HSU Research has a rather loyal fanbase that has been waiting with bated breath for the introduction of a new flagship subwoofer. You can exhale kids. The new subwoofer is the 15″ ported VTF-TN1, which is slotted into their lineup as a replacement for their VTF-15H MK2.
The TN1 looks to earlier HSU Research subs such as TN1220HO and TN1225HO that were inspired by the design philosophy of the late Tom Nousaine. However, Dr. Poh Ser Hsu is the founder and technical guru of the company.
Features
HSU Research has designed the VTF-TN1 to provide the ultimate home theater experience with higher output and deeper bass than previous models.
The new flagship incorporates a 15-inch driver in combination with dual 4-inch down-firing ports that extend lower frequency output further as a result of Variable Tuning Frequency (VTF) technology. The way VTF works is that the subwoofer has two ports that can be plugged up if desired. When one port is plugged, the subwoofer has the deepest bass response. However, if both ports are unplugged, the overall subwoofer output increases, but the subwoofer won’t go as deep.
What is Variable Tuning Frequency (VTF)?
In addition, Q-control adds another layer of adjustment that fine-tunes bass tightness.
Connectivity includes balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and high-level inputs for integration flexibility with all types of audio systems.
Tip: Balanced XLR inputs protect against noise caused by RF interference, RMI, etc for usage in high-end audio and professional audio (studio, live sound environments).
The VTF-TN1 also has a taller body than previous models.
Compared to other HSU subs, the VTF-TN1 differs in the following ways (also check out the specification comparison and product links in the provided table below):
- Larger enclosure than the VTF-3 MK5 HP, so more efficient in the deeper bass
- Larger ports at a lower tuning than the VTF-3 MK5 HP, so it not only plays louder and cleaner with sub 20 Hz bass (less port noise) but also lower.
- Plays significantly louder and cleaner than the VTF-2 MK5 across the board (like having two of the VTF-2 MK5’s put together) with low distortion.
- Plays significantly louder and cleaner than the ULS-15 MK2 in the deeper bass (like having two ULS-15 MK2’s put together) with low distortion.
- Among the smallest footprint – similar to the ULS-15 MK2.
Tip: The VTF-TN1 can also be laid on its side if preferred. Less deep than most sofas, this sub makes a good end table without affecting sound quality,
Comparison
| VTF-TN1 | VTF-2 MK5 | ULS-15 MK2 | VTF-3 MK5 HP | VTF-15H MK2 | |
| Price | $1,199 | $689 | $989 | $999 | $1,249 |
| Woofer Driver | Front Firing 15-inch | Front Firing 12-inch | Front Firing 15-inch | Front Firing 15-inch | Front Firing 15-inch |
| Amplifier Power (RMS) | 2000 W Short Term 600 W Continuous | 1400 W Short Term 350 W Continuous | 2000 W Short Term 600 W Continuous | 2000 W Short Term 600 W Continuous | 2000 W Short Term 600 W Continuous |
| Hybrid Tuning | 15 Hz Ported 20 Hz Ported or Sealed | 18 Hz Ported 22 Hz Ported or Sealed | 20 – 200 Hz, +/-1 dB | 18 Hz Ported 22 Hz Ported or Sealed | 16 Hz Ported 22 Hz Ported or Sealed |
| Low-End Extension (+/- 2 dB) | 14 Hz (1 port open) 18 Hz (2 ports open) | 16 Hz (1 port open) 22 Hz (2 ports open) | 20 Hz | 17 Hz (1 port open) 22 Hz (2 ports open) | 16 Hz (1 port open) 21 Hz (2 ports open) |
| Q Control Range | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.3 – 0.7 |
| Crossover | 30-120 Hz, Bypassable | 30-90 Hz, Bypassable | 30-90 Hz, Bypassable | 30-90 Hz, Bypassable | 30-90 Hz, Bypassable |
| Crossover Slope | 24 dB/Oct | 24 dB/Oct | 24 dB/Oct | 24 dB/Oct | 24 dB/Oct |
| Phase | 0°/180° | 0°/180° | 0°/180° | 0°/180° | 0°/180° |
| Inputs | Line Level (2) Speaker Level (2) Balanced XLR (2) | Line Level (2) Speaker Level (2) | Line Level (2) Speaker Level (2) Balanced XLR (2) | Line Level (2) Speaker Level (2) | Line Level (2) Speaker Level (2) Balanced XLR (2) |
| Power Outlet Requirement | 720 W, 120/240V | 430 W, 120/240V | 720 W, 120/240V | 720 W, 120/240V | 720 W, 120/240V |
| Enclosure Dimensions (HxWxD) | 29.5 x 18.5 x 18.5 inches | 20 1⁄2 x 15 x 22-inches | 18 x 18 x 18 inches | 24 x 17 1⁄4 x 21 1⁄2-inches | 24 x 18 x 26 inches |
| Enclosure Dimensions with Grill, Feet, and Amp (HxWxD) | Not provided | 21 1⁄2 x 15 x 24 inches | 19 x 18 x 19 1⁄2 inches | 25 x 17 1⁄4 x 24-inches | 25 x 18 x 28 1⁄2-inches |
| Weight | 85 lbs | 62 lbs | 65 lbs | 85 lbs | 110 lbs |
Price & Availability
The HSU Research VTF-TN1 Subwoofer will start shipping on April 12th for $1,199. Pre-order now with a $200 non-refundable deposit and receive $50 off (while supplies last) via the HSU Research Website.
The VTF-TN1 comes with a furniture-grade smooth satin black painted finish. The warranty for all subwoofers is 7 years on the woofer and 5 years on the electronics.
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