Subwoofer Discussion - Ah, choices. HSU/SVS/eD Owners?

[JJ]

Seemingly set on the Martin Logan Dynamo, I began looking into some other brands (online) at similar price ranges.

I've heard the Dynamo bazillions of times throughout the summer - and am in love with it - but I wouldn't mind looking elsewhere!

Any owners of the HSU VTF-2 Mk3, SVS 20-39 PCi, or eD A5-350 that can tell me their experiences with their products? I'm just reading through specifications sheets at the moment, but there's nothing quite like hearing opinions from those who own them. (I can't get over the ridiculous size of the eD sub...2'x2'x2'!!! or the fact that the SVS would be as tall as my B&Ws)

(I know about the MFW15, but its a tad out of my price range once you factor in shipping and all that)

Thanks, chaps. I'd prefer keeping it to these brands too, don't start adding to my confusion. (although I have been looking into Epik...oh and don't mention Klipsch or Polk, please, ...although I know you will know that I brought it up. Blast!)

[ixlegitballinxl]

hsu, sub is way more then i need, great sub

[JJ]

Originally Posted by ixlegitballinxl

hsu, sub is way more then i need, great sub

Details, legit, details!!!

[Clark Kent]

Read the following thread in its entirety and you should be much closer to the truth...

http://tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

Good luck

[ixlegitballinxl]

ordering/shipping was easy...paid for it on a saturday, shipped fed ex ground, got it on thursday. Sleek black finish, sturdy floor spikes, not a huge subwoofer, just alot of depth. crossover/volume knobs... i have the gain less then 1/4 up lol. very tight bass, and u can feel the rumble...granted my living room is only 900ish sq..and the sub is made for 3500+ rooms i believe...you wont be unhappy if you buy. I decided to get this one so when i get bored with my klipsch's, i wont have to upgrade the sub.

[Oddiophile]

A friend of mine has the HSU, it is a decent sub but in my opinion the Dynamo is better. He later sold the HSU and got a JL Audio F113 which is an awesome sub. It's very musical yet can still produce a lot of SPL's. I have been happy with my Martin Logan Descent but I my upgrade to a JL.


You should also look at AV123's "MFW15" killer sub for not a lot of money.
www.av123.com

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/
Epik is another company that makes killer price to performance subs.

[JimShaw]

I have been to the HSU factory, sat and listened. It was OK. I ordered the SVS PB-13 Ultra and very happy.

[Johk]

I have the SVS 20-39 PC+ and I love it!

This is my third sub and the best one yet!

Yes it's big and people always ask what it is and why it is like that, but if you have the space it's really worth it! I you don't have the space you might want to consider the PB12-NSD which is at the same price point as the 20-39 PCi but in a standard box configuration.

[Beta Man]

Not owning any of those (and only hearing some of the HSU line, and the Dynamo/Depth/Abyss numerous times) My advice would be to stay away from the HSU and SVS if you can't listen to it yourself...... Rarely will you find someone who bought a $500 sub who doesn't think it's the best thing since sliced bread, so you're going to get biased info from most......

for the price of my sub, I could have bought 3 dynamos, and I still plan on trading my sub back into the shop and getting the dynamo..... it's that impressive.....

A 10" driver is actually considered "ideal" by many for normal HT use due to efficiency of the driver, musical ability, etc....

I'm not one to jump on the little sunfire subs though, as their is no cheating physics (in my opinion) but I will concede that a well build/designed 8" will work better in your HT than a 15 or 18" $500 "box" someone manufactured.....


From my listening alone, I'm sold on the Dynamo..... I'm just deciding what I want to get with the leftover money when I trade in my sub!!!! I'm thinking about a piece of furniture etc. from them, but haven't made up my mind

[dobyblue]

I own a Paradigm Servo 15v2.
15" Driver 4500 Watts (peak) 1500 Watts (RMS) 2" peak excursion
It can hit well below 20Hz with barely a movement.

However it's also US$2,200.

I think if you're looking at eD and Epik then you are well on your way to accurate, deep, controlled, bass heaven.

Just remember to read the myths about subs as well, and not fall for any of them.

http://www.audiopulse.com/know-how/s...ut-subwoofers/

I would love to have the Epik Conquest, but having said that if someone tried to take my Servo away I'd fight them off with my 9 Iron as fiercely as possible.

Once you get into the upper echelon of subs, it's hard to imagine life without them ever again.

