HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger

Last updated: September 29, 2026

Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. Both are rated 3.7/5 for sound quality (#97 and #100 of 109 subwoofers), and the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 costs $1,499 against $1,599 for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.

HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger

What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 does well: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. 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: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 101.6 dB at 20 Hz and 112.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. 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.

One note: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 is discontinued and no longer widely available new.

Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $100 less than the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger.

Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger
Price$1499 Discontinued$1599 Discontinued
Ranked#97 of 109 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)#100 of 109 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
Enclosureported, rearported, rear
Output SPL at 15 Hz88.5 dB100.6 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz104.3 dB101.6 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz108.7 dB102.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz109.7 dB106.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz112.1 dB110.8 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz113.7 dB112.9 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz114.0 dB113.5 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz114.0 dB113.8 dB
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)113.5 dB112.8 dB
Dimensions21.5”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)
Weight89.9 lbs (40.8 kg)89.9 lbs (40.8 kg)
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Measurement SourceIlkka RissanenIlkka Rissanen
Drivers12” (305mm) driver12” (305mm) driver

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Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.

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The Two Speakers In Full

HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: $1499 Discontinued eBay

HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 ranking card

Newer model: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.

Cons: 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. The 546.1H x 431.8W x 635.0D mm cabinet and 40.8 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.

Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)113.5 dB
CountryUnited States
Dimensions21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm)
Drivers12” (305mm) driver
Enclosureported, rear
Measurement SourceIlkka Rissanen
Output SPL at 15 Hz88.5 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz104.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz108.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz109.7 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz112.1 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz113.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz114.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz114.0 dB
Weight89.9 lbs (40.8 kg)
Search eBay for HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 →

HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger: $1599 Discontinued eBay

HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger ranking card

Newer model: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 101.6 dB at 20 Hz and 112.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.

Cons: 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. The 546.1H x 431.8W x 635.0D mm cabinet and 40.8 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.

Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)112.8 dB
CountryUnited States
Dimensions21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm)
Drivers12” (305mm) driver
Enclosureported, rear
Measurement SourceIlkka Rissanen
Output SPL at 15 Hz100.6 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz101.6 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz102.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz106.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz110.8 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz112.9 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz113.5 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz113.8 dB
Weight89.9 lbs (40.8 kg)
Search eBay for HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger →