Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Help me select a Sub!!!

I recently received my SVS PB1-ISD sub, and have just started putting it through its paces. For first impressions, it is an excellent sub. I had read that you don't just 'hear' an SVS sub, but also 'feel' an SVS sub. I can say that for both movies and music, that seems to be true.

The impact this sub brings to movies is astounding. I have tested scenes from LOTR, Fight CLub (mid-air collision!), Monsters, Inc., etc., and this sub really comes through with low, clean bass. I haven't really had enough time to listen to a full range of music, nor to confirm I have it calibrated ideally for music yet, but for my initial listening, it performs very well for music. Bass notes are clean, and seem to relay what they are supposed to. Bass guitar sounds like bass guitar, bass drum sounds like bass drum.

I didn't have the chance to listen to HSU subs, but of course it came down to those 2 brands. When it came time to choose, the shear magnitude of praise for SVS, as well as the excellent customer service I received during the research phase, sold me (in addition to the features of the PB1 of course). As SPiffy confirms though, you really can't go wrong with either brand.

Welcome to the club! I have the same sub and my impressions of it are the same.

One good test is to intentionally turn up the gain much higher than you'd normally have it and play some music and movies. Mine stays unboomy, but sure pressurizes the room!

mhorgel,

VTF-2 $499
VTF-3 $849
VTF-3R Rosewood B-Stock $920
STF-1 $299 ]
STF-2 $399 ] Factory Direct
STF-3 $599 ]
..and of course, you can always call and ask for a B-Stock VTF-2/VTF-3 if it's not advertised on their site

If the STF-3 is going to be $599, and it specs out like the VTF-3, then I think my choice is going to be a no-brainer. Can anybody tell me there is a better sub available for the money?

Only the kind you build yourself. And only if you get it right on the first or second try.

There will probably be b-stock STF-3's too. Now THAT would be a bargain!

Yeah...with their standard 20% reduction...a b-stock STF-3....$480!!!!! If they do that.....that will BE THE bargain.

If they do that, I may be coaxed into upgrading my precious VTF-2. (AFTER a new TV and DVD player though)

On Hsu's website, a review of the VTF-3 states that "For all intents and purposes, the two units [VTF-2 and VTF-3] sounded the same with typical bass material in a typical room".

Since my room is smallish (13x17x8 feet), and I never listen to pipe organ music, would I really notice $350 worth of difference between the two units? Everybody seems to love their VTF-2's, and I am concerned with the sheer size of the VTF-3. It seems to me that I might be perfectly happy with the VTF-2, especially compared to my current Infinity BU 120. Heck, with the money I'd save, I could practically buy a pair of QS8's to use as surrounds, and demote my QS4's to use as rears. Plus, I have enough money for the VTF-2 NOW and they're IN STOCK, and my upgradeitis is acute!

Any comments from those who have heard both units in similar sized rooms on DVD and musical sources? I watch movies/music 80/20.

Thanks, Mark

mhorgel,

I've never listened to VTF-2 myself (I own the VTF-3, which I am very happy with), but given your room size, listening habits, and concerns on the cabinet size, my gut feeling is that VTF-2 (or STF-2) is a better buy for you.