HSU STF-3 or SVS PB-12NSD?

[Titleist1]

Room is 15x16

I am waiting on my x-cs and x-ls system to arrive, so I am wanting to get a sub picked out. I listen to both music and HT, but primary would be HT.

What are your thoughts? HSU STF-3 or SVS PB-12NSD??? Which one would outperform the other?

 

[billy p]

One of the other members did a side by side he noted that the pb 12 nsd was better for H/T but for some reason the hsu stf 3 sounded better for music. I myself haven't compared the two. I have however, seen them both and the svs build quality is much better then hsu IMO. That said, either sub would fill your requirements.

 

[ggunnell]

EJM reviewed both side by side several years ago. I'm pretty sure both have been improved since then -- I know the SVS driver has gone through one major revision since then, and a cabinet redesign also.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=171484

 

[j_garcia]

PB-12 has lower tuning now, but the PB-12 is still larger than the VTF-3 or STF-3. The STF-3 has not really changed since Ed's review AFAIK, but the PB-12 has for sure, and for the better. I really liked the VTF-3 MkII - it does sound great with music, but still has good rumble for movies; it reminded me about why I liked my VTF-2 so much. I haven't heard the STF-3, but in this case, I'd have to say go with the PB-12.

 

[Tomorrow]

PB-12 has lower tuning now, but the PB-12 is still larger than the VTF-3 or STF-3. The STF-3 has not really changed since Ed's review AFAIK, but the PB-12 has for sure, and for the better. I really liked the VTF-3 MkII - it does sound great with music, but still has good rumble for movies; it reminded me about why I liked my VTF-2 so much. I haven't heard the STF-3, but in this case, I'd have to say go with the PB-12.

The STF-3 and VTF-3 are very similar in presentation. If you plug one port on the STF-3, you'll get that VTF extension, but with a bit less power. And from what I've seen, I guess Hsu is providing turbochargers now for both models.

Incidentally, Dr. Hsu is now talking about adding an aftermarket device he calls a supercharger. It mounts to the opening where the amp goes, and expands the size of the chamber/box, thereby changing the tuning of the sub. The amp then is mounted to an opening in the supercharger. Interesting stuff. More spls, deeper subsonic presentation...all with turbo/supercharger add-ons.

 

[Sheep]

The STF-3 and VTF-3 are very similar in presentation. If you plug one port on the STF-3, you'll get that VTF extension, but with a bit less power. And from what I've seen, I guess Hsu is providing turbochargers now for both models.

Incidentally, Dr. Hsu is now talking about adding an aftermarket device he calls a supercharger. It mounts to the opening where the amp goes, and expands the size of the chamber/box, thereby changing the tuning of the sub. The amp then is mounted to an opening in the supercharger. Interesting stuff. More spls, deeper subsonic presentation...all with turbo/supercharger add-ons.

Hm.

I wonder when NOS and Blowers will be used..

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

The STF-3 and VTF-3 are very similar in presentation. If you plug one port on the STF-3, you'll get that VTF extension, but with a bit less power. And from what I've seen, I guess Hsu is providing turbochargers now for both models.

You can't tune the STF-3, it is a Single Tuning Frequency unit, which is the equivalent of the VTF-3 in high output mode, and the STF-3 does not have the ability to reconfigure its amp for max extension mode the way the VTF-3 does - there is a switch on the back that you must configure based on whether you have one port plugged or not (either adding or removing boost is my guess). My VTF-2 said if you plug one port and don't change the amp's setting, you could damage the sub.

I wonder when NOS and Blowers will be used..

Have you seen the HO (High Output) version? It already looks like it has a blower on it

 

[Sheep]

Have you seen the HO (High Output) version? It already looks like it has a blower on it

Thats not a blower, that's a hood scoop.

Hood Scoop:

Blower:

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

LOL. Technically it is an (OEM) upgraded exahust though...

 

[BMO]

There is a nice review by a customer over at Hsu about the SVS PB 10 vs the STF 2.While not a 12 psb or STF3 it is very well reviewed.

 

[Sheep]

There is a nice review by a customer over at Hsu about the SVS PB 10 vs the STF 2.While not a 12 psb or STF3 it is very well reviewed.

You meant NSD right?

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

There is a nice review by a customer over at Hsu about the SVS PB 10 vs the STF 2.While not a 12 psb or STF3 it is very well reviewed.

I owned the VTF-2 and the PB-10. VTF-2 was a bit better with music, but came nowhere near the extension of the PB-10. Downside between the two was the PB-10 was quite a bit larger. I kept the PB-10.

 

[mkinder]

That's where I'm stuck, trying to decide between the STF-2 and the PB10. I like music and movies, my floorstanders go to about 40hz. Here's a pic of the room, 15x15x9.

 

[Tdekany]

You can't tune the STF-3, it is a Single Tuning Frequency unit, which is the equivalent of the VTF-3 in high output mode, and the STF-3 does not have the ability to reconfigure its amp for max extension mode the way the VTF-3 does D

For an extra $50 you can order the stf3 in Max Extension mode.

The miss information that one can find on forums is amazing

 

[Tomorrow]

For an extra $50 you can order the stf3 in Max Extension mode.

The miss information that one can find on forums is amazing

So is misspelling, lol.

But you are absolutely correct about the STF-3. There are amp mod instructions available around the net, as well. (Though, let's not forget warranty provisions.)

 

[Tomorrow]

You can't tune the STF-3, it is a Single Tuning Frequency unit, which is the equivalent of the VTF-3 in high output mode, and the STF-3 does not have the ability to reconfigure its amp for max extension mode the way the VTF-3 does - there is a switch on the back that you must configure based on whether you have one port plugged or not (either adding or removing boost is my guess). My VTF-2 said if you plug one port and don't change the amp's setting, you could damage the sub.

You are incorrect, John, as has been reported (albeit, a tad caustically). Hsu reports that, amp mod aside, it is in fact quite safe to plug one STF-3 port...which achieves an overdamped response ("tighter" sounding perhaps). The low bass response is improved. (In this state, it is not EQ'ed for the flattest response, however.) What is dangerous to the sub is to run a VTF-3 in max extension mode with both ports open.

 

[Tdekany]

So is misspelling, lol.

tell me about it!

It is unbelievable how badly english speakers (I am not) spell the most basic words.

 

[Tdekany]

But you are absolutely correct about the STF-3. There are amp mod instructions available around the net, as well. (Though, let's not forget warranty provisions.)

I have one direct from Hsu.

 

[silversurfer]

Apparently the STF-3 and STF-2 are on sale now at Hsu. 20% off.

 

[Tomorrow]

Apparently the STF-3 and STF-2 are on sale now at Hsu. 20% off.

Good find, SS. This is terrific pricing. Anyone in need of a quality, potent sub and who doesn't particularly care about those last couple of audible Hz should jump on these.