subwoofer
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859 |
I originally had the SVS PCi 20-39 sub. I determined that it was too big, so ordered the HSU-VTF-2. The new one just arrived yesterday, so I have the weekend to do some testing with both of them before I have to call and send back the SVS. My room is 18x12, with the couch about 2-3 feet from the back wall. When I sit on the couch seat closest to the sub (it's in the back corner or the room) I can hear some localized bass. When I slide over a bit it seems to be fine (because I am not as close the the sub I assume). There is also a lot of bass anywhere against the wall opposite the sub, but much less when moving out into the room. I don't have much in the way of options for where the sub can sit in the room, so I'm not sure what I can do about this, if anything. The phase switch hasn't seemed to help much.
Another thing about the HSU....it appears in the 25hz mode one of the ports is supposed to be physically plugged shut with the plug it was shipped with, correct? Does anyone know what this actually does besides dulling the sound from there? Does it actually stop sound from that port since it is stuffed closed?
As far as the two subs go, I need to play more, but I actually like the HSU a little better from my initial impressions. I'm using scene 26 from Independence Day (the buildings being blown up) to do HT testing. Down In It from NIN Pretty Hate Machine (track 3) for music, since it has some good bass early and throughout.
Jason
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Jason, first on the ports on the VTF-2. Plugging one doesn't have anything to do with "dulling" any sound coming out;it completely(or almost completely)plugs one port and what this does is to change the tuning of the enclosure from about 32hz to 25hz(you also change the switch on the back to 25hz).This gives you more bass extension, but a little less output capability higher up in the 30-50hz area. Generally the 25hz tuning is the way to go.
So far as localization, my first thought is to place the sub in the corner behind one of the M22s, not the corner near you. Also, the 80hz crossover on the Onkyo 600 should be selected, all speakers set "small" and the crossover switch on the sub set to bypass that crossover.
You have two excellent subs to choose from, and I can't imagine that you'd be disappointed if the VTF-2 size suits you better.
Last edited by JohnK; 04/24/03 06:55 PM.
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859 |
Thanks....I was just suprised when I got it that the port needed to be physically plugged. I thought the switch just had to be flipped. That part is all set though, I'm using it in the 25 mode.
As far as location, I can try the sub up in the other corner behind one of the speakers, I might have to make a little more room in the corner in order for it to fit back there. The spouse factor may not work as well up there either since it will be more visible then it is from the back, but after comparing the size of the 20-39 to the VTF-2 I guess she can't complain too much.
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,490
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,490 |
Yes, the user-selectable two port configuration is a big selling point for the Hsu box subs, and one of the main reasons why I chose the Hsu over the SVS. I currently use my VTF-3 in the max extension mode (one port plugged), but you should try both settings before you decide on the Hsu, just in case... Who knows, either setting might give you a better result in your room.
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859 |
Well, I managed to do a little testing between the VTF-2 and the SVS 20-39PCi and thought everyone might be interested. It was mostly HT based, using Depth Charges from U571 and the cave troll from LOTR scenes, in addition to ones mentioned earlier. Before I start, no it was not scientfic...no blind testing, so using an SPL to set sound levels on the sub, etc....just my impressions.
I felt the SVS wasn't as tight as the VTF-2. There was more of an ongoing roll to some of the bass parts. During U571 when the charges go down and then the water explodes up(above water view) with the VTF-2 I felt the bass right under my seat, and then it seemed to spread out as the water did. It was a pretty nice effect. I did not get this from the SVS.
On the other hand, I had my fiancee watch scenes with each one hooked up and she did do it blind. I went back and hooked up a sub without letting her know, played the scene, switched them, and played it again. She preferred the SVS, but it seemed more because the VTF was too much bass for her. That was strange to me, because that had been my first impression as well, but then I turned up the SVS to 3/4 of the way and the VTF still seemed like it had more.
I'm sure many will disagree, since the SVS is supposed to be the better sub, and I'll admit that it is possible that in my mind I wanted to like the VTF-2 better since that's the one I am keeping(SVS goes back Wednesday), but that was my impression anyway.
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
Your impressions are duly noted Zarak.
I certainly would not say that SVS subs are automatically 'better' than Hsu.
To each his own.
I happen to have an Axiom subwoofer that i have not been 100% satisfied with and i will be contemplating a switch sometime in the next year most likely.
SVS and Hsu are two companies that i've been keeping an eye on so your review was useful to me.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 737
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 737 |
In reply to:
I happen to have an Axiom subwoofer that i have not been 100% satisfied with and i will be contemplating a switch sometime in the next year most likely.
We're in the same boat! I'm seriously considering a move to the 16-46 PC-Plus as a replacement for my EP-350. I just have to get two or three more purchases together before I do so on top of saving for a down on a new home...
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
Well don't be upset Semi.
Saving for a new home gives you the opportunity to select ahead of time for the room best suited for the home theatre.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 737
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 737 |
I'm sure you're right, but I'm a big fan of instant gratification.
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Re: subwoofer
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,490
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,490 |
In reply to:
Saving for a new home gives you the opportunity to select ahead of time for the room best suited for the home theatre.
Yeah, and for the front projection!
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