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Thread: What Sub for My 170SE Mains for 2.1 Music?

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Default What Sub for My 170SE Mains for 2.1 Music?

    Please suggest or recommend a subwoofer for use with my 170SE mains for 2.1 music at moderate to low volumes.

    I'm more interested in how well the sub blends with my Ascends than how low or loud the sub plays. My budget for this sub is up to $500 or so.

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
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    913

    Default

    The obvious answer would be a Hsu STF-2 or STF-3 which are both on sale right now for 20% off. They are very popular among Ascend owners.

  3. #3
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    Oct 2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by BradJudy
    The obvious answer would be a Hsu STF-2 or STF-3 which are both on sale right now for 20% off. They are very popular among Ascend owners.
    I thought it would be HSU, just had to ask to be sure. Incredible deals... thank you very much!

    ----------------------

    Edit: Hmmm... on second thought... I copied the following from HSU's site:

    "STF subwoofers remove the Variable Tuning feature of the VTF line. VTF subwoofers can be tuned electronically and physically to play either loud or low, letting customers decide how deep to play. STF subwoofers don't have this feature."

    Now I'm concerned one of the STF subs might not be best for me because I intend to use it at low to moderate volumes.

    Should I have reason for concern? If so, what other sub(s) should I consider?

    Would the obvious answer then be the HSU VTF-2 MK 2?
    Last edited by 1Time; 11-29-2006 at 09:12 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    culver city, ca
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    any sub calibrated properly will play at low to moderate volumes, if your mains are also playing at low to moderate volumes. i think you are misreading the info on the two hsus tho--in actuality the VTF-2 is the one that will be able to play louder (when in max output mode), the tradeoff being a few hz in depth. The STF-2 has a bit smaller of an amp and is tuned at 25hz. i think it has a lower overall output than the VTF-2.

    the calculation most people make when determining what sub to get is the room size (in cubic feet). that said, it seems to me this is more often used when dealing with home theater applications than music. i have a UFW-10 from av123 that works pretty well with music along with my 170s. It is another sub you might want to look into. SVS is another popular choice.

    if you are handy i would maybe suggest going with a do it yourself sub like the rhythmik, which is what i wish i had done. but if not, either the hsus will probably work for you, and the STF-2 might be good enough.



    Quote Originally Posted by 1Time
    I thought it would be HSU, just had to ask to be sure. Incredible deals... thank you very much!

    ----------------------

    Edit: Hmmm... on second thought... I copied the following from HSU's site:

    "STF subwoofers remove the Variable Tuning feature of the VTF line. VTF subwoofers can be tuned electronically and physically to play either loud or low, letting customers decide how deep to play. STF subwoofers don't have this feature."

    Now I'm concerned one of the STF subs might not be best for me because I intend to use it at low to moderate volumes.

    Should I have reason for concern? If so, what other sub(s) should I consider?

    Would the obvious answer then be the HSU VTF-2 MK 2?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    SouthWest of Cleveland
    Posts
    1,924

    Default

    Having a UFW-10 myself, I give it another vote, especially for music. It blends seamlessly with my classic 170's.
    Ed

    * Sierra-2EX's W/V2 crossover upgrade
    * (2) Rythmik F12's
    * Parasound Halo P6
    * Audio by Van Alstine DVA-M225 Monoblock Amps
    * MiniDSP 2x4HD For Sub calibration
    *World's Best Cables Canare 4S11 speaker cables

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    25

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    Very good info and suggestions / recommendations offered, just what I needed. I guess I'm now leaning more toward selecting a less expensive sub (closer to $400) since my listening / HT room is fairly small and less expensive subs have been suggested / recommended.

    I am a do-it-yourself type and have put together DIY speakers before, yet I never considered a DIY sub. I guess I was assuming the manufactured ones would be superior. I looked briefly at the rhythmik and it seems like it may be the best performer in my price range. However, would it be the best sounding sub for music with my 170SE's? Or, would one of the manufactured subs be better for me? Or, at low to moderate volumes in a small room would I not appreciate the difference? I'm looking to be swayed and personal testimonies from those with 170SE's and a sub seem to carry the most weight with me. Or, should I instead go with a superior sub like the rhythmik and call it a day?

    A seemless and musical integration with my 170SE's is primarily what I'm after for low to moderate volumes. I expect to set the crossover for the Ascends at 60Hz or 80Hz depending on which receive I use. I read up on the Rocket ULW-10, and its advertising describes what I'm after. Here's a quote from AV123.com:

    "Intended Uses:

    The ULW-10 can be utilized in small to medium sized rooms. The ULW-10 is what we call a music lovers' subwoofer. It is perfect for music and home theater systems; especially where space is limited. It offers tight, accurate bass in a small package. It is not the loudest or deepest extending sub in the world but it will surprise you with its remarkable attack and decay."

    Another "musical sub" I am considering is Orb Audio's Super Eight.

    Any additional advise, suggestions / recommendations offered would be appreciated. And thank you all for your help.
    Last edited by 1Time; 11-30-2006 at 07:27 AM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    259

    Default how long is the 20% off and for which subs?

    So, 1Time said:

    "... I copied the following from HSU's site:

    "STF subwoofers remove the Variable Tuning feature of the VTF line. VTF subwoofers can be tuned electronically and physically to play either loud or low, letting customers decide how deep to play. STF subwoofers don't have this feature." "



    and thus my question is this, is now the best time to get the VTF 2 or 3 MKII or will the newer one without the 'Variable Tuning feature' be the best option and why?

    I have demo'd the Velodyne DPS-10 in my 15x16x18h den with my Denon 1905 or 1906 and even in this size room with all that air space, it actually still shook everything that needed to be shook and I could feel/hear the bass in other rooms up and down stairs in my 2400sqft home. So among my rambling, I lost my other question... anyone have any idea how well the HSU stf 2 or 3, or the VTF 2 or 3 would perform v/s this Velodyne sub? It was $450 at CC. I am ready to buy one now but am torn. The Velo is really nice looking and plenty for my need but I do want more and better sound musically if I can get it.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
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    913

    Default

    An STF-2 is basically a VTF-2 in max extension mode.

    An STF-3 is basically a VTF-3 in max output mode. The STF-3 can be ordered in max extension mode for $50 more.

    Given the current sales, I think it's a great deal to order an STF sub. It sounds like there will be sales on higher ticket items soon. There was mention of getting two STF-3's in max extension mode for $1k. Maybe there will be a VTF-3HO sale too.

    I"ve never listened to your Velodyne, so I can't comment on relative performance. I'd pick up an STF-3, but I'm already a Hsu owner, so I'm biased.

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