HSU VTF3 MK5 was the choice

[2channel lover]

@Pogre

I pulled the trigger today. After 6 months of saving and refilling the coffers from the electronics purchases, I'm back at it to finish the last phase of this music/HT redo after 20 yrs.

I ordered the mains and center yesterday (Salk Song3A and Super Charged Song Ctr)...I bought a pair of VTF3 mk5 subs today. Black satin...same as yours I think.

After researching at least 3 days a week for the last 6 months...I read reviews from media and owners on just about every sub $1k or less...imo for my room and usage, this was one of the best values out there. The Memorial Day promo price was the cherry on top.

The Salks are going to take a minute, but once everything comes in I'll post a group shot.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Pogre]

Nice! I just ordered a new receiver a couple days ago. It's due here Friday, so I'm eagerly waiting for a new toy too. I can't wait. When are your subs going to arrive? I've had some time to play with them and I'm here if you wanna run anything by me. I love them still. Let us know when you take delivery and snap some pics! I documented the whole ordeal in my thread. One thing I found is that the gain structure is significantly different between my 2 so I recommend gain matching.

I hear you on the Salks. I'd like to get a set of towers and I'm not too far off from starting a thread titled "What Should I Be looking at Aside From SVS Ultra Towers". Been eyeballing a couple offerings from Dennis too. Just waiting for a couple more stars to align...

 

[shadyJ]

What is it about your Ultras that you want to improve upon? I think if you want to do a lot better, you will have to spend some real $$$. I don't think the Ultra towers would be worth it over Ultra bookshelf speakers. It would only get you some additional dynamic range, and also some extension you would not be using.

 

[Pogre]

What is it about your Ultras that you want to improve upon? I think if you want to do a lot better, you will have to spend some real $$$. I don't think the Ultra towers would be worth it over Ultra bookshelf speakers. It would only get you some additional dynamic range, and also some extension you would not be using.

It was just an idea for a thread title. I'm sure I would get a lot of different suggestions in that price range. Salk Towers or something from Dennis would most likely be my next step. I've been eyeballing the BMR monitor too.

 

[speakerman39]

@Pogre

I pulled the trigger today. After 6 months of saving and refilling the coffers from the electronics purchases, I'm back at it to finish the last phase of this music/HT redo after 20 yrs.

I ordered the mains and center yesterday (Salk Song3A and Super Charged Song Ctr)...I bought a pair of VTF3 mk5 subs today. Black satin...same as yours I think.

After researching at least 3 days a week for the last 6 months...I read reviews from media and owners on just about every sub $1k or less...imo for my room and usage, this was one of the best values out there. The Memorial Day promo price was the cherry on top.

The Salks are going to take a minute, but once everything comes in I'll post a group shot.

Thanks for your input!

Congratulations to you. Excellent choice! I used to own a Hsu VTF 3.3 a little over 10-years ago and it was absolutely awesome! If I remember correctly, it was a 12" side firing sub. Just fabulous with music and great impact for HT applications. More recently, I owned the Hsu ULS 15 MK 2 15" sub that is imho one of the best bargains on the market today. That is, one of the best that I have ever owned. I can certainly feel your excitement! Careful, as it is intoxicating to say the least!!!!!!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[Audiosaur]

It was just an idea for a thread title. I'm sure I would get a lot of different suggestions in that price range. Salk Towers or something from Dennis would most likely be my next step. I've been eyeballing the BMR monitor too.

Admit it, Pogre, you're addicted to the chase. Upgraditis.

 

[Pogre]

Admit it, Pogre, you're addicted to the chase. Upgraditis.

Oh god yes.

 

[2channel lover]

Nice! I just ordered a new receiver a couple days ago. It's due here Friday, so I'm eagerly waiting for a new toy too. I can't wait. When are your subs going to arrive? I've had some time to play with them and I'm here if you wanna run anything by me. I love them still. Let us know when you take delivery and snap some pics! I documented the whole ordeal in my thread. One thing I found is that the gain structure is significantly different between my 2 so I recommend gain matching.

I hear you on the Salks. I'd like to get a set of towers and I'm not too far off from starting a thread titled "What Should I Be looking at Aside From SVS Ultra Towers". Been eyeballing a couple offerings from Dennis too. Just waiting for a couple more stars to align...

Good deal!!! I didn't realize you were in the market for a new AVR. We're doing our part to keep the economy going, huh!

I just ordered the subs yesterday about 6p eastern (still pretty early in Cali) but I'm guessing they won't ship until today or Friday. I'm expecting them maybe Wed./Thurs next week. I certainly will snaps a few pics when they get here.

Thanks...I will certainly lean on your experience in setup...just going over my room setup with the sales guy, I'm guessing one will be best suited behind the listening position.

Towers...I hear ya. I have not heard the SVS Ultras, but I've listened to a whole lot of floorstanders in the last 6 to 8 mos...I'm not sure what kind of budget you're working with but the Revel F208 was very high on my list...I was thinking more 2.0 listening back then, but with these subs...the F206 is one to hear if you can.

 

[2channel lover]

Congratulations to you. Excellent choice! I used to own a Hsu VTF 3.3 a little over 10-years ago and it was absolutely awesome! If I remember correctly, it was a 12" side firing sub. Just fabulous with music and great impact for HT applications. More recently, I owned the Hsu ULS 15 MK 2 15" sub that is imho one of the best bargains on the market today. That is, one of the best that I have ever owned. I can certainly feel your excitement! Careful, as it is intoxicating to say the least!!!!!!


Cheers,

Phil

Thanks Phil,

I'm mostly a music guy.

I initially thought the VTH15 mk2 was going to be my choice with all of the adjoining area to my listening space, but the sales guy most of the performance improvement over the 3.5 is low end and for music the there won't be much difference. The 3.5 covers all my needs and two of them get you a kick a-- HT system in the room size I have.

I'm certainly looking forward to the subs, and dialing them in with my current speakers, but admittedly I'm salivating for the Salks.

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks Phil,

I'm mostly a music guy.

I initially thought the VTH15 mk2 was going to be my choice with all of the adjoining area to my listening space, but the sales guy most of the performance improvement over the 3.5 is low end and for music the there won't be much difference. The 3.5 covers all my needs and two of them get you a kick a-- HT system in the room size I have.

I'm certainly looking forward to the subs, and dialing them in with my current speakers, but admittedly I'm salivating for the Salks.

I see. I bet you talked w/Kevin at Hsu, no? He is such a great guy. Kevin never tries to over sell you and I respect that. Wow! I missed that you are getting duals. Plus, the Salks! Man I can certainly understand your excitement now for sure. Be sure to take lots of pics. Congrats to you! YOU are one lucky guy and I am envious.....LOL!!!!!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[2channel lover]

I see. I bet you talked w/Kevin at Hsu, no? He is such a great guy. Kevin never tries to over sell you and I respect that. Wow! I missed that you are getting duals. Plus, the Salks! Man I can certainly understand your excitement now for sure. Be sure to take lots of pics. Congrats to you! YOU are one lucky guy and I am envious.....LOL!!!!!


Cheers,

Phil

Thanks again.

Yes it was Kevin at HSU that helped me. I was in sales for a long time and still am on some level I guess. When you go thru all this product knowledge training you have a lot of knowledge to impart. Sometimes you're so eager to sell that you don't always truly listen to the prospective buyer. Kevin did a great job of listening to the details before making any suggestions.

The Salks...yes! The Song3-A and Super Charge Song Ctr (both in natural curly cherry) were ordered a day earlier.

