Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, if you are buying new. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 measures as well as the RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S (#130 vs #131 of 143 subwoofers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049 and is still sold new.
The case for the RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S: An affordable rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with strong deep bass output for movies. Watch for: The 565.1H x 479.4W x 562.0D mm cabinet and 82 lbs (37.2 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 does well: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued. The tradeoff: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, the replacement for the discontinued HSU Research VTF-3 MK3; it is rated higher for sound quality than the RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with strong deep bass output for movies.
A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $884.96 | $1,499 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #131 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #130 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 104.4 dB | 88.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 109.3 dB | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 110.9 dB | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 112.5 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.4 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.4 dB | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.0 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.1 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 112.2 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.2 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 18.9”W x 22.1”D (565.1 x 479.4 x 562.0 mm) | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Weight | 82 lbs (37.2 kg) | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
| Cabinet Color | black, white | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Warranty | 5/3 | 7/2 |
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