SVS PB12-NSD vs HSU VTF-3MK3

[SangYuP]

I'm in the market for a new subwoofer and I have narrowed it down to either the SVS PB12 or the HSU VTF-3MK3. I was pretty set on getting the SVS until I started reading that the HSU hit harder and louder and just overall had a tighter better sound. I kept doing more research and I read that SVS upgraded the amp recently and now it sounds much better than before. Which one is better now? This is will be my last sub for a long long time, so I want to make the right decision. I do about 85% movies and 15% music. I've read that you can't go wrong with either one, but being anal as I am, I know it will bother me if I decide on one sub and later find out the other is a little better. It will bother me and I'll have buyers remorse. Please help me! Thanks in advance!

 

[mike c]

you're in luck, both these units have been tested at HTS

HSU maximum output mode
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/5762-hsu-vtf-3-mk3-maximum-output.html
HSU maximum extension mode
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/5761-hsu-vtf-3-mk3-maximum-extension.html
PB12 new amp
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/8151-svs-pb12-nsd.html

and again on AVTALK
PB12 new amp
http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=24671&start=0&rid=7164&SQ=1218107405

 

[bandphan]

you're in luck, both these units have been tested at HTS

Thanks Mike. To the op after looking at the test results would you let us know which you would prefer based on the graphs.

 

[speakerman39]

I'm in the market for a new subwoofer and I have narrowed it down to either the SVS PB12 or the HSU VTF-3MK3. I was pretty set on getting the SVS until I started reading that the HSU hit harder and louder and just overall had a tighter better sound. I kept doing more research and I read that SVS upgraded the amp recently and now it sounds much better than before. Which one is better now? This is will be my last sub for a long long time, so I want to make the right decision. I do about 85% movies and 15% music. I've read that you can't go wrong with either one, but being anal as I am, I know it will bother me if I decide on one sub and later find out the other is a little better. It will bother me and I'll have buyers remorse. Please help me! Thanks in advance!

I have owned both subs at one time or another. Given your criteria, I would opt for the PB12. That is, it was just stellar with ht, but found it to be a bit lacking musically speaking. However, the amp as you indicated above has been improved. Thus, resulting in more output in the midbass range where most of the musical action is at. I never ran my 3.3 in Max Extension mode, but rather only Max Output mode meaning no ports plugged. Musically speaking, the 3.3 was much better imho. The bass was punchier, tighter, and more articulate. However, your preference is on ht, so my vote would have to go to the PB12. BTW, I believe the Hsu VTF-3 HO is on sale at about the same price as the 3.3. If you decide on the Hsu sub, why not get the HO? It has a better driver and a more powerful amp. Anyways, good luck in your decision as I believe you could not go wrong either way.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

My bad. It is the Maple finished 3.3 HO that is on sale. If you can live with the Maple finish, then it is surely worth considering. Here is a link for you:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-ho.html

Once again, good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I had an VTF-3 HO Turbo, and without the turbo on in max output mode it was LOUD! Great subwoofer. The black is 10% off @ $810.00. Very good sub. Great for music, a killer for movies. The maple is much cheaper as they close out that finish, or vinyl wrap @ $649.00.

 

[SangYuP]

I want to thank everyone for their input and knowledge, especially Phil. So is it safe to assume that the SVS is better for HT and the HSU is better for music? Phil, you mentioned that the HSU was way better than the SVS for music, but for HT you recommend the SVS. Does this mean that the SVS is better for HT than the HSU? If not, then it seems that the HSU is a better overall performer. If the 3.3 is better, the 3.3 HO must be A LOT better. I really like the finish of the SVS over the HSU. I'm still undecided on the matter.

I also looked at the review and the performance graphs, but I'm a noobie and I really don't know what all that means. At least I can't tell which one is better.

 

[jliedeka]

I have the Hsu 3.3 and I think it's great for both music and HT. I run mine in max extension mode because the power is more than ample. What I really like about it is I can feel it when I'm watching Serenity and the rocket engines fire.

I'm sure either the Hsu or the SVS will be good.

Jim

 

[SangYuP]

It seems like a lot of people prefer the HSU over the SVS. I don't know if this is relevant, but here is my speaker setup.

5.1 surround

Fronts - Athena AS-F2 (not .2)
Center - Athena AS-C1 (not .2)
Surround - Polk Audio R15 bookshelfs
Receiver - Yamaha HTR-5860

I'm still torn between HSU and SVS so please keep the suggestions coming!

 

[speakerman39]

I want to thank everyone for their input and knowledge, especially Phil. So is it safe to assume that the SVS is better for HT and the HSU is better for music? Phil, you mentioned that the HSU was way better than the SVS for music, but for HT you recommend the SVS. Does this mean that the SVS is better for HT than the HSU? If not, then it seems that the HSU is a better overall performer. If the 3.3 is better, the 3.3 HO must be A LOT better. I really like the finish of the SVS over the HSU. I'm still undecided on the matter.

I also looked at the review and the performance graphs, but I'm a noobie and I really don't know what all that means. At least I can't tell which one is better.

