Subwoofer dilemma SVS NB12 / HSU VFT3.3 / eD A5-350 etc

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styrbjorn

Audioholic Intern
OK - I think I've done pretty good research and narrowed down my choices, so I'm ready to ask the board's advice..

Background: I have a 27'W x 16'D X 8'H room. It's got some irregularities and also opens into an 11 X 9 dining area, so I'll ballpark it at 4000 ft^3. My receiver is a Pioneer VSX21-TXH and I have a pair of B&W 683 speakers (no center channel for a while). My listening is about 50/50 music and HT. I am single so WAF is a non-factor and I'm flexible on budget, just want the best value/dollar I can find for a sub that I won't need to upgrade anytime soon. I have hardwood floors but will be putting the sub on a gramma pad. I want one good sub for now but could see expanding to a second in a year or two. I am not interested in DIY - I know and respect my limitations in this area.

I currently have my selection down to 3-4 companies (I kind of view Outlaw/HSU as the same thing) but haven't seen a lot on ED - so here's what I am looking at:

1) SVS PB12-NSD ($569/$640 shipped). Pros: great reviews, great price. Made in Ohio, and great customer service reputation. This was the one I was looking at when I started researching equivalents/competitors.

2) HSU VTF-3.3 ($629/729 shipped) (could also go Outlaw LFM-1 EX here) Pros: great reviews, great reputation for musicality Cons: Not crazy about having to plug/unplug ports to switch modes, not sure if it'll fit on my Gramma.

3) Elemental Designs - This company seems to get raves on customer service and they're from Iowa, which is cool (I have family there). I haven't seen many reviews comparing their products to the SVS/HSU, but I'm intrigued by 3 of their models and wanted some feedback:
* A5-350 ($800 shipped) Pros: 15" and good extension, should be plenty to fill room Cons: Price is higher than the others above, huge box - will it fit on a gramma? I'd love some feedback on how this compares to the SVS and HSU, even though I know it's a bigger model
* A5S-300 ($550 shipped) Pros: smaller, inexpensive, could fit under coffee table. Not sure if sealed is the way to go. Cons: might be too small for this room?
*A3-300 ($550 shipped) Pros: Inexpensive Con: Not sure how it compares with the SVS and HSU, also not sure if it's a significant downgrade from the A5-350.

I'd love to hear some comparisons of these models, and of course if I'm overlooking some good contenders feel free to let me know
 
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shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
The ED A5s-300 is a very different sub than the others on that list, I wouldn't list it with the others unless you were willing to get two. With two though, you get a discount, $1K shipped, and I think such a system would be very competitive with any of the other subs you mentioned, something worth considering.

I have the A3-300 and a couple VTF3's so I can tell you how they compare, but I can only guess about the others. They are both very good subs, the VTF is certainly higher performing but it is also more expensive. It's tighter, it reaches deeper frequencies, and is solid as a rock even when it's rocking hard. It also has a nicer finish. However, the A3 is a bit smaller, and can mostly keep up with the VTF in output above very deep frequencies. It also has very good sound quality. The PB12 looks a lot like the A3 except tuned a bit lower. I know that would be a rockin' sub too.

I think the A5-350 would be a blast, it ought to have the most output and overhead. It will fill that room just fine, but to be honest, any of those subs will, as long as you take the time to place them correctly and dial them in. I would expect the A5 350 to have the most slam and impact, however.

Switching modes on the VTF is not a big deal, you just take that foam plug and flick a switch. If you decide to go with that sub, you will eventually find which mode you prefer and keep it there. It's also perfectly sized to double as an endtable, and with a side-firing driver, that is bass you can feel. I believe the Outlaw LFM EX even has the option of a plexiglass top, which also encourages its use as an endtable. By the way, although the LFM and VTF are a lot alike, they are not identical. The VTF has larger ports, which enable it to play a bit deeper than the LFM, from what I have read. Still, I think the performance differences would be negligible in most circumstances. Don't wait too long if you want the VTF3, I don't think it will be on sale much longer.

In my opinion, there is not a wrong choice between them. Any of these are great subs and will outperform equivalently priced subs at retail stores. The only way you can lose is by going to electronics store and buying whatever they have without doing any homework on the matter, and you have already cleared that hurdle.
 
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styrbjorn

Audioholic Intern
Thanks shady - I ended up going with the A5-350, I was really happy with the support and helpfulness from the folks at Elemental Designs.
 
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shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
Nice, that sub will rock you! Let us know what you think of it when you get it set up.
 
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