Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4

Last updated: August 15, 2026

Short answer: the Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II ranks #27 of 137 subwoofers by sound quality at $1299; the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 ranks #31 at $1299. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.

What the Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II offers: 12-inch ported with 225W delivers the thrill-ride gut punch home theater craves plus definition audiophiles want. Watch for: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class.

What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 offers: 12-inch ported delivers tremendous output and solid extension down to 20Hz. Watch for: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class.

Buy the Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II. It ranks higher for sound quality than the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 at the same price, so there is no real case for the other one.

Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4

Specifications Side By Side

Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II HSU Research VTF-3 MK4
Price$1299 Discontinued$1299
Ranked#27 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)#31 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)
Enclosureported, frontported, rear
Output SPL at 20 Hz85.3 dB105.4 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz99.4 dB110.3 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz107.1 dB111.7 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz111.2 dB114.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz115.9 dB115.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz119.6 dB115.8 dB
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)115.6 dB (avg of 3/4 bands)115.3 dB
Dimensions18.2"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)
Weight63.9 lbs / 29.0 kg74.1 lbs / 33.6 kg
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Measurement SourceBrent ButterworthManufacturer
DiscontinuedYes-
Frequency Response34-154Hz, ±3dB18-90Hz
Power Output (Watts)225W RMS / 450W peakNot specified
Drivers12" (305mm) driver12" (305mm) driver
Output SPL at 80 Hz-115.7 dB

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II: $1299 Discontinued

Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II ranking card

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 $399 value. Built for dual-sub daisy-chaining.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)115.6 dB (avg of 3/4 bands)
CountryUnited States
Dimensions18.2"H x 17.7"W x 18.2"D (463.5 x 450.8 x 463.5 mm)
DiscontinuedYes
Drivers12" (305mm) driver
Enclosureported, front
Frequency Response34-154Hz, ±3dB
Measurement SourceBrent Butterworth
Output SPL at 20 Hz85.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz99.4 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz107.1 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz111.2 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz115.9 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz119.6 dB
Power Output (Watts)225W RMS / 450W peak
Weight63.9 lbs / 29.0 kg
Search eBay for Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II →Search used audio listings for Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II →

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HSU Research VTF-3 MK4: $1299

HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 ranking card

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.

Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)115.3 dB
CountryUnited States
Dimensions21.5"H x 17"W x 25"D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm)
Drivers12" (305mm) driver
Enclosureported, rear
Frequency Response18-90Hz
Measurement SourceManufacturer
Output SPL at 20 Hz105.4 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz110.3 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz111.7 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz114.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz115.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz115.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz115.7 dB
Power Output (Watts)Not specified
Weight74.1 lbs / 33.6 kg
Search eBay for HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 →Search used audio listings for HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 →

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.