Hi there and thanks for the compliment. However, I am NOT implying that the 3.3 is better for music and the SVS for ht. What I am saying, is that the PB12-NSD was just flat out awesome with ht. Keep in mind that I did not run my 3.3 in Max Extension mode at all. In other words, the 3.3 was used in Max Output mode and it did quite well for ht and was flatout awesome with music. I had the older PB12 and not the newer improved version. All I can say is that the 3.3 was noticeabley better with music in that it was punchier, tighter, and more articulate. Since your preference is mostly on ht, then my recommendation would be the PB12-NSD. Just out of curiosity, have you considered the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus or the LFM-1 EX? The Plus is only $499 and is a tremendous bargain. I now have (2) of them and am quite happy. Personally, I don't think you would go wrong with any of these including the Plus or the EX.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[SangYuP]

Just out of curiosity, have you considered the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus or the LFM-1 EX? The Plus is only $499 and is a tremendous bargain. I now have (2) of them and am quite happy. Personally, I don't think you would go wrong with any of these including the Plus or the EX.

Phil,

Thanks for clearing that up with the SVS and HSU for HT. I've been reading more and more and now I'm even more confused. The reason why I chose SVS and HSU is because I've read about both a lot when it comes to subwoofers. I guess it might be better if I ask which subwoofer is the best for a $600-$700 budget? I know there are many other brands that are just as good or even better than SVS and HSU. You even mention the Outlaw plus and ex. Are those comparable to the PB12 and 3.3 but for less $$$? I would rather spend the $600-700 and get the best sub I can get. If you can chime in and give me your advice on which sub is the best for my budget, I would appreciate it. Phil, thank you as you have been a tremendous help.

 

[SangYuP]

I am currently reading about the AV123 MFW-15 subwoofer. It is within my budget and it seems like an awesome sub - way better than the SVS and HSU that I've mentioned. Any comments on this sub?

 

[mike c]

im sure the MFW15 is a very good subwoofer, but are you willing to wait indefinitely for it? it's not yet available. (there's a whole lot of people on its wait list)

 

[speakerman39]

Just out of curiosity, have you considered the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus or the LFM-1 EX? The Plus is only $499 and is a tremendous bargain. I now have (2) of them and am quite happy. Personally, I don't think you would go wrong with any of these including the Plus or the EX.

Phil,

Thanks for clearing that up with the SVS and HSU for HT. I've been reading more and more and now I'm even more confused. The reason why I chose SVS and HSU is because I've read about both a lot when it comes to subwoofers. I guess it might be better if I ask which subwoofer is the best for a $600-$700 budget? I know there are many other brands that are just as good or even better than SVS and HSU. You even mention the Outlaw plus and ex. Are those comparable to the PB12 and 3.3 but for less $$$? I would rather spend the $600-700 and get the best sub I can get. If you can chime in and give me your advice on which sub is the best for my budget, I would appreciate it. Phil, thank you as you have been a tremendous help.

Both the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus and the EX were designed primarily by Dr. Hsu. The EX should be very close in performance to the 3.3. Likewise, the Plus is very close to the Hsu 2.3. However, the Outlaw subs are down-firing with the ports also being down-firing. This is especially helpful if you have small children whom may want to touch things they are not supposed to. I do believe the Plus is a tremendous buy right now. You can get (2) of them for $899. Of course, this may be out of your budget. There is no doubt though, the Maple finished 3.3 HO is an even better deal imho. The MFW-15 is also another incredible deal, but as Mike mentioned it takes forever to get one. This is the very reason I opted for the Pluses instead. Oh, yeah my room is pretty small too. In closing, as I have mentioned already you really could not go wrong with ANY of the subs mentioned in my post.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[mike c]

i agree with Phil, the 629 USD HSU HO maple vinyl is a great deal right now. (if you can live with maple)

 

[speakerman39]

i agree with Phil, the 629 USD HSU HO maple vinyl is a great deal right now. (if you can live with maple)

Hey Mike thanks for agreeing with me. But, it is $649 and not $629........LOL!!!!! Not too sure about that Maple finish though. It may look better in person than on the Hsu site, because the black sure does.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[SangYuP]

I just want to thank Phil and Mike for their wonderful suggestions and help. I actually ended up ordering the AV123 MFW-15 in satin black finish today for $779 shipped. I was told that it was going to ship no later than next Friday. I can't wait until this sub gets here! Thanks again for everyone's help!

 

[speakerman39]

I just want to thank Phil and Mike for their wonderful suggestions and help. I actually ended up ordering the AV123 MFW-15 in satin black finish today for $779 shipped. I was told that it was going to ship no later than next Friday. I can't wait until this sub gets here! Thanks again for everyone's help!

Congrats on the purchase! Now, the waiting begins which is the hardest part. Be sure to post your initial impressions when you get it. If you don't mind, maybe snap a few pics as well? Really looking forward to it. Kudos to you!!!!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[jliedeka]

I actually have the maple version of the Hsu 3.3. It looks pretty good. There are noticeable seams where the top and bottom are attached but otherwise it is "seamless". It's applied very well. It looks like wood.

Jim

 

[speakerman39]

I actually have the maple version of the Hsu 3.3. It looks pretty good. There are noticeable seams where the top and bottom are attached but otherwise it is "seamless". It's applied very well. It looks like wood.

Jim

Hey Jim, can you post a few pics? How do you like your 3.3?

Cheers,

Phil