HSU STF-2 or Emotiva 12

[cAlanee]

This is going to be for a small bedroom size, 12x12 and primarily for music. My budget is roughly $400. The STF-2 is $349 but after tax and ship, it's going to be near the price of the Emo12 of $429. I hear sealed are better for music, but I do watch movies sometimes and I would like to have that oomph that ported has. HSU has a great reputation that's why I am considering them as a contender.

 

[jp_over]

That's a tough question. Here's a good place to start getting info to make a good decision:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080416034852/http://www.audiopulse.com/know-how/subwoofer-driver-guide/myths-about-subwoofers/

Through this link, I decided to go with a 15" over a 10" or 12" for more accuracy (very general rule with lots of caveats!).

From what I've read about HSU and Emotiva, both are great companies. BTW, have you seen the reviews for each of these?

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/ultra-12

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/hsu-research-stf-1

Of note, the second link is very old and the product has likely had many changes since then.

If I was the type of person who is OK testing new products, I'd try the Emotiva. Of course, you have to weigh this against the fact that HSU specializes in subs.

I think, based on my reading, for a room that size and music as a priority, either sub will be fine.

One more suggestion, call or e-mail HSU and get their recommendation as well.

 

[sholling]

Neither one is going to play down to 20hz. The Emo is super tight and detailed and will pressurize the heck out of a sealed 12x12 room but starts rolling off below 30hz and that's going to make corner placement important. If you were 100% music (depending on the music) then I'd say the Emo was the way to go. For 100% movies I'd be looking at an eD A2-300 for deep ground pounding movie bass. Will the Hsu split the difference? I don't know.

 

[cAlanee]

Why do you say depending on the music? Aren't most music roughly the same as it doesn't go down that low anyway?

I guess I'll go with the Emotiva since I do mostly music and on paper, it goes lower than the STF-2, 22hz vs 25

 

[mratek]

I have had my Ultra 12 for about a month now and it has really balanced out my Klipsch setup. It has added a solid bass note to my music and sounds great with movies as well. The key is to research and jump in somewhere ,both have supporters and detractors. No doubt either would be a good choice if it fits in the budget.

 

[anamorphic96]

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/189521/hsu-research-stf-2-subwoofer-test-review

Here is a good review of the STF-2. It should give a you a good idea of it's capabilities.

 

[KEW]

Why do you say depending on the music? Aren't most music roughly the same as it doesn't go down that low anyway?

Classical organ music has pedal tones down to 16Hz, IIRC. Electronic synthesized bass can pretty much go as low as the musician wants.
Of course, you would be aware if you listened to either of these.

 

[GranteedEV]

Classical organ music has pedal tones down to 16Hz, IIRC. Electronic synthesized bass can pretty much go as low as the musician wants.
Of course, you would be aware if you listened to either of these.

When I build a house, the chimney is going to be one of those organ stops and i'll totally wreak infrasonic havoc

Although my subs will be able to do that anyways

 

[KEW]

...but I do watch movies sometimes and I would like to have that oomph that ported has.

When I read a statement like this, I always wonder what your point of reference is.
Compared to $300-600 Polk subs, the Emo may impress with it's oomph, even though it is sealed. If you have a friend with an SVS Ultra, the Emo will fall well short.

 

[sholling]

Why do you say depending on the music? Aren't most music roughly the same as it doesn't go down that low anyway?

I guess I'll go with the Emotiva since I do mostly music and on paper, it goes lower than the STF-2, 22hz vs 25

As KEW said there is some organ music that dips to 16hz and I have some electronic bass that dips a bit too low for the Emo. On the other hand my Ultra 12 sounds wonderful with jazz.

The Emo's 22hz rating is based on the hope of a good amount of room gain. It's a very good sub but it needs to be placed to take advantage of room gain to get much output below 30hz.

 

[KEW]

You can see what little you might miss here:
http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm

There are few instruments that go below 30Hz, and of those that do, few are actually utilized down there.