Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5. It ranks #22 of 137 its class at $750; the HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 ranks #55 and costs $899, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 gets right: Plays 50% louder across measurement range than competitors.
On the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 side: WireCutter/NYT recommended.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 | HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 | $750 |
| Ranked | #55 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #22 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| 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 15.0"W x 22.0"D (520.7 x 381.0 x 558.8 mm) | 21.5"H x 15.0"W x 24.0"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 |
| Power Output (Watts) | 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 |
| Warranty | - | 7/2(+3) |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
The Two Speakers In Full
HSU Research VTF-2 MK4: $899
Pros: Plays 50% louder across measurement range than competitors. Tuneful bass, antithesis of one-note. Variable tuning provides flexibility - like having three subs in one. Compact size for tight spaces. Extreme value.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 20.5"H x 15.0"W x 22.0"D (520.7 x 381.0 x 558.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 110.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 112.8 dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 250W RMS |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs / 29.0 kg |
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HSU Research VTF-2 MK5: $750
Pros: Plays 50% louder across measurement range than competitors. Tuneful bass, antithesis of one-note. Variable tuning provides flexibility - like having three subs in one. Compact size for tight spaces. Extreme value. WireCutter/NYT recommended.
Notes: Price includes shipping
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 116.4 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.5"H x 15.0"W x 24.0"D (546.1 x 381.0 x 609.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 117.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 115.8 dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 350W RMS |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 61.9 lbs / 28.1 kg |
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.