I am excited because it was time for a redo...my speakers (B&W804m) are nice but 20 yrs old paired with a NAD stereo preamp and HK 2 ch power amp and a Rotel CD player (which I still have, but will be retiring it as well soon). That was my system from about '97 to about '08. That's when I attempted a 5.1 system since it was all the rage. I bought a cheap Onkyo AVR about 10 yrs ago and a Paradigm ctr and Paradigm sub with 2 Polk rear speakers. Obviously not an ideal system but it functioned.

We're pretty much empty nesters now...3 yrs ago we downsized to a 1.5 story home. My mother-n-law lived with us when we moved in and she had the upstairs guest room. I didn't even bother to connect my old system. I started ripping most of my music that wasn't boxed up to itunes and bought a pair of Hifiman head phones just so I could enjoy some of my music that I hadn't listened to for quite sometime.

She bought her own place about 6 mos ago. My wife is the movie person and she does come up on weekends mostly but now I pretty much have the upstairs to myself. The loft (music/HT space), my office, guest bedroom and bath...not a bad man cave! If only it had a kitchen!

Sorry to be so long winded with half my life history, but now you get the jest of it...I've been waiting a long time for this redo! I think I'll start a thread on the whole redo since many here have been so helpful getting me up to speed with the AV market of today. I'll definitely will post pics.

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks again.

Yes it was Kevin at HSU that helped me. I was in sales for a long time and still am on some level I guess. When you go thru all this product knowledge training you have a lot of knowledge to impart. Sometimes you're so eager to sell that you don't always truly listen to the prospective buyer. Kevin did a great job of listening to the details before making any suggestions.

The Salks...yes! The Song3-A and Super Charge Song Ctr (both in natural curly cherry) were ordered a day earlier.

I am excited because it was time for a redo...my speakers (B&W804m) are nice but 20 yrs old paired with a NAD stereo preamp and HK 2 ch power amp and a Rotel CD player (which I still have, but will be retiring it as well soon). That was my system from about '97 to about '08. That's when I attempted a 5.1 system since it was all the rage. I bought a cheap Onkyo AVR about 10 yrs ago and a Paradigm ctr and Paradigm sub with 2 Polk rear speakers. Obviously not an ideal system but it functioned.

We're pretty much empty nesters now...3 yrs ago we downsized to a 1.5 story home. My mother-n-law lived with us when we moved in and she had the upstairs guest room. I didn't even bother to connect my old system. I started ripping most of my music that wasn't boxed up to itunes and bought a pair of Hifiman head phones just so I could enjoy some of my music that I hadn't listened to for quite sometime.

She bought her own place about 6 mos ago. My wife is the movie person and she does come up on weekends mostly but now I pretty much have the upstairs to myself. The loft (music/HT space), my office, guest bedroom and bath...not a bad man cave! If only it had a kitchen!

Sorry to be so long winded with half my life history, but now you get the jest of it...I've been waiting a long time for this redo! I think I'll start a thread on the whole redo since many here have been so helpful getting me up to speed with the AV market of today. I'll definitely will post pics.

Love it! That is what makes this hobby so rewarding. That is, sharing and growing with others. Looking forward to your pics. I like the idea of the whole redo. I also agree Kevin is a super guy. Can't recommend him enough! Gosh I envy you.....LOL!!! No really, looking forward to seeing pics of your man cave!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[theJman]

I bought a pair of VTF3 mk5 subs today. Black satin...same as yours I think.

Congrats! You chose wisely as the VTF3 is a very nice subwoofer. I suspect you'll be quite pleased.

I see. I bet you talked w/Kevin at Hsu, no? He is such a great guy.

I've found everyone their to be like that, including Dr. Hsu. We were having a chat one time about a sub I was reviewing, and the next thing you know he's telling me about a trip he and his daughter had just gotten back from. Must be a fun place to work.

 

[Pogre]

I've dealt with Kevin both on the forums and over the phone. Great support and advice. I'm really happy with the subs and Hsu.

 

[2channel lover]

When are your subs going to arrive?

Assuming they don't run into any major weather problems, it looks like they should get here Wed. the 7th. So Cal, to ATL...not bad.

 

[2channel lover]

I've dealt with Kevin both on the forums and over the phone. Great support and advice. I'm really happy with the subs and Hsu.

Just got word my subs have arrived. My son will be at work when I get home and I'll be in bed when he gets off work so I'll have to get creative to get these things up to the loft!

I did some more damage too...I'd been planning on a Salamander rack...found a much, much cheaper Sanus rack...used that savings to go ahead and get the source now...bought that Oppo 205...that should be here Fri. For all practical purposes...I'm done spending...just waiting on the Salks and I've got a few months for those.

I'll post some pics of the VTF3.5s maybe tomorrow

 

[Pogre]

Just got word my subs have arrived. My son will be at work when I get home and I'll be in bed when he gets off work so I'll have to get creative to get these things up to the loft!

I did some more damage too...I'd been planning on a Salamander rack...found a much, much cheaper Sanus rack...used that savings to go ahead and get the source now...bought that Oppo 205...that should be here Fri. For all practical purposes...I'm done spending...just waiting on the Salks and I've got a few months for those.

I'll post some pics of the VTF3.5s maybe tomorrow

Man, you're gonna have a sweet setup when you're all done. Great job!

 

[2channel lover]

Man, you're gonna have a sweet setup when you're all done. Great job!

Thanks...the rack should be here today as well so I'll at least be able to hook all the components up and get that situated once the 205 gets here.

I sent Kevin (HSU) a diagram of my space and he felt certain one of the subs (if not both) should go nearfield behind the main seating. I've got a 50' XLR cable so I'll play around with it a little today but this weekend I'll be doing all the major work...dropping the wires inside the walls for the RB5i to take their position as surrounds finally, installing atmos, running audyessey.

How did your AVR fit in with the rest of the family? I saw the unveiling pics.

 

[Pogre]

Thanks...the rack should be here today as well so I'll at least be able to hook all the components up and get that situated once the 205 gets here.

I sent Kevin (HSU) a diagram of my space and he felt certain one of the subs (if not both) should go nearfield behind the main seating. I've got a 50' XLR cable so I'll play around with it a little today but this weekend I'll be doing all the major work...dropping the wires inside the walls for the RB5i to take their position as surrounds finally, installing atmos, running audyessey.

How did your AVR fit in with the rest of the family? I saw the unveiling pics.

Kevin's a good guy. Just for the sake of doing it I'd try up front too and see how you like it. I've never run a near field setup with subs before, so I'm not sure how I'd like it.

The new receiver was a bit of a tight fit, but I got it in there and it looks pretty good. So far I'm really liking XT32 with SubEQ. I also like the look of it better than any of my Denons. It just exudes awesome. Definitely deeper, taller and heavier too. It almost didn't fit in my cubby (not quite deep enough, but a good 6" of clearance on top, 4" on the sides)! It runs a little on the hot side so I ordered a fan for it... which literally just arrived at my door! I'll update my receiver thread or start a new one. I'm about to unbox.

 

[shadyJ]

Thanks...the rack should be here today as well so I'll at least be able to hook all the components up and get that situated once the 205 gets here.

I sent Kevin (HSU) a diagram of my space and he felt certain one of the subs (if not both) should go nearfield behind the main seating. I've got a 50' XLR cable so I'll play around with it a little today but this weekend I'll be doing all the major work...dropping the wires inside the walls for the RB5i to take their position as surrounds finally, installing atmos, running audyessey.

How did your AVR fit in with the rest of the family? I saw the unveiling pics.

I place my subs right behind the seat as well, but that was only after measuring many other locations. I get a pretty good response there. Not only that, but the 'punch' is really something. Localization can be a thing with such close proximity placement, but with two of them, you may be able overcome that if you spread them apart s bit. If such a placement puts the subs near the middle of the room, you will lose much of the low-end room gain, but with two VTF-3s, you will not need the help of room gain at all. You are going to get your ass kicked, and, trust me, it will be great.