Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. It ranks #86 of 97 subwoofers by sound quality at $1499; the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger ranks #88 and costs $1599, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. It ranks higher for sound quality than the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 97 subwoofers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1499 | $1599 |
| Ranked | #86 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #88 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 88.5 dB | 100.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.7 dB | 102.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.7 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 112.1 dB | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB | 112.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.0 dB | 113.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.5 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 21.5"H x 17"W x 25"D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) | 21.5"H x 17"W x 25"D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs / 40.8 kg | 89.9 lbs / 40.8 kg |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
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The Two Speakers In Full
HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: $1499
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) |
| 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 |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger: $1599
Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.5"H x 17"W x 25"D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 102.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 112.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.8 dB |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs / 40.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples