HSU Mid Bass Module: New Product, Interesting Concept

[spyboy]

This sub is designed primarily for the 50Hz-80Hz region. Made for near-field placement (next to your seat), with a lightweight cone, and 300+ watt amp, it can deliver 120 db. Several people who have heard the set-up at shows, were highly impressed. Expected to sell for $400, with deliver late this year, hopefully. Combined with a real bottom dweller, such as the Hsu VTF-3HO + Turbo, the clarity and impact should be top-notch. I hope Majorloser plans to go for it. Instead of 4 '3HO's, his wife will likely consider this a treat

The following thread contains discussion, including comments from Dr. Hsu and comments from 1 or 2 people who heard it at the show, pictures, etc.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2138

Majorloser, what are the chances you will pre-order?

 

[bpape]

Sounds like an interesting concept - though I'm sure getting phase all tied together with yet another location and range will increase in difficulty by an order of magnitude - we shall see.

As for 4 VTF3-HO's, that'll rock pretty much any residential space with plenty of impact and slam....

Bryan

 

[furrycute]

I like the idea.

Before my real home stereo system, I had a computer 2.1 setup. At first after the switch, I was really disappointed that I wasn't getting that "oomph" I was experiencing all the time with my computer speakers. I started asking myself, where's the bass?

Then I realized that a real subwoofer produces bass that is mostly felt, not heard. What we hear is mostly midbass, and that is the job of those woofers inside the speakers, not the job of the subwoofer.

With the emphasis on small satellites and large subwoofers nowadays, the midbass is getting the short end of the stick. Even in the old days of regular sized bookshelf speakers, not many could produce decent midbass. It's about time that someone started selling powered midbass woofers.

 

[kgb540]

bpape hit it on the head. adding another link in an already complex audio chain may be going a bit too far. Its already hard enough integrating, and supplying cabling for, a powered subwoofer let alone a "mid-bass" woofer. On paper and in a perfect world it may be a good idea, but this is getting to be too much for the avarage (even above average) stereo enthusiast. Phase/time coherency will be a huge issuewith your mains when integrating these things. If a person CAN integrate it with their system, it may work well since HSU usually makes a good product.

 

[sholling]

With respect to the OP, what this product sounds like it’s trying to do is provide bass impact for satellite owning apartment/condo dwellers that are not allowed to have deep wall shaking bass. In my opinion there is just no other reason to consider buying one. There are plenty of high quality towers that cover this range exceptionally well, especially those with multiple mid-sized woofers. And, there are plenty of real subwoofers that deliver high quality mid-bass, complete with serious impact, as well as serious deep bass. Sorry no disrespect to the OP but I see this product as strictly a gimmick.

And, yes, I can understand the fascination with the concept. In the old days one had the option of multiple mid-sized drivers or a single 10-12” driver for tight solid bass, or a single 15-18” driver for very deep bass at the expense of sometimes sloppy mid-bass. These options are still popular today. Personally I like a multi 10-12” driver solution because it allows the tightness and impact of a smaller driver, and the massive air movement of a much larger driver.

 

[Johnd]

With respect to the OP, what this product sounds like it’s trying to do is provide bass impact for satellite owning apartment/condo dwellers that are not allowed to have deep wall shaking bass. In my opinion there is just no other reason to consider buying one. There are plenty of high quality towers that cover this range exceptionally well, especially those with multiple mid-sized woofers. And, there are plenty of real subwoofers that deliver high quality mid-bass, complete with serious impact, as well as serious deep bass. Sorry no disrespect to the OP but I see this product as strictly a gimmick.

And, yes, I can understand the fascination with the concept. In the old days one had the option of multiple mid-sized drivers or a single 10-12” driver for tight solid bass, or a single 15-18” driver for very deep bass at the expense of sometimes sloppy mid-bass. These options are still popular today. Personally I like a multi 10-12” driver solution because it allows the tightness and impact of a smaller driver, and the massive air movement of a much larger driver.

Ditto. My 'digms have no problem covering the 50-80 Hz region (nor much of any frequency range, for that matter). A good set of speakers with a quality sub will have no problem hitting that frequency w/o any lapses. I believe this sub is designed for a niche market that will introduce yet another (otherwise unnecessary) layer of complexity to achieving accurate sound reproduction. Let it not be said that Dr. Hsu is no businessman.

 

[spyboy]

Thanks to all those who looked, and especially to those who took the time to respond.
With all due respect to those who took the time to respond; as stated this is not a stand-alone product. It is designed to augment a true bottom dwelling sub such as the flat to 12Hz Hsu VTF-3HO + Turbo that would cover the 12Hz-50Hz range while the MBM covers the 50Hz-80Hz range. And you are also correct that this is not for the meek. This is more for those who would be willing to add something like the Velodyne SMS-1 subwoofer EQ system to their systems.

1) If you read all the posts in the link provided, Dr. Hsu addresses the phase issues, as well as system set-up issues as mentioned in number 2, and 3, below.

2) Even if you have tower speakers, how many of them are going to be able to deliver 120 db at the listening position?

3) More and more, it is recommended that for the vast majority of systems, all speakers should be set to Small.

4) Dr. Hsu is fairly readily available by telephone. Those who purchase the MBM will be able to get personal attention to issues such as phase, cabling, etc.; either directly from Dr. Hsu or from his staff.

5) Again, with all due respect, please read the entire link. Those who experienced this set-up were highly impressed.

6) I once experienced near-field sub placement. It is quite an experience, but it was not a purpose designed unit with a lightweight cone designed specifically for the mid-bass region capable of 120 db output.

7) Dr. Hsu is no light-weight when it comes to sub design, or speaker design for that matter. His forthcoming HB-1 $125 bookshelf speaker also received very positive reviews.

http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/he2006/060206Hsu/

and;

http://blog.hometheatermag.com/markfleischmann/060606la2/

I don't work for Hsu. I do have VTF-3HO on pre-order, and I recognize a smart guy (Dr. Hsu) when I see one, as well as a business man who is working hard to expand and improve on what is already out there.

My interest in Hsu was prompted by the August 1998 Audio magazine review of the then $450 TN1220HO that managed 101 db at 12.5Hz! That product sparked a tremendous interest in and sales of cylinder subs. After all, it was the jumping off point for SVS.

Thanks again.