GOODSOUND!GoodSound! "Ask Me" Archives

...to March 8, 2006

 

HSU or something else?

March 8, 2006

I have been doing a lot of research. I'm trying to find the perfect subwoofer match for my Axiom M3 speakers. I came across your review of the HSU VTF-2, and it sounded like I had reached the end of my journey. I had been leaning toward the MartinLogan Dynamo, reading that sealed subwoofers were the way to go for musical bass, but after reading your 2001 review it sounds like I should go with HSU.

I have a Harman/Kardon receiver and a NAD C542 CD player. With this equipment and the Axiom M3 speakers, do you still believe (after five years) that HSU is the best match (considering a budget of $700 or less)? I was really impressed with the article and just want to make sure the HSU is the way to go. Some time has gone by and new products developed, so I want to make the right decision if I go with HSU. I am a novice and really enjoy jazz and vocals. I’m 57 years old and just getting back into stereo after taking early retirement. I have time on my hands to enjoy good music.

Your insight would be greatly appreciated!

John Wright

The subwoofer market is chock-full of great products these days. Since that article in 2001 the field has grown crowded, with better subwoofers at lower prices than ever before. The HSU subwoofer in that article is now priced at $499, making it an even better deal, and yes it would still be a solid choice. My favorite budget subwoofer at the moment, however, is the SVS PB10-ISD, which is even less money at $429. You can find info about it at www.svsound.com. It’s a lot of product for the money, or even double the money! I also wouldn’t discount Axiom’s own subs, which you can find deals on through their online outlet. They’re a sure-fire match with your setup. Any of these subs will work just fine with your M3 speakers, in fact. Have fun with the hobby now that you’re getting back into music and equipment. There’s a lot of good value out there, and it seems as though you’ve found some good products, not to mention a fine place to research those purchases!


Thank you

March 6, 2006

I wanted to thank you for the suggestion you made in June 2005 against the question I had asked you titled "Quad or Audio Physic?" I am a very happy and satisfied owner of the Quad 21L speakers and an NAD C352 amplifier. The extra dollars were spent on a better CD player, the Marantz SA8260. The music delivered from this system is fantastic, and I have been enjoying it for the past eight months.

Milind

It’s nice to hear that you are enjoying your system and your music! It does sound like a fine setup, and one that I’m sure will provide many years of pleasure. Have fun with it.


Player recommendation

March 2, 2006

Editor,

I would like to recommend to your readers the Sony SCD-CE595 CD/SACD changer, which is a killer player in SACD mode and very good in CD mode. It has no video, but it has 5.1 outputs for SACD and it's a five-disc changer to boot for the princely total of $138 USD at Circuit City. Tube Research Labs sends it to another level for a 500-buck mod.

Al Norberg


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