HSU Research Sub woofers
Ken E. Bartlett
of HSU Research Subs were tested. Stereo Review spoke well of them
(as well as everything they test). I wasn't quite clear as to how the
would be hooked up. I have a Sony receiver with Pro-Logic and am looking
for some added punch from some of the Laser Disk movies I have.
Has anyone tried a pair of these? Will I need a separate amp to drive
them? Are they worth the money? Any other suggestions for Subs used
mostly for Pro-Logic movies?
--
#############################################################
# Ken E. Bartlett at k...@sactoh0.SAC.CA.US #
# Go ahead, make my day.... #
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Shiv Naimpally
many times have you heard the phrase 'compares favourably to speakers
costing 2 or 3 times as much' ?
Many companies making surround speakers have subwoofers available,
eg. Yamaha, Pioneer, etc.. It would be best if you can stick to one
manufacturer since you know the sub is matched for the speakers.
If the efficiency of the sub and the satelites is different, you'll
send up with too much or too little bass.
Check the Velodyne powered subs, I've heard them and they are very good.
Collin K. Ong
>I don't beleive anything in reviews from Stereo Review/Audio. How
>many times have you heard the phrase 'compares favourably to speakers
>costing 2 or 3 times as much' ?
I don't believe SR either but I think the HSU Research subs were mentioned
favorably in Stereophile. Not a review but a positive mention in one of
their CES overviews.
>Many companies making surround speakers have subwoofers available,
>eg. Yamaha, Pioneer, etc.. It would be best if you can stick to one
>manufacturer since you know the sub is matched for the speakers.
>If the efficiency of the sub and the satelites is different, you'll
>send up with too much or too little bass.
Most people probably wouldn't mind too much. :)
>Check the Velodyne powered subs, I've heard them and they are very good.
I agree.
Manny C.
>Check the Velodyne powered subs, I've heard them and they are very good.
I have the Velodyne 810. It is the lowest model that Velodyne makes and
it is excellent for what it offers. I've tried the Yamaha, klipsch and a
couple of other homemade subs. To sum it up, Velodyne had the cleanest,
and most powerful bass for what it has to offer. I spent the extra $100
from the Yamaha sw100 just to get the V810. It was the only sub that could
blend in with my speakers without excessive boominessnd distortion.
The Velodynes could also play any kind of music without overkilling the bass
in some frequencies as with some other subs which are good for hitting just that one good note in a rap song.
Manny
--
Manny Chen | Summer of '92!
NREMT-A, CPR - Instructor American Red Cross|
University Of Illinois @ Urbana - Champaign | ec4...@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu
Illini Emergency Medical Services |
Lon Stowell
>I've recently glossed over the newest Stereo Review in which a pair
>of HSU Research Subs were tested. Stereo Review spoke well of them
>(as well as everything they test). I wasn't quite clear as to how the
>would be hooked up. I have a Sony receiver with Pro-Logic and am looking
>for some added punch from some of the Laser Disk movies I have.
>Has anyone tried a pair of these? Will I need a separate amp to drive
>them? Are they worth the money? Any other suggestions for Subs used
>mostly for Pro-Logic movies?
>
subwoofers. These have power and you can drive them with either
a preamp signal OR the speaker output of your receiver. If you
do the latter, they are roughly 200 ohm impedance, so they don't
suck too much power from your receiver (they just pad down the
power and feed the result to the built in amp...)
Velodynes are also nice, but not quite as easy to hook up in a
receiver type system unless your receiver has a separate
subwoofer preamp output. (In which case the choice between
M&K and Velodyne would be sound and furniture styling...)
By the time you buy the HSU's and amplifiers, you have spent as
much as the lower end Velodyne or M&K...either of which will
rattle the walls better. This is not to bad-rap the HSU's.
They sound "ok", but nowhere near the powered models I've heard.
You really ought to go listen to Star Trek, Top Gun, Apocalypse Now,
Tron, Fantasia, Spinal Tap [ >:-) ], Batman, etc. on a system
with a good powered subwoofer that offers flat response down to
20Hz or lower.
