HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Monoprice Monolith M-215

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith M-215 for better sound quality, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for the lower price. The Monoprice Monolith M-215 ranks #23 of 110 subwoofers, rated 4.4/5, at $2999.99. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP ranks #52, rated 4.2/5, at $1049, $1950.99 cheaper.

HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Monoprice Monolith M-215

What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP gets right: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class. The tradeoff: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg (86 lbs) cabinet, and mid-range output.

Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Monoprice Monolith M-215 if sound quality is the priority over the price.

Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.

Buy the Monoprice Monolith M-215 at Monoprice ($2999.99) →Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP at HSU Research ($1,049.00) →

Specifications Side By Side

HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP Monoprice Monolith M-215
Price$1,099$2999.99
Ranked#52 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)#23 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
Enclosureported, frontported, front
Output SPL at 15 Hz100.8 dB113.1 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz108.2 dB118.9 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz113.4 dB122.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz118.2 dB125.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz121.9 dB126.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz122.3 dB126.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz121.1 dB125.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz120.4 dB125.6 dB
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)121.4 dB125.9 dB
Dimensions25"H x 17.2"W x 24"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm)42.3"H x 20"W x 27.6"D (1074.4 x 508.0 x 701.0 mm)
Weight85.1 lbs (38.6 kg)216.1 lbs (98.0 kg)
Warranty7/2(+3)5
Cabinet Colorblackblack
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Measurement SourceManufacturerBrent Butterworth
Drivers15" (381mm) driver2x 15" (381mm) drivers
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz-103.9 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz-125.7 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz-126.3 dB
Buy the Monoprice Monolith M-215 at Monoprice ($2999.99) →Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP at HSU Research ($1,049.00) →

How Monoprice Monolith M-215 compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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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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

Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP review and specifications →

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)
Check current price at HSU Research ($1,049.00) →Search eBay for HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP →

Monoprice Monolith M-215: $2999.99 Monoprice eBay

Monoprice Monolith M-215 ranking card

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 118.9 dB at 20 Hz and 125.9 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 2x 15” (381mm) drivers has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 1074.4H x 508.0W x 701.0D mm cabinet and 98.0 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.

Notes: Product # 38543

Full Monoprice Monolith M-215 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)125.9 dB
Cabinet Colorblack
CountryUnited States
Dimensions42.3"H x 20"W x 27.6"D (1074.4 x 508.0 x 701.0 mm)
Drivers2x 15" (381mm) drivers
Enclosureported, front
Measurement SourceBrent Butterworth
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz103.9 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz113.1 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz118.9 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz122.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz125.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz126.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz126.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz125.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz125.6 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz125.7 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz126.3 dB
Warranty5
Weight216.1 lbs (98.0 kg)
Check current price at Monoprice ($2999.99) →Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith M-215 →