Short answer: the MK5, and it costs less too. It ranks #94 of 212 medium powered subwoofers against the MK4’s #40, and it is $140 cheaper.
The MK5 measures meaningfully louder across the board. At every frequency point in the spec sheet, from 20Hz through 80Hz, the MK5 outputs 3 to 4dB more than the MK4, for example 116.7dB versus 113.5dB at 50Hz and 117.1dB versus 113.3dB at 63Hz. Its overall CEA-2010-A average across 40-80Hz comes in at 116.4dB against the MK4’s 112.8dB, a real, audible difference in headroom. The MK5 also extends further, with published output down to 15Hz (90.3dB) where the MK4’s spec sheet stops at 20Hz.
Both share the same core design philosophy. Each uses a single 12-inch driver in a similarly sized ported cabinet, and both share the same pros in our notes: tuneful bass described as the antithesis of one-note, variable tuning that behaves like three subs in one, and a compact footprint for tight spaces. The MK5 simply builds on that with a higher-rated 350W RMS amplifier against the MK4’s 250W.
The MK5 also carries third-party validation the MK4 doesn’t have. Our notes flag it as WireCutter/NYT recommended, and its output figures come from independent Audioholics measurements rather than the manufacturer’s own numbers used for the MK4.
Buy the MK5. It measures louder at every frequency, extends deeper, and costs less than the model it replaced.
Buy the MK4 only if you find it discounted well below the MK5, since it offers no advantage otherwise.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 | HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 Discontinued | $759 |
| Ranked | #94 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #40 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Warranty | 7/2 | 7/2(+3) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.1 dB | 104.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.0 dB | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 110.2 dB | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.8 dB | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.5 dB | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.3 dB | 117.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 112.8 dB | 116.7 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.8 dB | 116.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 20.5”H x 15”W x 22”D (520.7 x 381.0 x 558.8 mm) | 21.5”H x 15”W x 24”D (546.1 x 381.0 x 609.6 mm) |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg) | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Amplifier Power | 250W RMS | 350W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz | 18-90Hz |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 90.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 115.8 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
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