Short answer: the SVS SB-3000. It ranks #15 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $1,149 and is still sold new; the HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 ranks #94 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The HSU Research VTF-2 MK4’s replacement, the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5, is rated 3.9/5 at $759.
The SVS SB-3000 is the better-sounding pick. A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms. The tradeoff: Being sealed, it gives up deep-bass output: Audioholics measured 96.6dB at 20Hz and 101.7dB at 25Hz, about 15dB behind the ported SVS PB-3000 from the same series, so a large room or reference-level movie bass may call for a second sub.
Why pick the HSU Research VTF-2 MK4: A loud ported 12 inch subwoofer with variable tuning and a compact cabinet for its output, now discontinued. The tradeoff: At 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg) and 520.7H x 381.0W x 558.8D mm it is still a big, heavy cabinet.
Buy the SVS SB-3000. It is rated higher for sound quality; the HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms.
A loud ported 12 inch subwoofer with variable tuning and a compact cabinet for its output, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB-3000 | HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,149.00 | $899 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #94 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.6 dB | 101.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 101.7 dB | 107.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.8 dB | 110.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB | 111.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB | 113.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.9 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.7 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) | 20.5”H x 15”W x 22”D (520.7 x 381.0 x 558.8 mm) |
| Weight | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) | 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 7/2 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 18-270Hz, ±3dB | 18-90Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 800W RMS / 2500W peak | 250W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes | - |
| Inputs | RCA (unbalanced), USB | - |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger | - |
| Drivers | 13” (330mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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