Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Music and Subs

Hi all, first post, long time lurker.

I have had a pair of Axiom 60's for about 6 months and just cannot get over how great they are. I'm about to add a HSU sub, and I have seen quite a few members on this board with HSU. I use my system for music 80% of the time, movies the rest ( currently just the Axioms) I'm asking those who own a HSU sub which model would be best for music, the STF-3 or the VTF-3. Room size is 19x11

I plan to complete my H.T. in the near future with Axioms, I just cannot quite afford an ep500/600

I asked this question to Dr. Hsu just this past year, I use my M80s for 100% music. He asked me what type of music I listen to, which is mostly Blues and Rock, and he recommended the STF-3. As he noted in the style of music that I listen too the need for output below 20Hz wasn't necessary. I have been totally satisfied with it.

My understanding is that an STF-3 sounds pretty much like a VTF-3 in 25 Hz tune. Most seem to recommend 25 Hz tune for music since (apparently) the bass is just the tiniest bit "tighter" and you can get a few dB more output. A VTF-3 would also give you the option of plugging a port (or adding a Turbo in the future) to get 20 Hz tune and better movie performance, but if you aren't going to take advantage of that you might as well spend less on an STF-3 and you won't be giving anything up.

Personally I would go with VTF-3 so I could tune to 20 Hz for movies and/or add a Turbo in the future but it is extra $$. I think the VTF-3 has a bit more power but for your room size either should be fine.

That turbo thing is fugly.

True, but is it uglier than a "tall, dark and fuzzy" SVS cylinder ?

Hah!!

Not to hijack a thread(not ME)but...

I may just happen to have the "Fugliest" sub around these parts!

Oh, by the way,...Welcome Mike!!

Anyway, a horribly battered(in attics, basements and garages over the last 45 years of non-use)maroon colored painted fabric, over 3/8" plywood 1946 vintage cabinet, with a carrying handle wrapped in a tee shirt to eliminate rattles on top. With a 3/4" vinyl coated ex-entertainment unit shelf piece of "1970s era Buffalo Oak" material attached to the front to act as a temporary baffle(about two years ago)to hold the new naked 12" driver in place!

Yeah the driver is vulnerable, but the kids are Finally gettin' old enough not to worry so much about runnin' into it, besides; the driver is more resiliant than a heavy grille would be(such as what I had on the old 10 incher)so they're more likely to bounce off, rather than get hurt! And it is in a semi-protected corner where sound can get out but kids can't easily get in.

And to think,....the Wife didn't want a tall dark and fuzzy hot water tank in the listening room!

thanks for the input guys, I'm leaning to the STF-3.

As a side note the shop where I plan to purchase this sub use to sell Axioms, and lots of them according to the owner. There were a couple of older (still new)center chanels in his shop ( a VP50? and one even smaller)

If you check on the Hsu forums you will find a discussion or two about blocking one port on the Stf 3. It is said that it really doesn't give much up to the Vtf 3 when operated with one port blocked