If you want killer sound, buy two Velodynes or M&K's and put
them in different room locations to help with standing waves.
I'd avoid the cheapest Velodyne and M&K models, they only have
about 50-60 watts and only are flat down to 30 Hz or so....but
either make has higher end models that are flat to 20, and some
down to 15-18 at room-shattering levels.
PS: Start looking for new living quarters, you may need
them... >:-)
>--
Jen-I Pi
|> sh...@bnr.ca (Shiv Naimpally) writes:
|>
|> >I don't beleive anything in reviews from Stereo Review/Audio. How
|> >many times have you heard the phrase 'compares favourably to speakers
|> >costing 2 or 3 times as much' ?
|>
|> I don't believe SR either but I think the HSU Research subs were mentioned
|> favorably in Stereophile. Not a review but a positive mention in one of
Does anyone know how can I subscribe the 'Stereophile' magazine?
Thanks in advance!
Jen-I p...@lepton.isi.edu :-)
Carleton Wu
ll) writes:
> By the time you buy the HSU's and amplifiers, you have spent as
> much as the lower end Velodyne or M&K...either of which will
> rattle the walls better. This is not to bad-rap the HSU's.
> They sound "ok", but nowhere near the powered models I've heard.
Remember, two subwoofers have a 6dB advantage over the single unit you speak of
so fondly and with such blatant bias. Furthermore, I'd be interested to know
where you auditioned the Hsu's (available ONLY factory-direct) and the others.
And under what circumstances. I'm sure your local M&K dealer is more than
willing to boost the bass region to demonstrate their products instead of a
flat response.
> If you want killer sound, buy two Velodynes or M&K's and put
> them in different room locations to help with standing waves.
Or just one set of Hsu's. :-)
> I'd avoid the cheapest Velodyne and M&K models, they only have
> about 50-60 watts and only are flat down to 30 Hz or so....but
> either make has higher end models that are flat to 20, and some
> down to 15-18 at room-shattering levels.
I really don't get it. First you imply that low-end Velodyne/M&K's are
preferable to the Hsu's in sound and comparable in cost when you tally in the
extra amp for the Hsu's, and now you're saying that they are ONLY flat to
30Hz! The Hsu SW10 subwoofers reach down to 20Hz! Even the inexpensive dbx
subs could probably reach 30Hz.
I have had my Hsu SW10 subwoofers for about a 3 weeks now and am very satisfied
especially considering the cost. Don't know how much the Velodynes or M&K's
cost, but with the extra amp, the total came to $920, including S/H. The only
thing I don't like about them are the "spikes" they came with them which are
really only screws you twist into the bottom (SR conveniently left this cheap
point out of their picture of the subs)--not exactly very sturdy.
I would write a product review on 'em but I haven't had much time to listen to
music lately, with school starting and all.
In the future, if any of you are going to make product comparisons, please be
fair about it. Preconceived bias can only serve to skew the outcome.
Carleton Wu
Lon Stowell
>I beg to differ. The Hsu's can wallup over 100dB with just 50W of power.
>Remember, two subwoofers have a 6dB advantage over the single unit you speak of
>so fondly and with such blatant bias.
Hopefully you've awakened from skipping "Reading and
Comprehension 101--Remedial" by now.
Where did you get the wacky idea that TWO subwoofers inherently
have a 6 dB advantage over a SINGLE subwoofer? Somewhere
doesn't the actual POWER (and efficiency) of the subwoofer and
amplifier come into play?
BTW, I usually advocate paired subs....but not for the reason
you gave.
>Furthermore, I'd be interested to know
>where you auditioned the Hsu's (available ONLY factory-direct) and the others.
>And under what circumstances. I'm sure your local M&K dealer is more than
>willing to boost the bass region to demonstrate their products instead of a
>flat response.
>
He's also willing to allow ME to play with the level controls
and crossover frequency.
Turning your challenge around, have YOU actually listened to the
M&K and Velodyne subwoofers and the HSU, or are you just
gatemouthing?
>> If you want killer sound, buy two Velodynes or M&K's and put
>> them in different room locations to help with standing waves.
