HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Chase Home Theater SS18.1

Last updated: September 14, 2026

Short answer: the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 on measured sound quality, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP on price. The Chase Home Theater SS18.1 ranks #32 of 110 subwoofers at $2499. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP ranks #52 at $1049, $1450 cheaper.

HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Chase Home Theater SS18.1

What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP offers: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class. Watch for: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg cabinet, and mid-range output.

What the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 offers: 18-inch sealed driver delivers 125.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a dedicated cinema-style sealed cabinet. Watch for: Passive design needs external amplification, 41 kg weight, and sealed design room modes.

Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP Chase Home Theater SS18.1
Price$1,099$2499 Passive, Discontinued
Ranked#52 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)#32 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
Enclosureported, frontsealed
Output SPL at 15 Hz100.8 dB97.2 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz108.2 dB101.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz113.4 dB106.0 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz118.2 dB111.6 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz121.9 dB118.2 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz122.3 dB123.6 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz121.1 dB128.1 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz120.4 dB130.8 dB
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)121.4 dB125.2 dB
Dimensions25"H x 17.2"W x 24"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm)22"H x 24"W x 22"D (558.8 x 609.6 x 558.8 mm)
Weight85.1 lbs (38.6 kg)89.9 lbs (40.8 kg)
Warranty7/2(+3)-
Cabinet Colorblack-
CountryUnited States-
Measurement SourceManufacturerData-bass
Drivers15" (381mm) driver18" (457mm) driver
Passive-Yes
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz-92.8 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz-132.6 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz-133.7 dB
Discontinued-Yes

How Chase Home Theater SS18.1 compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked September 14, 2026 at 1:47 AM 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.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

The Two Speakers In Full

HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP: $1,099 HSU Research eBay

HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP ranking card

Pros: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class.

Cons: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg cabinet, and mid-range output.

Notes: Price includes shipping

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)121.4 dB
Cabinet Colorblack
CountryUnited States
Dimensions25"H x 17.2"W x 24"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm)
Drivers15" (381mm) driver
Enclosureported, front
Measurement SourceManufacturer
Output SPL at 15 Hz100.8 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz108.2 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz113.4 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz118.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz121.9 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz122.3 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz121.1 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz120.4 dB
Warranty7/2(+3)
Weight85.1 lbs (38.6 kg)

Chase Home Theater SS18.1: $2499 Passive, Discontinued eBay

Chase Home Theater SS18.1 ranking card

Pros: 18-inch sealed driver delivers 125.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a dedicated cinema-style sealed cabinet.

Cons: Passive design needs external amplification, 41 kg weight, and sealed design room modes. Discontinued.

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)125.2 dB
Dimensions22"H x 24"W x 22"D (558.8 x 609.6 x 558.8 mm)
DiscontinuedYes
Drivers18" (457mm) driver
Enclosuresealed
Measurement SourceData-bass
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz92.8 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz97.2 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz101.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz106.0 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz111.6 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz118.2 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz123.6 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz128.1 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz130.8 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz132.6 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz133.7 dB
PassiveYes
Weight89.9 lbs (40.8 kg)