"HSU" or "SVS"? Seeking to 'top off' my spending frenzy with a Subwoofer.

[lifestyle]

The equipment i've purchased thus far consists of: Yamaha A-S500 (Integrated Amplifier), Yamaha CD-S300 (CD Player), Acsend Acoustics CBM-170 SE (Speakers), ???? (Subwoofer).

These are what i've, in my non-Audiophile fashion, nailed-it-down-to:

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/ported-box/pb-1000 $499

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/sealed-box/sb-1000 $499

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1mk2.html $419

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html $329

Main questions: Ported or non-ported? The "HSU Vtf-1Mk2" seems pretty good from my research, so is it worth spending the extra $80 for the "SVS" which "Audioholics" deems as "Gotta have it"? (The "HSU" gets no such recommendation).

This is "not" for home theatre, it will be used only for music listening, and as stated above, will be paired-up with the CBM-170 SE's. Thanks Audiophiles!

 

[Steve81]

I'd lean toward the Hsu VTF1.2 since it offers the most set up flexibility, i.e. 32Hz tune, 25Hz tune, & sealed mode. Since your system won't have the benefit of room correction software (Audyssey, YPAO, etc), that will help you adjust the sub to your room / taste.

As for sealed vs ported, here's a little light reading:
http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/sealed-vs-ported-subwoofers

The SB1000 is a bit different from the sealed subs characterized there though, as SVS uses DSP to shape its frequency response into what you'd expect from a ported sub.

 

[lifestyle]

I'd lean toward the Hsu VTF1.2 since it offers the most set up flexibility, i.e. 32Hz tune, 25Hz tune, & sealed mode. Since your system won't have the benefit of room correction software (Audyssey, YPAO, etc), that will help you adjust the sub to your room / taste.

As for sealed vs ported, here's a little light reading:
http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/sealed-vs-ported-subwoofers

The SB1000 is a bit different from the sealed subs characterized there though, as SVS uses DSP to shape its frequency response into what you'd expect from a ported sub.

Great material, still tough deciding though... Might you be saying that because of the "DSP" on the "SVS" - it's comparable to the VTF1.2 ?

 

[Steve81]

Great material, still tough deciding though... Might you be saying that because of the "DSP" on the "SVS" - it's comparable to the VTF1.2 ?

The "shaped" response of the SB-1000 will be similar to the 25Hz tune on the VTF1.2. However, DSP (digital signal processing) can only do so much; the tiny sealed SVS won't have the output to back it up.

 

[lifestyle]

The "shaped" response of the SB-1000 will be similar to the 25Hz tune on the VTF1.2. However, DSP (digital signal processing) can only do so much; the tiny sealed SVS won't have the output to back it up.

Thanks again Steve...

 

[Steve81]

No problemo

 

[agarwalro]

Two of these stacked for output or in different locations for more even bass:

Parts Express Sub 1200

 

[afterlife2]

I second 2 Daytons 1200. They do a good job. I have only one on a 2.1 set up, but I live in a small apt., so I don't need two.

 

[3db]

I would add both the Rythmik LV12-R and L12, ported and sealed units respectively for $569 if you can swing your budget towards that. Both models use servo feedback and are fast articulate subs with good low end grunt, more than anything on your list so far.

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/LV12R.html

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/L12.html


http://www.rythmikaudio.com/products1.html

 

[lifestyle]

I would add both the Rythmik LV12-R and L12, ported and sealed units respectively for $569 if you can swing your budget towards that. Both models use servo feedback and are fast articulate subs with good low end grunt, more than anything on your list so far.

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/LV12R.html

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/L12.html


http://www.rythmikaudio.com/products1.html

I really wanted the budget to be under $400.00, but it seems to be slim pick'ens below that. Thats one reason I listed the HSU STF-2, Read some good personal & professional reviews on it...

 

[Steve81]

I really wanted the budget to be under $400.00, but it seems to be slim pick'ens below that. Thats one reason I listed the HSU STF-2, Read some good personal & professional reviews on it...

Here's an oldie but a goodie for that:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/188634-hsu-research-stf-2-subwoofer-test-review/

Ed Mullen would then go on to become a reviewer over at Secrets of HT & Hifi and he is now the Director of Techonology & Customer Relations at SVS.

 

[lifestyle]

Here's an oldie but a goodie for that:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/188634-hsu-research-stf-2-subwoofer-test-review/

Ed Mullen would then go on to become a reviewer over at Secrets of HT & Hifi and he is now the Director of Techonology & Customer Relations at SVS.

Not sure how you pull all these articles up, but i'm getting my education! I feel I have another "Budget Sub" option now... All these options!!!