Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 is the better pick: it ranks #51 of 167 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5), against #112 (rated 3.7/5) for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. If you want one new, the SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution ranks #3 at $1,299.99.
Why pick the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4: 12-inch ported delivers tremendous output and solid extension down to 20Hz.
The case for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. Watch for: 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 MK4 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 Discontinued | $1,499 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #51 of 167 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #112 of 125 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 105.4 dB | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 110.3 dB | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.7 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.0 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 115.7 dB | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 115.8 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.7 dB | 114.0 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.3 dB | 113.5 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 | 74.1 lbs (33.6 kg) | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz | - |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | 350W continuous (1400W short term) | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 88.5 dB |
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- SVS SB-3000 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4
- Cadence Sound CSX-12 Mark II vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK4
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs SVS SB13-Plus
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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 MK4: $1,299 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: 12-inch ported delivers tremendous output and solid extension down to 20Hz. Excellent engineering for maximum bang-for-buck performance. Great customer support and 7-year driver/2-year amp warranty.
Cons: Discontinued.
Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 350W continuous (1400W short term) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.3 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 |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 105.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 110.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 115.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.7 dB |
| Weight | 74.1 lbs (33.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: $1,499 Discontinued eBay
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 |
|---|---|
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Ilkka Rissanen; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S
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- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs BK Electronics Monolith-DF
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs SVS SB13-Plus
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs Rythmik F18
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs SVS PB-4000
- See all 20 comparisons