Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-1 MK3 for deeper bass, the VTF-1 MK2 for value. The MK3 is a 10-inch ported design with 250W RMS that reaches 25Hz in single-port mode, and it ranks #49 of 145 against the MK2 #67 of 145. The MK2 is a 10-inch ported sub with 200W RMS offering excellent value and compact size, though its bass does not reach as deep.

The case for the HSU Research VTF-1 MK2: 10-inch ported with 200W RMS amp offers excellent value and compact size.
What the HSU Research VTF-1 MK3 gets right: 10-inch ported with 250W RMS delivers excellent deep bass reaching 25Hz in single-port mode.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-1 MK2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the HSU Research VTF-1 MK3 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-1 MK2 | HSU Research VTF-1 MK3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $749 |
| Ranked | #67 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #49 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 87.9 dB | 96.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 105.1 dB | 108.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.4 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.2 dB | 115.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.0 dB | 113.6 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.9 dB | 114.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 18"H x 14"W x 17"D (457.2 x 355.6 x 431.8 mm) | 19.5"H x 14.5"W x 19"D (495.3 x 368.3 x 482.6 mm) |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS | 250W RMS / 1000W peak |
| Frequency Response | 25-32Hz | 25Hz (ported) |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 93.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 111.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 110.4 dB |
| Warranty | - | 7/2(+3) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to HSU Research VTF-1 MK3:
- MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X vs HSU Research VTF-1 MK3
- Monoprice SW-15 vs HSU Research VTF-1 MK3
- SVS SB-3000 vs HSU Research VTF-1 MK3
- SVS SB-3000 vs HSU Research VTF-1 MK2
- Monoprice SW-15 vs HSU Research VTF-1 MK2
Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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
HSU Research VTF-1 MK2: $699 eBay
Pros: 10-inch ported with 200W RMS amp offers excellent value and compact size. Strong performance from 40-70Hz hitting 110dB continuously. Quick response suitable for multiple-sub systems.
Full HSU Research VTF-1 MK2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.9 dB |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 18"H x 14"W x 17"D (457.2 x 355.6 x 431.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 25-32Hz |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 87.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 105.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.0 dB |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HSU Research VTF-1 MK3: $749 eBay
Pros: 10-inch ported with 250W RMS delivers excellent deep bass reaching 25Hz in single-port mode. Switchable 25Hz/32Hz/sealed configuration offers flexible room setup. Well-balanced system with low distortion above 30Hz. Exceptional value at $749 shipped.
Full HSU Research VTF-1 MK3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 250W RMS / 1000W peak |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 114.4 dB |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 19.5"H x 14.5"W x 19"D (495.3 x 368.3 x 482.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz (ported) |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 93.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 108.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 115.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 111.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.4 dB |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons

