KSW-15 for the same price as the HSU. As good as the HSU is it is no match for the KSW-15 on movies.

I would have been happy with either the Polk or Klipsch but the fact is that I can buy the Klipsch ksw 15 on the Net for $500 delivered and the cheapest price I found for the Polk was $600.

So I chose the Klipsch kSW 15.

I bought mine at Unclestereo.com fantastic deal of $500 delivered because I also bought some NHT 6.1 Ceiling speakers. If you want this sub buy from unclestereo, he packs everything very well, has great prices and if you buy multiple products he will make you a deal you can not refuse.

I kept the HSU for almost two weeks and played with it back and forth comparing to the Klipsch KSW-15. Like I said the Hsu was very musical and accurate but did not vibrate the house the way the Klispch did. And did I mention they cost the same!!!

If you want a big sub for medium price intended for 80% movies and 20%music the Klipsch KSW 15 is for you.

If HSU ever comes out with a 12in version of this sub with a bigger amp for about $600 I will give them another try.

Similar Products Used:

Klipsch KSW-15, AR 112ps, JBL 12, Polk dual 10 sub, velo ct150