Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 3.8/5 (#39 and #43 of 145 subwoofers) at nearly the same price ($1,299 vs $1,299), so choose on features and fit.
The case for the Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II: 12-inch ported with 225W delivers the thrill-ride gut punch home theater craves plus definition audiophiles want.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 does well: 12-inch ported delivers tremendous output and solid extension down to 20Hz.
One note: the Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II is no longer sold new, but at #39 of 145 subwoofers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II or the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II | HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1299 Discontinued | $1299 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #39 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #43 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 85.3 dB | 105.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 99.4 dB | 110.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.1 dB | 111.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.2 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 115.9 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.6 dB | 115.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.6 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) | 115.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.2”H x 17.7”W x 18.2”D (463.5 x 450.8 x 463.5 mm) | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg) | 74.1 lbs (33.6 kg) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | Manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 34-154Hz, ±3dB | 18-90Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 225W RMS / 450W peak | 350W continuous (1400W short term) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 115.7 dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II:
- SVS SB-3000 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4
- MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4
- Monoprice SW-15 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs RBH Sound SX-12
- SVS SB-3000 vs HSU Research MBM-12
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II: $1299 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 12-inch ported with 225W delivers the thrill-ride gut punch home theater craves plus definition audiophiles want. Both powerful bass and musical precision at exceptional $1299 value. Built for dual-sub daisy-chaining.
Cons: Discontinued.
Full Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 225W RMS / 450W peak |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.6 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 18.2”H x 17.7”W x 18.2”D (463.5 x 450.8 x 463.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 34-154Hz, ±3dB |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 85.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 99.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 115.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.6 dB |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
HSU Research VTF-3 MK4: $1299 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: 12-inch ported delivers tremendous output and solid extension down to 20Hz. Excellent engineering for maximum bang-for-buck performance. Great customer support and 7-year driver/2-year amp warranty.
Cons: Discontinued.
Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 350W continuous (1400W short term) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.3 dB |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 105.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 110.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 115.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.7 dB |
| Weight | 74.1 lbs (33.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons