Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, if you are buying new. The Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra measures as well as it (#63 vs #59 of 143 subwoofers, 4.2/5 vs 4.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP is still sold new at $1,049.
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.
The case for the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra: A THX Ultra certified 13 inch ported subwoofer with deep, strong bass for large rooms at a good price used. Watch for: The 604.5H x 515.6W x 739.1D mm cabinet and 153.2 lbs (69.5 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP if you want one new; the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A 15 inch ported subwoofer with excellent output for the money, a strong value pick for movies and music.
A THX Ultra certified 13 inch ported subwoofer with deep, strong bass for large rooms at a good price used.
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 | Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $1,700 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #63 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | 109.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 115.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 118.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 119.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 120.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 121.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 122.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 121.1 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 23.8”H x 20.3”W x 29.1”D (604.5 x 515.6 x 739.1 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 153.2 lbs (69.5 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 13” (330mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 94.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 123.8 dB |
| Inputs | - | XLR (stereo balanced), RCA (stereo/mono) |
| 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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