Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#130 and #133 of 143 subwoofers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 does well: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued. The tradeoff: 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 HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with the Turbocharger upgrade for extra upper bass punch, now discontinued. The tradeoff: 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.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 or the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, which replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 Discontinued | $1,599 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #130 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #133 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Warranty | 7/2 | 7/2 |
| 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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