[MacDaddyOJack]

I have a SVS 20-39 PC+ and it really is incredible. I have heard the dynamo, and it is more musical but my subwoofer is used primarily for gaming and HT so I wanted something deep and powerful. I also looked at a Supercube I and the SVS was definitely the one for me. They have a 45 day return policy so you will just lose shipping, I think HSU is the same. You get a lot more bang (or boom) for the buck when you do online direct even though you may end up paying some expensive shipping.

I can tell you this though, if I ever upgrade again (years away now!) it will be to another SVS. I think the sub and the company are that great.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

I would love to have the Epik Conquest, but having said that if someone tried to take my Servo away I'd fight them off with my 9 Iron as fiercely as possible.

Once you get into the upper echelon of subs, it's hard to imagine life without them ever again.

Choke down on the 8 Iron.....

Seriously though.... I don't know if I hit the "upper echelon" (probably never will) but side by side, I like the Dynamo over my Def Tech 14" reference series sub (paid $1,600 or $1,700 for it) and I blame myself for convincing myself that I "needed" the 14" with all the power, pretty enclosure, etc..... I tried both in my home, and really thought that I'd reach a point where the Def Tech would do things the ML couldn't...... I still haven't hit that point after months of various tests etc...... My Def Tech just doesn't pair well with my speakers, but I WANTED it to..... so I bought it.... psychoacoustics

[bluseminole]

I have the SVS PB-12 NSD. The sales team at SVS recommended this to me over the PCi, because the performance and LF extension were slightly better for the same price.

I can't give you an objective review, because it's only the second sub I have ever owned, and the first one was part of an HTiB. But I can tell you that in my medium-sized room with openings to larger spaces, it has never once failed to pressurize the entire room when called upon with the gain about 1/4 of the way up. It goes very very low, and you most certainly would not be disappointed with this beast. Compared to the other brands, though, I can't say.

Good luck!

[JJ]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Not owning any of those (and only hearing some of the HSU line, and the Dynamo/Depth/Abyss numerous times) My advice would be to stay away from the HSU and SVS if you can't listen to it yourself...... Rarely will you find someone who bought a $500 sub who doesn't think it's the best thing since sliced bread, so you're going to get biased info from most......

Psychoacoustics indeed! I'm probably forced to stay away from the SVS and eD based on size for the most part - in any event, pairing the B&Ws with the ML sounds like a match made in heaven, but I love listening to opinions (only in the Home Theater forum...for obvious reasons).

[prerich]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

I love listening to opinions (only in the Home Theater forum...for obvious reasons).

! Dynamo is a go.

[JJ]

"In the latest polls, Dynamo seems to show a huge lead in its competitors in the race to be JJ's new subwoofer..."

HSU is a distant second...

[ixlegitballinxl]

the hsu goes down to 18hz, what does the dynamo go down to frequency wise?

[Slec]

Looks like you might be all set. Here's some reading just in case (reviews)

Sound and Vision Mag Mid Range
Sound and Vision Mag Seismic Subs

There are some raw numbers to see as wel as opinions. Enjoy the new system!

[mdm1699]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Seemingly set on the Martin Logan Dynamo, I began looking into some other brands (online) at similar price ranges.

I've heard the Dynamo bazillions of times throughout the summer - and am in love with it - but I wouldn't mind looking elsewhere!

Any owners of the HSU VTF-2 Mk3, SVS 20-39 PCi, or eD A5-350 that can tell me their experiences with their products? I'm just reading through specifications sheets at the moment, but there's nothing quite like hearing opinions from those who own them. (I can't get over the ridiculous size of the eD sub...2'x2'x2'!!! or the fact that the SVS would be as tall as my B&Ws)

(I know about the MFW15, but its a tad out of my price range once you factor in shipping and all that)

Thanks, chaps. I'd prefer keeping it to these brands too, don't start adding to my confusion. (although I have been looking into Epik...oh and don't mention Klipsch or Polk, please, ...although I know you will know that I brought it up. Blast!)

If your heart is set on the Martin Logan then why ask ? Chances are, if given a blind test you will never be able to tell which is HSU, SVS, Outlaw, Onix, or Martin . If you are into cosmetics and name brand then decide on that .

[JJ]

Originally Posted by mdm1699

If your heart is set on the Martin Logan then why ask ? Chances are, if given a blind test you will never be able to tell which is HSU, SVS, Outlaw, Onix, or Martin . If you are into cosmetics and name brand then decide on that .

Owch, mdm!

And didn't even offer up an opinion!!