Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, if you are buying new. The Power Sound Audio (PSA) T18 ranks higher than it (#8 vs #59 of 143 subwoofers, 4.5/5 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.
Why pick the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP: A 15 inch ported subwoofer with excellent output for the money, a strong value pick for movies and music. The catch: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 86 lbs (39 kg) cabinet, and mid-range output.
Why pick the Power Sound Audio (PSA) T18: A sealed 18 inch subwoofer with deep, powerful bass for large home theaters and balanced inputs for pro style setups. The catch: The 596.9H x 787.4W x 698.5D mm cabinet and 170 lbs (77.1 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, since the Power Sound Audio (PSA) T18 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
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 sealed 18 inch subwoofer with deep, powerful bass for large home theaters and balanced inputs for pro style setups.
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 | Power Sound Audio (PSA) T18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $4,995 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #8 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | sealed |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 129.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 129.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 129.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 129.7 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 23.5”H x 31”W x 27.5”D (596.9 x 787.4 x 698.5 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 170 lbs (77.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Manufacturer |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 18” (457mm) driver |
| Inputs | - | XLR (balanced, with loop output), 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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