New Sub to replace Bic F12

[blazerboy]

The M8 after a few reviews and such doesnt seem to be a mindblowing performance increase over the Bic F12, infact it seems rather similar...The Rhythmik FV12 is an idea, its right around what I WANT to spend, again...I need something that can hit hard and clean, musically speaking the best for the price point, ya I know I wont get the big 13k JL for 500 dollars...or 700 or whatever but im looking for the best value - performance in its respectable price range. The SVS looked nice because of the free shipping so itd actually be quite a bit cheaper than the VTF, about 200 cheaper. The SVS also offers the Trade-Up which is nice. However if its alot better than even the plus model, let me know and I can figure it out. Im located in Southern Los Angeles, going to Anaheim without a car (long story) is impossible.

 

[kesando]

FYI,
Pete is no longer with HSU.

Why? What happened? Is this why he has been posting in the forums lately?

 

[blazerboy]

How is the LFM-1 EX? Outlaw

 

[its phillip]

Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX Subwoofer Review — Reviews and News from Audioholics

 

[shadyJ]

The VTF15h will have more output than anything else mentioned here by a longshot, except for the PB12 Plus. If you don't want to make the stretch for a VTF15h or PB12 Plus, I would go with a Outlaw LFM-1 EX or Hsu VTF3. The Rythmik FV12 is excellent too. The PB12 NSD looks very nice, but I wouldn't take one over a VTF3, LFM-1 or FV12, although you are certain to be pleased with any of them, they are all good values.

 

[blazerboy]

if people can confirm that the VTF15 is like you say I will infact get it. Thing is, since I am limited in transportation for the moment, testing out by my own ears is extremely hard so I am sort of relying on user input to make a call, specs reviews etc.

 

[psbfan9]

For under $200.00 you can get another F12. Running two F12's will give you more than enough bass for the size of your room.

 

[blazerboy]

I sent an email to them, for 879, if I can leave spending 879 great. So I may arrange a local pickup to save on the crazy shipping price. As far as another F12, the thing is...I dont like the sound quality of it anymore. I want something bigger and better, countless reviews call it musically muddy and I am using it for 85% music 15% HT, so I need a musically superior sub that can fill my room with ease, and have plenty of headroom in case I move the system into a larger room.

 

[timoteo]

As long as you have space for the large enclosure of the VTF-15H you will not be disappointed!!
I havent read one negative review of someone who has actually owned the VTF-15H including myself. It really is a beast of a sub that is suprisingly musical. It does not sound like a "ported" sub but because it is properly designed it is very accurate & clean.

 

[ack_bak]

I sent an email to them, for 879, if I can leave spending 879 great. So I may arrange a local pickup to save on the crazy shipping price. As far as another F12, the thing is...I dont like the sound quality of it anymore. I want something bigger and better, countless reviews call it musically muddy and I am using it for 85% music 15% HT, so I need a musically superior sub that can fill my room with ease, and have plenty of headroom in case I move the system into a larger room.

I would drive over to HSU and demo the 15H and the VTF-3 MK4 and decide between these two. Both have tons of tuning options the 15H will just allow for more output and extesnsion for not much more money. If it was me? I would get the 15H since you would not have to pay shipping and you will not have any regrets. But I will warn you, the 15H is a beast. You won't be able to pick it up in a car, you need an SUV, minivan, or pickup truck.

 

[blazerboy]

why wouldnt i be able to throw it in a back seat? OR in a trunk? 100 pounds? Iv thrown desks and stuff in my car that were 2-3x times that weight.

 

[timoteo]

Haha it's not the weight it's the size!!!

Not only is the enclosure pretty massive, it is also double boxed to protect it from shipping damage!

You really do need to mock it up out of cardboard before continuing. Thats what I did & so have many others when deciding on any sub in this class. The dimensions are on their site. Just cut a piece of cardboard that represents each of the 4 sides plus the top & bottom then tape them together to for the box. You may be suprised at the size.

But remember!!....we are dealing with the laws of physics when it comes to subwoofers. There is no getting around that!!! So in order for a sub to play low AND loud AND at a reasonable price, the enclosure WILL be large.

For your room, the VTF3 MK4 would be more than enough honestly. It's just a matter of knowing you have the best they offer for not much more money & knowing your future proofed, that you'd want to get the 15H. Even the VTF2 MK4 would be plenty haha.

That's really why you should try to get down to the demo room if any way possible.

I have a Chevy Express work van that I picked my VTF-15H up in. I laughed at how much room it took up in the back. So much that I took a photo.

No Hond Civic could dream of gettin one in her...(that sounded weired)

 

[norml4721]

Rythmik

.

I second that. the FV12 is perfect for your room. Rythmik & HSU make exellent subs. I give Rythmik a slight edge. The FV12 is there entry level.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

At this price point ($500-$700) you really need some help to get accurate, tight, "musical" bass. And Servo Direct is that help.

A $500 subwoofer with a Q=0.5 is amazing. Only way you could achieve a Q=0.5 for under $1K is with the help of Servo technology.

 

[timoteo]

The servo tech doesn't come without a price, if even a small one. The VtF-15H is under $1K & can be ran in .3 .5 or .7Q. So the Rythmiks are not the only subs under a grand that are .5Q & servo is not the only way to achieve that.

 

[blazerboy]

what is this .3,.5,.7 Q that u guys are talking about

 

[GlocksRock]

what is this .3,.5,.7 Q that u guys are talking about

eq adjustments on the amp.

 

[timoteo]

The Q is the adjustment that changes how "tight" or "loose" the sub plays. I have mine set to .5 right in the middle. If I go over to .7 it can have a tad tok much overhang. If its at .3 it's a little too lean for my taste.

It also has to do with your room & where the sub is located. On the VTF-15H it pretty much adjusts the output centered around 25hz. So for my room when I measured its response I would have a peak at 25hz if set to .7 & a dip if at .3. So it's not all about taste but about how it measures as well. Your room may have a natural dip at 25hz & you may need to have the Q set to .7 in order to be flat or the other way around.

That's what I love about the VTF-15H & the new MK4 versions of the HSU lineup. They have a lot of adjustments on them so you can really fine tune their in-room response. If your willing to take the time to find the best placement then measure its response & adjust/EQ you can get amazing results. I'm within 2dB from 16hz-250hz & that is with the MBM-12 in the mix.