Thinking about the Hsu STF-1, but the Dayton 10" DIY or the Hsu STF-2 might fit if I worked at it.

The Hsu STF-2 would be bigger than my current Velodyne CHT-8 which just fits in my SMALL living room. The Hsu STF-1 would fit better (not as wide). The Dayton is about the same size in width as the STF-2.

Sub needs careful placement to avoid a tangle with my 2 year old. Also with a small room it will be more easily placed for optimal sound.

If the STF-2 is MUCH better - maybe I could rearrange the living room.

Hsu STF-1...19"H...10"W..16"D......32Hz...$300
Velo cht-8...15.5H.12"W..16.5"D....35Hz...$150
Dayton 10"..14"H...14"W..14.25"D..28Hz...$350
Hsu STF-2...19”H...14”w...18”D......25Hz...$400

Any comments on the importance of subs and the Velodyne are welcome. Use: 90% music, 5% movies and 5% coffee cup stand.

I have Axiom M22s and M2 for a center and may soon get QS4 surrounds.

I looked up some info on subs last year and was left with the impression that in the small and cheap department - Hsu or SVS were the best way to go.

The Velodyne seemed like a decent sub and was only $150, but now I am wondering about the wisdom of upgrading to a $300 or $400 sub.

My room is 91 inches wide or about 7.6 feet wide! It is a living room / kitchen so it is actually 27 feet long and 7.5 feet high.

Thanks - hope the above made sense.

I think you will definitely notice a difference with the bigger 10" driver. All the subs you have listed are generally thought of as capable performers (even the Velodyne). If you want a more visceral feel get the larger sub. The Dayton is sealed, I believe, and the rest are ported. Shoot 2x6spds a pm, he has the Dayton as well as the Velo cht-10. The Dayton looks fun if you are into the DIY thing, and this one looks like it's easy. The Hsu will probably play the deeper notes with a bit more oomph. Good luck.

I had the Velo CHT12, went to the STF-2 and now have the SVS-10. The STF-2 was a much better sub than the V-tighter, maybe not louder, but to me, a much better sound. The SVS is even tighter and louder than the STF-2, but not by much. Both are great subs. I would say go for the HSU, either the 1 or the 2.

Thanks

On ecoustics there was the same consnsus

The STF-3 wiped the floor with the Velodyne cht-12, the Hsu is a much better sub than the Velodyne CHT series.

Dr. Hsu recommended the stf-2 even for my small room - so for $100 more why not?

A few people thought the Dayton sub would be a little better than a Hsu stf-1 or even 2 - but I would rather go with the sure thing.

Thanks all

I picked up an STF-2 a year or so ago to go with my M22s, and I love it. I live in a small apartment, and it's been great. I originally had an EP175 and I thought I'd retire it or sell it, but I'm running both of them and I love the sound.

Outta sneak a peek at the Dayton 12" in the 2 cu ft box Goes a bit lower and louder than the 10" in a box not too much larger!

I've been doing tons of research on what fits what and does what; and the Titanic 12" driver is fairly well liked in the DIY community.

My 10" Peerless isn't able to handle the power from my plate amp in my 1.652 cu ft box in my new room without bottoming out way too early. While the 12" Titanic is happiest at 1.655(.707) and has more travel than I could ever use up with anything less than about 1000W

I don't think that is a particularly small room; while it is not tall and is quite narrow, the length provides quite a few cubic feet, no? You still have to push all that air around a bit.

I had similar concerns with child and pet interaction, so decided early on that I wanted a down-firing sub (ended up with the SVS PB12-ISD, with which I am thrilled). So, you would be safe and solid with the Hsu.

I have immense respect and admiration for those people who are successfully building their own subs; I know that I lack the patience to learn everything necessary to build something comparable in performance to what SVS and Hsu already produce. Likewise, my understanding is that not every DIY driver is equally suitable for down-firing application.

Yes - I was just thinking that after looking at the STF-1 and STF-2- a down firing sub like the Hsu would be safe from my 2 year old - and I could place it almost anywhere the wife and the kid didn't trip over it.

dmn23 - what does the Hsu do for your music with the M22s that the Ep175 didn't do?

Just trying to be certain of what I am getting into since I don't think itis practical to try to find someone with M22s and a Hsu to compare with what I have.

Thanks

how big is your room? lxwxh

I have no frame of reference, but the M22+Hsu STF-2 is a great sounding combination. Only speakers and sub that I have ever owned (at least worth mentioning) and I am more than pleased. I'm sure you will be happy.

My room is 91 inches wide or about 7.6 feet wide! It is a living room / kitchen so it is actually 27 feet long and 7.5 feet high.

That is the funny thing about people talking about Hsu and SVS - they are thrilled or their expectations were exceeded, etc.

I guess that answers my last question - will there be $400 worth of bang for my bucks. I already know the Hsu is a great line, but will it be worth the investment?

People seem to say "yes indeed" over and over. More so than getting matching surrounds, which is probably step number 2.

It wasn't an issue of being dissatisfied with the EP175, although I now believe the HSU is a superior sub. CompUSA ran a hell of a fire sale on their HSU merchandise and I picked one up for less than $200. You can find the original threads here and here.