Hsu ULS-15 Mk II

[Steve81]

Looks like Dr. Hsu has now upgraded the ULS-15:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls-15mk2.html

The big change appears to be the driver, which is based on the same platform as the VTF-15H MkII and VTF-3 Mk V HP. Paired with the 600W continuous / 2kW short term amp, output is increased significantly (you can compare output graphs with the outgoing model). The other big thing that will catch your attention is the price...it's gone down. Pre-order prices are $779 in satin black ($1049 regular) and $929 in rosenut ($1199 regular); those numbers aren't inclusive of the $69 shipping cost. Other things that stick out...looks like the new model doesn't have a wireless connection built in. It's also a good bit lighter at 65 pounds vs 84 pounds for the original model.

Overall? Looks like the ID sub market is getting even hotter...

 

[shadyJ]

Looks like Hsu dropped the XBL^2 driver. That driver was a bruiser and the magnet is gigantic, and it sounds really nice, but didn't have amazing upper bass sensitivity. It was a great driver, but you can't argue against the CEA measurements of the new drivers. I will hold on to my mk1s though, they are classics. Here are pictures of the old driver vs the new:

 

[KEW]

19 pounds decrease? That is not casual! Any notions on where they could get that kind of weight reduction?

Personally, I like the FR curve on this better than the earlier model. I believe room gain exists and think it should be factored for best sound reproduction.

I wish impulse data was available...

I bet these will be flying off the shelf at their pre-order prices!

 

[shadyJ]

It looks like the new driver isn't using as large of a magnet or top plate. I would attribute the weight loss to that.

 

[Steve81]

19 pounds decrease? That is not casual! Any notions on where they could get that kind of weight reduction?

The old driver weighed about 40 pounds, so it's possible some weight was cut there. shadyJ's pics would seem to confirm that line of thought. Of course, a 40 pound driver on a compact 84 pound sub indicates a pretty hefty enclosure on the original. It's plausible that Hsu may have re-worked the enclosure to shave a few pounds on that side as well.