Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. It ranks #59 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $1,049; the Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 1V ranks #118, rated 3.9/5, and costs $2,050, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP is the better-sounding pick. A 15 inch ported subwoofer with excellent output for the money, a strong value pick for movies and music. Watch for: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 86 lbs (39 kg) cabinet, and mid-range output.
The case for the Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 1V: A rear ported 13.8 inch subwoofer with good deep bass headroom for movies and balanced XLR input. The catch: The 624.8H x 449.8W x 549.9D mm cabinet and 106 lbs (48.1 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 1V and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
A 15 inch ported subwoofer with excellent output for the money, a strong value pick for movies and music.
A rear ported 13.8 inch subwoofer with good deep bass headroom for movies and balanced XLR input.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 1V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $2,050 |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #118 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | 104.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 106.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 107.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 114.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 116.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 118.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 116.5 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 24.6”H x 17.7”W x 21.6”D (624.8 x 449.8 x 549.9 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 106 lbs (48.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 10/5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black, white |
| Country | United States | Norway |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 13.8” (351mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 98.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 118.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 116.7 dB |
| Inputs | - | XLR (balanced), RCA |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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