Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for output, the SVS PB12-NSD for its port design. The HSU’s ported cabinet delivers a 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, though it needs careful room placement and its 39 kg (86 lbs) cabinet is mid-size. The SVS reaches a 113.8dB average with SVS’s proprietary net-zero-sum port design. The SVS PB12-NSD is discontinued; its replacement is the SVS PB-1000 PRO.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. It is rated higher for sound quality; the SVS PB12-NSD is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | SVS PB12-NSD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $1,099 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #88 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | 99.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 105.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 107.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 114.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 113.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 20.9”H x 17.3”W x 22”D (530.9 x 439.4 x 558.8 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 65.9 lbs (29.9 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | - | 400W RMS |
| Frequency Response | - | 18-150Hz |
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