Meet the new apex predator of home theater bass: the Hsu Research D15-Chimera SC, a modular, dual 15-inch subwoofer that just made its explosive debut at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2025 in California. This beast doesn’t just move air—it moves walls. Starting as a sealed dual 15-inch sub (a first for Hsu), the D15-Chimera transforms into a supercharged ported juggernaut with the addition of the SC module, making it the first-ever supercharged dual 15-inch ported subwoofer on the planet.
Fueled by a 1200W RMS amplifier, the D15-Chimera SC delivers seismic low-end with surgical control. Hsu’s two-piece design isn’t just smart—it’s practical. It’s the only subwoofer in its class that won’t make you swear during setup. Once you snap on the SC, you unlock dual and triple-port configurations that rival Hsu’s legendary VTF-TN1 subwoofer—but with less port noise and deeper tuning.
Need more drama? You can even customize the port direction, choosing forward-facing for visual intimidation or rear-firing for a stealthy rumble that hits like an aftershock. The D15-Chimera SC isn’t just loud—it’s strategic warfare in subwoofer form.
Brace your drywall. The age of supercharged bass has officially arrived.
How the D15-Chimera SC Works — And Why It Sounds Like Thunder on Command
Hsu’s D15-Chimera SC might sound like a mythical beast, but converting it from sealed to ported is surprisingly straightforward—and smartly designed for real-world setups.
You start with the top sealed subwoofer unit—a standalone dual 15-inch sealed beast that’s more than capable on its own. When you’re ready to unleash full Beast Mode, you add the SC (Supercharger) module, which acts as the ported lower half of the stack.
Here’s the clever part: The amplifier is mounted underneath the sealed sub. To combine both units, you simply unscrew the amp, stack the SC module underneath, and then remount the amp to the side of the cabinet. This opens up an internal connection between the two enclosures, effectively transforming the sealed D15 into a fully ported system with your choice of port configurations.
The result? A dual-15-inch supercharged ported subwoofer that delivers crushing low-end extension and output—but in a modular, manageable form that you can actually install without a forklift or a buddy named Thor.
No fancy tools. No drama. Just smart Hsu engineering that gives you massive bass when you want it, and refined sealed performance when you don’t.
Comparison
| D15-Chimera | D15-Chimera SC | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Best Performance; Pro Audio | Unparalleled Performance; Pro Audio |
| MSRP | $1,799 +shipping | $2,298 +shipping |
| Woofer | Dual 15-inch | Dual 15-inch |
| Low-End Extension | 25 Hz (sealed) | 14 Hz (2 ports) 15 Hz (3 ports) 17 Hz (4 ports) |
| Low Bass Output | 117.6 dB | 125.7 dB (2 port) 126.4 dB (3 port) 126.9 dB (4 port) |
| Mid Bass Output | 132.0 dB | 131.6 dB (2 port) 132.1 dB (3 port) 132.7 dB (4 port) |
| Type | Sealed | Ported (VTF) |
| Modular Design | Optional | Included |
| XLR Inputs | Yes | Yes |
Analysis: Why the D15-Chimera SC Is Hsu’s Most Ambitious Sub Yet
The D15-Chimera SC isn’t just Hsu’s largest subwoofer—it’s a thoughtful blend of engineering and practicality. The base D15-Chimera starts as a sealed dual 15-inch design capable of strong low-end extension down to 25 Hz and output levels that approach 118 dB. Add the Supercharger (SC) module, and the system transitions into a ported configuration that significantly boosts output and extension—down to 14 Hz with up to 126.9 dB of low bass.
This isn’t just about adding more power or drivers—it’s about flexibility. The modular approach makes it easier to handle and install compared to traditional one-box designs at this performance level. You get sealed precision when space or control matters, and ported depth and scale when you want maximum low-end impact.
With 2 to 4 ports active, the SC configuration drops the extension down to as low as 14 Hz and boosts output to 126.9 dB. That’s 2x the performance of Hsu’s already formidable TN1 tower in both mid and low bass—without the same cabinet bulk or footprint.
What makes it smarter than brute-force solutions is the modular design: easier to move, install, and tailor to your room. You can run it sealed in a tighter space, then supercharge it when you’re ready to shake the slab foundation. The real-world upgrade process (unscrew amp, stack SC, remount amp on side) is surprisingly intuitive for a setup this powerful.
Listening
We experienced the Hsu D15-Chimera SC at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2025 in Costa Mesa, CA, and while a hotel room is arguably one of the worst places to judge a subwoofer—thin walls, questionable acoustics, and a layout that likely has nothing in common with your home setup—what we experienced was hard to ignore.
Anchoring a full Hsu 5.1 speaker system, the D15-Chimera SC didn’t just fill the room—it pressurized it. It uses its own built-in amplifier, and it’s clear that the pairing is more than up to the task. During the ocean battle in Godzilla vs. Kong, the D15 unloaded a tidal wave of infrasonic bass. Every punch felt like it landed in your chest, and the depth charges didn’t just rock the ship—they shook the entire room.
For the audiophiles chasing that elusive 16Hz organ note, the D15 delivers it without flinching. No need to plan a trip to Boardwalk Hall when this thing can summon subterranean frequencies right in your listening room—assuming your walls can take it.
Price & Availability
Pre-orders for the Hsu D15-Chimera SC open Monday, June 9th at 9 AM PT and run through July 11, 2025. Pre-order pricing is set at $2,149 plus $198 for shipping, which reflects a $150 discount compared to purchasing the sealed D15-Chimera and Supercharger module separately. A non-refundable $400 deposit is required to secure your order.
Important Note: While the D15-Chimera (sealed) will be available as a standalone model later on, pre-orders are exclusively for the full supercharged ported version (D15-Chimera SC).
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Anton Yelchin
June 10, 2025 at 11:27 am
Not doubting your experience, but the finish looks very dated and as you guys have correctly pointed out recently — color matters. Even in a large and innovative looking subwoofer.
Not sure I need to feel bass down to 17Hz in my den.
Andy P
June 12, 2025 at 3:25 am
HSU Rules. My VTF3-MK5 thunders the foundation of our home. The Chimara SC specs are shocking.. incredible performance for the $. Blows away SVS and everything but perhaps Tonewinner in terms of performance per dollar