Trying to decide between HSU STF-2 and A2-300

[AbjectEvolution]

I have had my eyes set on the A2-300 for about a month now. I went to order it today only to find out that it would take 4-5 weeks for it to get to me. I did some more research and found the HSU STF-2 as somewhat comparable in quality in price. The main difference here is that the HSU could get here by the end of the week... right on time with my Onkyo 607.

My Onkyo and the new sub will be replacing the receiver and sub for my Sony HTIB that I bought over a year ago. I have been slowly upgrading the system. I upgraded the fronts and center to the TSi series Polk Audio floor standing fronts and matching center.

I have read that the A2 is better for HT and the HSU is better for music. Personally, I use my system more for watching movies... and so that's more important to me than the music part (although I do care about that to some degree as well).

Yet my issue here is that I don't want to continue using my crap Sony HTIB sub with my new receiver for 5 weeks till I get the A2. If I end up getting the A2, I almost want to just set the receiver aside and wait till it shows up to hook them both up. I absolutely love hearing an increase in audio quality when I upgrade components of my HT and I'm afraid that I might not notice as huge of a difference if I stick with my Sony sub.

So the reason I'm posting this is I'd like opinions. Should I wait 5 weeks for a sub that might better suit my situation? If so, should I go ahead and use my new receiver with my old sub... or should I set it aside and wait for the new one? Or should I just buy the HSU and get it at the end of the week along with the receiver and start enjoying this stuff NOW instead of 5 weeks from now?

Thanks in advance for responses.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

The A2-300 has a 12" woofer, vs the 10" of the STF-2. The STF-2 is more expensive, and you probably won't get as much output. If HT is your thing, I think you would benefit more from the A2, plus it's cheaper! So, I guess it just comes down to whether or not you want to wait...

However, if you want to spend a little more, check out my thoughts of the A3-300..
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62558

It only took 2 weeks to get delivered, and the thing has major output. I won't be feeling like I need to upgrade any time soon

 

[shadyJ]

The STF2 is a very good sub, I used to have one myself. It's not a bad sub for home theater, it is certainly better than most subs in it's price class. I don't think it will quite have the output of the A2 though, as the A2 has a larger enclosure and a 12" driver. What that means is it will probably have a bit more output. I wouldn't be surprised if the STF2 was a bit tighter and cleaner, although I am sure they would both be good subs for either application.

 

[AbjectEvolution]

What about the VTF-1?

 

[bandphan]

The A2-300 has a 12" woofer, vs the 10" of the STF-2. The STF-2 is more expensive, and you probably won't get as much output. If HT is your thing, I think you would benefit more from the A2, plus it's cheaper! So, I guess it just comes down to whether or not you want to wait...

I wouldnt be so sure about both thoughts. Extension maybe, maybe.

 

[AbjectEvolution]

I wouldnt be so sure about both thoughts. Extension maybe, maybe.

What are you disagreeing with exactly? Details?

 

[bandphan]

What are you disagreeing with exactly? Details?

That a 12" woofer is better than a 10", not a good rule of thumb, just a blanket statement, and output, the HSUs pump out over an avg of105dbs across a broad spectrum.

EDIT: if your set on ed....see this post
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62607

 

[rnatalli]

I have read that the A2 is better for HT and the HSU is better for music. Personally, I use my system more for watching movies... and so that's more important to me than the music part (although I do care about that to some degree as well).

Having heard both subs in the same room, same setup, the above is acurrate. I find the STF-2 is tighter and cleaner whereas the eD will hit harder and lower. If your primary use is HT, then the eD should fit the bill. However, if your room isn't huge, the STF-2 might be the better pick.

 

[AbjectEvolution]

I'll measure the room tonight but if I was to guess I would say the room is 10 or 12 x 20 or 22.

 

[jinjuku]

I'll measure the room tonight but if I was to guess I would say the room is 10 or 12 x 20 or 22.

Why does everyone forget the 3rd dimension? You are filling 3D space. Not 2D space. We don't assume your ceiling height.

What is the cubic footage?

 

[AbjectEvolution]

I'll check when I get home this afternoon. I'm not sure how high the room is. I'm 6'2" so it's probably around 7 or 8 feet tall maybe?

 

[AbjectEvolution]

Well I ordered the a2-300. They didn't charge tax or shipping (next day) which really pushed me to buy it. I'm an impatient guy and I know the wait will kill me, but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Thanks a ton for all the responses. I learned some good stuff.

 

[rnatalli]

Congrats and enjoy!

 

[AbjectEvolution]

I'm sure I will. I just posted a new thread regarding the configuration of my HT. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Cpt.America]

I have read that the A2 is better for HT and the HSU is better for music..

I have the A3-300 and it sounds FANTASTIC with music.... ditch that advice right out the window.

 

[cazy123]

dang, those cost alot, I hope they are nice,

 

[AbjectEvolution]

What is the advantage of using an RCA splitter for the A2-300? I was told to get one, but I'm not sure why I need it. What kind should I get? Just a little adapter, or an actual cable that splits in two?

 

[AVRat]

By who? For what purpose? You shouldn't need one for just one sub.

 

[AbjectEvolution]

So there isn't an advantage to using a Y on the A2-300? The person that recommended me monoprice for the RCA cable also said that I could get the splitter on there. I just assumed there was a reason he was mentioning it to me.

 

[Wid]

It will increase the incoming signal by 3DB but will not increase total output.