Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater subwoofer

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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...

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.

I'm sure you're right, but I'm a big fan of instant gratification.

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Saving for a new home gives you the opportunity to select ahead of time for the room best suited for the home theatre.

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Yeah, and for the front projection!

I recently replaced my EP-175 sub with a custum built sub from Stryke Audio. The new sub uses a 12" Lambda PB12 driver front mounted with two 15" passives on each side. The Lambda woofer is massive and uses a 120oz magnet.

The entire box was vaneered in African Mahogany which has a lot of ribbon grain detail. The sub is very well constructed with internal bracing and double walled mdf. Finished it weighs in at around 150lbs.

About a month ago I replaced the plate amp in my EP-175 with a 300W from www.artofsoundonline.com. The factory plate amp I took out of the EP-175 weighs about 2 lbs the new one weighed in at 15. On the new amp, there are two psu caps that each measure 6 & 1/2 inches in diameter. This is the same plate amp that REL uses for their subwoofers. The sound improvement was incredible. I next began to think that there was probably more bass that I was missing.

My new sub really sounds fantastic. Bass is really tight and clean sounding. The sub also looks fantastic. I never knew that bass could sound so good.

The total price including shipping to my door was about $850 USA. Everything was finished for me except to install spikes & my plate amp. I thought it was a very good price for a totally custom sub.

Here is the link for Stryke Audio: http://www.stryke.com/

I want to add that this is not mean to be a knock against the EP-175. I bought M60, VP-150, QS8 (with stands), & EP-175 for a package price which was a very good value for the money. My new sub just took things to a higher level.

Ah sushi, you're outta control.
And now you're getting me outta control.
I started reading those links on the Sanyo Z1. Very interesting. Still not possible right now though.
I will have to keep my eye on this technology and follow the changes in the coming years.

chess,

Yeah, for example, Sony has announced that they will introduce the first full-HD (1080i) relfective-LCD projector with a contrast ratio of up to 3000:1 by March-April next year. Things are coming along fast in this field...

Some more buzz about the front projection just came out on Boston Globe...

If Sony actually pulls that off at the $5k price point (which is conceivable given the sales figures in that Boston article), I don't think I'll be able to resist any longer...

I too recently added a Hsu VTF-2 to my setup (M22ti and VP150) and LOVE it! Go Dr. Hsu!!!