Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, if you are buying new. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 measures as well as the Definitive Technology Descend DN15 (#130 vs #132 of 143 subwoofers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049 and is still sold new.
The case for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued. The catch: 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.
Why pick the Definitive Technology Descend DN15: A 15 inch subwoofer with two passive radiators, very low distortion and bass down to 20Hz. Watch for: Output averages 112.9dB from 40 to 80Hz, which is lower than many other 15 inch subwoofers at this price, so very large rooms may want more headroom.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, the replacement for the discontinued HSU Research VTF-3 MK3; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Definitive Technology Descend DN15.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | Definitive Technology Descend DN15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 Discontinued | $1,999.00 |
| Ranked | #130 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #132 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Warranty | 7/2 | 5/3 |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | sealed |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 88.5 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB | 103.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.7 dB | 107.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.7 dB | 110.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 112.1 dB | 113.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.0 dB | 111.6 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.5 dB | 112.9 dB |
| Dimensions | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) | 23.4”H x 24.1”W x 24.9”D (595.4 x 613.4 x 632.7 mm) |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) | 114.6 lbs (52.0 kg) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 15” driver + 2x 15” passive radiators |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 83.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | - | 97.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 110.6 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 20-150Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | - | 500W RMS / 1500W peak |
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