Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. Both are rated 4.2/5 for sound quality (#59 and #64 of 143 subwoofers), and the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP costs $1,049 against $3,100 for the Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP does well: A 15 inch ported subwoofer with excellent output for the money, a strong value pick for movies and music. The tradeoff: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 86 lbs (39 kg) cabinet, and mid-range output.
What the Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V does well: A ported subwoofer with two 13.8 inch drivers and deep, powerful bass for large rooms, with balanced and RCA inputs. Watch for: The 699.8H x 499.9W x 608.8D mm cabinet and 132.5 lbs (60.1 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $2,051 less than the Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A 15 inch ported subwoofer with excellent output for the money, a strong value pick for movies and music.
A ported subwoofer with two 13.8 inch drivers and deep, powerful bass for large rooms, with balanced and RCA inputs.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $3,100 |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #64 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | 108.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 108.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 119.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 121.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 122.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 121.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 121.0 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 27.6”H x 19.7”W x 24”D (699.8 x 499.9 x 608.8 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 132.5 lbs (60.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 10/5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black, white |
| Country | United States | Norway |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 2x 13.8” (351mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 90.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 104.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 120.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 119.6 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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