Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 is the better pick: it ranks #57 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #130 (rated 3.7/5) for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049.
The HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 is the better-sounding pick. A 15 inch ported subwoofer from a long running series, with strong output for movies at a reasonable price. The catch: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 110.2 lbs (50 kg) size, and $1499 price point.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 does well: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, which replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 Discontinued | $1,499 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #57 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #130 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.6 dB | 88.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.4 dB | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.8 dB | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.4 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.9 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.5 dB | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.5 dB | 114.0 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Dimensions | 24”H x 18”W x 26”D (609.6 x 457.2 x 660.4 mm) | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (49.9 kg) | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 7/2 |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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