HSU STF-2 vs. SVS 25-31PCi

[Fusion]

As the title indicates, it's the STF-2 vs. the 25-31PCi. Which do you rate better? Which is better for music? I assume both will be fine for movies.

The sub will be part of a 5.1 system (likely going with Monitor Audio Bronze BR5 fronts with matching center and rear speakers, and a Marantz or NAD receiver), 50/50 music to movies, and music is important.

The 20-39PCi is also under consideration as it doesn't cost much more than it's cheaper cousin.

Thanks!

 

[mazersteven]

The HSU STF-2 competes more with these subwoofers

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=68

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmcompact.html

 

[Fusion]

How is it that the two subwoofers can't be compared? Am I wrong to assume that they carry out pretty much the exact same function?

I know one is a box and the other a cylinder, but they do the same thing, do they not?

If they are different then I guess my question basically comes down to, which of the two styles is the best choice for my application?

 

[mazersteven]

If they are different then I guess my question basically comes down to, which of the two styles is the best choice for my application?

You should e-mail SVS and HSU and ask their opinion based on your room dimensions and listening habits what subwoofer they recommend. Both companies are great and will not guide you wrong.


Room dimensions have a great deal to do with what subwoofer.

 

[Fusion]

You should e-mail SVS and HSU and ask their opinion based on your room dimensions and listening habits what subwoofer they recommend. Both companies are great and will not guide you wrong.


Room dimensions have a great deal to do with what subwoofer.

That's a good idea. I'll do that.

Of course, HSU won't recommend me a cylinder sub. So if SVS does, I'll still be questioning whether a box or a cylinder is best. Does the cylinder design do anything better than a typical box, generally speaking?

I won't email the companies now, as the room is part of a new place that isn't yet finished. So I'm not certain how it'll turn out exactly. I do know that the room will be 12' x 25'. It'll be hardwood floors, but there will be a large rug laid down which will absorb some sound. I don't know in which direction I will aim the speakers (firing across the 12' or 25' space), but the distance from the sofa to the TV will only be about 8 feet no matter which direction I go. That's because the room is half living room and half dining room and the system will only be in the living room part. Thus if I was to cut the dining room part off then the room is more like 12' x 12.5'. So in terms of positioning the TV, speakers, and sofa it's a square space, but acoustically it is much more open because of course there is no wall separating the two rooms.

 

[zhimbo]

Do you mean VTF-2, not the STF-2? The VTF-2 is about the same price as the SVS sub; the STF-2 is considerably cheaper.

 

[Fusion]

Do you mean VTF-2, not the STF-2? The VTF-2 is about the same price as the SVS sub; the STF-2 is considerably cheaper.

I figured I don't need the VTF line as from what I understand, there is a setting for HT that leads to the sub essentially playing louder but not quite as deep (this from the explanation on HSU's FAQ, or at least that's my interpretation of it). Loud, room shaking bass is not really something I'm looking for. I think the STF line will make more than enough impact so I'll save some money and get that. This is just what I figured - I could be wrong in my assessment though.

You're right in that the SVS is quite a bit more money. However, there are two factors...one, I can actually order it from SVS' Canadian distributor and pick it up myself as they are near by (HSU in contrast I don't believe has a distributor here). I'll save some money on shipping charges with SVS. Two, if that sub offers some sort of performance benefit over the HSU, then I'd have to consider it.

I could get an SVS box sub but my impression from reading about the two companies is that HSU makes a better product, if just barely. I probably can't go wrong either way though.

 

[j_garcia]

The STF-2 doesn't even come close to the 25-31. I haven't heard the current VTF-2, but I'd expect it to be a lot closer, though the 25-31 will likely still have more output. It has the most output of the PCi cylinders. Based on what you said though, you don't really need that.

HSU does have a Canadian distributor, AFAIK. Contact them. No, HSU does not make a better product, they are BOTH excellent

 

[mazersteven]

That's a good idea. I'll do that.

Of course, HSU won't recommend me a cylinder sub. So if SVS does, I'll still be questioning whether a box or a cylinder is best. Does the cylinder design do anything better than a typical box, generally speaking?

In short, cylinders tend to cost less, are noticeably taller, but at the same time lighter and easier to move. They take up far less precious floor space too. Boxes tend to have considerably more "heft" (requiring more "grunt" to place them; most require two people to move very far), have nice flat tops you can put things on, yet cost a bit more than the closest performing cylinder equivalent.

 

[mazersteven]

I could get an SVS box sub but my impression from reading about the two companies is that HSU makes a better product, if just barely.

I don't know where you read that but it is not true. Both companies produce excellent products.

 

[abboudc]

If they are different then I guess my question basically comes down to, which of the two styles is the best choice for my application?

It depends on which one you like aesthetically better. The cylinders are finished in a black felt-like fabric that disperses light. If you're putting it in a darker room, it'll hide nicely in the corner. I have one in a maroon room in a dark corner, and most people don't even notice it until it's pointed out. However, in a brighter, white walled room, it'll definitely stand out and people will likely ask why you have a water heater in the corner. Some people love them because they are different and people will ask questions. Others hate the look. They only come in black felt. While they have less of a footprint, the space savings isn't much.

Boxes can be disguised as end tables and can come in nicer wood finishes.