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Re: I've gone and done it.
#116048 11/17/05 10:14 PM
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AdamP88 Offline OP
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Hmmm. I've got a new contender. Hsu is having a sale on their piano black VTF series, and I can get a VTF-2 for $470 (only 40 more than a PB10). The PB10 still plays lower, though. And it has one sexy frequency response graph.

Hmmm...

Re: I've gone and done it.
#116049 11/17/05 10:46 PM
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local
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Oh the decisions one has to make.

This is what BrenR had to say about the STF-2 versus VTF-2 in his review of the HSU line up 8 months ago.

"This is probably the only time I can compare an entire product line. I demo'ed the whole STF-1-3 line (and the VTF-2), American Hi-Fi of Canada (yes, AH-F of C, makes me worder if there's a Canadian Imperial Bank of Congress, of America) has them here.................I'm not sure why Hsu quotes the same bass extension for the STF-3 as the 2, while I didn't bring an SPL meter, subjective listening would say that the 3 did dip down lower than the 2. Really nothing came as a surprise. the STF-1 had the least low bass but performed remarkably well to the "punch" torture test (and the sales guy was less than impressed with playing something that sounded like Lars Ulrich playing double kick on a really REALLY big kick drum), the STF-2 was in the middle and the STF-3 went down the furthest but glossed over each individual "hit" a little. The VTF-2 unbunged definately dug deeper than the STFs and yet remained nice and responsive. (as a side note - this test probably would have caused a voice coil to weld itself together in the 80s - a testament to new driver technology!)

Since I went down with my brother (due entirely to the fact he drives something with a cargo area) the bassist in him drooled over the VTF-2, and I picked up the STF-2 (for the cheap bugger in me)."

For $40 I'd be thinking pretty seriously about the VTF.

Re: I've gone and done it.
#116050 11/17/05 11:34 PM
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axiomite
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Having heard neither a VTF-2 nor a PB10, and basing my opinions entirely on mvg-published specs & internet gossip, I would definitely go with the PB10


M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
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Re: I've gone and done it.
#116051 11/18/05 02:13 AM
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axiomite
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Adam, I had the VTF2 before I went up to the VTF3, but I really enjoyed it's performance. It was a lot better than an old Klipsch 12" sub. Not only did the VTF2 go deeper, it did so with much more authority while still playing clean. I had it set-up in a small room (10x10) and it really had no problem moving air. "Finding Nemo" and "Saving Private Ryan" were frightening experiences. I think Hsu is releasing a "turbo" attachment which will increase the SPLs of some of their current subs.

I have not heard the SVS, but I thought long and hard about the PB10. I liked the idea that it played lower in the frequency range. In the end, though, I went with the Hsu. Actually drove to Hsu HQ and picked it up. Easy way to save on shipping.


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"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: I've gone and done it.
#116052 11/19/05 08:56 AM
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AdamP88 Offline OP
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So I forgot to mention in my initial post that I'm also looking for a receiver to power the M3s.

I'm looking at two right now. The Onkyo TX-SR702 and the Marantz SR5500 (both 7.1ch). I can get both on ubid for roughly the same price (~$400 after shipping) - which is roughly half their retail price. The Onkyo has a few more inputs/outputs, more power (100w vs. 90w) and automatic speaker setup (with mic), though I won't need that until I get some surrounds later on down the road, but it'll still be handy. The Marantz has automatic video upconversion to component, Dolby Headphone (I do listen to headphones a lot), plus it looks nicer (cleaner faceplate) and has a better rear layout. Both feature a pretty comprehensive set of surround modes (including Pro Logic IIx, DTS ES, Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6,1, Neo: 6), plenty of power, and multi-room capability.

They seem like a pretty even match on paper. Anyone have experience with either (or both)?

Re: I've gone and done it.
#116053 11/19/05 03:33 PM
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Hi Adam!

Before I bought my M50s(powered by an Onkyo 602)I was extreemly happy with M3s powered by an Onkyo 494.

I bought the Onkyo 602 cause I was happy with the 494, and an earlier stereo-only Onkyo that I'd bought &%@# years before, plus a favorable review in Audioholics of an Onkyo 601 with Axiom M80s.

I'm not "as" happy with the 602/M50 combo as I was with the 494/M3 set-up. Don't know if it's the Onkyo(don't know; earphones sound great, so the line-level stuff is good)or the M50s(could be, even near-field, there's something missing that I can't quite dial-in)or my acoustically challenged room; a certain contributor to sonic disharmonyBut "somethin' ain't quite right"

But the "old" M3s sounded great and I suspect that the "new" M3s will sound just fine also, with a 702!

Re: I've gone and done it.
#116054 11/19/05 11:32 PM
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AdamP88 Offline OP
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I've decided to go with the Onkyo. After reading some more, the Marantz only has multi-room capabilities if I have another amp for the other room. Plus reviews of the Marantz are scarce, but I was able to come across quite a few for the Onkyo, all positive.

Now I just need to make up my mind about the sub and I'll have my first nice speaker system all ready to go.

Re: I've gone and done it.
#116055 11/19/05 11:38 PM
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Man, that's a tough call. But the piano black Hsu is real nice looking...


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: I've gone and done it.
#116056 11/20/05 12:34 AM
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AdamP88 Offline OP
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Yeah, I like the look of the Hsu STF and VTF better, but the SVS's performance is hard to ignore. Peter did bring up a good point, though - piano black gloss would be a pain in the ass to keep clean (fingerprints, dust, etc).

A couple PB10 charts to drool over:




Re: I've gone and done it.
#116057 11/20/05 07:45 AM
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That is a point which I am likely to ignore, at least before purchasing....


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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