>Or just one set of Hsu's. :-)
>
>> I'd avoid the cheapest Velodyne and M&K models, they only have
>> about 50-60 watts and only are flat down to 30 Hz or so....but
>> either make has higher end models that are flat to 20, and some
>> down to 15-18 at room-shattering levels.
>I really don't get it.
That's putting it pretty accurately and mildly.
>First you imply that low-end Velodyne/M&K's are
>preferable to the Hsu's in sound and comparable in cost when you tally in the
>extra amp for the Hsu's, and now you're saying that they are ONLY flat to
>30Hz!
I implied no such thing....you really ought to stay awake a bit
longer before hitting the "F" key....
WHERE in the posting did you see that I would prefer the lower
end powered subs....actually I was recommending against
them...or even comparing them to a good subwoofer.
The Hsu SW10 subwoofers reach down to 20Hz! Even the inexpensive dbx
>subs could probably reach 30Hz.
Actually the low-end M&K's and Velodyne's I mentioned are flat to
just below 30Hz...but in my non-humble opinion, 30Hz is
definitely NOT subwoofer territory. Nor would such a model (as
you seem not to have noticed) compare favorably in performance to
a good passive sub such as the HSU (or even the CV "earthquake"
sub...) .
>
>I have had my Hsu SW10 subwoofers for about a 3 weeks now and am very satisfied
>especially considering the cost. Don't know how much the Velodynes or M&K's
>cost, but with the extra amp, the total came to $920, including S/H.
Thanks for making my point....if you grab your local Velodyne or
M&K dealer by the wallet, you can get a GOOD one of their models
for about that amount of money. That are flat, with low
distortion, down below 20 Hz. And louder than the HSU's will
tolerate.
[We won't mention the facts about whether you NEED a lot of deep
bass and whether it need track midrange power accurately....you
can read Fletcher Munson curves, hopefully...]
As I said, I really have nothing against the HSU's....just that
there are alternatives in the same price range. I mentioned two,
there are several others.
They are good subwoofers, but they don't have the power handling
to fill a room with rib-rumbling bass...and in case you missed
it,...neither do the low-end powered subs.
The only
>thing I don't like about them are the "spikes" they came with them which are
>really only screws you twist into the bottom (SR conveniently left this cheap
>point out of their picture of the subs)--not exactly very sturdy.
>I would write a product review on 'em but I haven't had much time to listen to
>music lately, with school starting and all.
>
>In the future, if any of you are going to make product comparisons, please be
>fair about it. Preconceived bias can only serve to skew the outcome.
>
Good advice, take it yourself. AFTER you've had the
opportunity to listen to the alternatives....
I presume the fact that you own the HSU's makes you totally
unbiased? Riiiiiiigggggggggghhhhhhhhhhht.
Ken Yee
> Hopefully you've awakened from skipping "Reading and
> Comprehension 101--Remedial" by now.
> That's putting it pretty accurately and mildly.
>>fair about it. Preconceived bias can only serve to skew the outcome.
>>
> unbiased? Riiiiiiigggggggggghhhhhhhhhhht.
Could you two please keep the flaming down? This is getting close to name
calling. I much prefer Dick Pierce's flaming...at least he'll back up what
he has to say with relevant informative details
>>Furthermore, I'd be interested to know
>>where you auditioned the Hsu's (available ONLY factory-direct) and the others.
> Turning your challenge around, have YOU actually listened to the
> M&K and Velodyne subwoofers and the HSU, or are you just
> gatemouthing?
Lon, is this a NO answer?
> Thanks for making my point....if you grab your local Velodyne or
> M&K dealer by the wallet, you can get a GOOD one of their models
> for about that amount of money. That are flat, with low
> distortion, down below 20 Hz. And louder than the HSU's will
> tolerate.
> [We won't mention the facts about whether you NEED a lot of deep
> bass and whether it need track midrange power accurately....you
> can read Fletcher Munson curves, hopefully...]
