ScottW wrote:

I have a cheapo Hsu VTF-2, I think it does a very nice job down to 30
Hz or so.

Yes. In a head to head against a Velodyne servo FSR-12 that
I use in my living room system the Hsu was able to match the
Velodyne even with clean test tones down to 25 Hz. Below 25
Hz the Hsu rolled off cleanly, while the Velodyne was solid
down to 20 Hz. With music the two simply sounded alike with
all but the most bass-deep pipe-organ material.

The VTF-2 (which I reviewed in issue 88 of The Sensible
Sound back in 2001) is a remarkable unit for the price the
company asks. Another good unit is the SVS 25-31. I reviewed
both the standard and extended-bass versions and found them
to be a match for the VTF-2, with the ability to play a bit
louder down low. Of course, the SVS is considerably larger,
with a larger driver, than the Hsu sub. No substitute for
size with ported subwoofers.

I'm sure there are more expensive subs that can go deeper
but my 2nd story room doesn't accomodate deep bass well IMO so anything
more is a bit of a waste for me.

With 95% (or more) of the music and movie materials out
there the VTF-2 will do as well as any other sub, at least
if huge output levels are not required.

Howard Ferstler

ScottW