Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. It ranks #59 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $1,049; the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution ranks #86, rated 4.1/5, and costs $2,999, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
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 catch: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 86 lbs (39 kg) cabinet, and mid-range output.
What the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution does well: A giant ported 17 inch subwoofer that digs extremely deep and plays earth shaking movie bass in large rooms. The tradeoff: At 166.9 lbs (75.7 kg), or 167 lbs (75.8 kg), with recessed feet that leave little clearance, moving or repositioning this cabinet is a two-person job at minimum.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. It is rated higher for sound quality than the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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 | SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $2,999.00 |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #86 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 113.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 117.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 119.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 120.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 119.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 118.7 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 119.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 20”H x 19.5”W x 21.2”D (508.0 x 495.3 x 538.5 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 166.9 lbs (75.7 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | - |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 17” driver, dual voice coil |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 76.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 90.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | - | 107.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 119.8 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 15-320Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | - | 2800W RMS |
| Inputs | - | XLR (balanced, LFE/stereo), RCA (LFE/stereo) |
| 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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