I'm thinking about getting a good sub for home theatre. I was thinking
about the Hsu SW10 because I think I can start off with just one to
see if it has enough bass; I could drive it with one side of the amp
I'm using for the center channel. What concerns me most about the Hsu
is that the literature says it overloads below 15Hz and to not play cannon
shots; special effects from movies may have frequencies this low.
I haven't looked at traditional good subs (Muse and Velodyne, e.g.)
because clean 20Hz ones cost at least $1000, though powered. Are there
any that do this for less than $1000 (preferably much less)?
Can we get a bit more constructive with this thread topic?
ken
Lon Stowell
>
> Could you two please keep the flaming down? This is getting close to name
> calling.
We're chatting privately by e-mail....and both are cutting down
on caffeine.
> Lon, is this a NO answer?
I asked that question...but feel free to answer it...
>
> I'm thinking about getting a good sub for home theatre. I was thinking
> about the Hsu SW10 because I think I can start off with just one to
> see if it has enough bass; I could drive it with one side of the amp
> I'm using for the center channel. What concerns me most about the Hsu
> is that the literature says it overloads below 15Hz and to not play cannon
> shots; special effects from movies may have frequencies this low.
If you are a real bass freak and like loud levels, I would sede
if you can audition the HSU's somewhere.
They will bottom out (mechanically) quite easily with bass from
a 90 wpc HK amp. If your tastes are chamber music, etc. and you
like the limited range of the typical electrostatic, they would
be satisfactory (they DO sound good....I just prefer "more
power" and power handling capability...)
> I haven't looked at traditional good subs (Muse and Velodyne, e.g.)
> because clean 20Hz ones cost at least $1000, though powered. Are there
> any that do this for less than $1000 (preferably much less)?
Sadly not MUCH less. I don't think you would be very happy with
the lower end M&K or Velodyne's. They only go down to about
30 Hz and only have about 50 watt amps. IMHO their midrange
units with about 100 watts that go to 20-25 are about as low as
you'd be able to go and be happy.
In other words, you'd likely prefer the HSU in that price
range...
But the 200 watt units aren't much over a grand...and being a
cheapskate I tend to watch for the sales that often happen after
the Summer and Winter CES....or just bargain the dealer down
until my wallet, my ears, and his profits reach a compromise.
> Can we get a bit more constructive with this thread topic?
>
Not a bad idea....are there any OTHER good moderately priced subs
out there? And it would be nice to exclude the "bass modules"
masquerading as subwoofers...
The bigger VMPS sub ain't bad....but again you need a good low
impedance amp to drive it the larger VMPS can take enough
power to crack plaster.
david r moran
I reviewed a $1200 VMPS (vintage 89-90) for CD Review and recently the
Hsu unit (SW10) for Speaker Builder. Both are flat (I mean flat, within 1.5 - 2
dB, that is, +/-1dB or less) from 100Hz down to below 20Hz in a single-boundary
environment (outdoors, in other words a room without walls or ceiling). Both go
plenty loud for any but insane or PA-level tastes, i.e., for any domestic
application I could devise, including thunderous rock. Both had extremely low
distortion with large input and high output, much cleaner than anything I
could compare them with. The VMPS would gracefully shut down when overdriven
with tones or unfair rock, the Hsu did clip a 1200W amp briefly and lightly
(or perhaps it was the driver bottoming; I do not have enough power to find
out, either house ac or amp wattage) The VMPS line is mostly powered, no?
I am coming in late to this discussion but wanted to go on the record.
If you needed to, you could always buy two or four of the PSH units,
as they are inexpensive....
It would not be too much work to stick two or more 10" Eminence woofers
in a well-braced sealed cabinet of any size to hold them and then EQ
the result with a $100 equalizer (60Hz all the way down, 30Hz all the way
up), and see what you thought of the results.
I would not worry about excessive levels below 20Hz from movies. The
loudest stuff is usually filtered noise in the 40-50Hz range (space
ships etc.). Very loud 40Hz sounds much lower; cf a bass drum. Its
spectrum peaks at 35-40Hz but it sounds like dc, or at least the end
of time.
David Moran
Contrib Ed
Spkr Bldr magazine