VTF-3 MK3 Conclusion
Over the years I’ve been exposed to many, many subs, in both
home and professional settings. Along the way I’ve encountered some truly
superb products. It’s really is easy to become spoiled once you’ve had the
opportunity to experience the very best that’s out there. So when Gene
approached with the idea to review a modestly-priced subwoofer, I was quite
prepared not to like it. Quite the opposite happened in that not only
did I like what this sub could do, but was consistently surprised by how well
Dr Hsu managed to get this thoroughbred with a 12” driver to perform – and
perform on a consistent basis. I’ll close with a strong buy recommendation; buy
two if the budget allows for it!
HSU Research
VTF-3 Mk3
MSRP: $699.00/unit; without turbo
option
http://www.hsuresearch.com
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | |
| Bass Accuracy | |
| Build Quality | |
| Appearance | |
| Dynamic Range | |
| Performance |  |
| Value | |
Mark did not review the turbocharger. He mentioned port noise tendencies only in the extended bass mode with port plug, which is exactly the situation we were trying to move away from with turbocharger. Port noise is definitely not an issue with the turbocharger.
Sure one could design a larger enclosure, but even that would see a performance benefit from using turbocharger instead of plugging a port to reduce port tuning. The idea was definitely to make the unit install in a modular fashion.
That makes sense.
Mark did not review the turbocharger. He mentioned port noise tendencies only in the extended bass mode with port plug, which is exactly the situation we were trying to move away from with turbocharger. Port noise is definitely not an issue with the turbocharger.
Sure one could design a larger enclosure, but even that would see a performance benefit from using turbocharger instead of plugging a port to reduce port tuning. The idea was definitely to make the unit install in a modular fashion.
It is a great product and innovative design, no doubt though. Why not make a new sub that is a bit bigger (enclosure to house everything) with longer, straighter ports? Problem solved. I can see it as a great add on to existing sub systems though.
