Hsu vs. SVS

[Tomorrow]

I don't wish to break open old wounds. I haven't been around long, but I'd guess this forum has had some Hsu vs. SVS, er....heated discussions and hearty opinions.

That said, can someone direct me to a respected review (or several) of the two subs, compared side by side? Any (comparative) pair of models will do for my inquisitiveness.

 

[Duffinator]

Yeah that topic has bee covered here many times. I'm ready to purchase a SVS PB12-ISD. Here's one of the better reviews I've seen:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=190398

 

[brian32672]

Very good review. I'm still thinking (debating) on picking up a SVS. I see they are the cream of the crop, in this price range.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I have the Hsu STF 3 and I love it. It's big though. Very big. And with the turbo add on coming soon, you should look no further. All the sub you will ever need. Excellent price as well. Compared to SVS in it's same class.

 

[brian32672]

That review was good, but the sub I am truly debating on is the SVS PB12-ISD/V. Which certainly is a drop better than the SVS in that review. Now just to find it for a good price..... Also ITS A MUST, THAT I BE DRUNK WHEN I MAKE THIS PURCHASE, I HAVE A BRAND NEW SUB, AND AM HAPPY WITH IT. JUST THE THOUGHT OF HITTING 18 to 20HZ, Drool..........

 

[mfabien]

Never heard an HSU sub and I'm sure they are top quality.

I would not trade my SVS PB-12 ISD for a current model sports car.

 

[Takeereasy]

Here is a review that may help a bit. Outlaw vs. SVS

Ok, to be technical this is an outlaw sub but it is very comparable to the HSU STF-3 performance wise and was designed by HSU for outlaw.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

Hey mfabien:

how did you get an SVS living in Canada? I got an Hsu in Canada but I never found anybody selling SVS in canada and the shipping was waaaaaaaay to much.

 

[Duffinator]

I would not trade my SVS PB-12 ISD for a current model sports car.

Not even for a Porsche Carrera GT?

I'd like to get the ISD/V or Plus but the box just doesn't fit in my space. According to Tom at SVS the ISD should be plenty of bass for my room.

 

[mfabien]

Johnny Canuck,

The UPS fee of $58 was payable to SVS at the time of purchase. The 78 lbs sub had a crated weight of 87 lbs.

Then for "Total Value for Duty" of $743.12 CDN (exchange in April) for the sub, a 12 meter interconnect cable plus the AVIA/SPL meter bundle.

UPS charged me:

$ 52.02 GST
$ 59.64 QST
$ 61.52 Brokerage fee
$ 3.99 GST on brokerage fee
$ 0.00 for duty

Total of $ 177.17 CDA and I added another $ 13 CDA and the driver helped bring down the 87 lbs crate down the basement. In fact he should me a neat trick of sliding down the crate on the edges of the steps... could have done it alone!

 

[mfabien]

Not even for a Porsche Carrera GT?

I'd like to get the ISD/V or Plus but the box just doesn't fit in my space. According to Tom at SVS the ISD should be plenty of bass for my room.

I was a Motor Vehicle executive for many years and drove them all. Ford, GM, Citroën, Maserati, Subaru. So that is behind me now. But the sub is very precious and so is my HDTV.

Note: I can tell you how it feels to drive a Maserati Ghibli at 150 mph but how much better it was to drive a Citroën with a Maserati engine (Citroën SM) at the same speed because of the Citroën's hydropneumatic suspension.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

good deal mfabien..

I got the Hsu STF3 shipped to my door for $699 plus taxes Canadian.

 

[mkossler]

Oh man, I read that thread title and thought, "hoo-boy, here we go again!" Good to see a civil, level-headed discussion...

I am an SVS owner so my bias is established, but asking the question is really like saying "should I buy gold or platinum?" It's really hard to see how buying either would be a losing proposition - at this point I literally think I would look at the vendors themselves, and base my choice on which I like better there.

Pretty lame I suppose, but unless you can audition the sub you want in the listening environment you will have, there's just no way. It's like Hercules and the Hydra - for every bad thing written about either sub, two rave reviews pop up in its place.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I agree mkossler. I would be happy with either one. Both companies are great. I bought Hsu because SVS was not available, so i thought, in Canada.

I really don't think the human ear would hear a difference. Sure, an SPL meter might, but to the average to above average consumer, not worth bickering about.

The Hsu STF 3 has been awesome and i got a great deal...better than i could have SVS PB 12. Bottom line. For the same price I would have had to get a PB 10 and the STF 3, from what I read, looked like the better sub.

 

[oscar6036]

Interesting that you mention that, if someone can't afford to go up to the PB12 would the wise choice be to get the STF-3? I mean, I really wonder if the PB12 can be that much better than the PB-10, in terms of diminishing returns anyway.

 

[mfabien]

Interesting that you mention that, if someone can't afford to go up to the PB12 would the wise choice be to get the STF-3? I mean, I really wonder if the PB12 can be that much better than the PB-10, in terms of diminishing returns anyway.

I have a big room and Erik (from SVS) stated that the PB-10 could possibly bottom out in my environment and recommended the PB-12.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

The whole thing buying one of these two is to read. You can't hear them for the most part as they are internet order. You have to research and listen to someone else's opinion.

And as the saying goes, opinions are like***holes..we all have one.

Either are great.

 

[mkossler]

Hey, Johnny Canuck -

Amen, brother!