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Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35597 03/02/04 03:11 PM
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Hey,

I'm currently auditioning a pair of M3tis, planning on a full 5.1 system and I've narrowed my sub choices down to the two models mentioned.

I know they're both highly regarded brands, but I haven't been able to find much in the way of reviews (consumer or "expert") on these particular models.

I've heard murmurings about the Hsu's quality control, attributed to its being manufactured in China. Anybody care to comment? Support? Refute? Bueller?

I know the SVS also has a more potent amp. But does that, along with its "Made in the USA" label make it worth the extra two bills?

Before I go blind PM-ing everybody on the board with one or the other, I'd love to hear your best pitch for or against one of these. (Preferably based on first-hand or, uh, first-ear, experience.)

My priority w/ a sub is that it's accurate and musical. It doesn't have to peel the paint off the walls or treat my neighbor's kidney stones. It just has to sound and feel great.

TIA


Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35598 03/02/04 03:15 PM
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I dont know if you have neem to the AVS Forums yet, but after you weed through the fanboyish posts, there is some good information on a lot of stuff. Just go to the "Speakers" forum and do a search for both subs you have mentioned, I am sure you will turn up some (good)information.

http://www.avsforum.com

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35599 03/02/04 03:25 PM
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The PB1-ISD and STF-3 is the matchup. The STF-2 gives up extension and output to the both of them. If you are just looking for musical accuracy...and not too worried about HT, then the STF-2 should work out well.

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35600 03/02/04 04:29 PM
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I agree with the above message. Comparing the STF2 to the PB1 isn't "fair" in terms of performance. They are different caliber.

The STF3 and the PB1 are more comparable and were my 2 choices when I needed a new sub. I went with the STF3 because, at the time, it was $50 cheaper. I think both will give the performance you want.

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35601 03/02/04 04:47 PM
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Depending on how big your room is, the STF-2 may be the better choice. As you said, you're not looking for paint peeling output. Why pay the extra if you're not going to use it?

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35602 03/02/04 09:14 PM
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Hey Spiff, way off topic. But who said the quote? And what does it mean? Can you give an axample of a culture that died in an attempt to be exclusive? Yes, I'm really bored...

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35603 03/02/04 09:15 PM
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Thanks for the replies. Keep 'em comin'!

My room is 13w x 19l x 8h. Dr. Hsu recommended the STF-2, so I guess that's why I started there. I can see where the STF-3 is a more fair comparison w/ the PB1. The real problem is that SVS doesn't have a 10"/200w box sub!

Thanks to whoever offered the AVS forum link. I'm checking it out, but I have to say that, at this point, I'm pretty much oversaturated with forums and BBs. Between this board, Sound & Vision, and Audioholics, I'm having trouble just keeping up. It's fun, but exhausting.

We now resume our regularly scheduled hand-wringing, already in progress...

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35604 03/02/04 09:17 PM
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Well, I own the PB1, and it is a great sub. I know Pmbuko, and one or two others on this board also own the PB1. It sounds fantastic for music and movies. My wife (honestly)was actually just commenting how much the SVS has added to the enjoyment of music and movies.

I had of course narrowed it down to SVS and HSU, and frankly, it was HSU's delays in debuting the STF series that pushed me over the edge to SVS. I don't doubt that the HSU STF series are great subs, but I also don't regret purchasing the PB1. It has lived up to its billing, and to my expectations.

With all due respect to Spiff, the reason for getting more sub than you may necessarily use, is that it is there if you want to use it (circular enough for you). In other words, I live in a NYC apartment. I could have easily gotten by with the HSU STF-2 or VTF-2.

But having purchased the PB1, and if I had purchased the STF-3 or VTF-3, I love having the extra headroom for when I really want to crank it. Again, for most of my use, I would have been fine with the STF-2 or VTF-2. But I wouldn't trade down at this point having owned the PB1 for a couple of months. I definitely get my money's worth.

So, I'd agree with the others that you should decide between the STF-3 or PB1. Otherwise, you may be wondering "what if", the first time the STF-2 had trouble with a tough bass scene or piece of music. As to the STF-3 vs. PB1, there will never be a conclusive winner one way or the other. Go with your gut, pick one, and don't look back.

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35605 03/02/04 10:20 PM
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Since you have already talked the Dr. Hsu, take the time to talk to the folks at SVS (very similar Customer treatment to Axiom).

I'll echo the sentiment of a little extra LFE is usually a good thing. You can always turn the sub down. It is impossible to turn it up beyond what it provides.

With that in mind, think 2-3 years down the road. Will you be in a larger room that requires the extra LFE? If so, a few extra $$ now can save some serious $$ later.

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35606 03/02/04 10:26 PM
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Bottom line...if you've never owned a Hsu or SVS, you'll be in heaven with anything you purchase from them. They're LEAPS and BOUNDS better than the competition.



Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35607 03/02/04 10:33 PM
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You tell it, bro!

Re: Your thoughts please: Hsu STF-2 vs. SVS PB1
#35608 03/03/04 12:24 AM
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I don't own, nor have I ever heard, any of the other subs mentioned, but I DO own an STF-2. It has NEVER "had trouble with a tough bass scene or piece of music." I would qualify that by saying that I do not listen at reference levels. If your desire is to rattle various body parts, I cannot attest to the STF-2's ability to do that, nor can I say it isn't capable of that. But it sure as heck gives me all I need and more.


Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
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