EP 350 vs. HSU STF-3 - Axiom Message Boards

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Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two subs? Any thoughts? Any real difference between front firing vs. downward firing?

If you do a search, you should find some previous posts regarding those two models. If I recall correctly the Hsu tends to edge out the EP-350. The EP-500 and 600 are Axiom's true giant killers.

I have seen comparisons between the EP350 and VTF-3, and the VTF-3 was definitely ranked higher because of the ability to tune down to 18 Hz for HT usage, but haven't seen any comparisons with STF-3.

The STF-3 can be ran in 18HZ mode also, with one port plugged . It is an accepted practice from Dr. Hsu himself and will not void the warranty.

With both ports open the STF-3 is tuned to 22HZ and does quite well. I have no idea as to how the 350 would do in a comparison.

Does that mean that there's no practical difference between the STF and the VTF?

It does make one wonder.

Ah... there's 50 watts more power between the VTFs and their equivalent STFs.

I think I'm still sticking with my CSW Powered Sub 1--for now.

I'd love to hear the Hsus, though.

The VTF-3 also has the switch which changes the EQ and filtering to match a one-port configuration, so you get flatter response. I think it nudges the subsonic filter cutoff down a bit as well.

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Does that mean that there's no practical difference between the STF and the VTF?

The difference is in the amp. With the STF-3 in 18hz tune, it will have a rise in response down low because the amp does not have an EQ switch for it. With the VTF-3, flipping the switch to 18hz tune will give you flat response to 18hz.

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The VTF-3 also has the switch which changes the EQ and filtering to match a one-port configuration, so you get flatter response. I think it nudges the subsonic filter cutoff down a bit as well.

oops...got beat to it.

I suppose an even better question is how the EP350 stacks up against the new SVS PB12-NSD. The SVS is claiming a flat response to +/-3db 18hz... its ugly, but that's pretty impressive. As a deal kicker it's less than the EP350 even with shipping.

I am sold on Axiom's speakers, but with the sub I am just wondering if I can't buy a little more for the same price.