Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Sorry: SVS 20-39 PCi vs. Hsu VTF-3 MK2

I've seen some SVS/Hsu discussions on here, so I'm sorry to try to start another one. First thing, I understand they both rock. So my question is, ignoring form factor and power (I don't think the 320 vs. 350 will matter so much.) Which way do people lean? Has anyone done a direct comparison? Is one significantly fussier than the other? more/less musical? etc..?

I don't think there's ever been a direct side-by-side comparison of the two. Both rock, you pretty much just have to decide if you want a tall tube or a black box.

Or if you want to make us all really happy, buy both, do the side-by-side comparison, and send the loser back. Then of course let us know what you decided, and why.

I really doubt you can go wrong with either.

I have compared the 20-39PC+ and my older VTF-3 in my room and my equipment.

Both great subs, my VTF-3 was a bit tighter and cleaner than. Both had more then enough output for my room.

I do not think you could go wrong with either, but to my ears the VTF-3 had better sound quality.

Why not put the EP350 into that shootout as well?

Honestly, can't go wrong with either. I bought an SVS and love it. Alternative was buying a HSU, in which case I'm sure I would love it.

Some people have compared both and preferred the SVS. Some have compared both and preferred the HSU, like Curtis.

Simply, it's kind of like deciding between Axiom or Ascend for speakers, Denon or Harman Kardon for a receiver, etc. Can't go wrong with either, and just gotta pick one and run with it.

In reply to:

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Why not put the EP350 into that shootout as well?

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Indeed. Hsu and SVS are recommended so often, it can appear that Axiom subs aren't worth considering. However in the below thread an EP175 was compared to an STF-2, and after calibration they were judged about the same (see last post on the thread)
http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=HT&Number=34633&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1

Very interesting. I hadn't been reading that particular thread. Thanks for the heads up.