I am expecting my M80s to come in tomorrow and I can't wait to complete my HT. I was interested in the Rotel RSX-1055 and just ordered the VSX-53TX upon John K's other posts. The MCCAC feature, price and more power to drive the M80s were the selling points. I already have a DV-45A DVD player and did not want to spend the extra money on upgrading to the iLink (DV47ai/VSX-55TXi).
I should be hooking up the following this weekend:
Elite PRO630HD
Elite VSX-53TX (picking up this afternoon)
Elite DV45a
M80s- (expecting tomorrow)
VP150- (expecting Friday)
QS8s- (expecting Friday)
My question is: Should I buy a VTF-2 or VTF-3?
My room is 18x16 and has a ceiling that slants from 8-26ft. I have not heard the M80s yet and originally thought they might be a bit much. Would it be overkill adding a VTF-3 to this system(80HT/20Music)?
Romy
With your room size, and the fact that this will be 80% HT over music...grab the VTF-3. You'll be in HT heaven.
VTF 3
i'm a big fan of GO FOR THE BIG TIME
I'd say the same: VTF-3.
You seem to have spent the time getting the components you want vs. the ones that just do the job. The VTF-2 is certainly a great sub, but the VTF-3 would be more up to par with your other components.
VTF-3 owner here. I had the same question when getting my sub. My room is 14x18x9 with one uncloseable doorway. I talked to Dr. Hsu and David F.(Ascend owner/pres), and both said the VTF-2 would be fine, but the VTF-3 was simply more capable, and that if I could afford it, go for it. I went to Hsu Research directly, listened to the subs, and walked out on a great deal on a b-stock VTF-3.
If you don't mind b-stock, call and ask them. I understand there are some b-stock TN1220HO's available now too. The TN1220HO is a tube sub, so many do not like its looks, but it is more capable than the VTF-3...and plays down to 16hz cleaner. I think sushi would love it for those low organ notes.
-curtis
Perhaps the VTF-3 would be overkill but oh! what fun it is.
I just added a slightly used VTF-3 to my HT system to replace an aging JBL 10". The difference is amazing. My room is nearly the same size as yours and I don't feel like it is overkill. The bass is as clean and tight as I've ever heard (including some that are much more expensive) and very prodigious, it penetrates right to the bone. I'm happy as a clam with mine!
BTW, "Jeff's Sound Values" has a used VTF-3 for $650 on it's web site. They also take trades.
I am going with the VTF-3's. I just picked up the 53tx and can't wait until tommorow to hook up the M80s. Until than all I have is a pair of AM-5's. I gave the 601's I had to a friend last weekend. I guess I got too excited with my recent purchases. I only have about $500 left in the budget and my wife has been supportive this far. I'll just wait until next month to order the VTF-3.
I posted some pictures of my room. The tall ceiling was what pushed me to the M80s and VTF-3.
http://community.webshots.com/album/87544413GqpvBQ
mwc- thanks for the lead on Jeff's Sound Values. It was ironic that they are also in San Diego. It may just work out for me because they will only sell HSU locally. They do not have a VTF-3 in stock, but I plan on putting all of my old Carver components together and selling to him.
Sorry about the picture link. Should work if you copy and paste in address box.
Their web site shows that they have a "demo" VTF-3 on hand as well as several other demo HSU subs.
I've traded gear with Jeff's four times in the past and have never been disappointed. However, I bought my VTF-3 from a guy on audiogon. The guy's last name was Hsu and I don't know if he is related to Dr. Hsu but the sub was in "like new" condition.
I spoke with Mark(JSV) earlier and he said it wasn't in stock. Your lead has opened my eyes to making some money on my old equipment. I was surprised at the prices he quoted me considering this stuff is 12+ years old.
You really should call Hsu and ask about b-stock. B-stock goes for 20% off, and has the same warranty, it does not have the 30 day trial.
-curtis
I know what you mean. I've gotten some great deals from them and have been very happy with their generous trade in allowances.
Yeah, romy, looking at the pictures of your room, I would say that the M80s and VTF-3 were DEFINITELY the right choice!
By the way, if I haven't already said this, your room seems to have a lot of nice walls for
front projection, eh?
Sushi- LOL. Front projection was my first choice, but my wife had a problem with a 100+" screen. Maybe when I have a dedicated room where I don't have to worry about too much ambient light.
I could see doing front projection if I ever finish my basement as a dedicated HT room....always low ambient light down there
My wife has already approved a front projection system. She doesn't like the licing room centered on the TV. After I explained an FP system can have a retractable screen, she was all over it. I just have to wait (and wait) until we've got the necessary funds. Oh, and there's a standing order that she gets a kayak before I get any new HT equipment.
Way to go, Peter!
"Licing-room HT"... doesn't it sound kinda itchy? LOL
Is that because you shower
almost every day?
My wife has just said no. Not a surprise. Perhaps when I'm ready to buy something bigger, 35" LCDs will be feasable (price and performance wise)
ooh, that does sound itchy... so much for proof-reading.
Hey romy,
Have you already received everything? If so perhaps you can divulge your impressions. I'm also looking at the M80's and possibly the Pioneer Elite Receiver. Is the one you got the new model replacing the VSX-45TX? New pics would be nice too!!