HSU Research Ultra 15 (5.1) Speaker Package Overview

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HTKamikazee

Audioholics Sheriff
HSU Research is known for their awesome subwoofers. But, did you know that they also have some awesome sounding speakers packages? If you didn't know, now you know! These packages are called Ultra 15 packages. They come in 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 and 7.1 configurations to better suit your needs and available space. We are going to talk about their 5.1 package which consists of (4) HB-1 MK2 Horn Bookshelf Speakers, (1) HC-1 MK2 Horn Center Channel speaker and (1) ULS-15 Subwoofer.

HB-1 MK2 (Second Generation) Horn Bookshelf Speaker boasts flatter frequency response, improved horn, and more powerful Neodymium magnet for the tweeter, and greatly improved looks. The HB-1MK2, according to the company, provides effortless dynamics to handle high definition audio programs and home theater.

The speaker in charge of the dialog is the HC-1 MK2 (Second Generation) Horn Center Channel. The two 6 1/2-inch woofers in the HC-1MK2 have excellent damping properties, which reproduce upper-bass frequencies with utmost accuracy.

And last but, not least, the HSU Research decided to put in their ULS-15 Subwoofer to take care of the "dirty work". This subwoofer is claimed to have ultra low distortion and to be capable of that extending down to 10 Hz in most rooms. Besides its performance, it is the most spouse friendly sub they have ever offered, with wireless connection, beautiful finish, and compact size. It is also their first high end subwoofer with wireless connection. This makes it so much easier to optimally place the subwoofer without ugly wires or the high cost of running in-wall wires to the optimal location.

The ULS-15 features a woofer with patented super linear motor. The motor force is linear within 2% over an ultra wide +/- 20 mm. In contrast, most woofers with Xmax of +/- 30 mm will have the motor force within 2% over 5 mm or less. It also has a butyl rubber foam surround. Butyl rubber foam has the longevity of solid butyl rubber without the weight penalty. Check out the specs for this awesome package!

- HB-1 MK2 Horn Bookshelf Speaker specifications:
  • Frequency response: 60Hz – 20kHz +/- 2 dB.
  • Sensitivity: 92 dB / 1m / 2.83V in Half Space.
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-250W RMS Per Channel.
  • Woofer: 6.5"
  • Enclosure Type: Vented ; 3⁄4” MDF.
  • Recommended Impedance: 8 ohms.
  • Enclosure Dimensions: 15-3⁄8” H x 8” W x 8” D.
  • Dimensions with Grill: 15-3⁄8” H x 8” W x 8”5⁄8" D.
  • Weight: 14 lbs.
  • Warranty: 7-years
- HC-1 MK2 Horn Center Channel specifications:
  • Frequency response: 60Hz – 20kHz +/- 2 dB.
  • Sensitivity: 92 dB / 1m / 2.83V in Half Space.
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-250W RMS Per Channel.
  • Woofer: 6.5" Enclosure Type: Vented ; 3⁄4” MDF.
  • Recommended Impedance: 8 ohms.
  • Enclosure Dimensions: 8” H x 23” W x 9.5” D.
  • Dimensions with Grill & Base: 9-3⁄8” H x 23” W x 10” D.
  • Weight: 25 lbs.
  • Warranty: 7-years
- ULS-15 Subwoofer specifications:
  • Amplifier Power: 2000 W Short Term. (RMS): 600 W Continuous.
  • Frequency Response: 15 - 200 Hz, 0/-1 dB.
  • Woofer: 15-Inch
  • ULF Trim: 16 - 50 Hz
  • Crossover: 30 - 90 Hz, Bypassable
  • Crossover Slope: 24 dB/Oct
  • Phase: 0°/180°
  • Inputs: Balanced XLR (2), Line Level (2), Wireless (2), Speaker Level (2).
  • Power Outlet Requirement: 600W
  • Enclosure Dimensions: 18" H x 18" W x 18" D.
  • Dimensions with Grill, Feet and Amp: 18-3⁄4" H x 18" W x 20-3⁄16"D.
  • Weight: 84 lbs.
  • Warranty: 7-years on Woofer, 2-years on Electronics.
System's Price: $1,789.00

Ultra15SB-5-1-600.jpg

So, if you live in an apartment or if you have a small room, and still want to get a surround sound speaker package, this is a great choice. But don't let the size of these speakers fool you. They are sure going to rock loud and clear. Let us know what you think!
 
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S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
What's neat about the ULS-15, and what isn't reflected in the CEA numbers, is the way the driver staves off distortion and non-linearity until the top of its xmax. It uses XBL^2 top plate design to do this, where the amount of voice coil which the top plate 'sees' remains more steady than traditional designs. The cost of this is sensitivity, but the reward is cleaner bass throughout a greater part of the sub's dynamic range. You can kind of see this effect in action in distortion measurements of the Adire Tumult mk1, an older driver which also uses XBL^2, where rising sweeps of 5 dB only increase distortion in small increments, until, of course, the VC travels out of bounds and goes beyond xmax at the 115 dB sweep:

Compare that to other designs where distortion rises considerably more at greater excursion level- here are some distortion measurements of highly regarded 15" sub drivers, they still do well but the advantage of XBL^2 is clear:

 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
HSU Research is known for their awesome subwoofers. But, did you know that they also have some awesome sounding speakers packages?
View attachment 14783
So, if you live in an apartment or if you have a small room, and still want to get a surround sound speaker package, this is a great choice. But don't let the size of these speakers fool you.

They are sure going to rock loud and clear. Let us know what you think!
Good information - however, how did they really overall sound to you?
 

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