Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2. It ranks #50 of 110 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $1,499; the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 ranks #97, rated 3.7/5, at $1,499. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.

Why pick the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2: 15-inch ported driver delivers 121.8dB CEA-2010-A average from HSU Research’s long-running VTF series. The tradeoff: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 50 kg size, and $1499 price point.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 does well: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. 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.
One note: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 is discontinued and no longer widely available new.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1499 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #50 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #97 of 110 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) | - |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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
HSU Research VTF-15H MK2: $1,499 eBay
Older model: the HSU Research VTF-15H (rated 4.1/5).
Pros: 15-inch ported driver delivers 121.8dB CEA-2010-A average from HSU Research’s long-running VTF series.
Cons: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 50 kg size, and $1499 price point.
Notes: Price includes shipping
Full HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, wood |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 24”H x 18”W x 26”D (609.6 x 457.2 x 660.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.5 dB |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (49.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs SVS PB-3000
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Rythmik FV15HP
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs SVS PB-4000
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Monoprice Monolith M-15 V2
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2S
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HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: $1499 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: 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. The 546.1H x 431.8W x 635.0D mm cabinet and 40.8 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.5 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 88.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Ilkka Rissanen; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs Definitive Technology Descend DN15
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- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs BK Electronics Monolith-DF
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs SVS SB13-Plus
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs Rythmik F18
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