Which of these three subwoofers should I buy?

Question

I'm sort of torn between this SVS and this HSU subwoofer. I like down-firing ones, that's what the HSU is; though at the frequencies I plan to run the subs anyways, the bass won't be directional. Here are the two I am torn between:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

This is the third sub; the reason I am unsure about this one is because it doesn't exactly list the frequency response on it, and it doesn't have a graph of the frequency to SPL like the other SVS does. The HSU doesn't have the graph either but I don't doubt that it's flat like the PB12-NSD (and has the same frequency response).

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcpow3.cfm

I like the idea of the Cylindrical one more than the box ones, it's down-firing AND it's smaller. As long as it has a similar frequency response I'd most likely get that one instead. Looking for expert or experienced (especially if you've used any of these subs) advice please.

Answer 1

Actually the cylinder subs don't suffer from internal reverb like the box design and you will actually get more power than from a similar box design sub.

Don't get me wrong I own the SVS NSD 12/2 and is wonderful, but placement in my room would have been easier had I gone with the cylinder design.

SVS makes a powerhouse of a sub, infact I have two DefTech Supercube 1's with 1500 watt amps each and they can't even match my SVS with only 625 watts.  the SVS gets lower louder and cleaner then the DT's.

Now I was at a side by side demo of the mid priced Hsu and the mid priced SVS and when comparing the two, I found the Hsu was actually the better sub (this is the Hsu with the wierd looking two tube port attachment.  It actually got deeper and cleaner than the SVS but it was just by a hair. I mean real close but the Hsu just beat out the SVS by a nose.

You can't go wrong with either one.  My NSD 12/2 is also a down firing sub and SVS makes down firing ones.  But if money isnt a factor I would get the one sub to beat em all and that would be the PB13-Ultra, it costs 1,500 but you will never ever think about upgrading your sub or lack of bass ever again.

Give Ron Stimpson (founder of SVS) a call and give him your room dimensions and they will tell you the best sub you can buy (they will never try and upsell you, they will recommend only what you need.)

By the way my NSD can clearly go down to about 16Hz without a hint of distortion.  That is bass that hits you like a baseball bat to the chest.  Just pure clean and deep.

You have good taste in subs and can't go wrong with any of em.  Have fun.

In response to your query about the reciever, for 550.00 you could easily get the Onkyo 805 from onlne sites, and that would easily outshine the 705 as far as amp power and upgraded features and is THX Ultra2 rated.

Answer 2

I have a bad feeling about the third one. It doesn't seem as high quality as the other 2. If i were you i would lean most towards the first one.

Answer 3

Email SVS directly for the frequency information. They are happy to help.

But I like the cylinder series (drivers are round so why not the enclosure?) and SVS has a reputation for having very flat responses across wide frequencies.

The only down side to the cylinder style is they do stick out in a room (poor spousal acceptance factor).

For some reason - women prefer a end-table sized woofer.

Answer 4

HSU started with Tube Subs and they were very good, but through refinement of the sound wanted to round out a systems bottom end, the later versions of HSU's subs have exceeded the tubes output and flatness. The latest also use HSU's amplifiers that are seperates in the tube types. HSU...HSU...HSU!!!

Though not flat > for raw SPL's, Mackie SWA 1800 blows them all away with 1000 built-in watts, built-in crossover, and 135 db's...

but it is not flat or low like the HSU!  It is for sound reinforcement!

I have 2 of them (possibly for sale to the right bidder) contact: [e-mail]

For ultimate lows, Bag End has some impressive figures > the lowest of the LOWs! > but it's expensive and requires their Integrator and Amp!

I would go for the best HSU I could afford, and then...flip the record...

pour yourself your favorite Four Roses Drink, and sit back and relax!!