Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra for more output, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for a lighter cabinet. The Monolith’s 16-inch ported driver and THX Ultra certification deliver a 126.5dB CEA-2010-A average, though it is heavy at 78 kg (172 lbs) and the ported design can interact with room acoustics. The HSU’s 121.4dB comes in a 39 kg (86 lbs) cabinet.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP new; the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $2,300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #19 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | 107.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 118.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 123.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 125.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 126.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 126.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 126.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 126.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 126.5 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 25.6”H x 22”W x 28.1”D (650.2 x 558.8 x 713.7 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 171.5 lbs (77.8 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 16” (406mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 127.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 127.6 dB |
| Inputs | - | XLR, RCA, XLR out |
| 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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